Detailed Trip Notes
Suitability
Suitability
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.
Back to top
Tour Itinerary
Budgeting for your Tour
Other Sightseeing & Activites
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.
Back to top
Excursion Prices
Blue Grotto - Boat trip €8
Xwejni Bay - Boat trip €3.50
Back to top
Tipping
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 top
Accordingly, you should allow £20 on the MLA and £40 on the MLAS, for tipping.
Back to top
Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
Back to top
Foreign Exchange
Local Currency: Euro.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Since there is relatively little opportunity to change money on this trip, it is advisable to arrive with a supply of Euros to avoid inconvenience.
Where to Exchange: Money can be exchanged in the hotels in Gozo and Malta
ATM Availability: ATM’s are widely available in Gozo, Malta and Sicily.
Credit Card Acceptance: Large shops and restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Are not recommended due to the high rate of commission and limited opening times of banks. Changing them can be very time consuming.
Back to top
Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
Back to top
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Malta |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
€1.80 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
€1.20 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
€1.80 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
€2.40 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
€18.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
€30.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
€7.00 |
| 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.
Back to top
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA or CAN citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
Back to top
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to top
Vaccinations & Protection
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 top
Nothing required. Tetanus recommended. Special Note: Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to top
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/
Back to top
Preparing for your tour
Climate
April/May and October/November are pleasantly warm. June/September are the hottest months. 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.
Back to top
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to top
Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to top
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
Back to top
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.
Back to top
Clothing
Women should avoid bare arms and shoulders in churches (scarf or stole recommended). Dress for hot conditions although light rainwear and warm fleece/jacket for nights when temperatures can drop (especially in March and Oct/Nov).
Back to top
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
Back to top
Equipment
Sunhat and sunscreen are recommended. You should bring a 2 litre water bottle, torch, as well as insect repellent, a swimming costume and towel.
Back to top
Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to top
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.
Back to top
General Information
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/
Back to top