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.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
France |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
€2.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
€2.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
€1.45 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
€3.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
€15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
€25.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
€12.00 |
| 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 not required by UK, CAN, USA, AUS or NZ citizens or EU 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
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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Nothing compulsary. Tetanus recommended.
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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
Walking Grades and Fitness
Although graded as a moderate trek, ‘Footsteps of the Cathars’ includes three longer treks of up to approximatley 7 hours on days 2,4 and 7.
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Altitude: On Trek
Gradient Chart
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Climate
Summers are warm, or even hot, with a three month period when rain rarely falls. When it does rain in this season, it is heavy and often accompanied by thunder. There are as much as eleven to twelve hours’ sunshine a day in summer, but as in any mountain area, it can occasionally be cold and wet. Winters are generally mild and sunny, but the best time to visit these mountains is in early and late summer.
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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 a daypack (35 litres) to carry your own personal gear on walks. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs but best to pack light.
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Clothing
You can expect to live in T-shirts and shorts most of the time but the weather can change quickly at any time of the year and become quite cool. It is essential that you bring a waterproof jacket and trousers, fleece jacket or warm jumper. For early and late season we recommend a warm hat, gloves and long trousers. For the evenings you may like to bring one set of smarter clothes. A couple of the hotels have pools so bring a swimming costume. "Proper" swimming trunks are required rather than shorts due to French health regulations.
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Footwear
Walking boots are essential and a pair of trainers/sandals for relaxing. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them – should your luggage be lost or delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.
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Equipment
Bring a torch, a 2 litre water bottle, towel, swimsuit, sunhat and suncream. Trekking poles are highly recommended. Bring a small towel as these are not always provided.
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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
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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Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
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