The Shokoufeh price
You can find both cheaper and more expensive operators than Shokoufeh: our strength is that we provide the greatest choice of adventurous holidays worldwide, and the best value for money. We aim for good quality, and we don’t cut corners in providing it. While luxury is certainly less important to us than interest, we still always aim at reasonable standards of comfort where it is available.
What the price includes
Flights
The ‘Flight Inc.’ prices shown on the Shokoufeh website include flights from a Tehran airport to the destination airport and back, Iran departure tax, all necessary domestic flights on the trip itinerary and all airport transfers if booked on the group flights. Where this is not the case it is specifically mentioned on the Dates & Prices page for the individual trip or in the Trip Notes. Internal flights generally are, except where tickets are better issued in conjunction with your international ticket.
Accommodation
This is included in the price. Twin (2 beds) or double (1 large bed) rooms will be allocated to clients booking together; we will of course provide twin rooms for non-couples, but cannot guarantee double rooms for couples. If you’re camping, we provide sturdy two-person tents and all necessary communal camping and cooking gear, so you will just need to bring a sleeping bag and, on most trips, a sleeping mat or Thermarest. Single clients will be matched with a sharer of the same sex. If you are a smoker we ask you not to smoke in your room or tent if sharing.
Food
Meal plans vary according to area and circumstances: for every trip, details of what is included are shown in the Food section of each trip.
Transport
All necessary transport during the trip is included, whether private or public.
Sightseeing
Included wherever it is part of the itinerary (as stated in the Trip Notes). There are usually optional trips too, which are paid for locally.
Staff
On all trips we provide a leader or local representative, assisted by local guides, drivers and any other staff as appropriate. Leaders usually meet the group locally.
Please note that we cannot guarantee that a particular leader will lead a particular holiday. There is always a possibility that the leader may change, sometimes at short notice. We will not make any refund if you wish to cancel your holiday because of a change of leader.
Permits, taxes and entrance fees
We include in the cost of the holiday all necessary local permits, taxes and entrance fees to National Parks or sites that are part of the itinerary.
No local payments
Regular Shokoufeh clients will know that for some time we, along with some other operators, have been using a system of `local payments` - where a proportion of the operational costs are paid directly to the leader on arrival. While this undoubtedly offered a good deal in terms of overall costs, it has been unpopular with many of our clients. We are therefore pleased to announce that none of the trips in this brochure have fixed local payments, so the price you see on the page is the price you pay for the holiday. While some of the headline prices have risen, we have not added any extra costs into the total price, apart from the local payment and any standard annual fluctuation in price. When you are travelling you will still spend money locally on optional excursions, meals and drinks, but these are always at your discretion.
Not included
Any meals and other food not included in the meal plan, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, foreign airport taxes where not included in the price of the ticket, sleeping bags and other personal equipment, sleeping mats on most camping trips, entrance to historical sites if not specified in the Trip Notes, extra optional excursions and any personal expenditure such as laundry, drinks and tips.
Single accommodation
Our prices are based on twin share accommodation. If you book on your own (many people do), we arrange for you to share with a person of the same sex. We do not charge a single supplement except on extensions or independent trips. Where it is operationally possible to do so, we offer an optional single supplement in the price list. On some trips it is not possible to guarantee single accommodation for the whole tour; where this is the case further information and prices can be found in the Trip Notes. If you would like a single room or tent on a particular holiday you should contact the office for details. Where we are unable to guarantee single accommodation you may be able to arrange and pay for it locally. Please be aware that paying a single supplement does not guarantee you sole use of a twin or double room, and that single rooms are often smaller than a standard twin/double. Note on certain trips single accommodation is not available due to local operational conditions.
Back To Top
Other information
Group size and minimum numbers
For each trip we indicate a normal group size in the Trip Details section.
Most of our holidays are group holidays and require a certain number of participants to operate. In the unlikely event that a holiday does not reach minimum numbers we may be forced to cancel. Therefore we strongly recommend that you do not make any non-refundable or non-changeable travel arrangements until the trip has been confirmed.
If a holiday has not reached minimum numbers a final decision will be made between eight and six weeks before departure, although on occasions we may keep a holiday open until four weeks beforehand in an effort to get enough bookings to operate. If the group size drops below the minimum stated, we reserve the right either to cancel or to run the trip with minor modifications. We also reserve the right to confirm trips on numbers lower than the minimum indicated in this brochure. Occasionally, where operationally possible, we may exceed the maximum number stated in the brochure.
