pre departure pack - fez travel

Pre Departure Pack

Fez Travel Ltd.,Hocapasa Mah.,Tayahatun Sok.,

Sukran Han No: 3, Kat:3,Sirkeci, Istanbul, Turkey, 34112

Tel:+90 212 520 04 34Fax:+90 212 520 04 35

Date : 25 November 2021

Emergency ContactsHead Office (Turkey) Mehmet: +90 533 280 77 39 or Canan: +90 532 374 49 51

Country Info

Country Info for - ANZAC Day, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Palestinian Territory, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan

Tehran Grand Bazaar Srebrenica - Potocari Memorial Centre Cappadocia - Kaymakli

Matka Canyon Hydra Casablanca

Ouarzazate Yazd - Jame Mosque Aegina - Temple of Afea

Dubrovnik - The Jesuit Stairs Krusedol Monastery Sarajevo - Eternal Flame

Athens - Erechtheion Travnik Fortress Belgrade - Viminacium

25 November 2021 Fez Travel Ltd., Hocapasa Mah., Tayahatun Sok. No: 52, Sirkeci, Istanbul, Turkey, 34112. Tel:+90 212 520 04 34 Fax:+90 212 520 04 35 /34

https://www.feztravel.com

General ANZAC Day Info

Preparing for the Dawn Service

The ANZAC Day event is huge, and ensuring that you are organised will help you get maximum enjoyment from this once in a lifetime event as well as assist with the smooth running of the event.

To assist you with your preparations, we highly recommend that you read the information about what to expect at the ANZAC Day Gallipoli Service page prepared by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

DVA has also prepared an informational video which we highly recommend that you watch:

DVA informational video

BEFORE your bus arrives at the Dawn Service site, please make sure you have everything you need packed in your day pack. This includes your passport (or copy of your passport) and your attendance passes. It is critical to have these things packed in your day pack BEFORE the bus arrives at the site, as there will not be time to shift things from your luggage into your daypack.

It is also important to note that alcohol is strictly prohibited at the site. Opened bottles of water or other drinks will not be permitted on site. Professional photographic equipment and selfie sticks are also not permitted. Please do not try to bring these things into the service with you as it will slow down your entry to the site.

Due to the restrictions placed on the many, many buses, you won't be able to get back to your tour bus after the dawn service so whatever you take with you, remember you will have to carry for the day, so you probably don't want to be carrying more than a day pack and a small sleeping bag.

Arrival at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service site

The ANZAC Day site will be closed to visitors on the 24th for final security checks and preparations. It will open for visitors at 6pm. The cut off time for vehicles to arrive at the Dawn Service area is 2am on the 25th.

We plan to arrive well before that to get in queue before the gates open at 6pm so that you have a chance to get as good a spot as possible at the Dawn Service site. Make sure you take everything you need with you when you exit the bus, as you will not be permitted to go back to the bus.

Please note that when we arrive, there will be a lot of time spent waiting to get into the site and going through multiple security and attendance pass validation procedures, so we thank you in advance for your understanding.

Because of the ballot process for 2015, tour guides will not be allowed to enter the service sites with you. After you go through the gates, the next time you will see your guide is after the Australian and New Zealand services have finished, when guides will be allowed to meet you outside the ceremony site to help you go to the meeting point for your bus. Before you leave your tour guide, please make sure that you are aware of the number of your bus - this is important for meeting your bus on the 25th.

Overnight at ANZAC Cove

A reflective program will start running at 8pm in the evening and play until just before the Dawn Service commences on the 25th. The program includes documentaries and interviews and musical performances.

There's plenty of atmosphere overnight and as long as you are warm you'll have a great night waiting for dawn over the battlefields.

Dawn Service & Memorial Services

The Dawn Service commences at 5.30am. After the dawn service, you will walk through the trenches and memorials to one of the Memorial Services unless you have pre-registered as requiring mobility assistance. You don't need to wait for your group. Please have a look at the Fez Travel ANZAC Day information page to get a better idea of the walking involved: .

https://www.feztravel.com/ANZAC_Day_Information.asp

Australian Lone Pine Service

After completion of the Dawn Service at approximately 6:30 am, visitors are required to walk along the coast and up to Lone Pine Cemetery. This 2.5 kilometre walk takes visitors via Ari Burnu, Beach, Shrapnel Valley and Shell Green Cemeteries. Unfortunately the Australian service at the Lone Pine memorial has been cancelled. A small informal service may be held.

New Zealand Chunuk Bair Services

Those wishing to attend the New Zealand Chunuk Bair Service must continue on past the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, uphill past the 57th Regiment Service to Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. It is approximately 3.3 kilometres. The walk is well marked but will take a reasonably fit individual about one hour to complete.

After the Dawn and Memorial Services

After the memorial services are finished, tour guides will be allowed to meet guests outside the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair service sites. Coaches will be released to pick up guests - please note this process can take several hours as hundreds of coaches are queued in random order by the authorities, and so each group needs to be patient, and watch carefully for their bus.

The buses will drive up to Chunuk Bair first to collect guests, and then they will collect their guests from Lone Pine.

It is important that you remember your bus number, as announcements will be made with bus numbers.

What should I bring?

Information about what you can bring to the site can be found here. However, it is likely to be very very cold, so bring some warm gear - a very warm jumper and sleeping bag or very warm blanket (noting that you will not be able to lie down), jumper and jacket and a beanie, as a minimum.

By 2pm on Anzac day, it could get quite warm, so don't forget the sunscreen and make sure you are wearing layers of clothes so that you can


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZkFXEkD2E0&feature=youtu.be

http://www.feztravel.com/ANZAC_Day_Information.asp

What should I bring? cont.

adjust your clothing to suit as the day warms up.

Every year there is food and drinks on offer at the dawn service site and around the Gallipoli peninsular during the day, but we suggest that you also take some munchies and plenty of water with you.


General Albania Info

Geographical area

28,748 square kilometers

Population

3.6 million

International dialling code

International dialling code: +355

Time Zone

Albania is 1 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time.

Electricity

220 volts / 50 Hz - Round pin attachment plugs and Shuko plugs and receptacles with side grounding contacts are in use.

Religion

Muslim 70%, Albanian Orthodox 20%, Roman Catholic 10% (estimates)

Money

The monetary unit in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). 1 Lek = 100 Qindars.

Current Exchange rate EUR 1 (ALL 120.87) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. Currency markets operate on the street in front of the main post office or bank in most towns, a perfectly legal way to exchange your money and avoid bank commission. You will not be able to exchange lekë outside of Albania so make sure you exchange before you leave. There are ATMs in most towns which you can use to withdraw cash from most international Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards.

Language

Albanian (official - derived from Tosk dialect), Greek, Vlach, Romani, Slavic dialects.

Eating And Drinking

Food. Albanian cuisine is colourful and flavoursome and features a lot of Italian, Greek and Turkish influences. You will find plenty of tasty, spicy dishes to tempt you, Keep a look out for Mediterranean fish such as sea-bream and seabass, as well as eel. Traditional dishes often use vegetables and yoghurt or curd cheese to make the meat go further. You may want to try national specialities such as Koran, a species of trout unique to the Ohrid and Prespa lakes. If you're feeling daring, you could try Paçë koke (sheep's head soup). You may also come across Kukurec (sheep's innards in a gut casing).

Drink. Albania offers many high-quality wines, some of it from indigenous grapes such as Kallmet (red) and Shesh (red and white). National drinks include: rakia, a clear spirit made of grapes. Coffee is also very popular and is mostly served as cappuccino or espresso in bars and restaurants, or prepared the traditional Balkan way, with grounds and sugar brewed together, when served at home.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course ALL 2,100 (EUR 17.37).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) ALL 140 (EUR 1.16).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) ALL 110 (EUR 0.91).

