Local Costs

	UK	Scotland	UK
Tea/Coffee	£1.50	£1.20	£1.50
Soft Drink	£1.50	£0.80	£1.50
Bottled Water	£1.50	£0.80	£1.50
Bottle of Beer	£3.50	£2.50	£3.50
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	£14.50
Breakfast	£5.00		£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

Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling within the UK although insurance cover for holiday cancellation, curtailment and personal effects is strongly recommended.

For all non UK nationals travel insurance is necessary and must cover medical and repatriation expenses.

Do you need to organise travel insurance for your holiday? If so, you can arrange Explore Travel insurance - which covers you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us on 0844 499 0901 for a separate quote. If you have purchased Explore Insurance you should carry the Master Certificate leaflet with you, which outlines the conditions of the policy together with a copy of your Confirmation Invoice, which is your proof of purchase of insurance. Explore Worldwide are an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority.

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Visa Requirements

Visas not required by U.K. citizens, E.U. nationals, CAN, AUS, NZ & USA. 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 Typhoid, Tetanus, 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.

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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 UK has a variable climate and the weather can change significantly from day to day. In the Scottish Islands the months of early summer and autumn can present some of the best weather for walking, with the added bonus of the changing colours of the seasons and the prime nesting times for seabirds. Temperatures tend to be moderated by the Gulf Stream, so the seasonal variations remain fairly constant, with highs around the low teens centigrade. The exposure to the Atlantic does mean that the climate can be cool and moist though, so you should be prepared for wind and rain at any time of year.

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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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Clothing

Wind/water-proofs (jacket and trousers), gaiters, a warm fleece, hat, scarf and gloves are all essential because of the potential for changing weather conditions. For the evenings you may like to bring a set of smarter clothes.

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Footwear

Good, well broken in walking boots, plus something for relaxing in of an evening.

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Equipment

Swimming costume, water bottle, insect repellent, suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection are all useful. You may also wish to bring a blister kit with you, just in case. You may find walking poles helpful.
General Information

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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:

The bus network particularly is subject to change following planned cuts which may affect the order of some sightseeing.

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Country info

Area: Orkney: 382 sq miles. Population: Approximately 19,900.
Religion: Mainly Christian: Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), Scottish Episcopal Church, Roman Catholic. Local Time: GMT.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 240V 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 Maps: Ordnance Survey (Explorer Maps): West Mainland 436. Hoy, South Walls & Flotta, Westray 462. Papa Westray 464

Recommended Books: Fresson, Captain E. E. Air Road to the Isles. Lo Bao, Phil and Hutchison, Iain (2002) BEAline to the Islands. Warner, Guy (2005) Orkney by Air. Thomson, William P. L. (2008) The New History of Orkney. Wickham-Jones, Caroline (2007) Orkney: A Historical Guide. Omand, Donald (ed.) (2003) The Orkney Book.

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