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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.
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.
Luggage is transferred between hotels by vehicle which is driven by the tour leader, therefore 3 cycling days will be selfguided. The tour leader will provide 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.
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.
Barcelona - Entrance to the Sagrada Familia €12, Picasso Museum €10, Casa Mila €14, Casa Battlo €17. Girona - Entrance to the Cathedral Museum and cloister €5, Arabic Baths €3.
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.
*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.
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.
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 athttp://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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.
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.
The climate in Catalonia is generally mild in winter and hot and dry in summer. The average high temperatures in May/June and September/October are around 21-26 degree, with July and August getting up to 35 degree (inland) and slightly milder at the coast. Rainfall is usually confined to December-April only, but with exceptions in November and May as well. The mountains are generally cooler than the coast, and at nights particularly it can get slightly chilly. Barcelona in summer has high humidity.
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
Bring cycling gear such as shorts, quick drying tops and cycle gloves. Remember weather is changeable in the mountains and it can be cool, especially at night, so bring a warmer jacket/fleece. Don’t forget your swimming costume for the Mediterranean.
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. Bring a water-bottle that clips on to the bike. Elasticated bungy cords are useful for attaching things to your bike, whilst wraparound sunglasses help prevent insects or pollen getting in your eyes. A penknife is 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’ are recommended but not essential. Cycling gloves are strongly recommended as they will protect you from sunburn and may also help protect your hands if you fall. Please bring a torch. Please consider carrying all or some of your cycling equipment, e.g. helmet, as part of your hand luggage.
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.
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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