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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.
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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.
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Sabratha - Site museum $6.
Cairo - Optionals available time permitting dependent on flights, half day Saqqara & Dashur Pyramids £27; Islamic Cairo including the Citadel & Khan al Khalili £18; Coptic Cairo £15; Giza sound & light show £15.
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly you should allow approx. $60 for gratuities for local staff.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Currency: Tunisia: Dinar. Libya: Dinar. Egypt: Egyptian Pound.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: We recommend that you bring your money in USD or GBP cash. USD cash preferably in new USD50 and 100 notes since they are more readily acceptable.
Where to Exchange: Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities.
ATM Availability: Tunisia: Main towns and cities only. Libya: In main towns and cities only Egypt: Cash can be drawn on cards from ATM’s in main towns and cities.
Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards are generally accepted in hotels and larger restaurants throughout, more readily in Tunisia and Egypt.
Travellers Cheques: Tunisia: Accepted in certain banks and forex offices, but not recommended. Libya: Not accepted. Egypt: Travellers cheques, if brought, should be accompanied by a receipt.
Additional Information: Egypt: Scottish bank notes and Australian dollar travellers cheques and cash are NOT normally accepted in Egypt. Please keep currency exchange receipts as unused local currency can be exchanged back in foreign currency at the airport.
Additional Information Tunisia: Please note that Tunisian Dinar is a closed currency and cannot be exchanged in Libya or Egypt.
Camera/Video Fees: At all sites in Tunisia and some sites in Egypt there is a fee for photography.
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| UK | Egypt | Libya | Tunisia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £0.70 | $1.00 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.00 | $1.30 | £1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £0.75 | $1.00 | £1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.00 | £1.00 | |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £6.00 | $9.00 | £6.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £8.00 | $20.00 | £12.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £12.00 | £10.00 | |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
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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We have recently been advised that an Arabic translation of passport bio data page, is no longer required for Libyan tourist visa applications. All other requirements remain unchanged.
For information on entry requirements you are advised to check with the Libyan People’s Bureau in London at 61/62 Ennismore Gardens, London, SW7 1NH, Tel: 020 7589 6120, fax: 020 7589 6087.
Biometric passports have been required previously but are currently not an entry requirement however this could change at short notice. The following link will tell you more about biometric passports: http://www.ips.gov.uk/passport/aboutbiomet ric.asp
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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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Tunisia: Visas are NOT required by UK, US and CAN citizens. AUS and NZ citizens require a visa. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. A double entry visa is required by all clients requiring a visa.
Libya: Visas are required by all nationalities and a group visa is now available on arrival however authorisation must be organised in advance. In order to obtain a visa on arrival passport information must be forwarded to Explore with booking details.
Important Notes: Visa applications may take up to 3 weeks to process, as Explore have to seek authorisation from the Ministry of Interior in Libya. We regret, therefore, that we cannot accept bookings less than 3 weeks before the tour departure date. Once authorisation is obtained, the Libyan authorities issue a visa on arrival.
Please note that Libya regularly change and amend their entry requirements. We can not currently guarantee visas for the following countries – Switzerland, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Vietnam, Philippine, Thailand, North Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iraq, Lebanon, and all African countries except Egypt, Tunis, Algeria, Morocco and South Africa.
If you are arranging your own visa for Libya please be aware you will be required to attend the Libyan People's Bureau to give your fingerprints and submit the required documents and passport photos. For further information on entry requirements you are advised to check with the Libyan People’s Bureau in London. For those travelling on the Explore arranged group visa will not be required to give their fingerprints and data to the Libyan People’s Bureau as this will be a group visa and biometric requirements will not apply.
Egypt: A single entry tourist visa for Egypt is required by all nationalities. For British passport holders with British citizenship, Egyptian visas can be obtained conveniently and inexpensively on arrival at the airport. Alternatively, visas can be obtained through your travel agent or through Explore’s visa service. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Please note: You must have at least $1000 USD on arrival in cash with you OR a valid Credit card to prove you have sufficient funds for your stay. Failure to prove this may mean entry to Libya is denied.
