General Information for Tours to Spain in Autumn
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Spain. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they took this tour. Although we do our best to make sure what follows here is completely accurate, it should not be used as a replacement for the formal document which will be sent to all tour registrants, and whose contents supersedes any information contained here.
ENTERING SPAIN: United States citizens will need a passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. A visa is not required.
SPAIN MAP AND COUNTRY INFORMATION: You can view maps of Spain in the University of Texas series here. The size of the map can be adjusted by clicking on the lower right corner of the map. You can review the U.S. Department of State background notes on Spain here.
HEALTH: The tour is not a strenuous one: leisurely walking, occasionally over moderately rough or steep terrain, is the only physical requirement. Day-flying mosquitoes can be a problem in some areas, so bring an insect repellent. It may be impossible to obtain any special medication during the tour, so bring all you are likely to need with you. You are advised not to drink the tap water at the hotels, primarily because of their high mineral content. The Centers For Disease Control advise that vaccinations for hepatitis and a booster for tetanus-diptheria may be needed for visitors to Western Europe. You should check with your personal physician or local health department for more information. You can review the latest CDC advisories here.
CLIMATE: Temperatures will typically range from possibly as low as 50°F in the early mornings to as high as 80°F during the day. Sunshine should be plentiful but rain is possible throughout. The weather in the Straits is unpredictable and can be windy and cold.
PACE OF TOUR AND DAILY ROUTINE: This is a relaxed tour and any early starts for seawatching are entirely optional (at the time of year it is unlikely to be earlier than 06.30). Lunch will often be a picnic, with birding as we eat, or sometimes in a café en route to our next birding location. There are plenty of stops for tea, coffee or a cold drink. We usually return to the hotel at around 19.00 and on at least one night we’ll go out after dark to look for Red-necked Nightjars. Virtually all the walking is fairly easy and on good paths or tracks. There are no walks planned much longer than 2km. Most of the birdwatching is done within a short distance of our vehicle.
ACCOMMODATION: The tour uses just two hotels, both of which have en-suite facilities. Some have balconies with birdwatching right on the doorstep.
FOOD: Breakfasts are quite varied but with the usual staple items e.g. coffee, tea, juice and toast or pastries. The further inland we travel the more local delicacies such as cheese and smoked meats appear on the breakfast menu. Lunch will usually be a picnic and will include local breads, cheeses, meats and fruits. Please note that evening meals are taken late in Spain; restaurants may not open until 8:30-9:00 p.m.
DRESS: Dress will be informal throughout the tour.
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the WINGS General Information & Conditions. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, and other information that will help you prepare for the tour. Please note that except as noted in the tour descriptions, meals are not included in the cost of our tours in the United States and Canada.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to Spain in Fall will be sent to each registrant on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel address, etc. and your air tickets will be sent to you about three weeks before the tour starts. Other news will be communicated as necessary.
Updated: February 2008