Back To Top
On your trip
Spending money
You need to take enough money to cover the cost of meals not included in the trip cost, and for drinks and incidentals. Advice on this is given in the Trip Notes. Remember there are often optional activities or souvenirs to buy and you should allow some extra spending money for these.
Baggage on flights
You are restricted to 20kg of baggage on most flights. We recommend you to take rather less than this to allow for souvenirs that you may want to bring back. On some internal flights the weight limit is lower; where this is so we state it in the Trip Notes. Please note that airlines are also becoming stricter on the size and weight of hand luggage carried on flights.
Baggage on trip
On a few trips there are restrictions as to the type and weight of baggage that you can bring; on trips where it is not possible to take a suitcase you will need a soft bag or backpack; the Trip Notes will advise you on this. Generally you can take whatever type of bag you wish: just make sure that you don’t take too much, and that your bag will protect your belongings and stand up to rough treatment. On a few walking trips that involve local porter age we provide a kitbag, which will help protect your luggage from the inevitable wear and tear involved.
On-trip services
On all trips the staff are there to help if you need any special assistance. Camping trips tend to be more participatory than hotel-based trips: on most we have cooks and camp helpers to do the work, but on some trips you will need to help by putting up your own tent, and on a small number, by joining a cooking or shopping rota. Those trips where you are required to help out are described as participatory under the ‘Essential Info.’ Tab for that trip.
Clothing & equipment
On most trips light, comfortable casual clothes are all that is needed, plus cold and wet weather protection. On some trips you will need a sleeping bag and sleeping mat and occasionally other items of specific equipment: where this is the case details are given in the Trip Notes.
Equipment hire
For your convenience we operate a scheme through which you may hire specific equipment, including sleeping bags and duvet jackets. For full details, please refer to the Travel Advice booklet that is sent on booking.
Back To Top
Reality check
Travelling anywhere abroad can expose you to risks not normally faced at home and our type of travel can be less predictable and orderly than some expect. We therefore ask that you read and consider this section carefully before booking your holiday, as we believe that you should be fully informed before making your choice to travel.
Health requirements
The Trip Notes list any statutory vaccination requirements for the countries we visit if you are travelling from the Iran. If you are travelling from elsewhere you should check with your nearest embassy or tourist office for current regulations. We strongly recommend that you check with your family doctor or specialist travel clinic as soon as you book, for up-to date advice on all preventative health precautions. It is also a good idea to have a dental check-up before you go, as, in many of the countries to which we travel, facilities are expensive and may not be of the same standard as you are used to. If you are travelling in Europe you should enquire about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives a certain degree of free medical care in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for travel insurance.
Adventurous travel
On many of our holidays the areas are remote, the lifestyle is very different and events much less predictable than on a conventional holiday. Health, safety and operational standards - particularly of hotels, transport and airlines - are often not up to Western levels. However good our organization is, we are at the mercy of the unexpected, and this type of trip can never be entirely cut-and-dried. If you are not prepared for this you should not travel with us. Because these are not ordinary package holidays, the outline itineraries given on this website are statements of intent rather than promises. Local weather, politics, airlines, transport or a host of other uncontrollable factors can mean a change in itinerary or means of transport. It is unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, but if changes are necessary the leader will decide the best alternative, after consultation with the group. Where a delay or change does occur, we will do everything we can to minimize its effects, but we cannot be held responsible for the results of delays or changes outside our control. Finally, crime and other security risks exist in practically all countries, whether it is the USA or India. Travelling in a group is a safeguard, but not a guarantee. Though we will take all reasonable care of you, we cannot do this adequately if you do not at all times take sensible precautions yourself.
Accommodation
Our aim, wherever possible, is to use accommodation that is in keeping with the area that we visit, local in character, and generally locally-owned. In many countries health and safety regulations are not up to the standards in the EU, Australasia or North America and because of this care may need to be taken to familiarize yourselves with the general layout of the accommodation so as to become aware of any specific risks or lack of safety features. This can be particularly important where the accommodation includes a swimming pool, as signs and other safety features may not be present. Plumbing and hot water can also be erratic, other facilities may not be of resort standard, and service, although friendly, may not be polished and professional. If you choose to travel on this type of holiday you must accept that this is all part of the experience.
