P $ k · P $ k 31/12/2020 15:07:28. Created Date: 20201231150728Z

Book with confidence

Why book this trip?Why book this trip?

Discover the best of five Azores unspoilt islands; Sao Miguel, Terceira, Sao Jorge, Flores and Faial. This

gentle walking holiday explores the beautiful and varied landscapes; crater lakes, extinct volcanoes,

vineyards, thermal springs and craggy coastlines.

Sete Cidades - Crater walk with stunning views of the twin blue and green lakes

Whale watching - Opportunity to take a boat trip alongside whales and dolphins

Faja dos Cubres - Follow a hydrangea lined path down to this unique lagoon

Azores Island HoppingAzores Island HoppingAZORES, PORTUGAL AZORES, PORTUGAL - TRIP CODE - TRIP CODE AZAZ

WALKING AND TREKKING

30/06/2021 14:42:30

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ItineraryItinerary

Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.

Arrive in Ponta Delgada, Located on the harbour of Sao Miguel, the Azores largest island, Ponta Delgada

is a charming historic city with narrow cobbled streets and some interesting buildings worth a visit, such

as the Municipal city hall with its reflecting pool in the city centre of Baixa.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome

meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned

today, so you are free to arrive in Ponta Delgada at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary

airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at João Paulo II Airport in Ponta Delgada (PDL) which is

around 10 minutes' drive from the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any

essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to take a stroll along the harbour front

promenade past the 16\\super th\\nosupersub century fort to the marina or visit the Convent and Chapel

of Nossa Senhora da Esperança with its unique quadrangular tower.

A C C O M M O D AT I O N :

Hotel Vila Nova (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

SI N G L E R O O M AVA I L A B L E

I N C L U D E DM E A L S

Breakfast: 13Lunch: 1

T R I P STA F F

Explore TourLeader

Boat Crew

T R A N SPO R T

BusFerryFlight

Public BusTaxi

A C C O M M O D AT I O N

9 nightscomfortable hotel

2 nights simplehotel

2 nights premiumhotel

W A L KI N GG R A D E :

Easy ToModerate

G R O U P SI ZE :

10 - 16

DAY 1DAY 1 - Join trip in Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel - Join trip in Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel

30/06/2021 14:42:30

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M E A L S PR O V I D E D : N O N E

Basing ourselves at Ponta Delgada, the island's capital, we spend our first 3 days exploring Sao Miguel -

the largest of the islands we visit. We use a mixture of local and private buses to transfer us to and from

our walks. For our first day walking we drive to Sete Cidades. From here we walk within and around some

of the crater to Vista do Rei to view the splendid blue and green lakes before returning to Ponta Delgada

by bus later that afternoon.

Today's easy eight kilometre walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with 270 metres of

ascent and descent.





M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST

Our second day exploring Sao Miguel begins by driving to the north side of the island. We make a stop at

Gorreana, Europe's oldest and only remaining tea factory and continue to Lagoa das Furnas. Here we take

a short walk of approximately forty-five minutes on the shores of the lake, stopping to see the natural

ovens (cavities in the rock). Here in the huge hollow of Furnas Valley, diverse volcanic activity has also

created thermal springs and boiling mud pools. Today we have an included lunch - a traditional Cozido

cooked in the volcanic fumeroles. We also have time to visit the botanical gardens of Terra Nostra,

planted over 200 years ago, with an outdoor thermal pool where we can bathe (optional). Back on the bus

we continue to a viewpoint to Lagoa de Fogo, the islands highest crater lake, where we will stop to take

photos before continuing back to Ponta Delgada.



DAY 2DAY 2 - Walk around Sete Cidades, see the colourful crater lakes - Walk around Sete Cidades, see the colourful crater lakes

DAY 3DAY 3 - Enjoy lakeside walk and lunch amongst volcanic scenery - Enjoy lakeside walk and lunch amongst volcanic scenery

30/06/2021 14:42:30

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M E A L S PR O V I D E D : B R E A KFA ST & L U N C H

Today is left free to explore more of the island on and off shore. You may wish to do one of the many

walks around the island, options include the Salto do Cabrito trail (seven-and-a-half kilometres) to the

waterfall or a linear route that connects the village of Sao Vicente Ferreira and Calhetas on the north

coast (six-and-a-half kilometres). Another option is to take a whale searching trip.






This morning we take a short flight to the island of Flores. On arrival it's just a ten minute walk to our

hotel (our luggage is transferred by taxi). After checking in to the hotel we plan to take an orientation

walk around Santa Cruz das Flores. The island is well known for an abundance of flowers, it was even

named after them, and our walks will be relaxed to allow plenty of time to make the most of the natural

environment.


