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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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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.
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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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| 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.
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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Entry visas are NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN. citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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The Spanish Authorities have recently announced that all visitors to Spain from non- Schengen Treaty countries (including UK) will have 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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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topNothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended.
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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/
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The Picos de Europa enjoy a temperate climate – ample rainfall in spring and winter makes Northern Spain green and verdant. Because of altitude and proximity to the coast, the weather is prone to unseasonal variations: snow has been recorded in all months of the year – come prepared.
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 topOne 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 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 topSmall Rucksack/Daypack with straps (SPC only): In any mountain region the weather can change rapidly and you must be equipped for this eventuality. The straps will be useful if you have to remove and carry your snow shoes (SPC only). Your daypack should carry the essentials and therefore, be large enough to carry the following: waterproofs, sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat and gloves, sun hat, sun cream, water bottle (at least 1litre), tissues and your packed lunch. Most people normally find that this adds up to about 3 to 4kg. Camera equipment can be heavy so think carefully when deciding what to take. Other optional items in a daypack might be binoculars, a diary or a book to read at lunch time. Please note that cooked meals and bottled drinks are available in the refuges, so it is not necessary to carry food and drink for your stay.
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: 505,000 sq. km.
Population: 38,602,000.
Language: Spanish.
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Local time: GMT + 1 (Summer GMT + 2).
Electricity: 220v AC 50 Hz.
Back to topMaps: Picos de Europa – Mapa Excursionista (1:25000) Editor Miguel Adrados.
Books: Walks and climbs in the Picos de Europa – Robin Walker (Cicerone Press).
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