Alsharq

Alsharq tours usually start off at the location of their first accommodation (if not further specified). Upon your request, we are however happy to book your flights for you and deliver a non-binding first offer. In many cases we are able to offer special tour operator fares with a lower price than comparable flight offers on common online booking websites. For everyone booking their flight via Alsharq, we can offer special Rail & Fly tickets (limited to Germany) for EUR 31 per person and way. Please find more information on this here. Naturally, participants are free to arrive ahead of the official tour start or stay longer after its end. We are happy to provide tips regarding accommodation and activities. Moreover, we can assist in organizing any transfer from the airport to the tour’s starting accommodation and back, after having received your entire arrival and departure flight dates. In the case of individually requested tours, arrival and departure will be arranged in consultation with Alsharq Reise. 

To register for an Alsharq tour, please use our online booking form found within the respective tour announcement. The booking is binding once the form is sent and the down payment of EUR 200 per person has been transferred (see „Payment“). As long as registration for the tour is not enabled yet, it is usually possible to make a pre-reservation. Every party that has made a pre-reservation will be informed before official registration opens. In any case, we suggest to get a travel cancellation insurance, which can be booked through Alsharq either online or via email.

Auf unseren Reisen gibt es gelegentlich Besuchs- und Programmpunkte, die nur zu Fuß oder mit sicherer physischer Mobilität zu erreichen sind. Solltest du in deiner Mobilität eingeschränkt sein, melde dich bitte bei uns, sodass wir gemeinsam eine Lösung finden können. 

All necessary information can be found in the tour announcements on our website. Additional information regarding the destination can be found on the website’s respective country pages. For any further questions, you are welcome to contact us anytime and we will be happy to answer your questions. As our team, naturally, is travelling very frequently, sending an email to [email protected] will be the easiest way to reach us. Usually, one of our team members will however be available by phone under the following numbers:

Christoph Dinkelaker:   +49 (0) 157 78337361
Simon Welte:                  +49 (0) 151 20689781 (also WhatsApp)
 

No special vaccinations are needed for a stay in Uzbekistan. Medical facilities in Uzbekistan guarantee a basic level of medical care. In order to prevent cases of diarrhea, however, we recommend to avoid drinking tap water.

When it comes to the Corona virus (COVID-19), we follow the recommendations made by the German Federal Foreign Office as well as the local authorities and the German Embassy on site. In case of any change of the health situation, the tour might be subject to according changes we will inform you about as soon as possible.

No special vaccinations are needed for a stay in Pakistan. Medical facilities in urban centers have a good standard and guarantee a basic level of medical care in rural areas. In order to prevent cases of diarrhea, however, we recommend to avoid drinking tap water.

When it comes to the Corona virus (COVID-19), we follow the recommendations made by the German Federal Foreign Office as well as the local authorities and the German Embassy on site. In case of any change of the health situation, the tour might be subject to according changes we will inform you about as soon as possible.

No special vaccinations are needed for a stay in Turkey. Medical facilities in the urban and touristic centers have a very good standard and guarantee a basic level of medical care in rural areas. In order to prevent cases of diarrhea, however, we recommend to avoid drinking tap water.

When it comes to the Corona virus (COVID-19), we follow the recommendations made by the German Federal Foreign Office as well as the local authorities and the German Embassy on site. In case of any change of the health situation, the tour might be subject to according changes we will inform you about as soon as possible.

No special vaccinations are needed for a stay in Morocco. Medical facilities in the urban centers have a good standard and guarantee a basic level of medical care in rural areas. In order to prevent cases of diarrhea, however, we recommend to avoid drinking tap water.

When it comes to the Corona virus (COVID-19), we follow the recommendations made by the German Federal Foreign Office as well as the local authorities and the German Embassy on site. In case of any change of the health situation, the tour might be subject to according changes we will inform you about as soon as possible.

No special vaccinations are needed for a stay in Iran. Medical facilities in Teheran have a good standard and guarantee a basic level of medical care in other areas of the country. In order to prevent cases of diarrhea, however, we recommend to avoid drinking tap water.