Hotel Ocidental (or similar)

DAY 4DAY 4 - Free day; optional boat trip to look for whales - Free day; optional boat trip to look for whales

DAY 5DAY 5 - Fly to Santa Cruz on Flores Island - Fly to Santa Cruz on Flores Island

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Grade: Simple Hotel


SW I M M I N G PO O L AVA I L A B L E


After breakfast today we'll take a short transfer to the village of Lajedo, the starting point for today's

walk. We'll be following the PR02 route from Lajedo to Faja Grande. Leaving the village of Lajedo we'll

walk north to Mosteiro village, with views of the cliffs a constant to our left. After Mosteiro we'll move

inland slightly and continue walking until we reach the beautiful waterfall of Poco da Ribeira do Ferreiro

and a small watermill house powered by the water. As we near Faja Grande there are small bathing areas

which give us a chance to dip our feet, or alternatively wait until the walk is over and brave the refreshing

Atlantic waters! After some time to relax we'll transfer back to the hotel.

Today's moderate 13 kilometre walk is expected to take around four to five hours.


Hotel Ocidental (or similar)

Grade: Simple Hotel




DAY 6DAY 6 - Hike from Lajedo to Faja Grande - Hike from Lajedo to Faja Grande

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An inter-island flight via Horta brings us to the island of Terceira. During our stay here, our base will be

the small harbour settlement of Praia da Vitoria. Praia was one of the first points colonized on the island

of Terceira and after checking in to our hotel there's time to head out for a stroll its peaceful streets

before dinner.


Hotel Teresinha (or similar)




Today we head for the northern regions of the island by private bus. From Quatro Ribeiras the walk

follows the contours of the coast with marvellous views out to sea. We arrive at Biscoitos (ther is the

option to take the bus for the last section which is along an asphalt road), where there is the chance to

swim in the lava rock pools. In the late afternoon we return to Praia da Vitoria stopping at the Serra do

cume viewpoint on the way for views over the patchwork interior.

Today's moderate 12.5 kilometre walk is expected to take around four hours with 320 metres of ascent

and 465 metres of descent.


Hotel Teresinha (or similar)



DAY 7DAY 7 - Fly to Terceira Island where we stay in Praia da Vitoria - Fly to Terceira Island where we stay in Praia da Vitoria

DAY 8DAY 8 - Walk to Baias de Agualva; discover Biscoitos lava pools - Walk to Baias de Agualva; discover Biscoitos lava pools

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Straight after breakfast this morning we cross the island to the largest settlement on Terceira, the old

town of Angra do Heroismo. Angra was the first settlement in the Azores to receive city status, in 1534,

and remains one of the finest examples of Renaissance town planning. It was the Azores seat of

government until the early 19th century and its palaces and churches are the legacy of it's supremacy. A

walk up to the fort gives good views over the harbour and the narrow streets of the old town are well

worth exploring at your own pace. Time allowing there's also the option to walk a circular trail to Monte

Brasil (visible from the town) before before we drive to the airport for our afternoon flight to Sao Jorge.

This curiously elongated island is some 56 km long, but only 8 km wide, having been created by a series of

linear volcanic eruptions. The island remained almost isolated for many centuries, due to the lack of

shelter offered to ships. After transferring to our hotel, we are free to wander the streets of the small

maritime community of Velas, where we are based. Alternatively we can take an optional walk to the old

whale watching tower which is positioned on a volcanic crater from where we can enjoy views down on

to Velas town (2hrs).

Today's easy optional seven-and-a-half kilometre walk to Monte Brasil is expected to take around two-

and-a-half hours.


Hotel Sao Jorge Garden (or similar)




We spend two full days walking on Sao Jorge, a place of precipitous cliffs, narrow valleys and tiny coves.

On our first day, we'll head from Velas to the north side of the island. A stunning walk starting from the

700m high ridge of Sao Jorge leads us through the beautiful gorge of the Caldeira de Cima and down to

the coast. From here we follow the rocky coastline passing the Caldeira de Santo Cristo Lake walking to

Faja dos Cubres. Fajas are the small plains at the foot of the steep coastal cliffs which are dotted with

traditional hamlets and fertile orchards.

Today's moderate 10 kilometre walk is expected to take around two-and-a-half hours with 600 metres of

descent.

