Travel Tips
Climate / Clothing
Egypt: Spring: 70°F - 85°F; Summer: 80°F - 130°F; Autumn: 70°F - 85°F; Winter: 60°F - 85°F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses are also recommended. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts
Egypt Average Temperatures: http://www.gutsywomentravel.com/eastern-med/eastmed-weather.asp.
Greece: Spring: 60°F-80°F; Summer: 85°F-95°F; Autumn: 60°F-80°F; Winter: 40°F-50°F Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer, and an all-weather coat. On cruises, informal dress is the general rule with some occasions requiring cocktail attire.
Greece Average Temperatures: http://www.gutsywomentravel.com/eastern-med/eastmed-weather.asp.
Israel: Spring: 60°F - 85°F; Summer: 70°F - 90°F; Autumn: 60°F - 80°F; Winter: 45°F - 70°F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. In the heat of summer, bring sunscreen and a hat. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Israel Average Temperatures: http://www.gutsywomentravel.com/eastern-med/eastmed-weather.asp.
Jordan: Spring: 60°F - 85°F; Summer: 70°F - 90°F; Autumn: 60°F - 80°F; Winter: 45°F - 70°F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. In the heat of summer, bring sunscreen and a hat. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Jordan Average Temperatures: http://www.gutsywomentravel.com/eastern-med/eastmed-weather.asp.
Morocco: Morocco’s climate is Mediterranean in the north and sub-tropical in the south. Dress is casual, even in the major cities. We recommend that expensive jewelry be left at home, along with suits, ties and evening dress. Comfortable shoes are a must, particularly for walking in the medina. Sunglasses and a hat are also suggested. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Morocco Average Temperatures: http://www.gutsywomentravel.com/africa/africa-weather.asp.
Turkey: Spring: 50°F - 65°F; Summer: 70°F - 90°F; Autumn: 55°F - 75°F; Winter: 40°F -55°F. Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.
http://www.gutsywomentravel.com/eastern-med/eastmed-weather.asp.
Language
Egypt: Arabic is the local language. Limited English is generally understood and spoken as well.
Greece: Greek is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken as well.
Israel: Hebrew and Arabic are the local languages. English is generally spoken as well.
Jordan: Arabic is the local language. Limited English is generally understood and spoken as well.
Morocco: Arabic is the official language. French is also widely spoken. Limited English is spoken as well.
Turkey: Turkish is the local language. Limited English is spoken in tourist areas.
Passports & Visas
Egypt: Passport and visa required. See the Gutsy Women Travel Passports and Visas Page for more information.
Greece Passport required. Visa not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days.
Israel: Passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds required. Visa not required for tourist or business stay of up to 90 days.
Jordan: Passport and visa required. Visitors may obtain a visa for Jordan, for a fee, at most international ports of entry upon arrival except at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge. See the Gutsy Women Travel Passports and Visas Page for more information.
Morocco: Passport required. Visa not required for stays up to 3 months, extendible.
Turkey: Passport and visa required. Visas can be obtained at Turkish border crossing points for tourist/business visits of up to 3 months or through a Turkish consular office in the US. See the Gutsy Women Travel Passports and Visas Page for more information.
For more information, please see www.gutsywomentravel.com/visas.asp.
Currency
Egypt: The Egyptian pound is the currency of Egypt.
Greece: The Euro is the currency of Greece.
Israel: The shekel (NIS) is the currency of Israel. However, you can pay with U.S. currency everywhere (except for items under $20).
Jordan: The Jordanian dinar is the currency of Jordan.
Morocco: The dirham is the unit of currency in Morocco. Credit Cards can only be used for large purchases, and they are usually not accepted in small stores or markets. It is difficult to exchange travelers checks and find ATM machines. Be aware that not all ATM machines accept foreign cards. It is recommended to exchange or withdraw money at the Airport.
Turkey: The official currency is the Turkish lira.
Tipping
Tipping is considered by locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation" There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
For specific guidelines, please refer to www.gutsywomentravel.com/tipping.asp
Electricity
Egypt: The voltage used is 220 volts.
Greece: The voltage used is 220 volts.
Israel: The voltage used is 220 volts. Israeli sockets are usually 3-pronged, and foreign-made appliances generally require an adapter.
