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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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Swimming opportunities: An open air public pool is available just 50m walk from our accommodation in Castaño del Robledo – though this is only open during the months of July and August. The cycling excursion via the lake near Aracena also involves enjoyable bathing opportunities. In Mertola an indoor public pool just 10 mins walk from your hotel is open all year round. Bathing is also possible in the river just 200m from the hotel though we highly recommend children be supervised by their parents when choosing this option. Excellent bathing opportunities are to be had on the included beach excursion to Ilha Tavira as well as on the kayak excursion and from the river boat excursion when we drop anchor.
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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During July and August prices in Tavira increase by approximately 20%.
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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 €30 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 re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currency-express.com/explore/
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| UK | Portugal | Spain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | €1.00 | €1.25 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | €1.50 | €1.50 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | €1.00 | €1.25 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | €1.50 | €2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | €10.00 | €12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | €18.00 | €20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | €10.00 | €10.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 | €7.00 | €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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The Spanish Authorities have recently announced that all visitors to Spain from non- Schengen Treaty countries (including UK) will have 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.
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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis 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.
Back to topSingle parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
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 topIn the Sierra Aracena the climate is generally mild, with warm and sunny springtime temperatures and usually hot and dry summers. Though it can fall at any time of year, rain is usually confined to between December and February. Although cooler than on the coast, temperatures in summer can rise to 30°C or higher and your leader will take temperatures into account (to avoid walking in the hottest part of the day) when planning activities during this time of year.
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 topOne main piece and a daypack. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage – so don’t overload yourself.
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 topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topOutside of the summer months of June to September Andalucía is generally mild, though the Sierras are subject to some rain, so waterproofs are also recommended for the rare shower. Lightweight cotton clothing is advised from June to September, although for late and early season you may also like to pack a fleece or warm sweater. Don’t forget your swimming costumes.
Back to topLightweight walking boots/shoes for general travel and sandals/trainers for relaxing. You will also need to bring sandals that you don’t mind getting wet – for the canoe excursion.
Back to topInsect repellent, high factor suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses, a torch and a water bottle. You will also need a towel for the canoeing and for swimming and you may want to bring gloves, knee/elbow pads and padded shorts for the cycling. You will need a helmet for your cycle excursion on day 3. You may hire a helmet locally for €5 or you may wish to take your own.
Back to topFor 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 topWater-based activities: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
Back to topArea: Portugal: 92,391 sq km. Spain: 504,782 sq km.
Population: Portugal: 10.6 million. Spain: 40.4 million.
Language: Portugal: Portuguese & Mirandese. Spain: Castilian Spanish 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%.
Religion: Portugal: Catholic 85%, Other Christian 2%. Spain: Catholic 94%, Other 6%.
Local Time: Portugal: GMT. Spain: GMT +1.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v. European two round pin plugs.
Recommended Maps: Rough Guide, Michelin and GeoCentre all do detailed maps of Portugal and Spain.
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