DAY 9DAY 9 - Visit Angra do Heroismo town before flying to Sao Jorge Island - Visit Angra do Heroismo town before flying to Sao Jorge Island

DAY 10DAY 10 - Walk through Caldeira de Cima gorge down to Faja dos Cubres - Walk through Caldeira de Cima gorge down to Faja dos Cubres

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Our second day is left free for optional walks, and your tour leader will advise on the various

possibilities. Views of the surrounding islands are excellent from Pico da Esperanca ridge walk (1,053m)

in the centre of the island, while a walk along the fajas on the south coast of the island offers a contrast in

scenery from the north.

Today's moderate optional 12.7 kilometre ridge walk is expected to take around three-and-a-half hours.






This morning, we cross by ferry to the charming island of Faial, where the harbour is often full of yachts,

half way through their transatlantic crossing. The remainder of the day is free to stroll the streets and

harbour of Horta, there is a circular walk from the hotel on the Monte da Guia headland which provides

views over town, our tour leader will provide directions.

Our accommodation for the last two nights at the modern Azoris Faial Garden Hotel is a relaxing way to

end this walking holiday. Set within an extensive landscaped garden with coastal views and an inviting

DAY 11DAY 11 - Free day; choice of optional walks - Free day; choice of optional walks

DAY 12DAY 12 - Take the ferry to Faial Island - Take the ferry to Faial Island

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outdoor swimming pool.

Today's optional three-and-a-half kilometre walk is expected to take around one and-a-half hours.


Azoris Faial Garden (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel




Today we explore the Ilha Azul, taking a tour of the island by private bus. We head to the stunning

Caldeira often shrouded in cloud, where we view the lush green-carpeted crater and walking along its

edge (the Calderia trail will take approximately two-and-a-half hours to walk). The views over the island

are particularly impressive in summer, when the wild blue hydrangeas that form many of the hedges are

in flower. We then continue to the western end of the island to visit the Capelinhos volcano, now extinct,

here there are some walking trails which we could take or visit the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation

Centre. Later we return to Horta, an attractive little town with some good restaurants.

Today's easy optional five-and-a-half kilometre walk to Varadouro is expected to take around two-and-a-

half hours.


Azoris Faial Garden (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel


DAY 13DAY 13 - Full day excursion of the island. Walks at the Caldeira and Capelinhos volcano - Full day excursion of the island. Walks at the Caldeira and Capelinhos volcano

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The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Horta.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Horta at any time. If your flight is

departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive

a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Horta Airport (HOR) which is around

15 minutes' drive from the hotel.


Trip informationTrip information

Azores

Portugal

Climate

Overall, spring, early summer and autumn are ideal times for a trip to Portugal - though the weather

varies enormously from region to region. The northern high plains has both extremes, stiflingly hot in

summer, bitterly cold and swept by freezing winds in winter. The Atlantic coast, in contrast, has a

tendency to damp and mist, and a relatively brief, humid summer. The Mediterranean south is warm

virtually all year round. The islands have very different weather patterns due to their positioning and

can have sudden rain falls throughout the year so waterproofs are recommended even in the summer.

Time difference to GMT

0

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Roman Catholic

Language

Portuguese

DAY 14DAY 14 - Trip ends in Horta, Faial Island - Trip ends in Horta, Faial Island

Climate and country informationClimate and country information

Budgeting and packingBudgeting and packing

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Optional activities

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 tour notes were

originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities

are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.

Terceira - Algar do Cárvao Caves entrance fee €8 1 cave, €10 2 caves, transport in shared taxi €15.

Sao Jorge - Rosais shared taxi €10pp; Ridge Walk Pico de Esperanza €15/20pp shared taxi; Coastal walk

and dinner shared taxi €10pp (plus dinner)

Faial - Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre €10pp.

All taxi costs are based on a minimum of 4 people sharing.

Clothing

July and August are the warmest months, though the islands are freshened by cooling sea breezes. Bring

light and comfortable clothing that can be layered according to the temperature. It can become cool,

especially at night, so bring warmer layers. Tops made from wicking materials which keep you drier, a

warmer fleece is recommended as a mid layer, and walking trousers are preferable to trousers of heavier

material such as jeans.

-Breathable wind and waterproof jacket (you may also wish to bring waterproof trousers)

-T-shirts

-Long sleeved tops

-Sunhat

-Long trousers

-Shorts (if you prefer to walk in them)

-Swimwear and towel

-Midlayer Fleece/pullover

-Socks (liner and thicker pair)

-Insulated jacket

Footwear

Walking boots with ankle support are essential and bring comfortable trainers or sandals for relaxing.

Plastic sandals are useful if swimming off laval rocks.

We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or

wear them - should your luggage be lost or delayed, your own boots are the one thing that will be

irreplaceable.

