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.
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.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Greece |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
€2.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
€1.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
€1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
€3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
€15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
€20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
€10.00 |
| 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.
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Visa Requirements
Visas are NOT required for UK, NZ, US, CAN & AUS nationals. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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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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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against tetanus 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 Trekking Tour
There may be some minor deviation to the trail routes, depending on the season, weather, local conditions and the interest of the group.
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Altitude: On Trek
Gradient Chart
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Climate
Crete enjoys one of the most favourable climates in the Mediterranean, with mild to hot weather most of the year, and slightly cooler weather in May and September. Rain rarely falls between these months, and evenings can be particularly pleasant. July and August are the hottest months.
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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
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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A daysac for use during day walks is essential (your main luggage will be transported by support vehicle whilst on the walks). Therefore, please use a soft bag for ease of packing.
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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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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at 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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Clothing
Early and late in the season (May/June/September/ October) go prepared with warm clothing to suit drops in temperature or the odd shower. In high places, like Omalos and Zaros, nights can be cold, so a fleece jacket is a good thing to have at any time of year.
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Footwear
Well worn, sturdy walking boots with good ankle support are essential for the walks; sandals and trainers for relaxing.
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Equipment
Bring a personal water bottle (at least 2 ltr capacity) for use during the walks. You will find a trekking pole useful over the downhill sections of the walks.
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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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General Information
Country info
Area: 8,300 sq. km. Population: 520,000.
Government: Republic, governed from Athens.
Language: Greek.
Religion: Orthodox Church of Crete.
Local time: GMT + 2.
Electricity: 220v AC 50Hz.
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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
Maps: Crete Clyde Surveys Ltd, (of Maidenhead, Berks).
Books: ‘The Traveller’s Guide to Crete’ by John Bowman (Jonathan Cape). ‘Crete: The Battle and the Resistance’ by Anthony Beever (John Murray). ‘Crete: Its Past, Present and People’ by Adam Hopkins (Faber). ‘The Cretan Runner’ by George Psychoundakis.
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