Tigers, Temples & the Taj Mahal Tour Itinerary

Tigers, Temples & the Taj Mahal Tour Itinerary
REF: ASFIN1
VERSION: 20

Duration:	12 days - Delhi to Delhi
Countries Visited:	India
Age Guide:	Child 5-11 years Adult 12-65 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Vehicle, Jeep, Camel, Canter (Open Top Vehicle), Rickshaw, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotels (7 Nights), Haveli/Palace (2 Nights), Maharaja's Palace (2 Nights)
What's Included:	11 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners - All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - Escorted Tour - English Speaking Local Tour Leader and/or Local Guides - Game Drives in Ranthambore National Park - Camel Ride - Airport Transfers
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	India - Camel Ride - Junagarh Fort - Camel Breeding Farm - Rat Temple - Mehrangarh Fort - Bishnoi Villages - Pushkar - Jaipur - City Palace, Amber Fort & Palace of the Winds - Ranthambore National Park - Jeep Safaris - Fatehpur Sikri - Taj Mahal - Red Fort - Itmad-Ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) - Delhi City Tour - World Heritage Humayuns' Tomb
Optional Highlights:	No optional highlights
Grade:	Easy - suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness and mobility
Meeting Point:	Hotel Singh Sons 7A/10-11, W.E.A., Channa Market, Karol Bagh, New Delhi. 110005 Tel : + 91 11 2574 9500-08 Fax : + 91 11 2574 9510
Introduction:	Venture into India, and introduce your family to the rich history and traditions of this fascinating and colourful country. This tour takes us to the palaces of Maharajas, past and present, and from small villages to the bustling city of Delhi. We visit the Taj Mahal, the tigers of Ranthambore, a camel breeding farm and wander around the forts of Junagarh and Mehrangah. A mixture of local transport includes camels, bicycle rickshaws and jeeps. We look for sloth bears in Ranthambore National Park, and we explore the beautiful city of Jaipur, also called the ‘Pink City’ - with its City and Amber Palaces. We discover the abandoned and ruined ghost city and ancient capital of the Mughal Dynasty, Fatehpur Sikri, and we visit Pushkar – home of the famous annual camel fair.
Day 1:	Delhi. Your first day is free for you to arrive in Delhi. We have included your airport transfer, so please ensure that you provide us with your flight arrival details so that we can prebook your transfer. The Pre Departure meeting will be held in the joining hotel at 6pm. This gives you a chance to meet the tour leader and other passengers who will be in your group for the tour. Delhi must be one of the most bustling capital cities in the world. New Delhi was built for the British Imperial Government of India and remains the administrative centre of the country. It also has a busy commercial sector and a new Parliament building as well as imposing government offices and embassies. We will be taking a tour of the City on our return to Delhi on Day 11. After the meeting we have a welcome dinner.
Day 2:	Delhi to Mandawa. After breakfast we leave for Mandawa. Mandawa is the gateway to the Shekhawati region, a region of rich merchants, landlords and even rulers of smaller princely states of Rajasthan. The region abounds in frescoe paintings which decorate most houses in the area, each differing in detail. In the afternoon we visit the Frescoe Paintings of the Havelis, and take a camel ride.
Day 3:	Mandawa to Bikaner. After breakfast we drive to Bikaner, and on arrival we check into our hotel. In the afternoon we visit the Junagarh Fort, an untouched fortress retaining all its finery and glory. We also go to a Camel Breeding Farm, the only one of its kind in Asia. Camels from various breeds are bred here to produce the best quality camels in India. They are even sold to the Arab countries for racing.