Back to topNothing 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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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.
Back to topWe 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/
Back to topTunisia: Has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers tempered by sea breezes and mild winters. Spring has the most rainfall but is the best time for flowers. In winter, days in the desert can be warm but come prepared for cold days, whilst at night temperatures can drop below zero.
Libya: Has a Mediterranean climate around the coastal strips of Tripoli, the Nafusa Mountains and the Akdhar Mountains, which makes them pleasant in most seasons. Winter can have cold days on the coast and in the mountains with occasional snow in the Nafusa Mountains. Spring (Mar/Apr) is a good time to visit after the rains when trees and flowers are in blossom. Hot summers are tempered by sea breezes and sites are usually free of other visitors. Autumn is cooler.
Egypt: Has cool dry winters and hot summers. Temperatures range from an average between Nov-Mar of 18°C during the day and from Apr- Oct summer temperatures can average 32°C, but can rise to 40°C.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately 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
Back to topOne main piece of luggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 20kgs/44lbs. Please note many Tunisian and Libyan hotels do not have porters and you will need to carry your own luggage.
Back to topPack essentially for ‘Hot Conditions’ but as for ‘All Tours’ from November to March. Take warm clothing and a fleece for nights in the desert and the mountains, where temperatures can drop sharply at night. You should also take a light rain coat for inclement weather. Knee length shorts are acceptable in Libya for both men and women, but please dress sensitively in accordance with Muslim traditions and avoid wearing revealing clothing. Legs should be covered when entering a Mosque and women must also cover their shoulders and heads. Men should also be aware that Egyptians do not generally wear short shorts
Back to topComfortable shoes or trainers for sightseeing, plus sandals. Lightweight walking boots are recommended for some uneven terrain at the sites.
Back to topBring a water bottle, insect repellent and a small torch. Sunhat, high factor suncream and sunglasses are essential. A towel for the overnight stop at Matmata.
Back to topThen 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.
Back to topPlease note: The possession and consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden in Libya. Penalties are severe for breach of this law. Please ensure you do not take any alcohol at all into Libya.
Back to topAny passport that has an endorsement or a visa for Israel, either valid or expired, will not be accepted. Nor will immigration accept the passport of anyone who has travelled to Jordan or Egypt via Israel, even without gaining a stamp from the Israel/Jordan or Israel/Egypt border, as this implies entry via Israel.
Back to topRamadan 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.
Back to topArea: Tunisia: 164,150 sq km. Libya: 1,759,540 sq km. Egypt: 1,001,450 sq km (386,990 sq. ml).
Population: Tunisia: 10 million. Libya: 6 million. Egypt: 80 million.
Language: Tunisia: Arabic and French. Libya: Arabic, English and Italian. Egypt: Arabic, English and French.
Religion: Tunisia: Sunni Muslim. Libya: Sunni Muslim 95%, Christian 5%. Egypt: Sunni Muslim 90%, Coptic Christian 7%.
Local Time: Tunisia: GMT +1. Libya and Egypt: GMT +2.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220-240v AC 50Hz. Use adapters for continental Europe.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topRecommended Maps: Tunisia: Michelin no. 956, Freytag & Berndt (1:800,000), Kimberley & Frey (1:1,000,000). Libya: Michelin no. 953: Afrique Nord et Ouest (1:4,000,000), Cartographia’s Libya (1:2,000,000).
Recommended Books: Susan Raven Rome in Africa; Ali Duaji Sleepless Night, David Soren Carthage, Mu'ammar Gaddafi: Escape to Hell and Other Stories, Knud Holmboe: Desert Encounter, Barnaby Rogerson A Travellers’ History of North Africa, Robert Polidori Libya – The Lost Cities of the Roman Empire, David Coulson & Alec Campbell African Rock Art, Egypt: A Traveller's Anthology, Christopher Pick, The Innocents Abroad Mark Twain, Gods and Myths of Ancient Egypt Robert A. Armour.
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