Jordan: The voltage used is 220 volts.
Morocco: The voltage used is 220 volts.
Turkey: The voltage used is 220 volts.
*Note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
Shopping
Egypt: Stick to the Egyptian bazaars offering colorful wares and great bargains. Be prepared to haggle. You may wish to avoid the street vendors, some of whom can be very aggressive. It is accepted practice for all guides in Egypt to take visitors into shops in all cities on their itinerary. Everyone is taken, so be prepared, you will be too.
Greece: Although more people visit Greece for history rather than shopping, interesting souvenirs and artifacts abound. And each part of Greece has something different to offer, from the needlework of Lindos to the colorful umbrellas that Rhodes is famous for.
Israel: Shopping hours: From Sunday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 7 pm. Sabbath is from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday.
Most stores and businesses are closed on Saturday, Israel’s Sabbath.
Most hotels and many restaurants throughout the country keep kosher (observe Jewish dietary rules) which means no mixing of meat and milk products in food preparation and not serving port of shellfish. Non-kosher restaurants are open on Friday night and Saturday.
Jordan: Stick to the bazaars offering colorful wares and great bargains. Be prepared to haggle. You may wish to avoid the street vendors, some of whom can be very aggressive.
Morocco: Stick to the bazaars for wonderful Berber jewelry, hand-woven carpets, tooled leather goods and fine pottery. Be prepared to haggle for the best price. You may wish to avoid the street vendors, some of whom can be very aggressive.
Turkey: Shopping in Turkey, especially for carpets, can be fun. The workmanship is very good. Prices vary depending on materials and size. Your guide will suggest shops, but don’t feel pressured to purchase anything. The Grand Bazaar is a good source for small souvenirs. Don’t forget to bargain everywhere in Turkey. It’s expected. The Turkish street vendors can be very aggressive. The best policy is to ignore their unsolicited advances.
Health Precautions
No inoculations are necessary when arriving from the U.S. but you should consult with your health care provider before traveling.
To prevent "Montezuma's Revenge," avoid the tap water, including raw fruits and vegetables washed in tap water. Your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet. Bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case. *For the latest overseas travel health information, call the Center for Disease Control's traveler's hotline at 404-332-4559. Or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov
Conservation / Code of Conduct
Egypt: Islam is the dominant influence and many traditional customs and beliefs are tied up with religion. The people are generally courteous and hospitable and expect similar respect from visitors. Handshaking will suffice as a greeting. Because Egypt is a Muslim country, dress should be conservative and women should not wear revealing clothes, particularly when in religious buildings and in towns (although the Western style of dress is accepted in modern nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars in Cairo, Alexandria and other tourist destinations). Official or social functions and smart restaurants usually require more formal wear. Smoking is very common.
Greece: Although more people visit Greece for history rather than shopping, interesting souvenirs and artifacts abound. And each part of Greece has something different to offer, from the needlework of Lindos to the colorful umbrellas that Rhodes is famous for.
Clothing: A tie, trousers and shoes (as opposed to jeans and trainers) are necessary for entry to some nightclubs and restaurants, otherwise casual wear is widely acceptable. Smoking is prohibited in some public buildings, buses, and the London Underground.
Israel: Israelis are usually very informal, but in keeping with European style of hospitality. Visitors should observe normal courtesies when visiting someone’s home and should not be afraid to ask questions about the country as most Israelis are happy to talk about their homeland, religion and politics. Often the expression shalom (‘peace’) is used for hello and goodbye. Dress is casual, but in Christian, Jewish and Muslim holy places modest attire is worn. For places such as the Wailing Wall, male visitors are given a smart cardboard yarmulke (skull cap) to respect the religious importance of the site. Businesspeople are expected to dress smartly, while plush restaurants, nightclubs and hotel dining rooms may require guests to dress for dinner. Formal evening wear is usually specified on invitations. It is considered a violation of the Shabbat (Saturday) to smoke in certain restaurants and many hotels. There is usually a sign to remind the visitor, and to disregard this warning would be regarded as discourteous to Orthodox Jews.