Day 4:	Bikaner to Jodhpur. After breakfast we depart for Jodhpur, and on the way we visit the Rat Temple (Deshnoke). Thousands of rats abound here at this Temple of the Goddess Karni. On arrival into Jodhpur, we take a tour around the Mehrangarh Fort and the Jaswant Thada Cenotaphs. Jaswant Thada is the resting place of the Royal Families. Set at the edge of the Thar desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. The city is encompassed by a high wall, 10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions. We include a visit to the massive 15th century A.D. Meherangarh Fort. The 5 km long majestic fort on a 125 metre high hill is one of the most impressive and formidable structures. Although invincible from the outside, the fort has four gates approached by a winding road. Within the fort are some magnificent palaces with marvelously carved panels, latticed windows and evocative names. But one of the most exciting things about the fort is the view it gives you of Jodphur itself. Jodphur is known as the ‘Blue City’ and you will see why - the walls are colour washed in blue, which looks amazing in the desert light. Then we go into Jodphur and make a visit to the bustling market under the tall clock tower. Spices, flowers and beautiful textiles are on sale here and barbers work under the nearby banyan trees – so you can stop off for a quick haircut in the street. The market area is considered to be one of the most interesting and fascinating sights in Jodhpur.
Day 5:	Jodhpur to Pushkar. After breakfast we take a jeep ride to visit the nearby Bishnoi Villages. The Bishnois are preservers of the wildlife of Rhajasthan. Over the centuries they have protected animals and greenery against the growing menace of modernity in these smaller areas. We then contnue on to Pushkar where we check into our hotel. The holy lake of Pushkar, is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma himself. Devout Hindus believe that it is essential to visit Pushkar at least once in their lifetime. No pilgrimage is considered complete without a dip in the holy Pushkar lake. Pushkar has as many as 400 temples and ghats and the only temple in the country that is dedicated to Brahama is to be found here. While Pushkar is a heaven for the religiously inclined, it is also the venue of one of the country's most colourful fairs - the Pushkar Camel Fair, held annually in November. In the evening we visit the Sacred Lake and the only Temple in all of India dedicated to the God Brahma – God of Birth. If there is any free time, you may like to go on a fairly easy hike through the city to the temple called Savitri. This temple is situated on a hill and provides excellent views of the town, and is very popular at sunset.
Day 6:	Pushkar to Jaipur. After breakfast we travel to Jaipur. Jaipur is the capital city of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Known as the Pink City, it is one of the most vibrant and colourful cities of India, famous for its colourful culture, forts and palaces. In the afternoon, we can visit the market in Jaipur, and we take a tour of the City Palace. The City Palace has seven courtyards and seven floors, and is a magnificent sight. This is the present home of the Maharajah of Jaipur, and contains some fantastic museums. Next to the City Palace is the Astronomical Observatory of Jantar Mantar, home to the largest sundial in the world, which we also visit.
Day 7:	Jaipur. After breakfast we have a photo stop at the Palace of Winds - the Hawa Mahal. This is a five-storey building for the Maharajah’s royal ladies to watch festive processions and other special events without being seen themselves. Next is a visit to the beautiful Amber Fort situated at the top of a cobbled road. We take a jeep to the fort, which is built overlooking a gorge in the dry hilly Rajput landscape. From here you have a magnificent view of Jaipur and the fort itself is a feast of interesting buildings. You will find the silver-door Temple of Kali; the highly coloured Audience Chamber with its vaulted ceilings of mirrors; and the Hall of Pleasure. The afternoon is free for you to wander at your leisure around Jaipur. One option for your free time in Jaipur is a visit to the Rajmandir, a famous Art-Deco theatre used for watching the latest Bollywood movies.
Day 8:	Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore National Park. Today after breakfast we head to Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambore National Park. In the afternoon we include a game drive in a canter in search of tigers and sloth bears. The area abounds in many animals such as black bucks, chinkara, spotted deer and many other types of deer. You may see leopards and even crocodiles. The area has 5 vast lake formations surrounded by huge mountains and a vast forest area. The National Park is also home to the Ranthambore Fort, which holds an ancient Ganesh Temple to which Indians from all walks of life and religion, still flock to today for miracles. Dinner is included tonight. Ranthambore Park Closure: Please note that Ranthambore Park closes on 1 July and reopens on 1 October each year. For any tours operating during this time, we will visit another Sanctuary nearby, and although there are no opportunities to see tigers, there is the chance to see plenty of other wildlife such as leopard, antelopes and bears.
