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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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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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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. €30 for gratuities for local staff.
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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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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Currency: Bulgaria: Leva Macedonia: Denari Greece: Euros
Recommended Currency for Exchange: All major currencies may be exchanged, but euros are easiest to exchange.
Where to Exchange: Banks or 'forex' offices in main towns/cities.
ATM Availability: In all main towns and cities.
Credit Card Acceptance: Very limited acceptance.
Travellers Cheques: Difficult to exchange
Additional Information: There are no restrictions on the import and export of local or foreign currency.
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| UK | Bulgaria | Greece | Macedonia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £0.80 | €2.00 | £0.80 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.80 | €1.50 | £1.20 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.50 | €1.50 | £1.20 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.50 | €3.00 | £1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £10.00 | €15.00 | £8.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £18.00 | €20.00 | £10.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £10.00 | €10.00 | £7.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 | £8.00 |
*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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Bulgaria: Visas are NOT required for UK, NZ, US, CAN and AUS nationals.
Macedonia: Visas are NOT required for nationals of UK, NZ, CAN, AUS and US.
Greece: Visas are NOT required for UK, NZ, US, CAN and AUS nationals. 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 topWe recommend protection against typhoid, hepatitis A, polio and tetanus.
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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 topMacedonia: As a landlocked country, the Republic of Macedonia has a pronounced continental climate, with very cold winters and hot summers. Daily sunshine hours are high during the summer months (9-10 per day during June-August). Come prepared for rain showers at any time due to the mountainous nature of the country.
Greece: Enjoys one of the most favourable climates in the Mediterranean, with mild to hot weather most of the year, May and September are good times to visit. Rain rarely falls between these months, July and August can be very hot.
Bulgaria: Has a somewhat temperate climate, influence by the combination of Mediterranean and eastern European weather systems. The winters are mild and the summers warm and fresh. The alpine regions can be cooler.
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 and a daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don’t overload yourself. An overnight bag will also be useful.
Back to topWeather is changeable in the mountains and it can be cool, especially at night, so bring a warmer jacket/fleece. A raincoat is essential at all times in case of the odd shower. You should dress with respect in the rural villages so bring some long trousers. Wearing shorts is not permitted in monasteries.
Back to topTrainers/Walking shoes for any walks and comfortable shoes or sandals for visiting the sites and towns.
Back to topTake a towel, a water bottle, binoclulars, insect repellent, a sunhat and suncream. A torch is useful in case of powercuts/emergencies. Walking poles may also be useful.
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 topArea: Bulgaria: 110,910 sq km. Macedonia: 25,713 sq km. Greece: 131,940 sq km.
Population: Bulgaria: 7.35 million. Macedonia: 2,026,350 (official estimate 2000). Greece: 10.66 million.
Language: Bulgaria: Bulgarian, Turkish, Romany. Macedonia: Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish, Serbo-Croatian. Greece: Greek.
Religion: Bulgaria: 85% Bulgarian Orthodox, 13% Muslim. Macedonia: Eastern Orthodox 67%, Muslim 30%. Greece: 98% Greek Orthodox, 1.3% Muslim, 0.7% other.
Local Time: Macedonia: GMT + 1. Greece & Bulgaria: GMT +2.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220 volts AC, 50Hz with round 2-pin plugs.
Recharging Batteries: Possible in all accommodation.
Back to topRecommended Maps: Trimaks Macedonia Road Map 1:250,000; Insight Travel Map – Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia & Macedonia 1:800,000.
Recommended Books: Hugh Poulton: Who Are the Macedonians?; R.M. Errington: A History of Macedonia.
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