Egypt
Cruising the Nile
Please use cruise itineraries as a guideline only. The order of sightseeing and overnight destinations may vary and are subject to change due to the operation of Esna Lock, or at the discretion of the of the cruise company. Should a change of boat be required due to any unforeseen circumstances prior to departure, an alternative of the same standard or better will be offered if available
There are many river boats that cruise between Luxor and Aswan. They provide accommodation and transportation for the majority of tourists travelling to Egypt. Each night and whilst moored for sightseeing, it is common for 4-5 cruise boats to be parked abreast of each other. The location of your boat will vary from port to port however in many cases your view from your cabin will be restricted to cruising periods only.
Sightseeing on Nile Cruise boats is operated by the cruise company. You will be allocated an English speaking guide and small group of other English speaking tourists for sightseeing upon embarkation. The order of sightseeing may vary depending on the local port authorities. If a tomb or temple is unable to be visited an alternative will be provided where possible.
Sightseeing (non cruise)
All sightseeing unless specified is on a private basis with a driver and guide. Sightseeing generally takes place in the cooler periods of the day ie early morning or late afternoon therefore on occasion some early starts may be necessary to avoid the heat
Valley of the Kings: Not all the tombs within the Valley are currently open to the public. Many are closed periodically for resting and renovation (Entrance fees to three tombs is included in tour packages. Entrance fees to Tutankhamen’s Tomb is not included. Currently EGP100pp – subject to change).
Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain eating in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and Cafes in Hotels and Cruise boats will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time. In 2019, Ramadan should begin around 5 May. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.
Domestic Flights in Egypt.
Flight times will reconfirmed by the local operator upon arrival in Egypt.
Note, Flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor generally involve early morning starts due to flight schedules in the summer season. For flights to Abu Simbel certain flights are allocated to clients travelling for day trips from Cairo and overnight programmes. These flights are set by Egypt air and are outside of the operators control
Dress Codes
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.
Hotels
Hotels in regional areas (i.e Abu Simbel/ Siwa/ St Catherine ) can be of a lower standard than the properties in the main tourist centres., with more basic/ less developed infrastructure due to location and surrounding conditions. The options chosen are the best available.
Israel
Israel is a country of pilgrimage for the three main religions of the world. It is a country where locals and those visiting have diverse political, cultural and religiously opinions. These generally reflect the cultural or religious belief of the person you are talking to. When travelling on tours please be aware that cultural sensitivities and attitudes of those on the tours, and those operating the tours may differ from those you personally have.
The majority of sights visited on tours have religious significance to more than one religion and denomination. The tours are generally non-denominational.
Visa procedure on entry into Israel – Electronic Gate Pass
It is essential that clients thinking of visiting Lebanon or Syria do not have a stamp showing entry into Israel.
For passengers who wish not to have their passports stamped with an Israel visa, Israel authorities have developed the “Electronic Gate Pass” as a substitute for the visa stamp. With the press of a button, a card is printed at the Border Control station and includes the principle details of the traveller as in the first page of the passport. Such details are picture, full name, date of entrance and type of visa.
The form may not be printed automatically by the agent in charge at the border control booth, so it is important that clients specifically ask for the card to be issued if they do not wish to have their passport stamped.
The Electronic gate pass is available at Ben Gurion Airport and at the various land crossings into Israel.
The card is a proof of tourist status and must be retained at all time by the tourist while in Israel.
It allows tourists to purchase goods and be exempt from VAT. When planning a purchase, the card must be shown (but not handed in) in order to receive tourist privileges such as return of VAT for hotel services, car rentals as well as at specially registered duty free shops throughout the country.
Arrival Transfers
If for any reason you do not meet your transfer representative, please approach the “SMILE” office which is located behind the information counter in the baggage reclaim hall. Please do not leave the baggage reclaim hall or pass through Customs before you meet our representative, as once you are outside it is very difficult to locate you.