Jordan: Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Jordanians are proud of their Arab culture, and hospitality here is a matter of great importance. Visitors are made to feel very welcome and Jordanians are happy to act as hosts and guides, and keen to inform tourists about their traditions and culture. Islam always plays an important role in society and it is essential that Muslim beliefs are respected (see the World of Islam appendix). Arabic coffee will normally be served continuously during social occasions. To signal that no more is wanted, slightly tilt the cup when handing it back, otherwise it will be refilled. A small gift is quite acceptable in return for hospitality. Women are expected to dress modestly and beachwear must only be worn at the beach or poolside. It is polite to ask permission to take photographs of people and livestock; in some places photography is forbidden.
Morocco: Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Many of the manners and social customs emulate French manners, particularly amongst the middle class. The visitor may find, in some social situations, that patience and firmness will pay dividends. Often visitors may find themselves the centre of unsolicited attention. In towns, young boys after money will be eager to point out the way, sell goods or simply charge for a photograph, while unofficial guides will always be offering advice or services. The visitor should be courteous but wary of the latter. Normal social courtesies should be observed in someone’s home. Casual wear is widely acceptable, although swimsuits and shorts should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking is widespread and it is customary to offer cigarettes.
Turkey: Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Hospitality is very important and visitors should respect Islamic customs. Informal wear is acceptable, but beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Smoking is widely acceptable but prohibited in cinemas, theatres, city buses and dolmuses (collective taxis).
Luggage
*Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to handling charges of up to $100 per piece.
As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If you luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gutsywomentravel.com/destinations/luggage.htm for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
Departure Tax
Egypt, Greece, Israel, Morocco, & Turkey: There are currently no departure taxes in Egypt, Greece, Israel, Morocco, or Turkey.
Jordan: $7 for land crossing from Eilat (Arava Border Crossing) to Aqaba.
Please see www.gutsywomentravel.com/departure-taxes.asp for more information.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance as additional security in the case of cancellation or interruption of travel plans, lost or damaged luggage, travel delays, illness, or accident. Keep all boarding passes, ticket copies and receipts for expenses paid during your trip if it later becomes necessary to file a claim.
Local Emergency Phone #
Egypt:
- ambulance/medical: 0
- fire: 03180
- police: 0
Greece:
- general emergency: 112
- ambulance/medical: 166
- fire: 199
- police: 100
Israel:
- ambulance/medical: 101
- fire: 102
- police: 100
Jordan:
- ambulance/medical: 193
- fire: 193
- police: 192
Morocco:
- ambulance/medical: 15
- fire: 15
- police: 19
Turkey:
- ambulance/medical: 112
- fire: 110
- police: 155
Holidays
Egypt:
| Jan 7 | Coptic Christmas Day | Jul 23 | Revolution Day | |
| Jan 21 | Grand Feast | Aug 15 | Wafa’a el Nil (Flooding of the Nile) | |
| Feb 10 | Islamic New Year | Sep 11 | *Coptic New Year | |
| Apr 25 | Sinai Liberation Day (Sinai only) | Oct 6 | Armed Forces Day | |
| May 1 | Labor Day | Oct 24 | Suez Victory Day | |
| May 2 | Sham el-Nassim (Coptic Easter) | Nov 3 | Bairam Feast (End of Ramadan) | |
| Jun 18 | Liberation Day | Dec 23 | Victory Day |
*Note: (a) These holidays are not official, although Coptic Christians may observe them. (b) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes the Bairam Feast, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some restaurants are closed during the day but most tourist attractions and hotels are not affected. Some disruption may continue into the 3-day Grand Feast itself.
Greece
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day | Apr 9 | Orthodox Easter Monday | |
| Jan 6 | Epiphany | May 1 | Labor Day | |
| Feb 19 | Orthodox Shrove Monday | May 27 | Day of the Holy Spirit | |
| Mar 25 | Independence Day | Aug 15 | Assumption | |
| Apr 6 | Orthodox Good Friday | Oct 28 | Ochi Day | |
| Apr 8 | Orthodox Easter | Dec 25 | Christmas Day | |
| Dec 26 | Boxing Day |
Israel
| Apr 13 - 19 | * Pesach (Passover) |
| May 3 | Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) |
| Jun 2 | Shavu’ot (Pentecost) |
| Sep 7 -13 | Sukkot (Tabernacles) |
| Sep 23 - 24 | Rosh Hashana (New Year) |
| Oct 2 | Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) |
| Oct 14 | Simhat Torah & Shemini Atzeret (Celebration of Renewal and Thanksgiving) |
| Dec 16 - 23 | Chanukah (Feast of the Lights) |
*Note: Only the first and last days of Passover and Sukkot are officially recognized as national holidays, but there may be some disruption on intermediate dates; many shops and businesses may open but close early. Jewish festivals commence on the evenings before the dates given above.