When it comes to the Corona virus (COVID-19), we follow the recommendations made by the German Federal Foreign Office as well as the local authorities and the German Embassy on site. In case of any change of the health situation, the tour might be subject to according changes we will inform you about as soon as possible.

No special vaccinations are needed for a stay in Jordan. Medical facilities in Jordan have a very good standard. In order to prevent cases of diarrhea, however, we recommend to avoid drinking tap water.

When it comes to the Corona virus (COVID-19), we follow the recommendations made by the German Federal Foreign Office as well as the local authorities and the German Embassy on site. In case of any change of the health situation, the tour might be subject to according changes we will inform you about as soon as possible.

No special vaccinations are needed for a stay in Egypt. Medical facilities in urban centers have a good standard and guarantee a basic level of medical care in rural areas. In order to prevent cases of diarrhea, however, we recommend to avoid drinking tap water.

When it comes to the Corona virus (COVID-19), we follow the recommendations made by the German Federal Foreign Office as well as the local authorities and the German Embassy on site. In case of any change of the health situation, the tour might be subject to according changes we will inform you about as soon as possible.

Klar! Schreib uns gern eine E-Mail und wir schicken dir eine Packliste, die wir extra für “Team Zug” zusammengestellt haben, zu. Auch bei anderen Fragen kannst du dich gern an uns wenden.

A travel cancellation insurance as well as additional insurances can be booked via Alsharq and are not included in the original travel price. The insurance can be booked online or via email. Please note that a travel cancellation insurance will only cover the cancellation fees as agreed upon in the contract. All further information can be found here. Alsharq Travel is a tour operator according to the German Civil Code (BGB) §§ 651a ff.

Leider nein. Wenn es dir sehr wichtig ist, z.B. oben oder unten zu schlafen, kannst du das bei der Ticketbuchung gerne anmerken. Wir bemühen uns das zu berücksichtigen, können es aber wegen der komplexen Nachtzugbuchungen nicht garantieren.

The official language in Uzbekistan is Uzbek. Additionally, Karakalpakian is a recognized regional language in the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan.

Russian and English are linguae francae and will serve you well while travelling.

The official language in Myanmar is Burmese. Additionally, there are several recognized regional languages, such as Shan in the Northeast of the country.

English is lingua franca and will serve you well while travelling.

The official language in Oman is Arabic. Due to the history of sea trade, there are several minoriy languages spoken throughout the country, such as Suaheli or Jabali in the South of the country. Due to the high amount of Pakistani and Indian labor migrants, Urdu and Hindi are widely spread languages as well. Enlish is lingua franca and will serve you well while travelling.

The official language in Lebanon is Arabic. The Lebanese dialect is close to the Syrian and Palestinian ones. All young Lebanese speak at least either English or French, both lingua franca in the country.

The official languages of the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan are both Kurdish languages Sorani and Kurmanci, as well as Arabic. Furthermore, there are officially recognized minority languages, such as Armenian and Turkmen. English is lingua franca and will serve you well while tavelling.

The official language in Israel is Hebrew, in the Palestinian territories it is Arabic (Syrian-Palestinian Dialect). English is lingua franca and will serve you well while travelling. 

The official language in Tunesia is Arabic. Moreover, French is being spoken in many parts of the country. Today, also English will serve you well while travelling.

The official currency in Uzbekistan is the Sum (USZ). It is possible to exchange money (Euro or US dollars) anywhere in the country, but should only be done in banks and approved exchange offices. The banking network is only moderately developed. We recommend that you bring most of your money in cash, but also that you bring a credit card for withdrawing money. Withdrawals within the country are subject to withdrawal fees, which may vary depending on the bank in Germany.

The official currency in Myanmar is the Burmese Kyat. It is very easy to exchange money (Euros or US Dollars) anywhere in the country or to withdraw cash with a debit or credit card, as the banks have numerous branches. We recommend to take a part of the money in cash, and take a debit or credit card with you as well. Withdrawal fees might vary according to the regulations of your home bank.

The official currency in Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR). It is very easy to exchange money (Euros or US Dollars) anywhere in the country or to withdraw cash with a debit or credit card, as the banks have numerous branches. We recommend to take a part of the money in cash, and take a debit or credit card with you as well. Withdrawal fees might vary according to the regulations of your home bank.

