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.
While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary. We may have to change the order of the walks depending on weather conditions.
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 |
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.
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
Visas are not required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, or CAN citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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 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.
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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
Additional Information for your Cycling Tour
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Cycling Safety
Our bikes are serviced frequently: spokes, tyres, gear and brake mechanisms are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced mechanics before each tour begins.
We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet whilst cycling. We do not provide helmets locally; by bringing your own you can ensure a good fit and that it hasn’t been damaged.
Your tour leader will give a full safety briefing at the start of the tour, along with instructions on how to deal with any minor mechanical problems you may have along the way. Puncture repair kits will be provided locally, when and where necessary during the trip.
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Bike details
Bike hire is included on all Explore cycling trips: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet. If you prefer to use your own saddle or pedals please bring them too, as they can be fitted to your bike for the duration of the tour.
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| Bike Details |
Equipment provided |
| Bike type: |
Mountain bike for Hybrid use |
| Bike model: |
Focus Fatboy |
| Number of gears: |
27 deore XT |
| Brakes: |
deore disc brakes |
| Suspension: |
Front |
| Frame range: |
S x5 / M x5 / L x5 / XL x2 |
| Panniers/bike bag type provided: |
handlebar bag |
| Water bottle holder provided: |
Yes |
| Water bottle provided: |
No |
| Adjustable handlebars: |
No |
| Female saddles provided: |
Some - please request at booking |
| Gel saddles provided: |
Some - please request at booking |
| Option to fit own saddle: |
Yes |
| Option to fit own pedals: |
Yes |
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Climate
April/May and October/November are pleasantly warm. June/August are the hottest months.
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Additional information and climate charts can be accessed at http://www.explore.co.uk/ weather. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Up-to-date information on the weather worldwide can be found by following the BBC weather link on this page.
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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
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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One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
During the day you can expect to wear T-shirts and shorts. Bring long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and a fleece for cooler days and early, late season. Lightweight rain-wear for occasional rain.
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Footwear
Trainers for cycling plus comfortable shoes for around town.
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Equipment
A lock will be provided as well as a few puntcture repair kits – we recommend you bring your own helmet for the reasons outlined above (see “Cycling Safety” paragraph below). We strongly advise that helmets are always worn whilst cycling. Water-bottles holders are often fitted onto the bike frame - check bike details to confirm. Wrap-around sunglasses help prevent insects or pollen getting in your eyes. A map and our day-to-day notes are provided at the start of the tour, but you should bring your own choice of guidebook to have with you during the day. Padded shorts, trousers or a personal ‘gel seat cover’ are recommended but not essential. Cycling gloves are strongly recommended as they will protect you from sunburn and may also help protect your hands if you fall.
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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
Country info
Area: 301,230 sq km.
Population: 58 million.
Language: Italian, with some English and German.
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Local Time: GMT +1.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v, 50HZ.
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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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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Italy; Michelin 1:1,000,000, Itinerari nella Montagnola Senese 1:25,000 Club Alpino Italiano.
Recommended Books: E.M. Forster: A Room with a View, Eyewitness Travel Guide Florence and Tuscany, Christopher Hibbert: The House of the Medici: Its Rise and Fall.
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