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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Portugal |
Spain |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
€1.00 |
€1.25 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
€1.50 |
€1.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
€1.00 |
€1.25 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
€1.50 |
€2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
€10.00 |
€12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
€18.00 |
€20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
€10.00 |
€10.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
€7.00 |
€7.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Entry visas are NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, US and CAN citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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The Spanish Authorities have recently announced that all visitors to Spain from non- Schengen Treaty countries (including UK) will have to submit Advance Passenger Information (API) to their Tour Operator or Airline in order to be allowed boarding at their airport of origin. All passengers who have booked flights through Explore will now need to provide us with their Date of Birth, Nationality and Passport Number at the time of booking. Passengers booking Land Only should ensure they submit this information to their travel agent or airline at the time of booking.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
In the Sierra Aracena the climate is mild – warm and sunny in spring and hot and usually dry in summer. Rain falls between December and February, though it can fall at any time of year. Although cooler than on the coast, temperatures in summer can rise to 30°C or higher. Your leader will take temperatures into account (to avoid walking in the hottest part of the day) when planning activities during this time of year.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
One main piece of luggage and a daypack. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember you are expected to carry your own baggage – so don't overload yourself.
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Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Waterproofs for the rare shower are also recommended. Outside these months, Andalucía is generally mild, though the Sierras are subject to some rain. During this time a warm sweater or fleece, plus a waterproof/windproof outer garment is recommended. Lightweight cotton clothing is advised from June to September. Don’t forget your swimming costumes.
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Footwear
Walking or trail boots are essential, plus comfortable trainers. Sandals are useful in summer.
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Equipment
During the summer months we recommend you bring a sunhat and sunscreen as temperatures can be high. Take a water bottle, a torch and a small towel for kayaking and bathing. You may also want to consider taking gloves and padded shorts for cycling.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
General Information
Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including white-water) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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You will need a helmet for your cycle excursion on day 3. You may hire a helmet locally for €5 or you may wish to take your own.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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