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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.
While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested.
You will need extra money to cover meals not included in the tour price, other sightseeing, entry visa if applicable (approx. US$18)or personal items.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Lebanon |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.70 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.70 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.80 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£6.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£10.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£8.00 |
| 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
The following information relates to EU passport holders travelling on this tour, regardless of whether ex-London or Land Only.
A visa can be obtained upon arival in Lebanon either for free depending on your nationality or for 25000LP (approximately $18.00USD) or in advance via our visa service.
Please check with your relevant embassy prior to departure.
Please note: Visitors arriving with evidence of a visit to Israel (such as an entry stamp to Israel or an entry stamp into a neighbouring country at a point that indicates a visit to Israel would have to have been made) will be refused entry to Lebanon, even if the bearer holds valid visa(s).
All nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
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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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus infectious hepatitis and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
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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
Lebanon has a Mediterranean climate. The summers are hot and humid, mild weather in spring and autumn; winter can be cold with some snow and can drop to sub zero from December to March.
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Additional information and climate charts can be accessed at http://www.explore.co.uk/ weather. Seasonal weather patterns can be
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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: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember – hotel porters are not always available, so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
Lightweight clothing is essential in mid-summer (July-September) though a sweater or light jacket is advisable for cool evenings. Sun hat and neck protection are essential. Bring a waterproof jacket. Winters can be very cold, especially in the mountains at the ski resort of Bcharreh, so you need warm clothing.
Women should not wear revealing shorts or dresses in Lebanon – loose fitting trousers are ideal. When entering a mosque or church women should cover their head and shoulders and men should wear long trousers.
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Footwear
Comfortable walking boots/shoes and sandals or trainers.
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Equipment
Sun hat and protective cream. A torch is useful when exploring some sites. To cut down on waste plastic resulting from buying bottled water, why not consider taking your own water purification filter and waterbottle with you on holiday? These are available from Explore Trader or all good outdoors shops.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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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
Trip Summary
The Lebanon presents a deeply rich cultural, natural and archaeological milieu for investigation and contemplation. Lebanon is a tiny country – smaller than Northern Ireland or Connecticut – yet it has played a huge role in world history as a crossroads and meeting place of ancient civilisations. This land of stunning rugged mountains, fertile valleys and long coastal strip was home to the Phoenicians, a maritime people whose busy markets attracted traders from all parts of the known world. We visit many historic places from different millennia, following in the footsteps of Hannibal, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, Richard the Lionheart and the great Saladin. Walking in the remote and spectacular Qadisha Valley we enjoy a sense of other-worldliness and furthermore we experience the hospitality and friendliness of the Lebanese people who are keen to welcome visitors.
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Please note:
RAMADAN 2010 11th August – 9th September
Please note that 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
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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