How do
I book?
There are 4 steps to book a tour with LEBTOUR / BEAR ARABIA:
1. Download the PDF reservation form from our website
2. Fill the PDF booking form and send it to us by E-mail
3. Wire the $US200 nonrefundable deposit needed
4. Wire the rest of the amount 30days prior to the tour.
2. What does the trip include?
All trips include the services of LEBTOUR / BEAR ARABIA tour leaders,
hotel accommodation, transfers and touring in comfortable vehicles,
luggage handling as well as local and specialist guides where
required. Breakfasts are served by the hotels. Each tour indicates
what it includes in the description and makes note as to what options
are suggested in addition to the program. Some tours include specials
such as admissions to attractions and festivals, caving, picnics, and
so on. Please read each tour description carefully.
3. What about single rooms?
Our prices are based on double rooms and single supplements are
available. This is an extra charge over the quoted rate and shall be
requested at the time of booking.
4. How do I pay for my trip?
You can pay for your trip in $US. A nonrefundable deposit of $US 200
per person is required at the time of booking. Full payment is due 40
days prior to departure. The tour price is per person based on double
occupancy and includes those items mentioned in the itinerary, plus
any prepaid optional items. See the booking Terms & Conditions to know
more about methods of making your final payment.
5. What if I need to cancel?
Consult the booking Terms & Conditions. Penalties may apply for
cancellation within 30 days of tour start.
6. What should I bring?
A frameless backpack or duffel bag is the most suitable type of
luggage to bring. We do not recommend suitcases or framed backpacks,
as they are difficult to carry and take up valuable space on buses.
Remember to leave space for the inevitable souvenirs bought en route.
7. Can I charge digital camera or other batteries on my trip?
You can charge your digital camera and other batteries in your hotel
rooms. Remember to bring your adapters!
8. How many people will be on my tour?
It depends on the type of tour you choose and where you go. Some of
our tours take a maximum of 14 people. Based on experience we can say
that you should expect to travel with 6-7 other people.
9. What kind of people can I expect to travel with?
People traveling with LEBTOUR / BEAR ARABIA come from all walks of
life and all parts of the world. They range in age and a large number
are solo travelers along with couples and friends touring together.
Some are more experienced than others, but all share the spirit of
adventure and exploration, which comes from independent traveling.
10. Am I suited to group travel?
We recognize that some of our travelers have never been on a group
tour before. You can rest assured that our trips allow you to do your
own thing within the framework of the itinerary. We do not attempt to
instill a 'group ethos' and fully recognize your needs as an
individual.
11. How do we travel?
Again, depending on the type of tour, transport will vary according to
the terrain. It will range from local 25 seats minibus to 11 seats
minivan. The variety in transport adds to the excitement and creates a
more authentic experience.
12. Am I expected to tip the tour leader, driver or local guides?
Tipping is not obligatory however, when the local guide has provided
an enjoyable and knowledgeable service a gratuity will be gratefully
accepted. If you are concerned about the amount to give discuss this
with your tour leader who will offer advice. Alternatively the group
can put what each feels is sufficient in a kitty to be given to the
guide at the end of the day/tour. If you feel your overall experience
with LEBTOUR / BEAR ARABIA has been memorable, the team will
appreciate a gratuity.
13. Is the itinerary of my tour likely to change?
All itineraries are suggested only. It is unlikely that the company
will have to make major changes to the suggested tour, but the
arrangements are planned many months in advance. Occasionally changes
have to be made, which the company reserves the right to do at any
time. Most of these changes are minor and the company will endeavor to
advise the client of them at the earliest possible date. Whilst
LEBTOUR / BEAR ARABIA endeavors to follow all itineraries there may be
times where due to unforeseen circumstances we will have to alter our
route or timing. This can be something as simple as road works or
public holidays however we will do everything to ensure that all sites
as per the itinerary are visited. Your tour leader is always conscious
of everybody’s views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an
unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these
circumstances.
14. Are the tours physically demanding?
It depends on the type of trip you undertake. The vast majority of the
tours are well within the capability of any healthy individual. Read
individual tour description carefully.