Tipping

Tipping is customary to give the waiter 5%-10% on top of the bill if you are happy with the service. Tipping guides at the end of excursions and treks etc is always appreciated and your tour leader will advise you on the amount for this.


Weather

Max Max Sun Min Min Rain

F C Hours F C Days

Tirana January 52 11 4 36 2 13

February 52 11 4 36 2 13

March 59 15 5 43 6 14

April 63 17 6 48 9 13

May 73 23 8 55 13 12

June 81 27 10 63 17 7

July 84 29 11 66 19 5

August 84 29 11 64 18 4

September 79 26 9 59 15 6

October 70 21 7 52 11 9

November 61 16 4 43 6 16

December 54 12 3 37 3 16


General Bosnia and Herzegovina Info

Geographical area

51,129 square kilometres

Population

4.6 million



Time Zone

Bosnia and Herzegovina is 1 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are in use.

Religion

45% Muslim, 36% Orthodox, 15% Roman Catholic, 4% Protestant, Jews and other denominations.

Money

The monetary unit in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Konvertibilna Marka (BAM). 1 Konvertibilna marka = 100 Pfeniga)

Current Exchange rate BAM 1 (EUR 0.51) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

After crossing the border in the afternoon we will visit the famous bridge of Mehmed Pasha. Here you will be able exchange all Serbian Dinars you have after leaving Serbia into local currency Konvertibilna Marka. You can also exchange EURO into local currency. There is an ATM machine which you can use. Cash machines can be found also in cities like Sarajevo and Mostar.

Exchange rates used throughout this document are correct as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

Language

Bosnian, Serbian and Croatian. The Croats and Bosniaks use the Latin alphabet, whereas the Serbs use the Cyrillic.

Eating And Drinking

Food. You will find that the region's traditional cuisine exhibits Turkish influences, with plenty of grilled meat dishes. You may want to try national specialities such as jagnjetina (flame-grilled lamb or mutton), bosanski ionac (meat stew cooked on an open fire), cevapcici (small sausages made from a lamb and beef mix), burek (layered meat or cheese pie made with filo pastry), Baklava (sweet nuts and honey in pastry) and tufahije (apple cake).

Drink. Spirits made from fruit are popular, so look out for sljivovica (homemade plum brandy) and ioza (made from grapes). Turkish-style coffee is also widely available. Popular wines to try are zilavka (white) and blatina (red). All drinks such as bottled water or soft drinks are at your own expense at all times and are fairly inexpensive. Alcoholic drinks vary in price, with wine and beer generally being the cheapest options.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course BAM 25 (EUR 12.80).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) BAM 2 (EUR 1.02).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) BAM 2 (EUR 1.02).

Tipping

It is customary to give round up the taxi fare and leave an extra 1-2 Euro extra at restaurants. Tipping guides at the end of excursions is always appreciated and your tour leader will advise you on the amount for this.


Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Sarajevo January 36 2 2 23 -5 7

February 43 6 4 27 -3 6

March 52 11 5 32 0 10

April 59 15 6 39 4 15

May 68 20 6 46 8 13

June 73 23 8 52 11 11

July 79 26 9 54 12 9

August 77 25 9 54 12 10

September 73 23 7 48 9 11

October 63 17 5 41 5 11

November 46 8 3 32 0 12

December 37 3 2 27 -3 9


General Croatia Info

Geographical area


Population

4.5 million



Time Zone

Croatia is 1 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time.

Electricity

220-240V. Sockets are of European two pronged round pin variety.

Religion

Roman Catholic 88%, Orthodox 4.4%, Muslim 1.3%

Money

The monetary unit in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). 1 Kuna = 100 Lipa.

Current Exchange rate EUR 1 (HRK 7.52) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

The easiest way to obtain money in Croatia is to draw it out of an ATM (cash machine) on a credit or debit card. ATMs are widely available throughout Croatia and credit cards are accepted in many restaurants and shops. It is possible to exchange money at hotel reception also.


Language

Croatian, and uses both Cyrillic and Latin script. Some Hungarian and Albanian also spoken in the north.

Eating And Drinking

Food and Drink. Croatian specialties include Dalmatian or Istrian prosciutto, Pag or Lika cheese, sheep's cheese, Slavonian paprika flavoured salami ('kulen') and Samobor or Zagorje garlic sausages ('èesnjovka'). There is also a wide selection of meat dishes, including turkey with a special pasta known as 'mlinci', roast lamb, roast suckling pig, and boiled or baked 'strukli' (pasta with cheese). Croatian vineyards produce reasonable wine - particularly red and you will almost certainly come across plum brandy, a national favourite.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course HRK 150 (EUR 19.96).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) HRK 12 (EUR 1.60).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) HRK 9 (EUR 1.20).

Tipping

In a restaurant, round up the bill unless a service charge has already been added or the service was not up to standard. You should also round up bar bills and taxi fares

Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Dubrovnik January 45 7 5 32 0 13

February 48 9 7 34 1 13

March 54 12 8 37 3 11

April 61 16 9 45 7 10

May 70 21 12 52 11 10

June 77 25 12 57 14 6

July 82 28 13 61 16 4

August 82 28 13 61 16 3

September 75 24 10 55 13 7

October 66 19 8 48 9 11

November 55 13 6 41 5 16

December 46 8 5 34 1 15


F C Hours F C Days

Zagreb January 37 3 10 27 -3 16

February 46 8 11 30 -1 14

March 56 13 13 36 2 17


Weather cont.

April 58 14 14 39 4 12

May 67 19 16 50 10 13

June 73 23 16 56 13 12

July 81 27 16 60 16 17

August 81 27 15 59 15 17

September 71 22 13 51 11 16

October 59 15 11 44 7 16

November 46 8 10 35 2 16

December 37 3 9 30 -1 15


General Egypt Info

Geographical area

1.01 million square kilometres

Population

84.5 million



Time Zone

Egypt is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time. Daylight saving adjustments have historically been applied in some years but not others. At present it appears that there will be no daylight saving changes in Egypt 2016 and beyond, though this may change at short notice (with a resulting impact on flight times and schedules).

Electricity

220V. Sockets are of European two pronged round pin variety.

Religion

It is estimated 90% are identified as Muslim, 9% as Coptic Christians, and 1% as other Christian denominations

Money

The monetary unit in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE) (EGP). 1 Egyptian Pound = 100 Piastres

Current Exchange rate EGP 100 (EUR 5.67) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

Changing money, credit cards and ATMs The easiest way to obtain money in Egypt is to draw it out of an ATM (cash machine) on a credit or debit card ATMs are widely available throughout Egypt.


Language

Arabic.

Eating And Drinking

Food. Egyptian cuisine is notably conducive to vegetarian diets, as it relies heavily on vegetable dishes. Though food in Alexandria and the coast of Egypt tends to use a great deal of fish and other seafood, for the most part Egyptian cuisine is based on foods that grow out of the ground. Meat has been very expensive for most Egyptians throughout history, so a great number of vegetarian dishes have been developed.

Popular dishes include lentil soup, grilled chicken or fish with rice. Koshari is also a local favourite, a savoury mix of noodles, rice, lentils and onions. Almost everywhere you go you will find 'mezze'. This consists of several plates, and is generally served as an appetizer with a pile of flat bread (but it's often enough for a whole meal). Dishes may include humus (chickpea dip), tahina (sesame dip), babaghanough (eggplant with tahina), falafels (deep-fried vegetable balls) and foul (pronounced 'fool'), a dish made from red fava beans which is a staple diet throughout the country.

