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.
Accordingly you should allow approx. €10 / €15 for gratuities for local staff. 10% in restaurants is recommended
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Portugal |
The Azores |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
€1.00 |
€1.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
€1.50 |
€2.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
€1.00 |
€1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
€1.50 |
€2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
€10.00 |
€15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
€18.00 |
€20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
€10.00 |
€15.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
€7.00 |
€10.00 |
*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
Entry visas are NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, CAN. citizens. 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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Lone Parents
Single 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
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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
Climate
The Azores benefit from a very mild maritime climate throughout the year, with no great extremes of temperature. In spring and summer, when this tour operates, days are warm but never really hot (except occasionally in July & August). Weather in July and August is generally settled but occasional storms and rain do occur and weather conditions can be highly changeable. Given the mid-Atlantic location of the Azores humidity is often high.
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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 luggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage, so don’t overload yourself.
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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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Clothing
July and August are the warmest months, though the islands are freshened by cooling sea breezes. Waterproofs are essential as rainfall can occur at any time of the year and a windproof jacket or a fleece may be useful for the boat trips.
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Footwear
Lightweight trail boots or comfortable walking shoes or sandals, plus something to relax in of an evening. Walking sandals (OK to get wet) if goignt o biscoitos.
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Equipment
Insect repellent, torch, towel suncream, mask and snorkel, sunglasses and a water bottle.
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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: 2,355 sq km (Azores Archipelago).
Population: 243,000.
Language: Portuguese.
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Local time: GMT-1.
Electricity: 220v AC 50 Hz. Two pin round plugs.
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Turinta: Azores 1:75,000, Portuguese Military Topographical maps are also available1:25,000.
Recommended Books: Bradt Guide to the Azores, Andreas Stieglitz: Landscape of the Azores (published by Sunflower).
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