15. Am I expected to have vaccinations before traveling?
No vaccination is required for traveling in the region/ Except Egypt &
Morocco – for this reason we would advise you to follow up with your
personal doctor.
16. How much spending money should I bring?
We suggest travelers budget for between EUR40-60 per day for personal
expenses, entrance fees, meals, including souvenirs, evenings out,
snacks and alcoholic drinks. Be aware that capital cities may be more
expensive than regions so spending can vary. Also budget for any
optional excursions you wish to do on tour and all visas that will be
obtained on tour. Some of your money is best carried in cash in EUR or
USD. ATMs are becoming more common and are a good source of cash in
local currency in most large towns and cities. However do not rely
exclusively on ATM withdrawals and remember to bring a back up card.
Credit card facilities are limited but can be used for paying in
restaurants, etc.
17. Do I need travel insurance?
Travel Insurance is compulsory for all tours. All travelers must be
insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation,
curtailment and repatriation. No traveler will be allowed on tours
without suitable insurance. Please produce this at the pre-tour
meeting and give details to your tour leader.
18. Do you have any specific advice on photography during the tour?
On tour everyone will be taking pictures to reproduce the memories of
traveling, this can be great fun. Bring lots of film, as the quality
found on tour cannot be guaranteed. We also ask that photos are taken
with the utmost respect. There are also many areas where photos/video
cameras are forbidden such as border posts, airports, military
installations, historical sites and museums. Listen to your Driver and
Tour leader when they point these areas out.
19. What facilities will be available to communicate with home
during the tour?
Email/Internet cafes can be found in most large towns and are the
cheapest way to communicate with family and friends. In some cases,
hotels would provide you with a free WIFI connection. Some internet
connections can be slow and in remote areas it is still fairly
expensive.
20. What essential documents do I need to bring?
· Valid Passport – must be valid for up to 6 months after you return
from your tour. Keep a separate photocopy.
· Tour Voucher / Pre or post hotel accommodation voucher (if
applicable).
· Tour dossier
· Travel insurance. Keep a separate photocopy
· Flight tickets
· Emergency contact numbers.
21. How safe are my belongings and valuables during the tour?
Most hotels have safes either behind reception or in the rooms. Please
note that all items placed in these safe boxes are done so at the
individual's risk, LEBTOUR / BEAR ARABIA takes no responsibility for
such belongings. A concealed money belt is the best way to carry
belongings when travelling to meet the group or when out sightseeing.
22. Can LEBTOUR / BEAR ARABIA cater for my special dietary and
medical requirements?
If you have any food allergies or if you are a vegetarian please
inform LEBTOUR / BEAR ARABIA at time of booking and your tour leader
at the pre-departure meeting. If you require any specific foods which
are only found in certain health shops please take a supply with you
as we cannot guarantee these in areas of limited supplies.
23. Can you give me more information on the type of accommodation
during the tour?
We choose hotels/guesthouses that combine comfort and great service
with unique design and appreciation of the natural beauty of a region.
The emphasis is on location and practicality. Our tours are based on 3
star properties. In capital cities and other places where higher-class
accommodation is available you can upgrade if you wish. Your tour
leader will help arrange this and the extra cost will be paid by you.
24. What meals are included and what can be expected?
All of the tours offer cuisine of the region and suggestions for
places to visit and specialties to enjoy. The tours vary as to what
each includes and therefore read the description carefully. For meals
that are included, if you have a special need, please let us know in
advance and we will make every effort to meet those needs. In nearly
every case, alcoholic beverages are not included with meals.
25. What about wine tasting and visiting wineries?
During our sightseeing tours, we will stop by the most renowned
wineries around our destinations. Several of our tours include tasting
but not purchases for "carryout".
26. How will I get to the starting point of the tour?
Airport Pickups are part of our packages, for this reason we would
expect from you to provide us with your arrival details.
27. I need help with air travel and hotels, can you help?
Air travel, hotels, custom itineraries, special services? Yes, we can
help. We are happy to provide all these services.
Information in this document has been compiled with care and is
provided in good faith. However it is subject to change and does not
form part of the contract between the client and LEBTOUR / BEAR
ARABIA.
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