Drink. The Al-Ahram Beverages Company has a virtual monopoly on alcohol in Egypt. Aside from wine, it makes whiskey, gin, vodka, a beer called Sakara and a light lager called Stella that can be found on tables from street cafés to five-star hotels in Egypt. As a Muslim country, alcohol is disapproved in public places, however it is available in some bars and hotels.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course EGP 200 (EUR 11.34).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) EGP 15 (EUR 0.85).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) EGP 15 (EUR 0.85).

Tipping

Tipping in Egypt is called Baksheesh, but it's more than the usual gratuity given to a waiter, bellhop or taxi driver. It is a way of life and a system which enables the economy to function. Salaries in Egypt are much lower than in Western countries therefore tipping is an absolutely essential means of generating income. Don't feel that the Egyptians are solely preying on foreign travellers and tourists. Look closely at the dealings that Egyptians have with one another and you will notice that the exchange of small amounts of money are commonplace. A general rule of thumb is to add 10 to 15 percent of the bill for a tip.

On tour to make our prices more transparent and so it is easier for you to budget and less hassle while in Egypt, on our small group tours we organise a 'Tipping Kitty' which needs to be paid as a local payment and will be around US$ 30 to US$ 45 depending on the length of your trip. This kitty provides tips for a wide range of people you’ll meet along the tour including hotel porters, train and station staff, drivers, site guards, local reps etc.

Your Egyptologist guide (and Bedouin guides in the desert) is not included in this kitty and you may tip them at the end of your tour subject to your satisfaction with and appreciation of the service they have provided. You should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget. We are often asked to provide a guide however, and can suggest that approx. USD 3-8 per person per day would be appropriate.


Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Cairo January 66 19 7 48 9 4

February 68 20 8 50 10 3

March 73 23 9 54 12 2

April 82 28 9 59 15 1

May 90 32 10 64 18 1

June 93 34 12 68 20 0

July 93 34 11 72 22 0

August 93 34 11 72 22 0

September 91 33 10 68 20 0

October 86 30 9 64 18 1

November 77 25 8 57 14 3

December 68 20 7 50 10 4


F C Hours F C Days

Luxor January 73 23 9 41 5 0

February 77 25 10 45 7 0

March 81 27 10 50 10 0

April 95 35 10 61 16 0

May 102 39 11 68 20 1

June 106 41 12 73 23 0

July 106 41 12 75 24 0

August 104 40 12 73 23 0

September 102 39 11 70 21 0

October 95 35 10 63 17 1

November 84 29 10 54 12 0

December 75 24 9 45 7 0


General Greece Info

Having exported chaos, drama, tragedy and democracy before most nations stayed up late enough to want souvlaki, Greece boasts a legacy that's unrivalled. From smoggy Athens to blindingly bright islands, there are more ancient fragments than you can shake a stick at: the mother of all ruins - the Acropolis, fallen columns galore on the sacred island of Delos and even, quite possibly, the remnants of Atlantis at Santorini. Greeks also know how to have fun - their propensity for partying dates back to Dionysos. In addition, hot sun and limpid seas conspire to make Greece a compelling place to relax. Whether you're chillin' in a beachside taverna, sipping coffee in a shady plateia or disco-dancing till dawn, chances are the Gods already have you ensnared.

Geographical area

131,957 square kilometers.

Population

10,760,136 (July 2011 est.). Athens (capital) 3.252 million; Thessaloniki 834,000 (2009).



Time Zone

Greece is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time. During day light saving, which is from the last Sunday in March to the last Saturday in October, Greece is 3 hours ahead of GMT.

Electricity

All appliances need a double round pin type plug for 220 volts AC, 50-hertz.

Religion

Greek Orthodox (official) 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%

Money

The monetary unit in Greece is the Euro (EUR). 1 Euro = 100 Euro cents.

You should always carry back up cash or card separate to the rest of your money and cards. So if you loose your wallet or handbag, you have enough back up money to at least make some phone calls and eat for a few days.

Euro is the currency of Greece since 1 January 2001. Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques are widely accepted in major cities and tourist resorts. ATM's are also accessible at all our destinations and offer the best exchange rate. A mixture of debit, credit cards and cash are the are the best forms of currency.

It is difficult for us to specify the money that you will spend per day, however, as a general rule EUR 4 to EUR 5 per day can provide you with additional meals and optional entrances. Should you wish to purchase souvenirs or other luxuries, of which there is a diverse range, you will have to budget for these.


Language

The Greek language with a documented record spanning three and a half millennia is a strong element of national continuity. Modern Greek derives from the same idiom used by Homer. The Greek alphabet and the Greek language have contributed much to all Western languages. In this respect Greek, is to be distinguished sharply from Latin, which generated numerous neo-Latin languages from Rumanian to Portuguese before itself became extinct. You'll find you won't have much of a problem with the language barrier. English is well communicated by many Greeks, especially in the Islands.

Eating and Drinking

Its unique tastes are some of the things that set Greece apart. You are in for pleasant culinary surprises while in this country. Contrary to common belief you will soon discover that Greek cuisine does not solely consist of mousaka, souvlaki and horiatiki salata. Greek cuisine has a great variety of dishes and can be an extremely satisfying culinary adventure for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.

Greek cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine, sharing characteristics with the cuisines of Italy, the Balkans, Turkey, and the Levant. Contemporary Greek cookery makes wide use of olive oil, vegetables and herbs, grains and bread, wine, fish, and various meats, including poultry, rabbit and pork. Also important are olives, cheese, eggplant (aubergine), courgette, and yoghurt. Greek desserts are characterized by the dominant use of nuts and honey. Some dishes use filo pastry.

Mezes is a collective name for a variety of small dishes, typically served with wines or anise-flavored liqueurs such as ouzo or homemade tsipouro. Orektika is the formal name for appetizers and is often used as a reference to eating a first course of a cuisine other than Greek cuisine. Dips are served with bread loaf or pita bread. In some regions, dried bread (paximadhi) is softened in water.

The national drink is Ouzo. Ouzo, an 80-proof clear alcoholic beverage that is flavored with anise; it turns milky white with water or ice; the best said to be produced on the island of Lesbos. We always recommend drinking 'bottled' water.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course EUR 30.

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) EUR 3.

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) EUR 4.

Tipping

Tips are common place for table service in Greece. Restaurants and taxis, local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change. More up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill. If you think your tour leader has worked hard then s/he will appreciate a tip of a few Euros. You do not need to tip the service staff at the hotels.


Please Note

It is important to note that the Greece component of this trip is escorted by a tour leader, whilst the Turkey component of your trip is escorted by a tour guide. There are important differences between these two roles, and understanding these will help you get the most out of your trip.

A tour leader travels with the group and will provide information regarding optional activities and day tours and will book these for you. Your tour leader acts as a facilitator, and will take care of any logistical issues such as the purchase of ferry tickets and hotel check-ins, and trouble shoot any problems that may arise on tour. Your tour leader will not guide you around historical sites but may give some cultural information and information about the best places to go in your free time. Some of your optional activities in Greece may be accompanied by a tour guide.

A tour guide is a licensed, qualified expert, and is generally a specialist in history and archaeology, and sometimes architecture. A tour guide will guide you around historical sites, providing historical and cultural information in addition to being responsible for the smooth running of your trip. In Turkey, a tour guide will accompany you for your whole trip, guiding you around sites, taking care of logistical issues and will also help you to book any optional activities.

Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Athens January 55 13 4 43 6 16

February 57 14 5 45 7 11

March 61 16 6 46 8 11

April 68 20 8 52 11 9

May 77 25 9 61 16 8

June 86 30 11 68 20 4

July 91 33 12 73 23 2

August 91 33 12 73 23 3

September 84 29 9 66 19 4

October 75 24 7 59 15 8

November 66 19 5 54 12 12

December 59 15 4 46 8 15


F C Hours F C Days

Delphi January 50 10 5 39 4 8

February 52 11 5 39 4 8

March 55 13 7 41 5 9

April 66 19 8 45 7 7

May 75 24 10 52 11 5

June 82 28 11 59 15 2

July 86 30 13 64 18 1

August 88 31 12 66 19 2

September 81 27 10 61 16 3

October 70 21 7 52 11 6

November 61 16 5 46 8 8

December 54 12 4 41 5 10


F C Hours F C Days

Mykonos January 55 13 4 46 8 12

February 57 14 5 46 8 10

March 59 15 7 48 9 9

April 64 18 9 54 12 7

May 72 22 11 59 15 5

June 79 26 13 66 19 3

July 81 27 14 70 21 3

August 81 27 13 70 21 3

September 82 28 11 66 19 3

October 70 21 7 61 16 6

November 64 18 6 54 12 8

December 59 15 5 50 10 12



Weather cont.

F C Hours F C Days

Santorini January 57 14 4 50 10 10

February 57 14 5 50 10 9

March 61 16 6 52 11 7

April 66 19 8 55 13 4

May 72 22 10 61 16 3

June 79 26 13 68 20 0

July 81 27 13 73 23 0

August 82 28 12 73 23 0

September 79 26 10 70 21 2

October 72 22 7 64 18 4

November 66 19 5 57 14 8

December 59 15 4 52 11 1


General Israel Info

Geographical area


Population

7.9 million



Time Zone

Israel is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time.

Electricity

230 volts / 50 Hz - Sockets are of European two pronged round pin variety.

Religion

74.8% Jewish, 17.6% Muslim, 2% Christian, 1.6% Druze

Money

The monetary unit in Israel is the Israeli Sheqel (ILS). 1 Shekel= 100 Agora.

Current Exchange rate ILS 1,000 (EUR 282.20) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

There are ATMs in Israel and Jerusalem that accept international cards. There are fewer ATMs in the West Bank and Gaza. Money transfer through Western Union to a local Israeli post office normally takes 3-4 hours during a normal working day. Post offices and banks in Israel and Jerusalem close from midday on Friday to Sunday morning. In the West Bank and Gaza they are usually just closed on Fridays.

Language

Hebrew (official), Arabic (official), Russian, English

Eating And Drinking

Food. It incorporates many foods traditionally eaten in Levantine, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, and foods such as falafel, hummus, msabbha, shakshouka, couscous, and za'atar are now widely popular in Israel.

Drink.The drinking culture in Israel begins and ends with coffee, but the country offers numerous varieties so no matter your tastes you should find something that reminds you of home. Espresso, Turkish coffee, lattes, cappuccino, iced coffee, and a traditional cup of coffee are all available as coffee shops are everywhere. Tea is also common, especially in the coffee houses as it's available in numerous styles as well. If you want something more original to Israel try sahlab, a pudding-like drink made from cornstarch, cinnamon, and pistachios. Or if you want something from home, soft drinks, juices, milk, and most international favorites are easily accessible.

The alcoholic drinks available in Israel include anything one can imagine, however in more conservative locations, particularly in Jerusalem and in Muslim areas, the options may be limited. Most of the Jews do drink alcohol, or at least have no objection to drinking alcohol, and it can be purchased and consumed. For a local brew try 'Dancing Camel' or 'Negev'. Due to Kosher laws, the local beer selection is limited as is the local wines, however this is rapidly changing. The wine industry in Israel has quickly expanded and the quality has also vastly improved.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course ILS 200 (EUR 56.44).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) ILS 13 (EUR 3.67).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) ILS 25 (EUR 7.05).

Tipping

Tipping in hotels is expected also. You should tip the bellboy a total of ILS 20 (EUR 5.64) for all luggage. You should also tip the maid ILS 10 (EUR 2.82) - ILS 20 (EUR 5.64) per night. In restaurants you are expected to tip between 10-15%. 12% is the average tip when eating out at restaurants. Bars are similar to restaurants where you are expected to tip 10-15% of the total bill.


Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Jerusalem January 54 12 7 39 4 12

February 55 13 7 41 5 12

March 61 16 10 45 7 9

April 70 21 11 50 10 4

May 77 25 12 55 13 2

June 81 27 13 61 16 0

July 84 29 13 63 17 0

August 84 29 12 63 17 0

September 82 28 11 61 16 0

October 75 24 10 57 14 3

November 66 19 9 50 10 7

December 57 14 8 43 6 11


F C Hours F C Days

Tel Aviv January 63 17 7 46 8 15

February 64 18 7 46 8 12

March 68 20 10 50 10 10

April 77 25 11 54 12 4

May 81 27 12 59 15 2

June 84 29 13 64 18 0

July 88 31 13 70 21 0

August 88 31 12 70 21 0

September 86 30 11 68 20 1

October 82 28 10 63 17 5

November 75 24 9 54 12 8

December 64 18 8 48 9 11


General Jordan Info

Geographical area


Population

6.459 million



Time Zone

Jordan is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time.

Electricity

220V. Sockets are of European two pronged round pin variety.

Religion

Sunni Muslim 92% (official), Christian 6% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), other 2% (several small Shia Muslim and Druze populations) (2001 est.)

Money

The monetary unit in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). 1 Jordanian Pound = 100 Qirsh

Current Exchange rate JOD 1 (EUR 1.26) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

Changing money, credit cards and ATMs The easiest way to obtain money in Jordan is to draw it out of an ATM (cash machine) on a credit or debit card ATMs are widely available throughout Jordan.


Language

Arabic.

Eating And Drinking

Food. Malfuf, rice and minced meat rolled in cabbage leaves. Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan and the most distinctive Jordanian dish. Mansaf is a traditional dish made of lamb cooked in a sauce of fermented dried yogurt called Jameed and served with rice or bulgur.

Drink. Turkish coffee and tea flavored with mint or sage are almost ubiquitous in Jordan. Arabic coffee is also usually served on more formal occasions.[10] Arak, an aniseed flavoured spirit is also drunk with food.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course JOD 30 (EUR 37.75).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) JOD 3 (EUR 3.78).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) JOD 4 (EUR 5.03).

Tipping

Generally, 10 to 15% service charge is added in hotels and restaurants; extra tips are discretionary.

Your guides are not included in this kitty and you may tip them at the end of your tour subject to your satisfaction with and appreciation of the service they have provided. You should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget. We are often asked to provide a guide however, and can suggest that approx. USD 3-8 per person per day would be appropriate.


Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Amman January 54 12 7 39 4 13

February 55 13 7 41 5 11

March 61 16 8 45 7 8

April 72 22 10 50 10 4

May 81 27 11 57 14 3

June 86 30 13 63 17 0

July 88 31 13 66 19 0

August 88 31 13 64 18 0

September 86 30 11 63 17 0

October 79 26 10 57 14 3

November 66 19 8 48 9 6

December 57 14 6 41 5 9


F C Hours F C Days

Petra January 54 12 7 37 3 8

February 57 14 7 39 4 8

March 63 17 8 43 6 4

April 72 22 10 48 9 3

May 81 27 11 55 13 1

June 88 31 13 61 16 0

July 90 32 13 64 18 0

August 90 32 13 64 18 0

September 88 31 11 61 16 0

October 81 27 10 55 13 1

November 68 20 8 46 8 4

December 57 14 6 41 5 5


General Macedonia Info

Geographical area


Population

2.1 million



Time Zone

Macedonia is 1 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time.

