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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.
Back to topWhile our intention is to adhere to the day to-day route printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested, depending on season, weather and trail conditions. For excellent additional information about rail travel worldwide including detailed descriptions of different trains and journeys we recommend the website www.seat61.com.
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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.
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Venice - Guggenheim €10, Academmia €10.
Florence - Uffizi Gallery €10 each.
Sorrento - Visit to Capri €27, Villa San Michele €6, Blue Grotto €25, Amalfi/Ravello €10 return, Herculaneum €16-20 We advise you bring extra money (approx £30) to cover optional museum/gallery entrance fees if you wish to visit any in your free time.
Accordingly, you should allow approx £20 for tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Euro.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: GBP.
Where to Exchange: Banks or ‘Forex’ offices in main towns/cities.
ATM Availability: Major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: Larger hotels and restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Only in major towns. Please note, the exchange rate for cash and Travellers Cheques is poor.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Italy | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | €3.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | €2.40 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | €2.40 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | €4.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | €18.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | €35.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | €18.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
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.
Back to topVisas are not required by U.K., CAN, US, AUS and NZ citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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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.
Back to topNothing required. 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.
Back to topWe 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/
Back to topApril/May and October/November are pleasantly warm. June/September are the hottest months. Showers are common in Autumn.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately 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
Back to topOne main piece of luggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs Max. Note: remember to pack light as you will have to carry your own bag on and off trains.
Back to topPack essentially for ‘All Tours’. Women should avoid bare arms and shoulders in churches (scarf or stole recommended) and both men and women should avoid bare knees. Dress for hot conditions although light rainwear and warm fleece/jacket for nights when temperatures can drop (especially in March and October/November).
Back to topComfortable walking shoes/boots and sandals.
Back to topSunhat and sunscreen are recommended. A torch may be useful as well as an umbrella.
Back to topThen 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.
Back to topFor 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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