Day 9:	Ranthambore National Park - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra. Today starts with an early morning game drive - giving you another chance to look for tigers. We then drive to Agra, visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Fatehpur Sikri is a deserted city of deep red sandstone, perfectly preserved and offering a detailed insight into the life of India’s Moghul emperors. Built by Humayan’s son, the Emperor Akbar, Fatephur Sikri was a capital city for a very short time. Look out for the stone-tethering ring for the elephant that was used to crush criminals to death; the Turkish Sultana’s House with stone carvings of animals; the Astrologer’s Pavilion; the outdoor chess court; and the Harem. It is then on to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. In the past Agra was a capital city but it is most famed and most visited for one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World - the Taj Mahal.
Day 10:	Agra - Taj Mahal, Red Fort. This morning we make a sunrise visit to see the amazing Taj Mahal. It is the tomb of Shajahan’s favourite wife Mumtaz-Mahal. The marble walls of the Taj Mahal change colour with the time of day - at dawn it is pale pink, at noon it is blindingly white and at sunset it is golden. The gardens, with their dark green cypresses and water channels are an integral part of the artistry of this romantic building. You can also visit the mosque at the west of the Taj and the guest pavilion at the east to get different views. And finally, walk to the rear of the Taj, which overlooks the Yamuna River and gives views back to the Agra Fort. We also include a visit to the imposing Agra Fort, a World Heritage Monument. Its red sandstone bulk dominates a bend in the Yamuna River and offers a spectacular view of the Taj. We also visit the beautiful Itmad-Ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj, and take a short walk to the Yamuna River to view the Taj Mahal from the riverside. There is often a camel by the riverside which you can pay to ride on, or take photos with. In the evening we have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11:	Agra to Delhi. This morning after breakfast, we drive back to Delhi. In the afternoon, we take a City Tour. We visit the World Heritage Tomb of Humayun, considered by some to be the equivalent of the Taj Mahal. This tomb, built in 1570, is of particular cultural significance as it was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. It inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal. We also take in the Parliament Buildings and India Gate. The great India Gate, made from Bharatpur Sandstone, spans the other end of the Rajpath. This was built to commemorate the Indian Army officers who died in World War One, and has the names of approximately 14,000 Indian and British soldiers who died in the First World War. In the evening we have a farewell dinner together.
Day 12:	Delhi. The tour ends after breakfast, but your departure transfer is included, so again please ensure that we have been provided with your flight departure details. If you are staying on in Delhi, or have some spare time before your flight, there are plenty of other places to visit. In Old Delhi there is Lal Quila the Red Fort, which dominates this ancient part of the city. It was built by Shajahan who also built the world famous Taj Mahal and it is believed that he employed the same Persian architect to design both buildings. There is also another of Shahjahan’s great buildings Jama Masjid that means Friday Mosque. It is built on an outcrop of rock near the Red Fort and is the largest Mosque in India with a 100 square metre courtyard surrounded by colonnades. You can travel like the locals in rickshaws through the narrow lanes of the Chandani Chowk Bazaar, which are a hive of activity with lots of busy traders selling saris and dresses and many restaurants. From the liveliness of the streets there is the contrasting calm of Raj Ghat, the memorial garden to Mahatma Ghandi who opposed British rule of India. A square of marble marks the spot where his body was cremated and the trees here were planted by visiting heads of state. There is also the Presidential Palace, which comes into view from its prime position on an artificial hill, called Raisana Hill, at one end of the Rajpath - a wide boulevard originally built for Imperial Processions. Or maybe take a taxi to the craft markets of Dilli Haat in South Delhi, for some last minute souvenir shopping.
Finishing Hotel:	Hotel Singh Sons 7A/10-11, W.E.A., Channa Market Karol Bagh New Delhi. 110005 Tel : + 91 11 2574 9500-08 Fax : + 91 11 2574 9510
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. There will be times travelling long hours as there will be days where we have to cover great distances. Weather patterns can change dramatically - high altitudes tend to be a lot cooler. You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken. Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, drinks, visas, tipping, pre-tour and post-tour accommodation.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre Departure Meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY of the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers. In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel. Your Tour Leader will leave a notice at reception on the first day of departure with information as to where he/she can be contacted and you should inform him/her that you have arrived. PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING. In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Vaccination Certificate. 3. Travel Voucher. 4. Travel Insurance Policy. In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it before when you check out of the hotel.
