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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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Also allow another £10.00 for various other museum and site entrance fees during the tour (depending on your interests).
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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 £10 tipping.
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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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Local Currency: The Ukrainian national currency is the Hryvnia and Moldova is the Leu.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Take USD or Euro cash or preferably a mixture of the two. You can only leave Ukraine with a maximum of USD 3,000. Anything over this amount will be confiscated.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: Major towns and cities have ATM’s for cash withdrawal, although cash machines in Moldova often do not work please do not rely on them.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers cheques are very difficult to change in the Ukraine and Moldova.
Additional Information: Scottish notes are not accepted. All bank notes must be in good condition.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Moldova | Ukraine | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | €1.20 | €1.20 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | €1.00 | €1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | €0.90 | €0.90 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | €3.00 | €3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | €12.00 | €12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | €17.00 | €17.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | €12.00 | €12.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*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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Ukraine: Visas are not required by citizens of the UK, USA or Canada. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Please be aware you are required to carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times in the Ukraine for ID purposes.
Moldova: EU, USA and CAN citizens do not require a visa for Moldova, other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Be warned, this process can take up to 2 months during this process passports remain with the embassy.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND PASSENGERS: Please note that transit visas are no longer accepted for this tour. You will need to apply for a full visa. We have been informed by the Moldovan Embasssy that as there is no Embassy or Consulate in Australia or New Zealand and your application should be made to the Moldovan Embassy in London. Once your application has been received it may take up to two months to obtain the visa and additional time for them to return your passport to you by post. Back to top
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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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against hepatitis A and diphtheria. Check that your polio and tetanus vaccinations are up to date before travel. The UK Foreign office currently recommend that you should consider whether to immunise against tick-borne encephalitis and rabies. Consult your travel clinic for further advice.
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 topSummers in Ukraine and Moldova are generally hot and sunny and less humid than in Central Europe, with temperatures often reaching into the 80’s. In fact, the early autumn period is often to be compared with a true Indian summer, dry and sunny. The first snows in the Crimean Mountains usually start in November.
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 for personal items. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember that you’ll have to carry your own luggage at railway stations up and down long flights of steps and on/off trains – so don’t overload yourself.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topLightweight clothes during the day plus some warmer clothes for colder nights. Bring a lightweight rain-jacket, swimwear and a small towel. Women should bring a headscarf for religious site visits.
Back to topSome comfortable shoes with good grip and maybe sandals.
Back to topBring a water bottle, mosquito repellent, a sunhat, sunscreen and a torch.
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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 topIn this region of Europe, trains may be subject to unforeseen delays and changes to schedule – all part of the inherent charm of rail travel.
Back to topFor 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 topBooks: Borderland: Anna Reid The Ukranians- Unexpected nation: Andrew Wilson.
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