Dahab
Dahab is located on the eastern Sinai coast of Egypt on the Gulf of Aqaba, surrounded by mountains it offers visitors a relaxing haven.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50 cycles. An adaptor, generally 2-pronged, is necessary.
Typical Costs
Eating in Egypt can represent good value for money, with local meals being well priced. Hotels are naturally more expensive, but still offer good value for money.
Tipping
Tipping, or baksheesh, is almost a way of life in Egypt. It is customary and appreciated to tip guides, drivers, hotel staff and your boat/dive crew.
Shopping
Shops are generally open from approximately 10am-11pm year round, although may stay open until later in summer.
Banks
Banking hours are 9am - 1pm Sunday - Thursday. Many banks are open 6pm-9pm Sunday to Thursday for exchange only.
Local customs
When visiting holy sites such as mosques, you may be required to observe customs such as covering your head, shoulders and legs. Please respect such local customs. Swimwear and other revealing clothes should be kept to the beach and by the pool.
Clothing
Much of Egypt is desert, and as such is subject to hot days and cooler nights. Beach resorts are often cooled in the day by sea breezes, however, Nile towns can become stifling, especially in summer months. Lightweight clothing is recommended for days, although a fleece or sweater may be required during the winter months. A pullover or jacket for evenings, may also be required in winter. Shoes are not worn on board dive boats and liveaboards, so please take this into consideration when choosing which footwear to pack. Suitable clothing such as walking boots and a windproof jacket is recommend for touring itineraries.
Passports & Visas
A full 10-year passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of return is required for travel to Egypt for all British, EU and EEA nationals. British passport holders also require a visa to visit all parts of Egypt except for the Gulf coast of Sinai for stays of less than 15 nights. Visitors to the Gulf area wishing to stay 15 nights or more, or those wishing to visit other parts of Egypt including Cairo and Ras Mohammed, must obtain a visa. Visas can be obtained by contacting the Egyptian Embassy on 020 7235 9777. For up to date information on visa requirements, visitors are strongly advised to contact the Embassy prior to travel.
General information
Cameras and video cameras may not be taken into temples, tombs and archaeological sites, or a charge may be levied. Bags over 35cm may not be taken into such sites.
Festivals & holidays
The following festivals and associated holidays are celebrated in either or all of the countries featured in our programme. During these times, resorts may be busier than usual and services may be reduced.
MUSLIM FESTIVALS
Muslim religious festivals may vary by one or two days. For further details, please contact the Egyptian State Tourist Office or the Jordanian Information Bureau.
Ramadan* 20 Jul - 18 Aug 2012
Eid Al Fitr** 19 Aug 2012
New Year (Hijri Day) 15 Nov 2012
Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday** 5 Feb 2012
*Dates of Ramadan and Eid Al Adha are confirmed only shortly beforehand and vary from year to year by one or two days. During Ramadan, the pace of life during daylight hours is slower and offices and shops keep shorter opening hours between sunrise and sunset. Hotels may limit facilities, and excursions and entertainment can sometimes be affected.
**These festivals are subject to change by one day before or one day after as the moon governs them.
EGYPTIAN FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS
Revolution Day 23 Jul (annual)
Armed Forces Day 6 Oct (annual)
Christmas Day 9 Jan (annual)
Sham El Nesim 15 Apr (annual)
Sinai Liberation Day 25 Apr (annual)
Labour Day 1 May (annual)
Dehab holds host to some of the regions most unspoilt reefs and is a brilliant choice for those who prefer shore diving in a tranquil and relaxed environment away from crowds. Dehab is famous for dive sites such as the 'Blue Hole' and 'Shwia Shwia'.
Dive centres:
Reef 2000
Dive sites:
Blue Hole
Ricks Reef
Rolfs Reef
The Canyon
Dive Products:
1 Nov 2011- 31 Oct 2012
Beginners Courses:
Scuba Diving £165
Open Water / Junior Open Water £215
Open Water Referral £139
Intermediate courses:
Advanced Open Water £159
Emergency First Response £79
Rescue Diver £225
Enriched Air Nitrox £55
Advanced Courses:
1 Day (2 shore dives) £35
2 Day's (4 shore dives) £65
3 Day's (6 shore dives) £89
5 Day's (10 shore dives) £145
10 Day's (20 shore dives) £255
6 Jan - 21 Mar & 17 Apr-30 Jun 2012
Beginners courses:
Scuba Diving £159
Open water / Junior Open Water £205
Open water Referral £130
Intermediate courses:
Advanced Open Water £150
Emergency First Response NA
Rescue Diver £209
Enriched Air Nitrox NA
Advanced Courses:
1 day (2 shore dives) NA
2 day's (4 shore dives) £59
3 day's (6 shore dives) £85
5 day's (10 shore dives) £135
10 Day's (20 shore dives) 249
For more information or pre-booking, please contact our local partner, Tarot:
email: info@tarottours.com
phone: ++202 37613680
2 Day Cairo Delights (by bus or plane)
Experience all that magnificent Cairo has to offer with the expert knowledge and experience of qualified Egyptologists.
Starting with a drive through the dramatic Sinai Desert, visit the Egyptian National Museum to marvel at the legendary treasures of Tutankhamen, ancient artefacts and other masterpieces from the Land of the Pharaohs.
Bus US$305/ Plane US$485
1 Day Luxor Highlights
Visit the Valley of the Kings containing tombs of the Pharaohs - including Ramses the Great - and site of the discovery of Tutankhamun's treasures, untouched for over 3000 years, by British Egyptologist Howard Carter in 1922.
Visit the spectacular temple of Queen Hatshepsut in the rock face of Deir el Bahri, the Colossi of Memnon and an alabaster factory, then cross from West Bank to East Bank with a boat ride on the Nile, followed by a visit to the monumental Temples of Karnak and Luxor as well as a papyrus factory before returning by plane to Sharm in the evening.
US$339
Coloured Canyon Jeep Safar
Experience the feeling of a timeless world, free of daily stress and see the wonders of the desert, coloured rock, rare fauna and fascinating geological structures.
Drive through impressive desert scenery, led by a guide, into the granite and sandstone mountains, passing an occasional water spring. Arriving at the Coloured Canyon, walk past the different rock colours after which the canyon is named.
US$62
Ras Mohamed By Bus
Ras Mohamed, declared a National Park in 1983, is home to one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Tour the park and view the strange rock formations, local wildlife and mangroves. Snorkel and discover the colourful marine life or simply relax and soak up the sun.
US$65
Preston Travel (CI) LTD - Trading as Peltours does not sell in-resort excursions and does not act as an agent or principal for the sale of any such excursions. Prices quoted on our website and in our brochure are for your information and guidance only and these excursions can be booked in-resort through any locally based and independent travel company. It is the responsibility of the customer to source and book the desired excursion through the appropriate local travel company.
Preston Travel (CI) LTD accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any excursions booked in-resort whilst on holiday.