Details may vary depending on departure date. Please choose
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Accordinly, please allow £25 per person for tipping for this tour.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Egypt |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.70 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.75 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£6.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£8.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£12.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
For all, UK, EU, USA, CANADA nationals flying into and out of Sharm el Sheikh a FREE visa stamp is obtained on arrival. Our group flights will fly into and out of Sharm el Sheikh. For those travelling on Land Only packages or flying into or out of Egypt via an alternative route, please see below for Visa information. For other Nationalities please consult your relevant embassies.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt it is not normally found in the areas in which we travel. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.
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Lone Parents
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Walking Grades and Fitness
Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individual’s own perception of his or her abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our walking grades. This tour is rated Moderate.
Moderate: Involves some longer walks at low altitudes. (4-6 hrs/day, below 3000m). Some previous hillwalking experience is beneficial, but walks should be within the capabilities of those who lead a normal active life. Tours may contain optional strenuous days, and we would advise that you tone up your fitness before you travel.
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This is rated moderate mainly due to the hike up Mount Sinai as the other walks are less strenuous. Please also be aware that the trek up Mount Sinai exceeds some 2280m in altitude.
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Climate
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Winter in Egypt is cool and dry, Nov-Mar average day temperature 18°C. Summer temperatures Apr-Oct average 32°C, but can frequently rise to 40°C. Winter nights are cold in the desert.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Egypt is a Muslim country and it is important to dress with respect for local customs. Brief shorts/skirts should be avoided in towns and you should cover your head when entering a mosque. In more traditional towns and market areas we advise women to wear long loose fitting trousers or skirts and have shoulders covered to avoid unwanted attention. Men should also be aware that shorts are not generally worn by Egyptians.
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Pack essentially for 'Hot Conditions' but as for 'All Tours' from November to March. Bring a warm layer as the Desert can be cold at night.
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Equipment
A 2-season sleeping bag is necessary between April and October, 4 season for colder nights between December and February and a 3 season for November and March. A torch, water bottle, insect repellent, suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection are also useful. You may also wish to bring snorkelling equipment for the Red Sea although these are available locally to rent. Anyone wishing to dive should bring their Diving Certification and log book with them. Matches or a lighter for disposing of toiler paper in the desert.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
Sandwiched between the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba, the Sinai Peninsular covers an area of almost 24,000 miles and encompasses barren desert wastes, vast ranges of crystalline mountains and the clear turquoise waters of the Red Sea. Following in the foot-steps of the ancient Bedouin we journey into the heart of this Biblical landscape, travelling in the company of modern day nomads to recreate the camel caravans of old. Soaking up the timeless wonder of this magical setting we will visit ancient tombs and prehistoric carvings, ascend the slopes of Mount Sinai to witness sunset across the desert land-scapes and visit the fortress like Monastery of St. Catherine. We’ll camp beneath the de-sert sky in traditional Bedouin encampments and spend time on the shores of the Red Sea, exploring one of the most diverse and breathtaking environments on earth. We will also be taking full advantage of the cooler mornings, so please be prepared for some early starts. This is a true desert adventure in every sense of the word, so be prepared for some basic conditions whilst camping. The experience of these spectacular desert locations will more than compensate for the simple facilities though.
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Please note:
For departures during Easter and Christmas St. Catherine’s Monastery may be closed but the Mt Sinai climb will be unaffected.
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Ramadan 2013 - 9 July to 8 August - Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period. Your tour leader will make adequate arrangements to find restaurants or food for lunch but a degree of flexibility will be helpful.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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