*The Jewish religious day is Saturday – Shabbat – and begins at nightfall on Friday until nightfall on Saturday. Most public services and shops close early on Friday as a result. Muslim and Christian holidays are also observed by the respective populations. Thus, depending on the district, the day of rest falls on Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Jordan:
| January 1 | New Year's Day | Jun 9 | Accession of HM King Abdullah | |
| Jan 21 | Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) | Jun 10 | Army Day | |
| Feb 10 | Islamic New Year | Sep 12 | Isra wa al-Miraj (Prophet’s Night Journey) | |
| Mar 25 | Good Friday | Nov 3 | Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) | |
| Mar 28 | Easter Monday | Nov 14 | King Hussein Remembrance Day | |
| Apr 21 | Eid al-Mawlid al-Nawabi (Birth of the Prophet) | Dec 25 | Christmas | |
| May 1 | Labor Day | Dec 31 | New Year’s Eve |
*Note: (a) Christmas and Easter holidays are only observed by Christian business establishments. (b) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from 2 to 10 days, depending on the region.
Morocco:
| Jan 1 | New Year's Day |
| Jan 11 | Manifesto of Independence |
| Jan 21 | Aïd al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) |
| Feb 10 | Fatih Mouharram (Muslim New Year) |
| Apr 21 | Aïd al-Mawlid (Prophet’s Birthday) |
| May 1 | Labor Day |
| Jul 30 | Corpus Christi |
| Jun 10 | Feast of the Throne |
| Aug 14 | Fête Oued Eddahab (Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day) |
| Aug 20 | Révolution du Roi et du Peuple (The King and the People’s Revolution Day) |
| Aug 21 | King Mohamed’s Birthday |
| Nov 3-5 | Aïd al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). |
| Nov 6 | Marche Verte (Anniversary of the Green March) |
| Nov 18 | Fête de l’Indépendence (Independence Day) |
*Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Aïd al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Aïd al-Fitr itself. Aïd al-Fitr and Aïd al-Adha may last anything from 2 to 10 days, depending on the region.
Turkey
| January 1 | New Year's Day |
| Jan 21 | Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice) |
| Apr 23 | National Sovereignty and Children's Day |
| May 19 | Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day |
| Aug 30 | Victory Day |
| Oct 29 | Republic Day |
| Nov 3-5 | Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan) |
Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Ramazan Bayrami, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Generally, centres of tourism are unaffected. Some disruption may continue into Ramazan Bayrami itself. Ramazan Bayrami and Kurban Bayrami may last anything from 2 to 10 days, depending on the region.
Driving
Egypt: Traffic drives on the right. Besides the Nile Valley and Delta, which hold an extensive road network, there are paved roads along the Mediterranean and African Red Sea coasts. The road looping through the Western Desert oases from Asyut to Giza is now fully paved. The speed limit is usually 90kph (56mph) on motorways and 100kph (62mph) on the desert motorway from Cairo to Alexandria (there are substantial fines for speeding). Private motoring in the desert regions is not recommended without suitable vehicles and a guide. For more details, contact the Egyptian Automobile Club in Cairo.
Greece: Greece has a good road network on the whole, totaling approximately 116,150km (72,174 miles), mostly paved. Traffic drives on the right. Examples of some distances from Athens: to Thessaloniki, 511km (318 miles); to Corinth, 85km (53 miles); to Igoumenitsa, 587km (365 miles); and to Delphi, 165km (103 miles).
Israel: Traffic drives on the right. An excellent system of roads connects all towns. Distances by road from Jerusalem to other cities are as follows: Tel Aviv 62km (39 miles), Tiberias 157km (97 miles), Eilat 312km (194 miles), Netanya 93km (58 miles), Dead Sea 104km (65 miles), Zefat 192km (120 miles) and Haifa 159km (99 miles).
