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.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Italy |
Sicily |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
€3.00 |
|
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
€2.40 |
|
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
€2.40 |
|
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
€4.50 |
|
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
€18.00 |
|
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
€35.00 |
|
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
€18.00 |
|
| 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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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
April/May and October/November are pleasantly warm. June/September are the hottest months. Due to the altitude, nights may be cold on Mount Etna and snow may still be seen on the summit as late as June. Late November/December can be rainy.
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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 baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
In summer you will need clothing for hot, humid conditions. Sunhat, sunglasses, long trousers and long sleeved shirt recommended for protection from the sun. In May and October half-term the sun should still be strong but temperatures will certainly be lower than in the summer months, particularly at night when you will need some warmer clothing and jackets.
At any time of year you will feel cold at the top of Mount Etna, therefore you should bring warm clothes.
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Footwear
We recommend a good pair of sturdy recreational shoes/walking boots for the short walks, Mount Etna, cycling and climbing and activities in Madonie Adventure Park. Trainers and/or sandals for travelling/beach time. Shoes are provided for the river trekking.
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Equipment
A water bottle, sunhat and high factor sunscreen are all essential. You will need a swimsuit and towel for the river trekking, Cefalu boat excursion, as well as beaches and pools. You may also wish to bring cycle helmets with you for the mountain biking though one is provided and we only cycle for 2/3 hours. A torch is useful in case of powercuts/ emergencies.
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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
Please note:
Water-based activities: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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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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