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.
Short rides, up to about 4 hours (or 45 kilometres) per day, mainly on flat or gently undulating terrain. You don’t have to be a regular cyclist but you should be reasonably fit and active. Easy grade trips are ideal if you simply want to explore a region by bike at a relaxed pace.
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.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Croatia |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£1.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£2.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£8.00 |
| 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 are not required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, or 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, but we recommend protection against hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, and typhoid. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Check latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
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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
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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 provide helmets locally but by bringing your own you can ensure a good fit.
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. 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: |
Mountain |
| Bike model: |
Scott Voltage 06/06 + KHS 3000 + Giant Trek |
| Number of gears: |
Shimano 21 or 24 |
| Brakes: |
Shimano V-Brake |
| Suspension: |
Front suspension |
| Frame range: |
Various sizes |
| Panniers/bike bag type provided: |
Handle bar bags and bungees |
| Water bottle holder provided: |
Yes |
| Water bottle provided: |
No |
| Adjustable handlebars: |
No |
| Female saddles provided: |
No |
| Gel saddles provided: |
No |
| Option to fit own saddle: |
Yes |
| Option to fit own pedals: |
Yes |
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Climate
The Croatian Adriatic has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. With an average of 2,600 hours of sunshine per year, it is one of the sunniest and warmest coasts in Europe. There is a chance of sporadic rain in spring and autumn, though generally this is in the form of short showers. Thunderstorms occur in summer, generally helping to cool the air. Occasional high winds may make the more open waters too choppy for comfortable passage and the itinerary will need to be adapted accordingly.
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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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One main piece of baggage and Daysac – pack light as space is restricted. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.
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Clothing
July and August are the hottest months, but early and late in the season go prepared with clothing to suit drops in temperature and the showers. You’ll need your swimming gear, a ‘bath’ towel and a beach towel. Light rainwear may be needed at any time of year, and a warm fleece/jacket is recommended for cooler evenings and nights. Other additions that you may find useful are cycle gloves and cycling shorts/trousers.
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Footwear
Trainers or light walking shoes are ideal plus sandals for relaxing. Footwear is generally not worn on board, but you may find a pair of old shoes or plastic sandals useful to avoid sea urchins on rocks.
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Equipment
A water bottle, sunhat and sunscreen are all essential. Please note that cycling helmets will be provided but should you wish to bring your own cycling helmet please pack this in your carry-on luggage if possible.
If you wish to snorkel you may prefer to bring your own mask and snorkel. Please note that if you wish to sleep out on deck on some nights, as many choose to do in good weather, you should bring a sheet sleeping bag and a rollmat, as the cabin bedding is not permitted on deck. A torch is useful in case of powercuts/ emergencies. Please consider carrying all or some of your cycling equipment, e.g. helmet, as part of your hand luggage.
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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: 56,542 sq km.
Population: 4.42 million.
Language: Croatian (78%), Serbian (12%), Slavic Muslim (Bosniac), Hungarian, Slovenian, Italian.
Religion: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Islam.
Local Time: GMT +1.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v, 50HZ. Two pin round plugs.
Recharging Batteries: There are sockets available in the main galley.
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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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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Freytag & Berndt do a 1:300,000 map of Croatia and 1: 100,000 maps of the Adriatic coast.
Recommended Books: A.A. Paton: Highlands and Islands of the Adriatic, Mark Thompson: A Paper House, Marcus Tanner: Croatia: A Nation forged in war.
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Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
