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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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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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Accordingly, you should allow approximately €10-20 for 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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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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Visas are not required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, or CAN citizens. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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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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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, we recommend typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A.
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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/
Back to topThe 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, although this is usually confined to winter only. The Basque region enjoys summer temperatures in the mid 30s centigrade during July, whilst Asturia and Cantabria generally range in the high 20s. Once in Galicia the more moderate Atlantic climate is predominant, providing less rainfall and less extremes in temperature.
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 daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to topLightweight cotton clothing is best from June to September, light rainwear may be needed at any time of year, but especially after the start of September, and a warm fleece/light jacket is recommended for cooler evenings and nights at the beginning and end of the season. Don’t forget a swimming costume.
Back to topGood comfortable trainers or lightweight walking shoes. Sandals for relaxing.
Back to topA head torch, water bottle, sunhat and high factor sunscreen are all essential.
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 topFor excellent additional information about rail travel worldwide including detailed descriptions of different trains and journeys we recommend the website www.seat61.com.
Back to topArea: 504,782 sq km.
Population: 41 million.
Language: Castilian Spanish, Catalan, Galician, Basque.
Religion: Roman Catholic 94%.
Local Time: GMT+1.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v, 50 AC. European two-pin sockets.
Back to topRecommended Maps: Michelin, Insight and Rough Guide all do general and regional guides of Northern Spain.
Recommended Books: Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, Footprint and Insight all do guides to Northern Spain, Paddy Woodworth: The Basque Country, 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.
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