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.
Luggage is transferred between hotels by vehicle which is driven by the tour leader, therefore the cycling on days 2, 3, 4 and 5 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. On days 6 and 7 your tour leader will guide the cycle rides while another driver transports the bags to the next hotel.
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.
Accordingly, we recommend approximately 15€ per person for tipping. 10% is recommended at meal times.
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 their travel agent or consular office.
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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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All visitors to Spain from non-Schengen Treaty countries (including UK) are required, as stipulated by the Spanish Authorities to submit Advance Passenger Information (API) to their Tour Operator or Airline in order to be allowed boarding at their airport of origin. 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.
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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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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 plus other models |
| Number of gears: |
24 and 27 |
| Brakes: |
V-Brake |
| Suspension: |
Front |
| Frame range: |
15" - 22" |
| Panniers/bike bag type provided: |
Yes rear pannier |
| Water bottle holder provided: |
Yes |
| Water bottle provided: |
No |
| Adjustable handlebars: |
Yes |
| Female saddles provided: |
No |
| Gel saddles provided: |
No |
| Option to fit own saddle: |
Yes |
| Option to fit own pedals: |
Yes - standard fitting |
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Climate
The north and northwest of Spain is known for its continental climate, with more chance of seasonal extremes and a higher probability of rainfall than the rest of Spain. The Castilian Meseta is a high plateau with a continental climate; chilly evenings and pleasantly warm days during spring and autumn. Once in Galicia the more moderate Atlantic climate is more predominant. Weather is generally very mild during our walking season with daytime temperatures reaching the mid 20°C during the day and, depending on altitude, between 10 and 17 degrees at night.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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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 baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Bring your cycle gear - cycling shorts, quick drying tops and gloves. Rainwear may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece/jacket is recommended for cooler evenings and nights early and late in the season.
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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 lock will be provided as well as a few puntcture repair kits – we recommend you bring your own helmet for the reasons outlined above (see “Cycling Safety” paragraph below). We strongly advise that helmets are always worn whilst cycling. Water-bottles holders are often fitted onto the bike frame - check bike details to confirm. Wrap-around sunglasses help prevent insects or pollen getting in your eyes. 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 help protect your hands if you fall.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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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: 38.6 million.
Language: Spanish.
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Local Time: GMT +1.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v, 50HZ. Two pin round plugs.
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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
Recommended Books: Cees Nooteboom: Roads to Santiago, D. Gitlitz & L. Davidson: The Pilgrimage road to Santiago, Tim Moore: Travels with my Donkey: One Man and his Ass on a Pilgrimage to Santiago, Lonely Planet Guide to Spain, Rough Guide to Spain.
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Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the UK and European website