Luggage

20Kg

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Luggage: On tour

Bring one main piece of luggage and a 20-30 litre day sack is recommended. You will need to carry what

you need for the day which may include a raincoat, jumper, camera, sun-cream, water and picnic lunch.

On hot days you will carry fewer clothes but more drinking water.

Equipment

-Sunglasses

-Sun cream

-Small Torch (with spare batteries and bulb)

-Camera

-Walking poles (if you usually use them)

-Personal toiletries

-Personal first aid kit - On each walk a first aid kit is carried but you should have your own blister kit,

supply of plasters, aspirin and other essentials.

-Insect repellent

-Small waterproof dry bag (for items such as your mobile phone)

-Reusable water bottle (minimum 1 litre) - Get 15% discount on a Water-to-Go bottle

www.explore.co.uk/about-us/responsible-travel/water-to-go-discount-with-explore

-Lunch bag/Tupperware (for packed lunches)

Tipping

Explore leader

Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may

however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them

a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal

preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Local crew

Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will

look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you

should allow approximately £10 of local c urrency for tipping. In order to make things easier for you, the

Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout

the trip.

Azores

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses

eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track

may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may

charge more.

Foreign Exchange

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Portugal

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses

eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track

may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may

charge more.

Dinner price

£18

Beer price

£2.00 - 3.00 depending on your location, well touristed areas are usually slightly more

expensive.

Water price

£1.4

Foreign Exchange

Local currency

Euro.

Recommended Currency For Exchange

Take the majority of your spending money in Euros cash.

Where To Exchange

We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Bureau de Change are

generally only found in major cities and large airports.

ATM Availability

Cash-point machines are available in all major towns. Bankcards with the Cirrus logo are

accepted.

Credit Card Acceptance

Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted in larger restaurants and some shops.

Travellers Cheques

Travellers cheques can be exchanged in all major towns but are not recommended due to the

high rate of commission.

Transport Information

Bus, Ferry, Flight, Public Bus, Taxi

Accommodation notes

In Ponta Delgada at the beginning of the trip you'll stay at the Hotel Vila Nova. This centrally located

hotel is a comfortable base; facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool and generous buffet

breakfast.

Transport, Accommodation & MealsTransport, Accommodation & Meals

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In Horta on Faial Island at the end of the trip, you will stay at the premium-graded Azoris Faial Garden

Hotel. Set in extensive gardens with coastal views this hotel has a lounge, bar, restaurant, indoor and

outdoor pools and health club with comfortable and spacious rooms. The hotel is very well located in the

centre of Horta with easy access to many great restaurants, the marina and beach.

Food and drink

Please ensure that we are fully aware of any dietary requirements in order for us to best accommodate

and advise. If you have a gluten free diet it may be advised to bring some snacks with you. These are small

islands with only one supermarket in close proximity and it is not always possible to find gluten free

bread in each location.

Government Travel Safety Advice

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. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.

Please refer to our COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.

Whilst we strive to update this on a regular basis we recommend you also check the FCDO website for

the latest advice on entry requirements in this fast-evolving situation. Information can change at any

time.

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under

18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if

this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the

circumstances. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing

information.Booking Conditions

Visa and Passport Information

Portugal: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. The Azores:

Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens Other nationalities

should consult their local embassy or consular office.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's

recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa

application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa

through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa

applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity

Essential InformationEssential Information

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for your chosen destination.

If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's

recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa

application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa

through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa

applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity

for your chosen destination.

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and

Booking Conditions.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you

have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements.

Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information.

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and

depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from

the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending

point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have

selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the

joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at

the designated airport or train station.

Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Polar, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the

joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at

an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your

responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full

terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you

intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully

cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your

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policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the

entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper

altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will

exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an

additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full

amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and

repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the

United Kingdom.

Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore offers a wide range of flexible flying options to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read

more about them here.

Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive

package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK

allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our

dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London

departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend

booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Azores

Portugal

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest

requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. 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 Explore Travel Health and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and

vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Walking and Trekking informationWalking and Trekking information

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Walking grade

Easy to moderate

Trek details

This is a flexible trip with included walks on 4 days. Walks are between 2 to 4 hours and the terrain

is generally undulating along well-defined paths with a longer and steeper descent on day two.

There are also additional optional walks available which can be adjusted accordingly to how fit

you feel on the day.

Additional InformationAdditional Information

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PR I C E G U A R A N T E E

PR O M I SE

A I R PO R T

T R A N SF E R S

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