There are two official currencies in Lebanon, which are bound to each other, the Lebanese Lira/Pound (LBP), and the US Dollar (USD). You can officially pay with either currency throughout the country. It might happen that after paying in once currency, change will be given in form of the other. Oftentimes, the currencies are even getting mixed. One USD currently amount to  1.5000 Lebanese Lira.

 It is very easy to exchange money (Euros or US Dollars) anywhere in the country or to withdraw cash with a debit or credit card, as the banks have numerous branches. We recommend to take a part of the money in cash, and take a debit or credit card with you as well. Withdrawal fees might vary according to the regulations of your home bank.

Just like in the rest of the country, the official currency is the Iraqi Dinar. 

It is very easy to exchange money (Euros or US Dollars) anywhere in the country or to withdraw cash with a debit or credit card, as the banks have numerous branches. We recommend to take a part of the money in cash, and take a debit or credit card with you as well. Withdrawal fees might vary according to the regulations of your home bank.

The official currency in both Israel and the Palestinian territories is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). It is very easy to exchange money (Euros or US Dollars) anywhere in Israel, or to withdraw cash with a debit or credit card, as the banks have numerous branches. In the Palestinian territories, this withdrawing money is not always just as easy. In the urban centers, however, it will not be a problem. Moreover, you can withdraw cash in Israel and then take it with you. We recommend to take a part of the money in cash, and take a debit or credit card with you as well. Withdrawal fees might vary according to the regulations of your home bank.

The official currency in Tunesia is the Tunesian Dinar (TND). It is very easy to exchange money (Euros or US Dollars) anywhere in the country or to withdraw cash with a debit or credit card, as the banks have numerous branches. We recommend to take a part of the money in cash, and take a debit or credit card with you as well. Withdrawal fees might vary according to the regulations of your home bank.

In case of a change of booking or a cancellation, our general terms & conditions apply. Here, it has to be distinguished between the flight (if booked separately) and the tour itself. The change of booking to another date and the cancellation of regular flights are usually handled very restrictively. After having booked the flight, we will inform you about each of the respective conditions. Once the ticket is issued, in most cases, it is not possible to change the name again.

As our tour schedule is very irregular, a change of booking to a different tour needs to be agreed upon with us. Changing the participant’s name is possible against a fee of EUR 25 and until seven days before the tour start (this usually doesn't apply for the flight). In case of a tour cancellation, the cancellation rates as laid out in our general terms & conditions will be applied:

• Up to 90 days before start of the journey: 20%
• 89-30 days before the start of the journey: 35%
• 29-11 days before the start of the journey: 45%
• 10-2 days before the start of the journey: 80%
• 1 day before the start of the journey/no-show: 100%

Security is not a major issue in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

In planning out tours, we follow the recommendations and statements issued by the German Federal Foreign Office. Our route only leads us through areas deemed safe by the Office. While doing so, we keep close contact with the German Embassy and local authorities on the ground.

In case of any change of the security situation, the tour route might be subject to according changes.

The issue of security plays an important role in Pakistan.

In planning out tours, we follow the recommendations and statements issued by the German Federal Foreign Office. Our route only leads us through areas deemed safe by the Office. While doing so, we keep close contact with the German Embassy and local authorities on the ground.

In case of any change of the security situation, the tour route might be subject to according changes.

The issue of security plays a big role in Turkey.

In planning out tours, we follow the recommendations and statements issued by the German Federal Foreign Office. Our route only leads us through areas deemed safe by the Office. While doing so, we keep close contact with the German Embassy and local authorities on the ground. In case of any change of the security situation, the tour route might be subject to according changes.

Although Morocco is deemed a very safe tourist country, the issue of security plays a big role. 

In planning out tours, we follow the recommendations and statements issued by the German Federal Foreign Office. Our route only leads us through areas deemed safe by the Office. While doing so, we keep close contact with the German Embassy and local authorities on the ground. In case of any change of the security situation, the tour route might be subject to according changes.

Although Iran is deemed a very safe tourist country, security issues still plays a big role.

