Kafkas Hotel

Hudavendingar Cadessi No 35

Sirecki, Istanbul

Turkey

Tel: +90 (212) 5209601

Please contact Kumuka Worldwide or your agent if you would like pre or post tour accommodation booked at this hotel. Transfers are also available please ensure we have your correct flight details.

Istanbul, Gallipoli and Selcuk. Leaving Istanbul early in the cool air of the early morning we transfer out to the edge of town by taxi where we can meet the truck and get ourselves organised in the relative peace of the suburbs and without constantly being asked to buy carpets.

The drive to Gallipoli takes about 6 hrs with lunch in a café en route. At Gallipoli there are memorials to all the Australian, New Zealand, British 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 Bosphorus.

The following morning we cross the Bosphorus to Canakale and onto Troy. 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.

We then drive to Selcuk where we spend the night at a hostel. Selcuk is an interesting little place with some good shops and cafes. The hostel has hot showers and a great bar.

A short drive from the hostel is the archaeological site of Ephesus. Once the ‘capital of Asia’, Ephesus is the largest and one the best preserved cities in the Mediterranean. Of particular interest are the library, brothel and ancient public latrines (where the ancient Greek "Georgius Michaelus" used to get up to no good). The burial tomb of Cleopatra's sister is there which means that Cleopatra may well have been there too, as she is credited with her murder. Some historians believe she achieved this with the help of Mark Anthony – a man not noted for his reluctance to stab his friends.

Olympos to Cappadocia. From the coast we head through the mountains towards Cappadocia. This is a long days driving.

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 use a 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 is probably the only time in your life where having a beer gut is a distinct advantage.

We generally 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. In the first week of June Urgup hosts a wine festival (no palate required), which gives the town something of a fiesta atmosphere.

Damascus and Lebanon (Optional). The next morning we drive for approximately 5 hours to the ancient city of Damascus where we stay at the local campsite or hostel for 2 nights. Damascus is generally considered to have just pipped 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. The trip departs at 07.00am 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.)

Wadi Rum, Aqaba, Dahab. Leaving Petra behind, we head into the desert for the spectacular scenery of Wadi Rum. The unusual desert scenery of Wadi Rum is as impressive as when it humbled Lawrence of Arabia in 1917 and is virtually unspoilt. We hire four-wheel drive jeeps to go right out into the desert. This is a 3-hour excursion that visits impressive rock bridges as well as some of T E Lawrence's old hideaways.

Leaving Wadi Rum and the desert we head to Aqaba, the port of Jordan on the Red Sea – a bustling three-way border with Israel and Egypt. Depending on ferry times we will spend the night under the stars in Wadi Rum or in the beautiful city of Aqaba.

Leaving Aqaba we cross the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea and enter Egypt at the port of Nuweiba this crossing is done by ferry and takes 4 hrs, on paper! In reality the trip on the water does take 4 hrs but leaving the port can also take a few hours, as does entering the port in Egypt. This ferry can also suffer delays during Ramadan and the Haj (the annual pilgrimage to Mecca).

We head to the small coastal resort of Dahab. The primary reason for this visit is to enable people an opportunity to dive at the Red Sea. For those not wishing to dive there is a lot to do around the town whether it’s lying on a beach or visiting a local market. The diving in Dahab is excellent for both experienced divers and novices alike. If you already have your PADI certificate, diving costs USD $35 per dive and you must bring your certificate (PADI) and a current diving log. If you have forgotten your diving log, then you will have to take a ‘check up dive’ to make sure that you can dive. This costs USD $25. For non-certificate holders there is the option of an introductory beginner’s dive for USD $45.

Cairo and the Western Desert to Aswan. Cairo is the largest city in Africa with between 12 and 18 million inhabitants - nobody is sure, but there are quite a few. Driving is an experience, as it appears that Egyptian vehicle inspectors are fairly lenient and that the only roadworthy requirement on the cars is a workable horn, which must be continuously tested. The city itself is fascinating. Apart from the rich history, there are good markets, restaurants, banks and even a metro (underground railway). In typical Egyptian style, there are no maps of the underground so you will have to ask the tourist police.

The start of our trip takes us to the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. Though fairly overrun with tourists, it is still an extremely impressive sight. A trip to Cairo would be incomplete without a visit to these two sacred sights. There is a guided tour included at the Pyramids.

From the pyramids we head into the western desert for 3 days to visit some oases and experience desert life. This unique experience is 1300 kms long and passes through the White and Black deserts and visits 3 oases towns. Travelling through the desert we camp under the stars for 2 nights (no faculties) and on a rooftop for the third night. It is important to have warm clothing, as well as swim wear, as between November and May the desert gets cold. Our route leads us South, arriving in the city of Aswan late on the fourth day. Luxor.

Feluccas to Luxor. After 2 nights in Aswan we board a felucca. A felucca is a traditional Egyptian sailboat of the type that has plied the Nile for centuries. Travelling in this way is one of the best ways to get a taste for the timeless nature of this ancient river. We sail towards Luxor sleeping under the stars in the warm Egyptian night. During the voyage we will visit the Temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu.

The felucca is inclusive and lasts for 2 days (2 nights). The felucca is a unique and cultural experience, however facilities whilst on the boat are very basic. For meals the boat is steered to the shore where your guide will do the cooking as the group helps with the preparation. Toilet stops are also on shore where an obliging bush will provide cover! There are no washing facilities other than a quick dip in the Nile but sleeping under the stars whilst the Nile laps quietly beneath is a magical memory.

Hurghada to Cairo. After another relaxing morning in Hurghada, we make our way back to Cairo.

On our final day of the tour in Cairo, we have a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. The museum is home to millions of artefacts, mummies and reclaimed artworks alongside the extremely impressive Tutanhkamoun exhibition.

The trip ends in Cairo after visiting Cairo Museum. We recommend a minimum of 5 hours spent at the Museum due to the amount of fascinating artefacts to be seen.

NO accommodation is included on Day 35, if you wish to book flights out we recommend that they do not depart before 6pm to allow for any delays or extended time at the museum.

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 but please note that Africa does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Africa can vary dramatically; for example, whilst we always try to use the best campsites, there is a big difference between those found in Eastern Africa to those found in Southern Africa, which are generally better.

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.

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 EN ROUTE 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

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.

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.

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.

Egypt - Most nationalities require a visa for Egypt. This visa is obtainable either on entry or from the consulate before you begin your tour. The cost is US$15 for single entry at money exchange outlets on arrival in Cairo airport. Please note, at the moment South African passport holders cannot get an Egyptian visa at the point of entry and must get one in advance.

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.

Arabic and Turkish are the official languages of the countries we pass through. English is widely spoken as a second language in the larger towns and French in Syria. As mentioned above, learning a few words of the language of the country you are visiting can make your experiences that much more enjoyable.

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.

Turkey -Gallipoli Museum $3 - Cappadocia Turkish Folk Night $25 - Syria - Azem Palace $8 - International Museum $8 - Palmyra Funery Tombs $5 - Aleppo Citadel $6 – Jordan - Archaeological Museum $3 - Egypt - Mummy Room, Cairo Museum $12 - Tutankahmun’s Tomb $12 - Flight & Entry to Abu Simbel $110 - Abu Simbel, by road  $50 - Diving at Dahab $45 - Snorkelling at Dahab $10 - Diving at Hurghada $50 - Snorkelling at Hurghada $25 - Sinai Camel Safari $12 - Dahab Snorkel Equipment $12 - St Simeons Monastery Camel Safari $22 - Philae Temple and Obelisk $12  - Quad Biking $35 - Hot Air Ballooning $125-175

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