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Pyrenees Cycle Traverse (CPY)
Fishing Port Of Port VendresMore Photos
  • Comfort: Standard Tooltip
  • Cycle Grade: Moderate to Challenging Tooltip
  • Cycle Hire Included
  • Classic Explore
  • Cycling
8 days land only visiting France - Spain
  • from NZD1484 Land only *
  • * Prices based on 2013/14 Standard Itinerary.
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Detailed Trip Notes

Suitability

Your tour itinerary

Luggage is transferred between hotels by vehicle which is driven by the tour leader therefore cycling will be self-guided. The tour leader will provide route maps and notes each day. You can ride independently or with fellow passengers carrying only what you need for the day. There is vehicle back up for emergencies. Should you wish to opt out of some of the cycling your tour leader will be able to assist organising alternative transport.

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Suitability

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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Tour Itinerary

Budgeting for your Tour

Other Sightseeing & Activites

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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Entrance fee to Gorge de la Fou Nature reserve 7€

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Tipping

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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Foreign Exchange

Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com

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Local Currency: Euros.

Recommended Currency for Exchange: We recommend you take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash or take a cash card with you.

Where to Exchange: Any bank or larger town.

ATM Availability: Most larger towns

Credit Card Acceptance: Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.

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Local Costs

  UK France Spain
Tea/Coffee £1.50 €2.50 €1.25
Soft Drink £1.50 €2.50 €1.50
Bottled Water £1.50 €1.45 €1.25
Bottle of Beer £3.50 €3.50 €2.50
2 Course Meal* £15.00 €15.00 €12.00
3 Course Meal** £20.00 €25.00 €20.00
Bottle of Wine £14.50 €12.00 €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.

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, 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

Nothing 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.

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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 Cycling Tour

CPY-13

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Cycling Safety

Our bikes are serviced frequently: spokes, tyres, gear and brake mechanisms are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced mechanics before each tour begins.

We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet whilst cycling. We do not provide helmets locally; by bringing your own you can ensure a good fit and that it hasn’t been damaged.

Your tour leader will give a full safety briefing at the start of the tour, along with instructions on how to deal with any minor mechanical problems you may have along the way. Puncture repair kits will be provided locally, when and where necessary during the trip.

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Bike details

Bike hire is included on all Explore cycling trips: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet. If you prefer to use your own saddle or pedals please bring them too, as they can be fitted to your bike for the duration of the tour.

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Bike Details Equipment provided
Bike type: Hybrid
Bike model: Conor Avenue plus other models
Number of gears: 24 and 27
Brakes: V-Brake
Suspension: Front
Frame range: 15" - 22"
Panniers/bike bag type provided: Yes - rear pannier
Water bottle holder provided: Yes
Water bottle provided: No
Adjustable handlebars: Yes
Female saddles provided: No
Gel saddles provided: No
Option to fit own saddle: Yes
Option to fit own pedals: Yes - standard fitting

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Climate


This area has a generally mild climate. Summer days are generally warm and sunny, although rain can occur at all times of the year. Summers are can be considerably warmer than those in southern Britain but vary from year to year. Wine harvesting takes place in late August/early September.

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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

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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Clothing

Bring cycling gear such as shorts, quick drying tops and cycle gloves. Remember weather is changeable in the mountains and it can be cool, especially at night, so bring a warmer jacket/fleece. Don’t forget your swimming costume for the Mediterranean.

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Footwear

Trainers for cycling plus comfortable shoes for around town.

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Equipment

A few puncture repair kit will be provided and lock are provided – we recommend you bring your own helmet for the reasons outlined above (see “Cycling Safety” paragraph below). We strongly advise that helmets are always worn whilst cycling. Bring a water-bottle that clips on to the bike. Elasticated bungy cords are useful for attaching things to your bike, whilst wrap-around sunglasses help prevent insects or pollen getting in your eyes. A penknife is useful for picnic lunches. A map and our day-to-day notes are provided at the start of the tour, but you should bring your own choice of guidebook to have with you during the day. Padded shorts, trousers or a personal ‘gel seat cover’ are recommended but not essential. Cycling gloves are strongly recommended as they will protect you from sunburn and may also help protect your hands if you fall.

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As there may be the option to swim in the ocean please bring a beach towel.

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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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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

Country info

Area: 547,030 sq km.

Population: 61 million.

Language: French.

Religion: 86% Roman Catholic, 8% Muslim, 2% Protestant 1% Jewish, 3% unaffiliated.

Local Time: GMT +1.

Electric Supply & Plugs: 230v, 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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