Electricity

220 volts / 50 Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are in use.

Religion

67 per cent of the population are Eastern Orthodox Macedonians and around 23% are Muslim Albanians. There are also Muslim Turks and Serbian Orthodox minorities

Money

The monetary unit in Macedonia is the Macedonian Dinar (MKD). 1 Denar = 100 Deni.

Current Exchange rate MKD 100 (EUR 1.63) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

You can exchange most currencies although Euros are the most widely accepted. ATMs are available.

Language

Macedonian (a slavonic language using the Cyrillic script) is the most widely used language. Albanian, Turkish and Serbo-Croat are also used by ethnic groups. English, French and German are widely spoken.

Eating And Drinking

Food. Macedonian cuisine is colourful and flavoursome and features a lot of Italian, Greek and Turkish influences. You will find plenty of tasty, spicy dishes to tempt you, Keep a look out for Mediterranean fish such as sea-bream and seabass, as well as eel. Traditional dishes often use vegetables and yoghurt or curd cheese to make the meat go further. You may want to try national specialities such as Koran, a species of trout unique to the Ohrid and Prespa lakes. If you're feeling daring, you could try Paçë koke (sheep's head soup). You may also come across Kukurec (sheep's innards in a gut casing).

Drink. Macedonia offers many high-quality wines, some of it from indigenous grapes such as Kallmet (red) and Shesh (red and white). National drinks include: rakia, a clear spirit made of grapes. Coffee is also very popular and is mostly served as cappuccino or espresso in bars and restaurants, or prepared the traditional Balkan way, with grounds and sugar brewed together, when served at home.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course MKD 850 (EUR 13.85).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) MKD 50 (EUR 0.81).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) MKD 40 (EUR 0.65).

Tipping

In restaurants 15% is usually added to restaurant bills and you are obliged to pay this. It is also customary to give the waiter 5%-10% on top of this if you are happy with the service.


Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Ohrid January 43 6 3 28 -2 11

February 45 7 4 28 -2 12

March 52 11 5 34 1 11

April 59 15 6 41 5 13

May 70 21 8 48 9 12

June 77 25 9 54 12 8

July 82 28 10 57 14 6

August 82 28 10 57 14 6

September 73 23 8 50 10 7

October 64 18 6 45 7 10

November 54 12 4 37 3 12

December 45 7 3 30 -1 13


General Montenegro Info

Geographical area


Population

685,000



Time Zone

Montenegro is 1 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time.

Electricity


Religion

Majority Eastern Orthodox, with a Muslim minority.

Money

The monetary unit in Montenegro is the Euro

Some ATMs accept Visa or Mastercard, but few accept international debit cards. Carrying cash is advisable and may be necessary for most payments.

Language

Montenegrin, Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, and Croatian.

Eating And Drinking

Food. The cuisine in Montenegro has a distinctly Italian influence, so keep an eye out for national specialities such as lamb or kid's meat, pizza, polenta, stuffed capsicums, cheese and sour cream and Vienna-style bread, clear fish soup, and prsuta (smoked ham) and steak from a region in Montenegro called Durmitor. Turkish influences can be found in moussaka (a baked aubergine and minced meat) and cevapi (skinless sausages or meatballs served with onions, peppers and bread). Other specialities include gibanica (thinly layered pastry, eggs and feta cheese, burek (a pastry layered with cheese or meat), and ajvar (a relish made of roasted red peppers, aubergine and garlic). Fresh fish such as carp, trout and eel come from the Skadar Lake. Vegetables such as chicory, asparagus, leeks, fennel and nettles are common to many dishes.

Drink. National drinks you may wish to try are plum brandy (slivovica), niksicko beer, lozova rakija (grape brandy) And wine. Please note that most places serving alcohol close by 10pm.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course EUR 25.

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) EUR 2.

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) EUR 1.

Tipping

It is customary to give round up the taxi fare and leave an extra Euro 1-2 extra at restaurants. Tipping guides at the end of excursions is always appreciated and your tour leader will advise you on the amount for this.

Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Kotor January 55 13 4 36 2 10

February 55 13 4 36 2 9

March 61 16 5 41 5 10

April 66 19 6 45 7 12

May 75 24 8 54 12 9

June 82 28 9 59 15 6

July 88 31 10 64 18 5

August 88 31 9 64 18 5

September 79 26 8 57 14 9

October 72 22 6 52 11 11

November 63 17 4 45 7 13

December 55 13 3 37 3 14


General Morocco Info

Geographical area


Population

32.6 million



Time Zone

Morocco is on Greenwich Meant Time.

Electricity


Religion

Muslim 99% (official; virtually all Sunni, <0.1% Shia), other 1% (includes Christian, Jewish, and Baha'i)

Money

The monetary unit in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). 1 Dirham = 100 centimes.

Current Exchange rate MAD 100 (EUR 9.60) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

We recommend you bring some cash in a hard currency (US Dollars, GB Pounds, Euros) and a good ATM card. In some smaller towns there are no ATMs that take foreign cards, so be sure you get enough cash to carry you until the next major city. BCM seems to be the best bank, accepting foreign cards in most of their ATMs.

Language

Arabic (official), several Berber dialects; French, usually the language of business, government, and diplomacy.

Eating And Drinking

Food. The main Moroccan dish most people are familiar with is couscous, the old national delicacy. Beef is the most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco, usually eaten in a tagine with a wide selection of vegetables. Chicken is also very commonly used in tagines, or roasted. Lamb is also heavily consumed, Moroccan lamb does not have the pungent flavour that Western lamb and mutton have. Since Morocco lies on two coasts, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Moroccan cuisine has ample seafood dishes. European pilchard is caught in large but declining quantities. Other fish species include mackerel, anchovy, sardinella, and horse mackerel.

Drink. The most popular drink is green tea with mint. Traditionally, making good mint tea in Morocco is considered an art form. The pouring technique is as crucial as the quality of the tea itself. Moroccan tea pots have long, curved pouring spouts and this allows the tea to be poured evenly into tiny glasses from a height. For the best taste, glasses are filled in two stages. The Moroccans traditionally like tea with bubbles, so while pouring they hold the teapot high above the glasses. Finally, the tea is accompanied with hard sugar cones or lumps.

Moroccan males are especially keen on their coffee, a legacy of the French occupation. No self-respecting Moroccan cafe would dare serve instant coffee, and coffee lovers can find fresh coffee just about anywhere at any time.

Morocco is by no means a dry country, but drinking in public is still frowned upon and is extremely ignorant if practiced near a mosque. Besides a few select establishments, mainly in Marrakech, Moroccan bars, called brasseries, are all-male, smoky drinking dens that are only for the desperately thirsty and are unpleasant for females. Most upscale restaurants, however, will have a liquor license, and should be able to offer beer, if not also wine and spirits. Morocco has three local brands of beer - Casablanca, Stork, and Flag. Flag Is the most popular.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course MAD 150 (EUR 14.39).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) MAD 14 (EUR 1.34).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) MAD 25 (EUR 2.40).

Tipping

Tipping is customary to give the waiter 5%-10% on top of the bill if you are happy with the service. Tipping guides at the end of excursions and treks etc is always appreciated and your tour leader will advise you on the amount for this.


Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Casablanca January 63 17 6 46 8 8

February 63 17 7 48 9 7

March 66 19 8 50 10 7

April 68 20 9 52 11 7

May 70 21 10 57 14 5

June 73 23 10 63 17 1

July 79 26 10 66 19 1

August 79 26 10 68 20 1

September 79 26 9 66 19 3

October 73 23 8 59 15 6

November 70 21 8 54 12 8

December 64 18 6 50 10 11


F C Hours F C Days

Marrakech January 66 19 7 43 6 8

February 70 21 8 46 8 7

March 77 25 8 52 11 8

April 81 27 8 55 13 8

May 84 29 9 59 15 5

June 95 35 11 66 19 1

July 100 38 11 70 21 1

August 100 38 11 70 21 1

September 91 33 9 66 19 3

October 84 29 8 61 16 6

November 73 23 7 52 11 7

December 68 20 7 46 8 7


General Serbia Info

Geographical area


Population

8.3 million



Time Zone

Serbia is 1 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time.

Electricity


Religion

Majority Eastern Orthodox Serbs, with a Muslim ethnic Albanian minority, a Muslim ethnic Slavic minority in the Raska region of the southwest, a Roman Catholic ethnic Serbian and Croatian minority, a Protestant ethnic Hungarian minority (in the province of Vojvodina) and a small Jewish community.

Money

The monetary unit in Serbia is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). 1 Dinar = 100 Paras.

Current Exchange rate RSD 100 (EUR 0.86) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT


Language

Serbian, and uses both Cyrillic and Latin script. Some Hungarian and Albanian also spoken in the north.

Eating And Drinking

Food. One of the great joys of Serbia is sampling the wide selection of different dishes available. Food offered in much of Serbia is delicious, hearty, and often meat orientated. You may well find smoked or salted fish, pickled cabbage stew, beef stroganoff, goulash, meat stews, game meat, and many varieties of dumplings.

Drink. Rakia is very common throughout Serbia but beer is the main alcoholic drink and Serbia is proud of its national beers. All drinks such as bottled water or soft drinks are fairly inexpensive. Alcoholic drinks vary in price, with beer generally being the cheapest option.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course RSD 2,300 (EUR 19.72).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) RSD 135 (EUR 1.16).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) RSD 120 (EUR 1.03).

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory in Serbian restaurants, but if you are satisfied with the service then leave a 10 to 15% tip. At bars and with taxis leave a tip by rounding off the amount.

Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Belgrade January 39 4 1 30 -1 10

February 43 6 2 30 -1 7

March 52 11 3 39 4 10

April 63 17 3 46 8 14

May 72 22 3 54 12 12

June 75 24 3 57 14 12

July 82 28 6 63 17 10

August 81 27 8 63 17 9

September 75 24 4 55 13 10

October 64 18 2 46 8 10

November 48 9 2 37 3 11

December 41 5 0 32 0 12


General Tajikistan Info

Geographical area


Population

8,604,882 million



Time Zone

UTC +5h

Electricity

220 V - 50 Hz - Sockets are of European two pronged round pin variety.

Religion

Muslim 98% (Sunni 95%, Shia 3%) other 2%

Money

The monetary unit in Tajikistan is the Tajikistan Somoni (TJS). 1 Som = 100 Tiyin.

Current Exchange rate TJS 10,000 (EUR 781.20) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

Tajikistan is a cash economy. Paying by credit card or travellers cheque will be possible only in high-end hotels. To avoid money stress, have at least some cash on hand. There are a few cash dispensers. US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency. Only change money through official exchange booths. It is illegal to change money on the black market, and harsh penalties will be imposed on those caught doing so. Damaged or marked bank notes will not be accepted at official exchange locations.

Language

Tajik (official) 84.4%, Uzbek 11.9%, Kyrgyz .8%, Russian .5%, other 2.4%

Eating And Drinking

Food. Plov, is a rice dish cooked with beef or mutton, and carrots. It's all fried together in vegetable oil or mutton fat in a special qazan (a wok-shaped cauldron) over an open flame. Qurotob is considered the national dish. A traditional dish that is still eaten with hands from a communal plate, before serving the dish is topped with onions fried in oil until golden and other fried vegetables. No meat is added. Sambusa (Samosa in India) are baked pastries stuffed with minced meat (lamb or beef), crispy on the outside. Shashlik (shish-kebab), barbequed meat, fish, liver, chicken, mutton or beef, skewers are usually grilled on coal. Choose from liver, chicken, mutton and beef. Dolma, a Turkish dish is made up of steamed rolls wrapped with grape leafs and meat inside. Mantu, (manti In Turkey) is a hugely popular dish all over Central Asia, mantu is a dumpling dish wrapped with meat inside, served with sour cream and fried onions. Shurbo, is a fresh vegetable soup with lamb or beef, served with green onion and basil is served in almost every meal we had in Tajikistan.

Drink. If you want to meet locals in Tajikistan sit down for some tea or if invited out, you will most certainly be offered tea. Green tea is the most popular tea and sugar is never added. Tea is the chief drink of choice in Tajikistan, and choykhanas, some housed in traditional wooden-timbered buildings, are common all over the country, catering to this national drink.

Alcohol is available in Tajikistan, despite the fact that the people are primarily Muslim, a religion that outlaws alcohol. Also due to Soviet influence, beer and vodka are the most popular alcoholic drinks. In urban centres, the Russian heritage has given rise to some lively bars and these offer a modest nightlife, especially in Dushanbe. Both Hissar and Dushanbe brew their own beer, though bottled Russian imports like the Baltika range are the most common.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course TJS 110 (EUR 8.59).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) TJS 14 (EUR 1.09).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) TJS 10 (EUR 0.78).

Tipping

Tipping in Tajikistan isn't common or expected. In the bigger cities and nice restaurants you should expect to tip about 10%..


Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Tashkent January 37 3 3 21 -6 10

February 45 7 4 27 -3 8

March 54 12 5 37 3 12

April 64 18 7 46 8 10

May 79 26 10 55 13 7

June 88 31 12 63 17 4

July 91 33 12 64 18 1

August 90 32 12 61 16 1

September 81 27 10 52 11 1

October 64 18 7 41 5 5

November 54 12 5 36 2 7

December 45 7 3 28 -2 9


General Turkey Info

Turkey has so much to offer the traveller with its breathtaking natural beauty, unique historical sites and the famous Turkish hospitality. Walk across the soil that holds intact remains from the Hittites to the Ottomans and more classical Hellenistic sites than Greece! Nearly every major empire has conquered, occupied and left their trace on these lands.

Turkey is a country with a double identity, poised delicately between East and West. The only NATO member in the Middle East region, the country has recently been accepted as a candidate for membership of the EU. Yet although in many respects Western Turkey retains its frustrating differences, and its fascinating contradictions: mosques co-exist with churches, and remnants of the Greco-Roman Empire, ancient Hittite and Neolithic sites, crumble alongside modern culture.

Politically, modern Turkey was a bold experiment, founded on the remaining Anatolian kernel of the Ottoman Empire and almost entirely the creation of a single man, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. An explicitly secular republic, though one in which almost all of the inhabitants are at least nominally Muslim. It's a vast country and incorporates large disparities in levels of development. At the same time, it's an immensely rewarding place to travel, not least because of the people, whose reputation for friendliness and hospitality is richly deserved.

Turkey is spread upon 3% of the European continent and 97% in Asia. It is bordered by Europe and the Aegean Sea to the West, the Caucasus Mountains to the East, the Black Sea in the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. With 7000 kms of coastline, snow capped mountains and volcanoes, natural wonders, immense rivers, pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and rich agricultural valleys, welcome to Turkey,

Largest city: Istanbul 13 million; capital city: Ankara 5 million.

Geographical area

814, 578 sq kms

Population

78,785,548 million. (July 2011 est.)



