Accommodation
For all of our itineraries, we give priority to good lodging conditions – be it in hotels or guesthouses – with the level of comfort requested by our guests. When the itinerary warrants it, we offer more basic lodging options such as homestay or bivouac. However, whatever the accommodation, we always strive to promote associative or private initiatives. The guarantee of quality accommodation allows our travelers to give their full attention to what matters the most during their trip: the visits and the encounters.
Meals
The discovery of local gastronomy is an important part of the journey. As such, we mainly select places that are authentic, popular, or full of Palestinian character and charm. Throughout the trip, we will make sure that you sample the large number of Palestinian specialties as well the traditional and family cuisine. We usually favor half board trips, to give each participant the choice to taste fast and popular food as well.
Transportation
Our means of transportation are adapted to the number of people. For group trips, we alternate between vehicles registered in Jerusalem and in the West Bank – this is the occasion to understand the obstacles to freedom of movement as well. Our transport service providers are all family-run businesses. For autonomous travelers, we can also cater to the rental of vehicles with Palestinian companies in Jerusalem (the only ones that can provide vehicles allowed passage in the country’s entire territory).
Guiding staff
Passionate guides and accompanying staff are the keystone of our trips. They are considerate of the group’s needs and have their hearts set on transmitting their passion for this land. They act as a link as often as possible between travelers and contributors, who are an integral part of our trips. In this sense, a Diwan Voyage guide gladly takes on the role of an intermediary between our guests and our hosts. For hikes and treks, we also rely on a network of professional hiking guides, or trainees within the scope of a Hiking Guide Training project conducted by Bethlehem University and the association Masar Ibrahim (Abraham’s Path), a Diwan Voyage partner.
Terms & Conditions
The general terms and conditions below apply to constituted groups that directly request our services. As a local Palestinian service provider, we include in our packages the totality of onsite services, but neither the airplane ticket, nor the cancellation/repatriation/civil liability insurances, nor the visa issuing formalities are included. However, for any private individual or pre-constituted group wishing for a complete package (including plane and insurance services) we can refer you to one of our partner agencies. As the hosting travel agency, we will remain the organizer of the trip. Price The definition of the fees per person is based on a double room, and it is calculated according to the likely number of participants. Our fair approach means that we make sure that the various Palestinian service providers receive a fair payment. Deposit and final payment A security deposit representing 15% of the total amount for the trip will be requested at the time of reservation (non-refundable but convertible into a credit note valid for one year). The full payment of the trip (i.e., the remaining 85%) must be completed, at the latest, 60 days before departure. Payment method Bank transfer or cash transfer via Western Union. The bank charges for the transfers are at the expense of participants. Refund and cancellation policy If you wish to cancel your trip, the following will be retained for each registered person: More than 30 days before the beginning of the stay: 15% of the total amount From 30 to 15 days before the beginning of the stay: 30% of the total amount From 14 to 3 days before the beginning of the stay: 60% of the total amount Less than 3 days before the beginning of the stay: 100% of the total amount Please note that any cancellation resulting in a number of participants inferior to the minimal number appointed will lead to a reevaluation of the trip’s price. In respect of the agreement on the minimal number of participants, any cancellation penalty can be converted into a credit note for another trip with Diwan Voyage within a one-year term. Cancellation insurance We invite you to seek information on this subject from your insurance agency or from a partner agency. We will then forward you all the elements required by your insurer.
Practical Information on Palestine
CLIMATE
One of the essential features of the climate in Palestine is the sunshine throughout the year. The overall dry Mediterranean climate can vary somewhat depending on the region and altitude. The days can be hot and mild throughout the year; however, the nights can be cold, even in summer. We must not forget that several West Bank cities are situated at an altitude of 800m, while Jericho is 250m below sea level and has a sub-desert climate. It is important to have clothing suitable for dealing with these variations. In winter, the weather may be rainy but the rain never lasts more than few days. Note: For their own comfort and out of respect for the local population, our guests are advised to comply with the local dress codes.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you are departing the country. Upon arrival in the territory, EU, British and American nationals receive a free 3-month visa.
The currency most commonly used in everyday life is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Other currencies used are the Jordanian Dinar (JD) and the U.S. Dollar (U.S. $). Due to the lack of sovereignty, the Palestinian National Authority is not empowered to mint its own currency. Visitors are advised to take dollars or euros as they can be freely exchanged in the many foreign exchange counters. The major credit cards accepted are Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and American Express. You can check the live mid-market rates of change for both euros and dollars on XE Currency Converter (look for “Israeli Shekel” in the drop-down list). The rate of change on 18 September 2017 was: 1,00 € = 4,21 NIS 1,00 USD = 3,52 NIS
COMMUNICATIONS The country code is + 972 or 970
LOCAL TIME Standard time zone: UTC+02:00 Palestine undergoes a nationwide clock change from standard time to daylight saving time (DST) in the summer, when the clocks are switched forward by 1 hour and the time zone becomes UTC+03:00. DST in Palestine always begins on the Saturday before the last Sunday in March, and ends on the last Saturday of October.
