We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
No departure tax currenlty applies when leaving Iraqi Kurdistan by air.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Iraq |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
$1.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
$1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
$2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
$10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
$18.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Citizens of many countires including Australia, New Zealand and most of the EU, Canada and the USA are granted a free 15-day visa on arrival. regulations can and do change and so we recommend that you check with your nearest embassy or consulate for the most up to date information.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A and Meningitis. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. There have been recent outbreaks of Cholera and we suggest seeking advice about precautions you should take.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Much of the region is typified by an extreme continental climate – hot in the summer, bitterly cold in the winter. Despite this, much of the region is fertile and has historically exported grain and livestock. Precipitation varies between 200 and 400 mm a year in the plains, and between 700 and 3,000 mm a year on the high plateaux between mountain chains. The best time to visit is from February to May and September to November.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 40lbs/20kgs.
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Clothing
When it comes to clothing it is usually recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer ones at night- in some areas it can get very cool in the mountians. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun. you should also make sure you bring a waterproof jacket for any rainy days.
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Footwear
Comfortable shoes/boots are recommended.
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Equipment
Suncream/sunblock is a must. Insect repellent will also be useful to have.
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Personal First Aid Kit
Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well prepared: adequately immunized, with sufficient supplies of perscription drugs, along with a medical kit and a letter from your doctor if required.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Please note:
You should always ask permission before taking anyone's photograph and respect their decision if they say no. In more remote areas women and older people often do not want to be photographed. Although not widely common, some people may also ask for some money- sometimes a little, sometimes a lot- in return for a photo. Taking photos of military instillations, state buildings, and airports can lead to problems with local authorities. If you are unsure about whether it is acceptable to take a photo, please ask your tour leader or guide.
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Kurdish cuisine is based on lamb, chicken, rice and bread, and the use of many fresh herbs and vegetables. If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
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Travelling in the destinations that we visit requires a good deal of understanding that often standards simply won't be the same as they are at home. While we aim to make your trip as comfortable as possible, please be aware that we are often visiting remote or less developed regions that may have little infrastructure. While we aim to make your trip run smoothly as possible there may be times when we need to ask for your patience while we rectify any problems.
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Women should not enter mosques unless specifically told they can do so and you should always refer to your guide regarding dress code and behaviour in and near religious sites.
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RAMADAN 2013 - 9th July to 8th August
Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
Electrical supply is 220V amd plugs usually have two round pins like most European countries or three pins as in the UK. It is recommended that you take a mulit adaptor or international plug.
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For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Road Through Kurdistan- A.M Hamilton
A Thousand Sighs, A thousand Revolts; Journey in Kurdistan- Christine Bird
Kurdistan: In teh Shadow of History- Susan Meiselas
Invisible nation- Quil Lawrence
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Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