In planning out tours, we follow the recommendations and statements issued by the German Federal Foreign Office. Our route only leads us through areas deemed safe by the Office. While doing so, we keep close contact with the German Embassy and local authorities on the ground. In case of any change of the security situation, the tour route might be subject to according changes.

The issue of security plays a big role in Jordan. 

In planning out tours, we follow the recommendations and statements issued by the German Federal Foreign Office. Our route only leads us through areas deemed safe by the Office. While doing so, we keep close contact with the German Embassy and local authorities on the ground. In case of any change of the security situation, the tour route might be subject to according changes.

The issue of security plays a big role in Egypt. 

In planning out tours, we follow the recommendations and statements issued by the German Federal Foreign Office. Our route only leads us through areas deemed safe by the Office. While doing so, we keep close contact with the German Embassy and local authorities on the ground. In case of any change of the security situation, the tour route might be subject to according changes. 

The question of security does play a role in our countries of destination and our tour guides are well aware of this. In planning our tours, we follow the guidelines provided by Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the tour programs might be subject to according changes. You can inform yourself about the current security situation on the Foreign Ministry’s website.

Unsere Erfahrung hat gezeigt, dass Zugreisen in jedem Fall angenehmer sind als Busreisen. Deshalb versuchen wir, die Strecken mit dem Bus immer so kurz wie möglich zu organisieren. Dennoch ist es in manchen Regionen wie z.B. Südosteuropa nicht immer möglich, nur mit dem Zug das Ziel zu erreichen. Das, was mit der Bahn möglich ist, organisieren wir auch so. Der Rest ist per Bus – oder auch auf dem Wasserweg (Katamaran, Fähre).

Being a young team from the Middle East project dis:orient e.V. (formerly Alsharq e.V. ), amongst our activities is supporting the leading German-speaking blog covering the region (https://www.disorient.de/) – we are very familiar with the region in both theoretical and practical terms. All our team members have lived, worked or studied for a longer time in our countries of destination. Our tour guides speak the country’s respective language and have an excellent network of civil society initiatives and international actors on the ground. We organize our tours with great enthusiasm and joy, driven by the desire to pass on some of our knowledge and experiences. Each travel group thus gets a unique experience of receiving detailed and diverse insights into the daily life in the country of destination.

The travel price is oriented along the costs of overnight stays, transportation and tour program, and calculated as fairly as possible and based on prior experiences. The reduced rate applies to students and trainees. Under special circumstances, other participants can be granted the exception of a reduced rate. We follow the principle of solidarity.

Included in the travel price usually are:

• Overnight stays (Double bedrooms, in a few cases triple bedrooms) in middle class hotels, guest houses/ apartments incl. breakfast
• One full meal together with the travel group (usually dinner in selected culinary hotspots or the respective guest houses)
• Political tours and expert discussions
• Travel guiding through Alsharq
• Entrance fees for all sights mentioned in the itineary
• Transfers in air-conditioned, comfortable coaches
• Insolvency insurance (security translucent)
• Advice regarding arrival, departure and flight booking

Not included:

• Arrival and departure (flights can be booked via Alsharq Travel)
• Single bedroom surcharge
• Travel cancellation insurance (can be booked via Alsharq Travel)
• Drinks for dinner (except water)
• Third daily meal (it is always possible to have a typical dish for a fair price)
• Tips
• Possible visa (application) fees

Services that can be booked additionally:

• Arrival and departure
• Single bedroom placing
• Accommodation for possible travel extensions
• Travel cancellation insurance

Only a passport with a minimum three months validity at the time of travel is required for entry into Uzbekistan, German citizens do not need to apply for a visa.

Visa regulations might change at any time. If so, we will inform you in time before the tour start.

A passport with a minimum six months validity at the time of travel and a visa are required for entry into Myanmar. The visa must be applied for in advance at the embassy of Myanmar. Currently, extended waiting periods up to several weeks might occur. Therefore, we recommend to apply for an e-Visa. Fees for this currently amount to 50 US dollars.

Visa regulations might change at any time. If so, we will inform you in time before the tour start.

Visa are provided upon arrival at the airports in Mascat and Salalah. It is thus not necessary to apply for a visa at the Omani Embassy in Germany. To receive a visa upon arrival, you need a passport with a minimum six months validity at the  time of travel. The visa fee is 10 Omani Rial for 10 days and 25 Omani rial for up to 30 days. 