Jordan: Main roads are good (there are nearly 3000km (1900 miles) of paved roads in the country), but desert tracks should be avoided. It is important to make sure that the vehicle is in good repair if traveling on minor roads or tracks. Take plenty of water and follow local advice carefully. In case of breakdown, contact the Automobile Association. Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are 60kph/38mph (cities), 80 kph/50mph (country roads) and 120kph/75mph (motorways). There are frequent passport controls along the Red Sea and travelers are advised to have their papers ready.
Morocco: Traffic drives on the right. The major Moroccan roads, particularly those covering the north and northwest of the country, are all-weather highways. In the interior, south of the High Atlas Mountains, road travel becomes much more difficult, especially across the Atlas Mountains in winter. Traffic drives on the right. Seatbelts are mandatory and the driving age is 18. For your safety, drive defensively, and avoid driving at night. Roads in Turkey run the full spectrum from single lane country roads to modern, divided, Trans-European motorways built to European standards. Highways in the southwestern, coastal portion of the country, which is frequented by tourists, are generally in good condition and well maintained.
Arrival Procedures - Jordan & Turkey
Jordan: Once in Jordan, your Gate 1 representative will meet you. Look for the Gate 1 sign. Your transfer person is instructed to wait for one hour form the scheduled arrival time. However, if you are delayed after this amount of time, please telephone the Gate 1 Jordan office at one of the following numbers: Amman/Allenby Bridge/Sheikh Hussein: (6) 663-150 (Amman office) Aqaba: (079) 337-22 (Aqaba office)
Turkey: All passengers arriving on Turkish Airlines with a connecting flight to Izmir, Ankara or Antalya should check your luggage through to your final destination. Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, prior to disembarking, listen for the announcement with instructions for transit passengers continuing on another flight. (If instructions are not clear, please check with a flight attendant.) As you disembark the flight, Turkish Airlines personnel direct transit passengers to the waiting lounge on the International Terminal’s departure level. Here, the flight and gate of your connecting Turkish Airlines flight will be announced, and you will be taken directly to the aircraft by bus.
Do not obtain Turkish visas or go through Passport Control to Istanbul. For Gate 1 Travel passengers traveling to Izmir on a Turkish Treasures Tour, your flight will disembark near the Domestic Terminal. Turkish Airlines provides a bus for all international passengers transferring directly from the plane to the International Terminal. After obtaining a Turkish visa and passing through Passport Control, please claim your luggage and exit from the International Terminal doors, where you will be met by a Gate 1 Travel representative.
Additional Information
Israel:
- VAT- Israel hotel prices are valid for tourists holding foreign (non-Israeli) passports, with a B1, B2, or B3 visitor's permit, and are exempt from V.A.T. (Value Added Tax). All other guests, including Israeli's holding dual-nationality, will be charged V.A.T. Locally.
- EL-AL International Flights- We recommend that you check in for your international flight three hours prior to the scheduled departure. Passengers traveling with El Al Airlines must personally check their luggage at the El Al counter, no matter which domestic airline was used to connect with El Al.
Jordan:
- Jordan Transfers- All Gate 1 Travel Jordan packages include transfers from the Jordanian border. Transfers are not provided from outside of Jordan. If needed, they may be reserved and purchased; purchases must be made with local currency. This includes passengers arriving from Israel or Egypt.
The siq at Petra may be accessed only by horseback, carriage or foot. Please be advised that there are a limited number of carriages available and you may have to wait for one.
Turkey:
- Cruise Disembarkation- Be sure to secure the yellow Gate 1 Travel luggage strap to each piece of luggage before placing it outside your cabin for collection by the ship’s porters. PLEASE NOTE: A Turkish visa is required for those disembarking in Istanbul (Visa fee is payable to Turkish authorities upon disembarkation).
- DISEMBARKING IN ATHENS: If your program includes a transfer to a local hotel or the airport, remain on board the ship in the Reception Area until our local representative meets you. For those passengers who will be transferring independently, please note that local taxi service from the cruise port begins around 9:00 a.m. Disembarkation time is generally 7:00 a.m.
- DISEMBARKING IN TURKEY: Meet your Gate 1 Travel representative outside the port building after immigration.