Sands of Time
Jordan & Israel
April 30 - May 15, 2011

PREPARING FOR THIS TOUR

Jordan Entry Requirements—With five or more passengers traveling together on the same flights in and out of the country, staying a minimum of two nights in Jordan, all visa fees are waived. You will obtain your Jordan Visa upon arrival at the airport. We will inform you prior to departure of any special forms that need to be completed in advance to facilitate processing your visa applications.

Jordan Immunizations—No immunizations are compulsory, but inoculations for typhoid, polio, malaria, hepatitis and tetanus are advised. Please consult your personal physician about immunization planning.

Jordan Exit Requirements—There is no departure tax upon leaving Jordan.

Israel Entry Requirements—Citizens of the U.S and Canada need only a valid passport (good for six months after the tour) for travel to Israel.

Israel Immunizations—No immunizations are compulsory, but it is wise to have your tetanus booster current.

Israel Exit Requirements—There is no departure tax upon leaving Israel, other than what is included in the cost of your airline ticket.

Suggested Viewing

Amman—The Hurt Locker (2009), Oscar winning Best Picture w/ Jeremy Renner

Petra—Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) w/ Harrison Ford

Tel Aviv—Adam Resurrected (2008) w/ Jeff Goldblum

Haifa—The Juggler (1953) w/ Kirk Douglas

Jerusalem—Exodus (1960) w/ Paul Newman

WHAT TO BRING

During the month of May, temperatures in both Jordan and Israel range from the low 60's to the mid-80's. As is typical of desert climates, nighttime temperatures can feel quite chilly, so be prepared to layer. Bring light-colored, lightweight cotton clothes that breathe well, or the new micro-fiber fabrics. However, please remember that, while casual in nature, dress in this part of the world is also very conservative. Your clothes should not insult local sensibilities. Please leave tight, provocative apparel at home. Pack light and try to carry only one suitcase plus your carry-on bag. You will be able to get laundry done in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem during our four-night stays in each of those cities. Pack any medications you require in your carry-on bag just in case your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do. Leave expensive jewelry at home.

Suggested Packing List:

____ Passport

____ Sturdy walking shoes / cool sandals

____ 2 pairs long pants, lightweigh cotton or khaki trousers for dinners

____ 1 pair sturdy denim jeans for riding camels or horses (not necessary if you just want to climb on one for a photo op)

____ 3 pairs shorts for sightseeing excursions

____ T-shirts (5)

____ Socks and underwear for 7 days (assuming you do laundry half-way through)

____ Daypack & fanny pack (you will want to carry water at all times)

____ Sunscreen / lip balm / bug spray

____ Sunglasses / sun hat

____ Personal toiletries

____ Swimsuit.

____ Sweater or light jacket for cool nights and mornings.

____ Camera with plenty of memory (or film) / extra batteries

____ A good book for the long flights

MONEY MATTERS

Jordan’s monetary unit is the Dinar (JD). On June 4, 2010, the interbank exchange rate was US$1.40 to purchase 1 JD. Israeli’s monetary unit is the New Shekel (ILS). On June 4, 2010, the interbank exchange rate was 3.87 ILS to the US $1.00. All international hotels and most restaurants and shops accept the major credit cards. ATMs are widely available, and many banks provide cash advances on credit cards.

Taxes and Tipping—Tipping is never required but always appreciated. In hotels and restaurants, 10% may be added automatically to the bill, but a small tip for the waiters is appropriate. We will provide suggested tipping guidelines prior to departure, and will present a collective tip to drivers and guides at appropriate points throughout the excursion.

LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 participants. Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.
     We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in Jordan and Israel You can apply online by following the link at the bottom of this page.

THE TOTO SPIRIT

Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:

•  fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
•  good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
•  undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
•  willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
•  eager to try new things & test limits;
•  punctual;
•  not whiners!

Toto Tours is known for attracting great groups of people who are outgoing, interesting, and fun. You wouldn’t want to do this tour with anybody else! Come with us to delve into the secrets of historical and modern Jordan and Israel for absolutely the most memorable vacation experience of your life! If you have any questions, please call toll-free: 800-565-1241.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance with Travel Guard to cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow the link below or call us for more information.