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.
While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route as printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary. Places visited and routes may vary depending on local road and weather conditions. Please note that sites of interest mentioned in the itinerary are optional and thus entrance fees are not included.
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 detailed route maps and notes each day. You can ride independently or with fellow passengers carrying only what you need for the day. There is a back up vehicle for emergencies. Should you wish to opt out of some of the cycling your tour leader will be able to assist organising alternative transport.
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 |
France |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
€2.50 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
€2.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
€1.45 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
€3.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
€15.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
€25.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
€12.00 |
| 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
No visa is required for citizens of UK, Canada, USA, AUS and NZ. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. If routing via USA check on latest visa requirements.
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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
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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: |
Trek T10 Navigator
|
| Number of gears: |
21 |
| Brakes: |
V-Brake |
| Suspension: |
No Suspension |
| Frame range: |
17"-23" |
| Panniers/bike bag type provided: |
Rear Panniers |
| Water bottle holder provided: |
Yes |
| Water bottle provided: |
No |
| Adjustable handlebars: |
Yes |
| Female saddles provided: |
Yes |
| Gel saddles provided: |
No |
| Option to fit own saddle: |
Yes |
| Option to fit own pedals: |
Yes |
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Climate
Summers are generally warm, or even hot, with a three-month period when rain rarely falls. When it does rain in this season, it is heavy and often accompanied by thunder. There are as much as eleven to twelve hours’ sunshine a day in summer, but as with anywhere in mainland Europe it can occasionally be cold and wet. Early and late summer is generally the best times to visit this region.
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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 luggage and a daysac. Total allowance 44lbs/20kgs. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage – don’t overload yourself. The support vehicle will transfer the main luggage between night stops.
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Clothing
Pack essentially for hot weather. During the day you can expect to live in T-shirts and shorts, but you may wish to bring smart casual wear for the evenings. Bring a warm fleece for cool evenings and raingear for occasional rain. May, June and September may be slightly cooler. Please note that French health regulations require that men wear ‘proper’ (Lycra) swimming trunks in pools and not shorts.
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Footwear
Cycle shoes if you wish, trainers and comfortable shoes for evening wear.
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Equipment
As there may be the option to swim in the ocean please bring a beach towel.
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A cycling helmet is essential and cycle gloves, shorts and water bottle are all recommended. For your own comfort you may like to bring a gel seat cover. You may also wish to bring a penknife, wrap around sunglasses and a high factor suncream. Panniers, locks, map-holder, basic toolkit and water-bottle holder are all supplied locally. A torch is useful in case of powercuts/emergencies.
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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: 88% Roman Catholic, 8% Muslim, 2% Protestant 1% Jewish, 3% unaffiliated.
Local Time: GMT +1.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v, 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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Maps & Books
Recommended Books: Sean Martin: The Cathars: The Most Successful Heresy of the Middle Ages, Stephen O’Shea: The Perfect Heresy, Andrew Smyth: The Canal du Midi, Insight guide to Southwest France, Joseph R Strayer: The Albigensian Crusade.
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