Luggage is transferred between hotels by vehicle which is driven by the tour leader, therefore 4 cycling days will be selfguided. The tour leader will provide detailed route notes and maps each day. You can ride independently or with fellow travellers, carrying only what you need for the day. There is no vehicle back up. Should you wish to opt out of some of the uphill sections your tour leader will be able to assist organising alternative transport.
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.
Short to medium duration rides, generally 30 to 50 km per day but occasionally up to 65 km. The terrain is flat or undulating, with occasional more challenging climbs. You can expect to be cycling for about 4 to 6 hours each day. If you are reasonably fit and cycle occasionally at the weekend you should enjoy our Easy to Moderate grade rides.
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.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currencyexpress. com/explore/
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Spain |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
€1.25 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
€1.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
€1.25 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
€2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
€12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
€20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
€10.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
€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
Visas are not required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, or CAN 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.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio.
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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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In Spain it is a legal requirement to use a cycle helmet while on your bike on roads.
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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: |
Hybrid |
| Bike model: |
Conor Avenue or similar |
| Number of gears: |
24 and 27 |
| Brakes: |
V-Brake |
| Suspension: |
Front |
| Frame range: |
15" - 21" |
| Panniers/bike bag type provided: |
Rear panniers |
| Water bottle holder provided: |
Yes |
| Water bottle provided: |
No |
| Adjustable handlebars: |
Some |
| Female saddles provided: |
No |
| Gel saddles provided: |
No |
| Option to fit own saddle: |
Yes |
| Option to fit own pedals: |
Yes |
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Climate
The climate in Andalucia is generally mild in winter and hot and dry in summer. The Sierras are generally cooler than the coast, but bear in mind that temperatures can rise into the mid 30’s. The area around Guadix is a high plain with an altitude of around 1000m – thus being pleasantly cooler at night. There is little rainfall in summer. Altitude and humidity produce an upland Mediterranean type vegetation – forests, maquis, thyme, lavender and many indigenous plants.
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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 luggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.
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Clothing
Bring cycling gear. Remember weather is changeable in the mountains and it can be cool, especially at night and at the start and end of the season, so bring a warmer jacket/fleece. A raincoat is essential at all times in case of rain. Don’t forget your swimming costume. Evenings at the start and end of the season can become quite cold, so bring a warm sweater or fleece. Bear in mind that at altitude temperatures can drop rapidly, so a warm sweater or fleece, plus waterproof/windproof shell garment, are essential.
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Footwear
Lightweight walking shoes/trainers for cycling and comfortable shoes/sandals for evenings and visiting the sites and towns.
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Equipment
A cycling helmet is essential and required under Spanish law for all cyclists and must always be worn whilst cycling. We recommend you bring your own helmet for the reasons outlined in the safety section. You may like to bring a water bottle that fits in the bike water bottle holder. Wraparound sunglasses or cycle glasses help prevent insects or pollen getting in your eyes. A penknife can be useful for picnic lunches. 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 protect your hands if you fall. Please consider carrying all or some of your cycling equipment, e.g. helmet, as part of your hand luggage.
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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: 505,000 sq. km.
Population: 38,602,000.
Government: Democracy.
Language: Spanish.
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Currency: Euro.
Local time: GMT + 1 (Summer GMT + 2).
Electricity: 220v AC 50 Hz.
Banks: 0900-1400 Mon-Fri. 0900-1300 on Saturdays.
Shops: 0900-1300 & 1500-1900 Mon-Sat.
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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
Maps: Sierra Nevada Granada (Estacion Invernal y Alpujarras) 1:50.000, Instituto Geografico National. Berchules 1042-11. Michelin 446.
Books: Michelin Green Guide to Spain. Tales of the Alhambra by Washington Irving. South From Granada by Gerald Brennan (Penguin). The Spaniards by John Hooper Penguin). The face of Spain by Gerald Brennan.
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