Abdali Inn Hotel

Suleiman Al Nabulsi Street

Abdali, Amman

Jordan

Tel: +962 6 569 0111

Please contact your agent or Kumuka reservations if you wish to arrange pre tour accommodation or an airport transfer.

For those who wish to see some of the city of Amman we advise that you arrive a few days early as our trip leaves the city on the day of departure. There is a lot to do in the city. Amman is the capital of Jordan - bustling, big and largely unplanned. Supposedly designed as a series of circles it is virtually impossible to find your way around from the maps or to recognise anything remotely resembling circularity. It is however, great fun being lost in Amman, which, all things considered, is fairly fortunate. Amman boasts all the healthy eating options of home - Big Macs, Pizza Hut, Subway and KFC. There is a good Safeway supermarket, which, rather surprisingly for a Muslim country, actually has bacon for sale and lots of other western goods.

Amman, Damascas and Lebanon (Optional). Departing Amman at 08.30am we drive for approximately 5 hours to the ancient city of Damascus where we stay at the local campsite for 2 nights. Syria is the second country of the itinerary.  See pre-departure information regarding Syrian entry requirements.

On route to Damascus we visit via the impressive archaeological site of Jerash. Jerash is one of the impressive and best-preserved provincial Roman cities in the Middle East. The inhabitants were quite cultured and quite well off, resulting in lavish architectural designs principally in the ‘oriental baroque’ style. Other interesting features include chariot tracks etched into the pavement and the famous moving columns (you can put your finger into one of the lower joints and actually feel them swaying – not recommended for violinists or during earthquakes).

Damascus is generally considered to have just piped Aleppo to the post as the world’s oldest constantly inhabited city (5,000 years). Three years after the death of Mohammed, Damascus fell to the Muslim Arab army, ending a thousand years of rule by western powers as diverse as Egypt, Greece and Rome. In 1516 Damascus fell under Turkish rule and in 1918 it was the turn of the French. It was only at the end of the Second World War that Damascus actually became the capital of an independent Syria. The oldest city in the world then, is a fairly new political entity! Constant upheaval has left the Syrians a little security conscious. At any one time in Syria you can see at least 100 pictures of the president.

We spend a free day in Damascus, which can be spent looking around the city, or an optional day trip to Beirut is available. This trip departs at 7 am and returns at midnight. Included in the cost are a Guide, the ruins at Balbeck (tallest columns in the world), visas, lunch and a tour of Beirut city. All transport to/from the Campsite is also included. Dinner is spent usually at the Hard Rock Café and is not included, as are their T-shirts, which are USD $15 (Please note, security and safety will be taken into account before the trip to Lebanon is offered as an option. The region does occasionally become a little unsettled.)

Cappadocia. The next day we cross the border into Turkey as we head through the mountains towards Cappadocia. Cappadocia is a region of unusual beauty even by Turkish standards. The combined forces of man and natural erosion have created many compelling environments. One of the most impressive is the Kaymakli caves where the efforts of generations of troglodytes have transformed the soft volcanic rock into an entire underground village on four different levels. There is also an open-air museum, which is a better alternative for the claustrophobic. We spend a full day exploring the area with our local guide, which is quite important, as it is easy to get lost in the 300kms of tunnels. Our guides also like to organise belly dancing nights (optional), which are riotously tacky, and all the better for it. The evening includes an all you can eat and drink Turkish meal lots of local folk dancers as well as the woman with the stomach muscles. Audience participation is encouraged and this is probably the only time in your life where having a beer gut is a distinct advantage.

We camp near the town of Urgup - a pleasant and often lively town set in a valley beneath numerous rock-cut houses. The shopping for carpets, jewellery and antiques is excellent, as is the chance to experience a Turkish bath! In the first week of June Urgup hosts a wine festival (no palate required), which gives the town something of a fiesta atmosphere.

Troy, Gallipoli and Istanbul. From Selcuk we head to Galipolli via Troy and crossing the Dardanelles to Europe on a 20 minute ferry ride. Although not the greatest archaeological site, Troy is perhaps Turkey's most famous - largely due to the writings of Homer. Many new excavations continue to this day. There is a wooden horse replica, which people can climb in and pretend to be Greek soldiers.

Then we drive to Gallipoli.  The next day we do a tour of Gallipoli battle sites and museum (optional) visiting the memorials to all the Australian, New Zealand and Turkish troops who died here in what was one of WW1’s more tragic offensives. It is possible to visit the trenches and to feel what it must have been like to be part of the battle for the Dardanelles.

Leaving Gallipoli we drive to Istanbul to bring an end to our memorable overland journey through the Middle East.