Smile Airport Assistance: 972-3-975 4020
West Bank and Occupied Territories
Checkpoints and crossing into the West Bank and Occupied Territories: There are some travel restrictions in place in Israel, Sometimes access to attractions or cities may be restricted or limited by the security forces. These situations are outside the control of the operator and in the event of such circumstances they will endeavour to offer an alternative or reschedule a tour.
Bethlehem – Israeli guides and drivers may not be allowed to enter Bethlehem. Tours are generally operated by locals who also own their own local shops. We are reliant on using the locals for the tours and therefore spending part of the tour in a local merchant shop is part of the experience.
Old Jerusalem – Due to parking and road restrictions in Old Jerusalem transfers and sightseeing coaches have limited access. You may be required to walk a short distance to meet tours or transfers.
Hotels and Services in Israel :
Although Israel is considered a First World country, the standard of hotels and service especially in the tourist and first class categories are more reflective of the region. Breakfasts may be buffet or middle eastern breakfast (more like a continental breakfast with egg, bread and cheese). The demands on infrastructure in these regions are quite high and may lead to issues relating to maintenance or reliability of supply. Hotel staff whilst efficient may appear brusk and unwelcoming in comparison to other destinations.
Coach Tours:
Please note that Israel coach tours may operate with clients staying in different hotels in each location. People on the tours may also have different inclusions.
Hotels on Coach Tours:
Please use the hotel information on coach tours as a guide. In some cases these hotels are substituted for alternatives of the same or higher standard without notice.
Day tours in Israel
Most day tours in Israel operate from both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Depending on which direction the tour is travelling you may have an early start. Transportation between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (vv) may be with a driver only.
Border Crossing Procedures
For full details on border crossing procedures please refer to the Innovative Travel Notes. Unsure you have some hard currency on hand to pay departure and or arrival taxes.
The Allenby Bridge Border Crossing from Jordan or Israel is the most difficult and inconsistent border crossing in the region. This border crossing may take between 1-3+ hours depending on the time and day of travel. This may cause problems in finding the transfer drivers as although they are prearranged drivers are limited in the time they are able to wait at the border.
If you are more than 90 minutes at the border it is important to contact the transfer driver on the number provided in your documentation to reconfirm the drivers location as they are unaware if you have already passed through immigration.
Dress Codes
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.
Jordan
On all “flexi-holiday” itineraries (including the Royal Jordan tour) touring is made by private air-conditioned car with an English speaking driver. The journey from Amman to Petra or vv is with a private driver only. Local guides are provided in Petra and Jerash. The quality of assigned local guides may vary, due to Jordanian Government selection procedures, and is beyond the control of Ancient Kingdoms Holidays and their local representatives Jordan Circle Tours.
Petra
In Petra, the entrance fee includes free access to brochures & maps, a horse ride from the gate to the Siq and 3 hours guided tour. A horse and carriage is available within the Siq – this is booked and paid locally. Tips for horsemen and guides not included.
Dead Sea
When travelling to the Dead Sea from Amman, remember to take your passport as there is a security stop enroute where it will need to be produced.
Wadi Rum
The Desert camps, although permanent campsites, have basic infrastructure and facilities. The standard of accommodation will be lower than that experienced in a hotel.
Visa on arrival in Jordan
For New Zealand & Australian passport holders staying more than 2 nights in Jordan, visa upon arrival can be organised by our local representative. Visa’s can be also pre organised by our local representative for clients arrival into Jordan at Amman Airport, when arriving from Israel at Sheikh Hussein bridge or Arava Borders. For clients arriving from Israel via Allenby Bridge (also known as King Hussein Bridge), visa need to be pre-organised (and prepaid) prior to arrival.
Border Crossing (land borders to Jordan and Israel)
For full details on border crossing procedures please refer to the Innovative Travel Notes. Ensure you have some hard currency or the local currency on hand to pay departure and or arrival taxes as credit cards payments may not be accepted.
Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain from these activities in public during the fasting hours. In 2019, Ramadan should begin around 05 May. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days. During this period hotels may not serve alcohol during daylight hours or at all. Entertainment such as belly dancing may also not be available over this period in particular on the Desert Safari.