Transport
In many countries that we visit, transport facilities, regulations and health and safety precautions are not up to the standard of the EU, Australasia or North America. Where this is the case, we attempt to ensure that all our transport complies with local regulations and standards, but we cannot guarantee the same standard as in the EU. If you choose to travel to these destinations, you must be prepared to accept the standard of transport that is available in the area
Group activities
Shokoufeh offers adventurous holidays that involve different types of activities; as such you should ensure that you read all literature carefully for details of the level of the activity and the necessary experience (if any) required on your holiday. Whilst we ensure the activity is run to the local legal standard and risk assessments are regularly carried out, some activities do carry an element of risk and it is your responsibility to ensure that the trip/activities are suitable for you and that you are fit enough to join in. The leader’s word is, however, final, and if he/she deems you unfit or unsuitable for a particular activity you may not be allowed to participate with the rest of the group. If by choice or necessity you leave the group, we will generally not be able to supply alternative services, leaders and activities, and you should not expect this.
Back To Top
Flight information
Flight amendments
The ‘Flight Inc.’ prices quoted on this website include flights from the IRAN unless otherwise stated. Most of these flights are based on special group fares, which have certain restrictions on changes to date, route or validity. While we can often make alternative flight arrangements to suit individual needs, these are likely to be more expensive than the published arrangements. Any such change made after a ticket is issued will normally necessitate the purchase of a new ticket at the passenger’s expense.
Flight supplements
If we are no longer holding an allocation of seats on the group flight, or our allocation of seats has been fully utilized, we will search for alternatives. It may be that we can still book you onto the group flight on an “adhoc” basis, or we may have to look at an alternative airline, date or time. Any difference in price between the flight booked and that of the group flight will be passed on in the form of a flight supplement.
Flight timings, routes and schedule changes
Please note that all flight timings are subject to change by the airlines. Unfortunately, airlines change their schedules regularly, and although we will inform you of proposed flight timings and route at the time of booking, we cannot be held responsible for any changes after this date. It is also important to note the difference between a “direct flight, a “non-stop flight” and a “scheduled stop flight”. Non-stop flights do not have any scheduled touchdowns en route, while direct flights mean there is no change of aircraft but that stops are possible and indeed probable, as per the airline schedules. Scheduled stop flights are usually based on a carrier that will also fly via their home country before continuing onto the final destination, and this will usually mean a change of plane. Unfortunately, not all stops or touchdowns can be detailed on your flight confirmation.
Flight delays
Unfortunately, flight delays do occur and apart from the obvious inconvenience of the delayed arrival at your destination, they can cause ongoing operational problems with your holiday arrangements. Depending on the circumstances the airline may make alternative arrangements at no extra cost; however, additional costs may well be involved in the form of onward flight arrangements, transfers and accommodation. Should you be affected by a flight delay, and need assistance, please refer to your Final Joining Instructions (FJI).
Regional connections
Reduced fares from IRAN regional airports to connect with international flights departing from Tehran are available on most programmes. Please request details and book these as early as possible. Once booked, alterations and cancellations will be subject to a fee of £25. On some holidays it is possible to fly to the destination or an overseas connecting city from some regional airports in Iran; where this is available details are given in the Trip Notes. It is likely that flights from regional airports will arrive at different times to the group flights from Tehran: where this is the case you can wait at the airport for the group flight, or make alternative transfer arrangements, may be necessary.
Back To Top
Passport & visa requirements
Passport
Travelers require a full passport for all holidays on this website, and this should be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return home. Please note that for some trips we need to request special permits, and as such we will require your passport details prior to accepting your booking. Furthermore, if you renew your passport after you have booked, you may be required to take your old passport with you to maintain the validity of the permit.
Visa
Full details of current visa requirements are given in the Trip Notes and in the confirmation documents that are sent to you on booking. Obtaining any visas that are required is your responsibility. Visa regulations can change, and may do so at short notice and sometimes without announcement. Where we become aware of changes to regulations, we will notify you if we are able. Providing we have used our best efforts to advise you of requirements, or assist you in obtaining visas, we cannot be held responsible for mistakes by embassies, third parties, and sudden changes to regulations, or actions of border officials that are beyond our control.
Back To Top