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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.
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This tour is graded Easy
Short rides, up to about 4 hours (or 45 kilometres) per day, mainly on flat or gently undulating terrain. You don’t have to be a regular cyclist but you should be reasonably fit and active. Easy grade trips are ideal if you simply want to explore a region by bike at a relaxed pace.
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.
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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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Melnik - Wine tasting £4, Castle £2, Ossuary £1.50
Konigstein - Fortress £10
Dresden - Allow a few pounds for entrance fees if you wish to visit sights during your free time in the city
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topLocal Staff: 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: Germany and Czech Republic: Euros; Czech Koruna.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: GBP and USD are readily exchanged.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns.Your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival. When changing money always keep your receipts for changing back money.
ATM Availability: ATMs are readily available throughout Germany and in Prague.
Credit Card Acceptance: Most major credit cards are accepted, but ask first.
Travellers Cheques: Can be exchanged at banks and exchange shops.
Additional Information: Be careful of falling foul of high exchange rates in Prague. Check first before you cash money or TCs and be absolutely clear about the exchange rate and any commission charges.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Czech Republic | Germany | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.20 | €2.50 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.10 | €2.50 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.00 | €2.00 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £1.50 | €3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £8.00 | €20.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £12.00 | €2.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £7.00 | €30.00 |
| 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.
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Citizens of the EU, US, Australia, New Zealand and Japan do not require a visa to visit either Germany or the Czech Republic (you must have a valid passport though). Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Please note that you should carry your passport with you at all times when in Czech Republic for identification purposes as police officers may fine you or arrest you if you fail to do so.
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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 compulsory but we recommend protection against tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Check latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
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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/
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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.
Back to topBike 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.
Back to top| Bike Details | Equipment Provided |
| Bike type: | Trekking |
| Bike model: | Unibike Voyager/Vision |
| Number of gears: | 21 |
| Brakes: | V-Brake |
| Suspension: | None/Front |
| Frame range: | 17"-21" |
| Panniers/bike bag type provided: | Rear Pannier |
| Water bottle holder provided: | No |
| Water bottle provided: | Yes |
| Adjustable Handlebars: | Yes |
| Female saddles provided: | Yes |
| Gel saddles provided: | Yes |
| Option to fit own saddle: | Yes |
| Option to fit own pedals: | Yes |
The best time to travel in Germany is between May and October, when daytime temperatures can be in the mid to high 20s centigrade, but be aware that weather in Germany, as with much of Europe, can be unpredictable and rainfall can occur at any time. The Czech Republic enjoys a more continental climate, with hot summers tempered by sudden and sometimes heavy thunderstorms, Prague typically has warm but rainy summers with between 8-9 hours of sunshine daily from May to August, dropping to 6 hours in September.
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 baggage, a soft grip bag is ideal (not a framed rucksack) and a small daysac. Total allowance 44lbs/20kgs.
Back to topPack generally for warm to hot conditions. A windproof and waterproof garment is needed as rain can fall at any time during the season. Take a fleece or warm sweater, particularly for departures early and late in the season. Summer cottons or medium weights in spring and autumn.
Back to topShoes for cycling, plus a change of shoes for evening wear.
Back to topWe recommend you bring a torch, insect repellent, suncream, sunglasses and a water bottle. You must bring your own cycle helmet, cycle gloves and shorts. Please consider carrying all or some of your cycling equipment, e.g. helmet, as part of your hand luggage
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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