Where do the tours begin? All our tours unless otherwise specified begin and end in Eilat. Sinai tours can begin and end in Sinai, Jordanian Tours can begin and end in Jordan and Israel tours begin and end in any requested part of Israel. How to get there? During the regions high tourist season, which begins in early September and ends late May, regular-chartered flights (which are the most economical) arrive daily to Eilat and Sinai from most European countries. Off-season standard flights are year-round to Israel, Egypt and Jordan. We can advise you of travel agents in your own country, who will recommend to you the best way to reach the area. When to travel? The recommended time of year for a desert tour is generally during the tourist season due to the pleasant weather from September through to May but 4X4 jeep tours are suitable year round. Hiking in the High Range of Sinai is also possible throughout the summer months because the higher altitude gives the region a pleasant summer temperature. The North of Israel enjoys a more moderate summer than the rest of the country and is a popular touring destination throughout the year. Weather Summer is very hot, but winter is very pleasant although some months can get pretty cold, particularly at night and in elevated or exposed areas. How physically difficult are the tours? Tours range from easy to very difficult. Easy being comparable to a leisurely stroll and very difficult means hiking 10 hours a day, up and down mountains, carrying a 15kg backpack. It all depends entirely on you. You can consult with us before the tour if in doubt, but don't worry, you won't have to do anything you don't want to, or can't. Groups size Small and personal groups have the best atmosphere. We recommend no more than fifteen people in a group.   Guides and languages All our guides are of a high standard and are experienced with the tours that they conduct. Our main guiding language is English but we can operate tours in many other languages according to the group's requirements and guide availability. Accommodation Our desert tours give you the opportunity to enjoy camping under the desert skies and each evening we set up camp in a different place. Sleeping bags are provided and small tents upon special request. Shower and toilet facilities are not available, but you may take the opportunity to refresh at any of the watering holes and oasis that we visit along the way. Some groups particularly enjoy staying in Bedouin camps and on our longer tours we usually do this at least once. Hotel accommodation is arranged upon special request prior to booking. Food and Drink All meals are provided (3 per day). Meals are practical for desert tours, breakfast and lunch are picnic style and our evening meal is prepared on the night's campfire. Desert tea breaks are frequent and refreshing. Our drinking water is from local oasis and watering holes, all perfectly good for drinking from, but you prefer you may buy bottled mineral water for your personal use. If your group or any members of it have any special dietary requirements please advise us upon booking. What to bring Although we provide sleeping bags and upon request small tents, you may feel free to bring you own camping equipment, especially your own personal sleeping bags (providing they are warm enough). You need to bring; a small backpack to carry personal belongings throughout the day, comfortable shoes and clothing, warm clothing for the evenings, a hat, swim suit, sunglasses, a towel, toiletries - including soap and toilet paper, sunscreen, lip balm, camera films, matches, medication (according to your requirements), a flash light and beach shoes (where applicable). Desert Eco Tours is not liable for loss or damage of personal items or equipment. Dress Clothes should be both comfortable and practical, shoes particularly so. For our Northern Israel tours modest dress is required at all the sacred sights, which means that knees and elbows must be covered. This also applies to Saint Catherine's monastery in Sinai. In particularly isolated regions of the desert modest dress is courteous when in the company of local Nomads. Visa Information There is no need for an Egyptian visa for our tours to Sinai, which depart from Eilat (if there is an exception you shall be informed by us in advance). If you arrive to Sinai from Egypt or fly directly, you must obtain a visa from an Egyptian Embassy, before joining the tour. Tours to Cairo & Egypt must have a full Egyptian visa. Travelers to Jordan from Eilat who hold a European, American or South African passport will be issued a visa upon entry (others should pre-arrange their visa before arriving). Note that visa fees and border taxes are not included in our tour prices. The Jordanian border tax costs you $27, and the Sinai border costs  $27 as well. You must ensure that your passport is valid for at least four months from the date of departure. Be sure to have re-entry permission upon leaving Israel. Do not attempt to cross these borders with any kind of weapon, ammunition or drugs. Tips Tipping in Jordan and Egypt is customary. We recommend in Jordan a total tip of $5 per person per day and in Sinai $4 per person per day, to be shared by the local driver, guide and escort where relevant. Tipping in Israel and to Israeli personnel is at your own discretion. First Aid facilities All our guides carry a first aid kit and can assist with minor injuries, more serious cases will be transferred to Eilat for professional consultation. Age restrictions There are certainly no age restrictions, in our experience, age is not an indication of fitness. We trust your judgement regarding your own capabilities and do our utmost to provide the best possible tour according to them. Health restrictions Tourists suffering from any health condition, which may possibly effect him/her during the tour, must have their doctor's consent before booking. Please bear in mind that, sometimes, immediate professional medical help will not be available. Anybody needing a doctor or hospitalization during the tour shall be transferred to the hospital in Eilat. When to book? It is best to book as early as possible in order to secure dates. To preserve the exceptional quality of our tours, we rarely permit more than 2 desert tours of 3-days or more to operate simultaneously. Tour Payment A 25% deposit is required upon booking, the rest to be paid upon arrival. Tour deposits can be made by credit card. The final payment on location may be made by Visa or in cash. All credit card payments have an aditional charge of 2%. Cancellations Cancellations up to one week before departure 25% of the tours overall price and within the week before departure 50% of the overall price. Non show or less than 24 h. before departure - full price cancellation fee. Conditions Our prices include guides, transportation, jeeps & camels (according to itineraries), meals and camping equipment. Our prices do not include visas, border taxes, tips or any other additional costs that arise (which are not listed as included in the tour).