Time Zone

Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time. During day light saving Turkey is 3 hours ahead of GMT, which is from the last Sunday in March to the last Saturday in October.

Electricity

All appliances need a double round pin type plug for 220 volts AC, 50-hertz.

Religion and Local Law

90% of Turkish people are Muslim, however, for many people this is more of an identity rather than a strict religion. You would never guess this statistic walking around much of Western Turkey, especially Istanbul, which in part is a trendy, cosmopolitan city. Turkish Law is secular and guarantees complete freedom of worship to people of all religions. It is recommended that at least one set of modest clothing is taken with you. It is a sign of respect to cover your shoulders and legs when visiting mosques and also attracts less unwanted attention. You cannot visit a mosque during prayer time unless you are praying.

If you have any questions concerning appropriate (and legal) behaviour please ask your tour guide or leader. If accused of and detained for illegal behaviour, the Turkish authorities are obliged to inform your embassy or consular representative immediately, you can also insist on communicating with them directly. Turkish authorities command a high level of respect so be polite at all times.

Turkish law requires everyone (Turks and non-Turks) to carry ID at all times. Always remember that in Turkey you are bound by Turkish law.

Money

The currency unit in Turkey is Turkish Lira (TRY). 100 Kurus = 1 Turkish Lira

Current Exchange rate TRY 1 (EUR 0.07) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 Lira

Coins: 5, 10, 25, 50 Kurus and 1 Lira

You should always carry some back up cash or traveller's cheques separate to the rest of your money and cards. So if you loose your wallet or handbag, you have enough back up money to at least make some phone calls and eat for a few days.

A mixture of cash and credit cards are the best forms of currency. Credit cards are also accepted in most of the restaurants, bars and pubs. MasterCard and Visa are most welcomed; American Express cards work at some ATMs and Amex offices. Credit cards are also useful for cash advances, which allow you to withdraw Lira instantly from associated banks and ATMs throughout Turkey. Cash cards and ATM's are widespread in most of Turkey; in Istanbul, Canakkale, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Kas, Cappadocia, and Ankara. When travelling, plan your budget and use the ATM machines before leaving the main towns.

Always try and use ATM's that are attached to banks while the bank is open, so that if the ATM swallows your card, you can go into the bank and get the card back.

It is much cheaper to convert money to Turkish Lira in Turkey than at home. Using an ATM or a credit card will often get you the best possible exchange rates; the post and telephone office (PTT) and banks offer very reasonable rates too. In the past, because of Turkey's high inflation rate, it was best to convert money on a daily basis. However, the currency has remained steady against all major currencies in recent years.

It is difficult for us to specify the money that you will spend per day, however, as a general rule EUR 20 to EUR 40 per day, can provide you with additional meals and optional entrances. Should you wish to purchase souvenirs or other gifts, of which there is a diverse range, you will have to budget for these.



Eating And Drinking

Turkey is a gourmet's paradise, although, many unadventuresome travellers come away having only consumed vast quantities of doner and shish kebab that they are familiar with from home.

You can start your day with a delicious 'Turkish breakfast'; Turkish bread, white cheese, tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, boiled egg, jam or honey and of course Turkish tea. Alternatively, try the Menemen, which is scrambled eggs with peppers, onion, tomato and if you're lucky salami. At most of the hotels, you will be served a 'buffet breakfast' with a wide variety of foods.

There are two types of restaurants in Turkey; restaurants which have an a-la-carte menu with food on display that will be cooked for you and 'ready meal' restaurants which have a range of previously prepared dishes in warming trays for you to choose. The beauty of 'ready meal' restaurants is that you can try a wide range of small dishes for a relatively cheap price. During your tour, we will give lunch breaks at such type of restaurants to save your money and time.

In more salubrious restaurants you can order 'mezes' (appetizers) where a bewildering array of dishes is available. These are small dishes ranging from stuffed vegetables and tightly rolled cheese pastries to pickled vegetables, courgettes and aubergines in their many guises. Vegetarians are especially catered for in mezes, which usually come with a range of purees and vinaigrettes.

Main dishes are generally on display; you choose and the meat or fish is taken away to be prepared. Fish is usually charged by the weight. Shish and doner kebabs are served everywhere but perhaps better still are Adana kebabs - spicy (not by Thai standards!) minced meat with a sprinkling of the purple sumac herb.

Do not forget to save room for dessert, which is almost always sweet! Highlights include 'baklava' (a flaky, sweet nut pastry, usually with pistachio), 'kadayif' (shredded pasty dough filled with nuts and drenched in syrup), 'tavukgogsu' (a creamy sweet made of pulverised chicken fibres), and 'helva' (sesame paste).

Travellers often find it surprising that tea (cay) rather than coffee is the national drink of Turkey. Grown along the Black Sea coast it has become an essential element of socialising. It is served in small fluted glasses with a very small spoon and saucer and cubes of sugar alongside. Coffee is also popular in Turkey and you can find numerous alternatives of Cappuccino, Nescafe, Espresso.

Carbonated soft drinks are available everywhere in Turkey - Cola or Pepsi, Fanta, Sprite, natural fruit and pulp drinks served in bottles include orange, lemon, apricot, peach and sour cherry.

You will find a wide variety of alcoholic drinks in Turkey, we suggest you don't try them all in one night! Beer (bira) is ever popular. Efes, Pilsen and Tuborg are the leading brands, which are very refreshing in the summer. They are sold in bottles, cans and drought. Establishments often have an agreement with only one brewery and therefore will only sell one brand. Wine is grown in areas as diverse as Thrace and Cappadocia. The best domestic white wines are 'Cankaya', 'Villa Doluca', and 'Kavaklidere', made in Cappadocia, while 'Yakut' and 'Kavalikdere' produce the finest red. 'Raki', the national aperitif served with ice and water which turns the clear spirit cloudy, is a very warming drink although you may find it a bit rough at first - persevere. Domestically produced gin, vodka and brandy are also available in most of the bars, pubs, and restaurants.

A basic lunch and dinner (main meal + salad) in a local restaurant will cost you between TRY 20 (EUR 1.49) and TRY 30 (EUR 2.23), a soft drink about TRY 5 (EUR 0.37).

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course TRY 65 (EUR 4.83).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) TRY 8 (EUR 0.59).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) TRY 12 (EUR 0.89).

Tipping

Tips are common place and customary in Turkey, for everything from table service in a restaurant to a massage in a Turkish bath. It is more often a reward for good service and for most local people, an essential means of supplementing their income, meagre by Western Standards. Often tourists to a country don't know how much to tip or who to tip.

The following amounts are a guideline and based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:

Restaurants and taxis: Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change. More up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.

Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your tour guide. We suggest USD 5 (EUR 4.46) per person per day for local guides.

Drivers: You may have a range of private drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however USD 2 (EUR 1.78) per person per day is generally appropriate.

Gulet Boat Trips: If you are travelling through Southern Turkey on a Gulet Boat trip we suggest USD 2 (EUR 1.78) per person per day for the boat staff.

To answer your next question. . . as a guideline we suggest for your tour guide USD 5 (EUR 4.46) per person per day, but ultimately, its up to you.


Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Antalya January 59 15 5 43 6 13

February 59 15 6 43 6 11

March 64 18 7 46 8 8

April 70 21 8 52 11 6

May 77 25 10 59 15 5

June 86 30 12 66 19 3

July 93 34 13 72 22 1

August 93 34 12 72 22 1

September 88 31 11 66 19 1

October 79 26 8 59 15 6

November 70 21 6 52 11 8

December 61 16 5 46 8 13


F C Hours F C Days

Çanakkale January 55 13 4 45 7 13

February 57 14 6 46 8 11

March 59 15 6 48 9 9

April 66 19 8 52 11 7

May 75 24 10 59 15 5

June 84 29 12 66 19 2

July 90 32 13 72 22 1

August 90 32 12 72 22 0

September 81 27 10 66 19 2

October 73 23 8 59 15 6

November 64 18 6 52 11 11

December 57 14 4 48 9 12


F C Hours F C Days

Cappadocia January 39 4 3 25 -4 12

February 41 5 4 26 -3 13

March 50 10 5 32 0 13

April 60 16 7 41 5 13

May 69 21 9 46 8 13

June 77 25 11 52 11 8

July 82 28 12 55 13 3

August 82 28 12 55 13 2

September 75 24 9 50 10 3

October 64 18 7 43 6 7

November 52 11 5 35 2 9

December 43 6 3 28 -2 12


F C Hours F C Days

Istanbul January 46 8 5 37 3 18

February 46 8 6 37 3 15

March 52 11 6 39 4 14

April 59 15 8 45 7 11

May 70 21 10 54 12 9

June 77 25 11 63 17 6

July 82 28 12 70 21 5

August 82 28 10 70 21 6

September 73 23 9 61 16 7


Weather cont.

October 66 19 6 55 13 11

November 57 14 5 46 8 14

December 48 9 4 41 5 17


F C Hours F C Days

Kusadasi January 54 12 5 45 7 12

February 54 12 6 43 6 11

March 57 14 7 46 8 9

April 64 18 9 52 11 8

May 75 24 11 59 15 5

June 84 29 13 68 20 4

July 90 32 14 72 22 8

August 90 32 13 73 23 7

September 81 27 11 64 18 5

October 72 22 8 59 15 6

November 63 17 6 52 11 8

December 55 13 5 46 8 14


General Uzbekistan Info

Geographical area


Population

31.5 million



Time Zone

Uzbekistan is 5 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time.

Electricity


Religion

Muslim 88% (Sunni), Russian Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Money

The monetary unit in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). 1 Som = 100 Tiyin.

Current Exchange rate UZS 10,000 (EUR 0.82) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

Bring enough cash for the duration of your stay. Travellers' cheques are not normally accepted. There are very few cash dispensers. US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency. Only change money through official exchange booths. It is illegal to change money on the black market, and harsh penalties will be imposed on those caught doing so. Damaged or marked bank notes will not be accepted at official exchange locations. You will need to complete a foreign currency declaration form when you arrive, and keep a copy yourself. You cannot leave with more foreign currency than you arrive with.

Language

Uzbek (Turkic tongue) 74%, Russian 14%, Tajik 4.5%, other 7%

Eating And Drinking

Food. Mutton is a popular variety of meat due to the abundance of sheep in the country and it is a part of various Uzbek dishes. Uzbekistan's signature dish is palov (plov or osh or 'pilaf'), a main course typically made with rice, pieces of meat, grated carrots and onions. It is usually cooked in a kazan (or deghi) over an open fire; chickpeas, raisins, barberries, or fruit may be added for variation.

Drink. If you want to meet locals in Uzbekistan sit down for some tea or if invited out, you will most certainly be offered tea. Green tea is the most popular tea and sugar is never added. For a more historic drink, try ayran, which is a yogurt drink and more common during the hot summer months or sumalyak, which is cream of wheat. If you want coffee, juice, or soft drinks, they are also available although none have a true place in the country's culture.

Alcohol is popular in Uzbekistan, despite the fact that the people are primarily Muslim, a religion that outlaws alcohol, however due to the people's long history under Soviet rule there is little taboo with drinking alcohol today. Even for locals who don't drink they rarely take offense when others drink. Also due to Soviet influence, beer and vodka are the most popular alcoholic drinks, but there are a few local wineries as well. Vodka, beer, and wine, both local and foreign are widely available in the country. For other alcoholic drinks, including most hard liquors, you may have troubles finding what you want, but if you look hard enough they are available, although rarely in restaurants.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course UZS 100,000 (EUR 8.21).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) UZS 15,000 (EUR 1.23).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) UZS 12,000 (EUR 0.99).

Tipping

Tipping in Uzbekistan isn't common or expected. In nicer establishments you may see a 10% service charge on the bill. If you felt service was exceptional then you can tip up to 5%.


Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Tashkent January 37 3 3 21 -6 10

February 45 7 4 27 -3 8

March 54 12 5 37 3 12

April 64 18 7 46 8 10

May 79 26 10 55 13 7

June 88 31 12 63 17 4

July 91 33 12 64 18 1

August 90 32 12 61 16 1

September 81 27 10 52 11 1

October 64 18 7 41 5 5

November 54 12 5 36 2 7

December 45 7 3 28 -2 9


General Lebanon Info

Geographical area


Population

6.8 million



Time Zone

Lebanon is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Meant Time.

Electricity


Religion

Muslim 61.1% (30.6% Sunni, 30.5% Shia), Christian 33.7% (Maronite Catholics are the largest Christian group), Druze 5.2%

Money

The monetary unit in Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (LBP). 1 Lebanese Pound = 100 piastres.

Current Exchange rate LBP 10,000 (EUR 5.79) as at Thu, 25 Nov 2021 23:55:01 GMT

Most commercial banks have ATMs that can be used with international debit and credit cards. Usually ATMs are not hard to find. Visa and MasterCard are mostly accepted.

Language

Arabic (official), French, English

Eating And Drinking

Food. Lebanese cuisine is similar to those of many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, such as Syria, Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus. The Lebanese national dishes are the kibbe, a meat pie made from finely minced lamb and burghul (cracked wheat), and the tabbouleh, a salad made from parsley, tomatoes, and burghul. Lebanese restaurant meals begin with a wide array of mezze - small savoury dishes, such as dips, salads, and pastries. The mezze are typically followed by a selection of grilled meat or fish. In general, meals are finished with Arabic coffee and fresh fruit, though sometimes a selection of traditional sweets will be offered as well. M'Juhdara, a thick stew of onions, rice, and lentils, is sometimes considered poor man's fare and is often eaten around Lent by people in the Lebanese diaspora. Beirut and its environs contain many restaurants of various national origins.

Alcohol. The national beverage is arak, a strong anise-flavored liquor made from fermented grape juice. It is usually drunk with water and ice, which turns the clear liquid milky-white, and usually accompanies food. Arak is a strong spirit similar to the Greek ouzo and the Turkish raki. Wine is growing in popularity and a number of vineyards exist in the Bekaa valley and elsewhere. Beer is also highly popular and Lebanon produces a number of local beers, of which almaza is perhaps the most popular.

Meal for 2 persons, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course USD 100 (EUR 89.17).

Cup of Coffee / Cappuccino (regular) USD 6 (EUR 5.35).

Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught) USD 5 (EUR 4.46).

Tipping

Tipping is widespread in Lebanon. Hotel porters and parking valets Somewhere around LBP 4,000 (EUR 2.31), depending on the level of service, will be appreciated. Waiters Usually tipped around 10% to 15%, but check your bill before doing so: some places automatically add a 15% service charge.


Weather


F C Hours F C Days

Beirut January 61 16 8 50 10 15

February 61 16 8 50 10 13

March 64 18 10 52 11 10

April 70 21 11 57 14 7

May 73 23 13 63 17 4

June 79 26 14 68 20 0

July 82 28 14 72 22 0

August 84 29 13 73 23 0

September 82 28 12 72 22 2

October 79 26 10 68 20 6

November 72 22 9 59 15 9

December 63 17 8 52 11 14


pre departure pack - fez travel

Documents