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Asia trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Certain visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. India: All nationalities require a visa to enter India. There is invariably a charge for this Visa. Regulations and costs change frequently and differ according to nationally. For the latest information on your specific visa requirements you should contact the local Indian Embassy or Consulate. Visas are usually valid for either 3 months from the date of entry to India or 6 months from the date of Issue and are generally valid for multiple entry. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Medical Information and Vaccination:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in Asia, but we do recommend you are covered for diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria, typhoid, polio and tetanus. NB A Yellow fever certificate is required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. Please consult your doctor for up-to-date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses whilst travelling in Asia. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Climate:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com. Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!Due to its size and varied topography, India experiences great extremes of climate. Most of India has three seasons: Cool – October to April (north India), November to March (south India) The most pleasant time to travel IN Sub Himalayan India. Generally warm clear sunny days and cool nights. Hot – April to June Hot and Humid by days and night. Wet - July to September (north India) July to October (south India) Humid and Wet
Climate Information:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Security:	Do not take unnecessary valuables with you. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Asia, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at the individuals’ risk. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$20-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. US dollars cash is more widely accepted than pounds sterling. US dollars cash are needed to pay for visas on borders. Carry most of your money in Traveller’s cheques - small denominations are preferable. It is often a good idea to have a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport.Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open on Saturday morning. In the main cities travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and some exchange bureaux, but this can be very difficult in small towns. Some Hotels will also change money.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. Dress discretely, especially if you are visiting religious sites. For women this means skirts or long pants with T-shirt. For men, this means long shorts or trousers with a T-shirt. Always take your shoes off when entering temples or any religious site. Care should be taken to respect the conventions of Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and other religious and ethnic groups, particularly in respect of clothing and footwear.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. Pack essentially for hot conditions: days are hot and humid. Lightweight rain gear is essential at all times. Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where laundry facilities are available. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Torch, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes /CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com or www.timeanddate.com
Language:	English will be spoken in the larger cities. You might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Photography:	Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installation
Food:	One of the great myths about travelling in India is that the food is poor. We are delighted to inform you that on our trips this is definitely not the case. Indeed many people find the delicious food to be one of the highlights of a visit to India. Another myth is that Indian food is always hot. In fact North India food, whilst often very rich in flavour, usually does not contain very many spices. These are found more in Southern Indian food. South Indian food is also predominately vegetarian whereas North Indian food is more often based around meat, although there are always vegetarian options available even here. A further surprise is that many of the dishes familiar to you from Indian restaurants at home cannot be found in India (there is no such thing as a Madras) as they have been created to cater to foreign tastes. Finally there is no such thing as curry. This term is rarely, if ever, used in India as each dish is made with different individual spices. As these have to be mixed specifically for each order you should expect to have to wait at least 30 minutes for a-la-carte food orders in India. In major cities there will usually be a number of excellent restaurants available serving a wide variety of dishes to order. In more remote places hotels often prepare an evening buffet, again with a wide range of food, much of it vegetarian. Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for, however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different areas. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a very high standard. All accommodation is in comfortable tourist class accommodation. Depending on the tour, this ranges from overnight sleeper train or cruise boat through to delightful lodges and excellent hotels (generally 3 star or above). If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to book accommodation to stay additional nights after the tour ends, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. In most of the hotels in Asia you may be required to deposit your passport at Reception. This is a perfectly normal practice and nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure that you retrieve it when you check out of the hotel.
Tipping and Bargaining:	Tipping is expected and accepted in India, as salaries are generally low and any gratuities for good service will be gratefully accepted. NOTE: We recommend participation in a Tip Kitty for the duration of the tour. For this we suggest an amount of: Rupees 1250 per person, and an additional amount (Rp1500 pp approximately) for the Tour Leader. The kitty will cover tips for local guides, drivers and porters mainly. The tip kitty is monitored during the tour and detailed in a tip kitty report form for the tour leader to record all tipping expenses for the tour - and they will ask a passenger to sign as reference. Please note that you may tip individually for services if you prefer, but most of our clients have found the tip kitty system to be the easiest way to manage tipping. Bargaining is the rule in markets.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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