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 to medium duration rides, generally 30 to 50 km per day but occasionally up to 65 km. The terrain is flat or undulating, with occasional more challenging climbs. You can expect to be cycling for about 4 to 6 hours each day. If you are reasonably fit and cycle occasionally at the weekend you should enjoy our Easy to Moderate grade rides.
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 |
Spain |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
€1.25 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
€1.50 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
€1.25 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
€2.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
€12.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
€20.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
€10.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
€7.00 |
*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
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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Entry visas are NOT required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA & CAN citizens Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visitors to Spain from non-Schengen Treaty countries (including UK) are required, as stipulated by the Spanish Authorities to submit Advance Passenger Information (API) to their Tour Operator or Airline in order to be allowed boarding at their airport of origin. All passengers who have booked flights through Explore will now need to provide us with their Date of Birth, Nationality and Passport Number at the time of booking. Passengers booking Land Only should ensure they submit this information to their travel agent or airline at the time of booking.
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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
Cycling Safety
All bicycles provided on our holidays are serviced frequently: spokes, tyres, gear and brake mechanisms are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced bicycle mechanics before each tour commences. Cycling, of course, is an active pursuit and to maximise your own personal protection in case of a tumble or fall, we strongly recommend that you wear a bicycle helmet whilst cycling. It is our firm belief that there is no helmet like your own helmet and for this reason we do not provide helmets locally. Like a good fitting pair of walking boots, helmets are a very personal item of equipment – by bringing your own you guarantee a snug fit and that it hasn’t been damaged. It is also more hygienic to wear your own rather than one which has been used by someone else previously. One waterproof pannier is included per person travelling for carrying your equipment.
You will need to be confident in case you encounter any minor technical problems with your bicycle. You need to be able to change a flat tyre, adjust saddle position and reposition break shoes. While there will be support in case of emergency, you should be comfortable with basic cycle maintenance.
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Climate
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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The area around Rupit has a very mild climate due to its proximity to the Mediterranean. Daytime temperatures are usually between 22-30 degrees in the walking season of May to October and pleasantly cooler during the night, when temperatures can drop to 15-20 degrees. In May day and nighttime temperature can be slightly chillier, but it tends to be sunny. Rainfall is usually more prominent in winter and early spring months.
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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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Clothing
Bring cycling gear such as shorts, quick drying tops and cycle gloves. Remember weather is changeable in the mountains and it can be cool, especially at night, so bring a warmer jacket/fleece. Don’t forget your swimming costume for the Mediterranean.
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Footwear
Lightweight walking shoes/trainers for cycling and comfortable shoes/sandals for evenings and visiting the sites and towns.
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Equipment
A cycling helmet is essential and required under Spanish law for all cyclists and must always be worn whilst cycling. We recommend you bring your own helmet for the reasons outlined in the safety section. Bring a water-bottle that clips on to the bike. Elasticated bungy cords are useful for attaching things to your bike, whilst wraparound sunglasses help prevent insects or pollen getting in your eyes. A penknife is useful for picnic lunches. A map and our day to- day notes are provided at the start of the tour, but you should bring your own choice of guidebook to have with you during the day. Padded shorts, trousers or a personal ‘gel seat’ are recommended but not essential. Cycling gloves are strongly recommended as they will protect you from sunburn and may also help protect your hands if you fall. Please bring a torch. 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
Trip Summary
Self-Guided
Self-Guided cycling holidays are the ideal choice for people who like to cycle and holiday independently. You can relax and concentrate on enjoying your holiday while we take care of hotel reservations and arranging luggage transfer. Cycle at your own pace, start your day when you prefer and all you need to carry is your detailed route notes and what you need for the day's ride. Your bags are transported for you from hotel to hotel, but please note you are not accompanied by a tour leader or local guide.
Catalonia is a land of greatly contrasting landscapes. Spanning the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, the area offers a huge range of scenery and culture – despite its relatively small area. This short itinerary will open your eyes to the art and architecture of Barcelona, the medieval streets of Girona and the beauty still to be found on unspoiled parts of the Spanish Mediterranean. Thanks to the conversion of a former railway track to a dedicated cycle path, it is now possible to cycle almost uninterruptedly, mostly gradually downhill, from the foothills of the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean without having to negotiate roads. On this self-guided cycle holiday, time is spent exploring by bike the lower slopes of the Pyrenees and the little visited Garrotxa area – a land of woods, extinct volcanoes and ancient villages. Your cycle journey from the mountains to the sea is combined with time relaxing on the coast, strolling through the famous 'Ramblas' of Barcelona and exploring medieval Girona. We have graded this holiday easy to moderate. We cycle 155km over 4 days, with an additional optional cycling day for those who wish to maximise their cycling time. Alternatively you may wish to look at the group holiday version of this itinerary - tour code CPM.
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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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Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the North American website