Tour will end in Istanbul at approx. 17.00pm. NO accommodation is included on Day 14.

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.

Please note that this itinerary can be run in reverse direction for logistical reasons, or may change at short notice at the discretion of your crew.

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.

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.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Middle East trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.columbusguides.com/region/atoz.asp provides up-to-date visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. 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.

You must obtain a visa (if needed) for the first country you fly into in the Middle East. All other visas where we are taking you across the border in the truck can be obtained en-route. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CAN ONLY OBTAIN THESE VISAS ENROUTE IF YOU HAVE PROVIDED US WITH THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:

* Name and Family Name

* Nationality

* Place and Date of Birth

* Profession

* Passport Number

* Place and Date of Issue

* Passport expiry date

* Name of Father and Mother

Jordan - If you are joining the tour in Amman it is advisable to get your visa before departure. If you enter Jordan as part of the tour group then a group visa will be organised by the tour leader. The cost per person for this is US$30 and must be paid in US$ cash.

Syria - All nationalities need a visa. For all nationalities EXCEPT USA citizens these will be arranged while on tour so it is not necessary to obtain a visa before joining the tour. For Syria the visa cost is US$25 and must be paid in US$ cash. SYRIAN VISAS WILL BE ARRANGED FOR YOU ON TOUR UNLESS YOU HOLD A USA PASSPORT in which case you will have to apply for a visa from the Syrian embassy PRIOR to your departure from America.

Please note that if you have previously used your Passport to travel to Israel, and have entry/exit visas for Israel in your Passport, you will NOT be allowed to enter Syria.

Turkey - Visas can be obtained on arrival in Turkey. For British passport holders they cost £10, Australian passport holders US$20.00. All payments must be made in US$ cash or Euros.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. Prices are a guide only and subject to change. The information provided is given in good faith.

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!

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.

Be aware that revealing bare flesh can cause offence. Covering shoulders, arms and legs can save you a lot of hassle. This is true for men as well as women. Similarly we advise against tight or revealing clothing. Generally on beaches you can wear what you like. Be sure to exercise a conservative approach in smaller more remote areas and in large cities.

Many Middle Eastern countries are predominantly Muslim influenced. For this reason attitudes towards women can vary greatly from very liberal on the Mediterranean coast to very conservative in small towns and areas of Syria and Jordan. If you are prepared to tune yourself in to the social code of the area your trip should run relatively hassle free.

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.

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 and campsites there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.

Generally conditions will be warm and dry however do account for long sleeves and long trousers in religious or more remote areas. Also remember that if you are visiting the Western desert, Sinai desert or during the winter months, evenings can get a very chilly so don’t forget to pack a jumper or two.

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.

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 countries. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka Middle East trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.

Kumuka will provide meals whilst camping however, when staying in hotels, meals are the responsibility of each passenger. This allows you a chance to try the local cuisine. The amount of time spent in hotels will differ according to tour section and season.

All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting the DAY BEFORE the tour commences when you meet your tour leader, driver and fellow travellers. 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. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).

Tipping is expected almost everywhere. For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. Sales and service taxes are imposed in some restaurants and bars.

In Egypt the tour leader will operate a tip kitty of US$12-15 per person, payable in local currency at your pre departure meeting. We ask that a member of the group also monitor the kitty.

Bargaining is also expected and in all souq’s and bazaars prices are inflated to accommodate such a practice. Rule of thumb is to cut the offer in half and work upwards. This can sometimes be hard work but so not let yourself be intimidated by stallholders, you can always say no and walk away.

Kumuka endeavours to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party.

Below is a list of optional excursions available at your expense on your African tour. Please note that these are intended as a guide only and prices and availability cannot be guaranteed.

Your tour leader will be able to organise any optional excursions on your behalf. The list below is by no means comprehensive. There will be many other optional activities available. All activities are undertaken at passenger’s own risk.

Jordan - Wadi Rum Camel Safari $30 - Archaeological Museum $3 - Syria - Azem Palace $8 - International Museum $8 - Palmyra Funery Tombs $5 - Aleppo Citadel $6

Turkey -Gallipoli Museum $3 - Cappadocia Turkish Folk Night $25

Lebanon Day trip - prices from U$150-200*per person - Please note the Lebanon day trip is subject to a minimum number of 6-8, and consideration of safety and security. The cost of the trip will reduce depending on the number of people taking the option.

NB *Please note that these prices are subject to change without notice and that these are meant as a guideline only on what optional excursions may be available to you whilst on tour. Kumuka are not responsible if any of these excursions are not made available to you on your specific tour.

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