We believe that travelling in a small group is what makes our travel experiences so special. Small group travel is fun and sociable, allowing you the opportunity to share and appreciate the holiday experience with a range of different people, whilst bringing you to the heart of the places we visit. We've been told time and again that the small group aspect of our holidays is what makes them extra special and set us aside from our competitors. Travel and enjoy a variety of carefully selected activities with likeminded travellers, building lifelong friendships along the way.
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 |
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.
Visa Requirements
Entry visas are NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN. citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
All visitors to Spain from non-Schengen Treaty countries (including UK) are required to submit Advance Passenger Information (API) to their Tour Operator or Airline in order to be allowed boarding at their airport of origin as stipulated by the Spanish Authorities. 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.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio.
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.
Lone Parents
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
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/
Preparing for your tour
Climate
The area around Sort is blessed with a very stable and warm climate due to its southern and Mediterranean orientation in the Pyrenees. Daytime temperatures are usually between 25 and 30 degrees in summer and pleasantly cooler during the night, around 18- 22 degree. Sort itself gets a lot of sunshine due to its local microclimate. Expect chillier temperatures high up in the National Park Aigues Tortes with temperatures anywhere between 15 and 30 degree in summer. It can occasionally get very cold up there when weather changes rapidly, even sudden snowfall in summer might occur in higher altitude.
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.
Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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.
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
Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Clothing
Waterproofs for showers are also recommended as the weather can change with little notice as in all mountainous areas. Lightweight cotton clothing is advised from June to September with a fleece for higher walks.
Footwear
Walking or trail boots are essential, plus comfortable trainers. Sandals are useful in summer. An extra pair of old trainers is recommended for canyoning.
Equipment
During the summer months we recommend you bring a sunhat and sunscreen as temperatures can be high. Water bottle and torch are essential.
Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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.
General Information
General Information
The river Noguera is a mountain river offering more than 70km of navigable stretches for all levels from beginners to advanced. In spite of being blessed with a couple of good category 2 rapids (in summer) the safety level is extremely high since there are no dangerous sections at all – thus making this river an ideal one for the whole family.
The inflatable rafting boats are used by up to 8 people, the sea kayaks and the inflatable open kayaks by 1 or 2 persons. On any activity on the river or lake there will be a qualified, English-speaking instructor with the group. On all river or lake-based activities the use of a wet suit, helmet and life jacket are mandatory (and must be worn at all times during the activity). An ability to swim is nonetheless essential. Our local supplier reserves the right to adapt the activity to a safe level or length.
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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