Visa regulations might change at any time. If so, we will inform you in time before the tour start. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any Israeli stamps in your passport, and/or do not wish to travel with your German passport. 

Visa are provided upon arrival at the airport in Beirut. It is thus not necessary to apply for a visa at the Lebanese Embassy in Germany. To receive a visa upon arrival, you need a passport with a minimum six months validity at the  time of travel. The visa is free of charge.

Visa regulations might change at any time. If so, we will inform you in time before the tour start. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any Israeli stamps in your passport, and/or do not wish to travel with your German passport.

Visa are provided upon arrival at the airports in Erbil and Suleimaniyya.. It is thus not necessary to apply for a visa at the Iraqi Embassy in Germany. To receive a visa upon arrival, you need a passport with a minimum six months validity at the  time of travel. The visa is free of charge.

Visa regulations might change at any time. If so, we will inform you in time before the tour start. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any Israeli stamps in your passport, and/or do not wish to travel with your German passport.

Visa are provided upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. It is thus not necessary to apply for a visa at the Israeli Embassy in Germany. Usually, the visa will be issued as a three-months tourist visa at the passport control. To receive a visa upon arrival, you need a passport with a minimum six months validity at the  time of travel. The issuing of the visa might happen only after intense questioning from the side of Israeli authorities about the reason for your stay and your destinations inside the country. This is the standard procedure. We recommend to take a list of the tour's destinations and hotels with you and show it to the authorities, if necessary. More information on will be given by the Alsharq team during the preparation meeting and via email.

Visa regulations might change at any time. If so, we will inform you in time before the tour start.

Visa are provided upon arrival at the airports. It is thus not necessary to apply for a visa at the Tunesian Embassy in Germany. To receive a visa upon arrival, you need a passport with a minimum six months validity at the  time of travel. The visa is free of charge.

Visa regulations might change at any time. If so, we will inform you in time before the tour start. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any Israeli stamps in your passport, and/or do not wish to travel with your German passport. 

Deutsche Staatsangehörige können für Aufenthalte von bis zu 45 Tagen ein elektronisches Visum (E-Visum) beantragen. Dieses wird online ausgestellt und ist ab Ausstellung 90 Tage gültig. Es berechtigt zur einmaligen Einreise mit einem Aufenthalt von maximal 45 Tagen. Der Reisepass muss bei Einreise mindestens sechs Monate gültig sein.
Zusätzlich wird für den Pamir-Highway eine spezielle Genehmigung (GBAO Permit) benötigt. Die Visa- und Einreisebestimmungen können sich jederzeit ändern.

Die offizielle Währung ist der Tadschikische Somoni (TJS). Bargeld ist das bevorzugte Zahlungsmittel, besonders in ländlichen Gegenden. Euro und US-Dollar können in größeren Städten problemlos gewechselt werden. Kreditkarten werden nur in wenigen Hotels und Banken akzeptiert, weshalb ausreichend Bargeld mitgeführt werden sollte.

Unsere Haupt-Zugreiseleitung wohnt in Wien und kann ab dort die Gruppen bestmöglich begleiten. Zudem ist Wien mittlerweile die Stadt mit den meisten Nachtzugverbindungen in Europa und deshalb idealer Ausgangspunkt für längere Reisen auf dem Landweg. Kleiner Tipp: Reise einen Tag früher an und erkunde Wien auf eigene Faust – es lohnt sich!

Begleitete Reisen auf dem Landweg bedeuten, dass eine Reiseleitung die Zugreise mitmacht, die Tickets und Reservierungen verwaltet, dolmetscht und mit “Team Zug” unterwegs Orte erkundet. Input gibt es mitunter je nach Region ebenso. Aktuell führt unsere begleitete Zugreise in die Südosttürkei. Nicht-begleitete Reisen auf dem Landweg gibt es für näher gelegene Destinationen (z.B. Albanien). Bei diesen Reisen bist du/seid ihr ohne Alsharq-Guide unterwegs, wir organisieren aber die Tickets und Reservierungen für dich und schicken dir vorab einen genauen Reiseplan.