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2012 Arava institute Eco-Tour Will the trip be strenuous? We’ll be busy, the days will be long and we will do some light hiking but nothing very strenuous. Please contact our office if you have any mobility issues so we can discuss your options. Can we bring kids? The study tour is designed for adults. Please keep in mind that we won’t be doing traditional tourist things. I’ve never visited the Middle East, is that a problem? Not at all, no prior visits are required. Of course, we would encourage you to come early and/or stay after the program to do more touring on your own. Security: Is it safe to visit these areas? The Arava Institute staff has years of experience running tours and field programs for students and VIPs. They thoroughly understand the security issues will adjust the itinerary as needed should any concerns arise. The tour will be accompanied by licensed security professional in Israel and the Palestinian territories if required and a Tourist Police officer in Jordan. Logistics: Where will we be staying? All accommodations will be three star hotels or above, double occupancy with private baths. Meals: All meals will be provided during the tour, unless otherwise noted in the itinerary. Meals in Israel will be Kosher, meals in Jordan and the Palestinian Territories will be Hallal. Vegetarian options will be available at all meals. What about special diets? We will try to accommodate your needs, but please keep in mind that options in the Middle East don’t always match those in the US. Please contact our office to discuss special needs. What do we need to bring? This will be a very casual trip; we suggest packing lightly and bringing sturdy walking shoes and a sun hat. Jeans or casual slacks/skirts are fine. Please bring bathing suits and a beach towel. Evenings can get cool, so you may consider bringing a light jacket or sweater. In rural areas and religious communities it is advised to dress conservatively to show respect. We advise women to wear long pants and carry a scarf in their bag to cover shoulders and arms as needed. It is best to avoid tank tops, low-cut or tight blouses. Men are also advised to wear long pants in these communities. Women are not required to cover their heads. To maximize your time enjoying the tour and the local cultures and the beautiful vistas make sure to come with whatever over the counter medicines and accessories you might need and of course, pack the camera.
February is considered winter in the Middle East and is normally cool and dry (40-65 F). It can vary from cool at night to warmer tmperatures during the day. What does the price include?
What will I have to pay for?
Does the cost include insurance? What should we do to prepare for the trip? We will suggest some optional reading and there will be a Facebook page for participants to get to know each other and exchange information before we go.
Miscellaneous: Will there be religious services? No, this program will be non-sectarian with no organized religious services or visits to religious sites, other than possibly archeological sites. Can you help with air fare, pre or post tour options? You can usually find the best rates on the internet or you can use your own travel agent. The Arava Institute may also be able to help you with pre and post tour options.
This is first and foremost an educational tour. A minimum gift has been included in the tuition. Registration Policies: Register and pay the registration fee of $900/per person. A $300 Early Bird Discount can be deducted from the registration fee if received in our office by October 15, 2012. All payments are to be made in US Dollars, credit cards accepted Program cost (including registration fee) $3600 per person, double occupancy.
October 15, 2012: End date for $300 discount for Early Bird Registration Early Bird Registration $600 per person Registration Fee after October 15, 2012 $900 per person November 26, 2012: Second Payment Due $1350 per person December 31, 2012: Final Payment Due $1350 per person December 31, 2012: Single Occupancy Hotel Supplement: $750
Cancellation Policies:
Changes due to security? If the program must be cancelled for security reasons a full refund will be available. If we know by February 10, 2013 that the program must be modified due to security concerns, participants will have the option to participate with a revised itinerary or cancel. If we do not have a minimum of 15 attendees with the modified agenda, the program will be cancelled and refunds will be available.
Please don’t hesitate to contact Friends of the Arava Institute with questions. Friends of the Arava Institute
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