General Tour Information
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 take 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 valid passport 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 Plains of Central Spain are often windy and exposed, so warm winter clothing is recommended for our early mornings there.
PACE OF TOUR AND DAILY ROUTINE: This is a fairly relaxed tour, but does include a couple of long drives (5-6 hours, usually with some birding en route) and an earlier start for Dupont’s Lark. At the time of our visit it will not be daylight until 7:30 a.m., so we’ll have breakfast before heading out for the day. Lunch is often a leisurely picnic or sometimes in a café en route to our next birding location. On some days we return to the hotel for a short break in the afternoon. There are plenty of stops for tea, coffee, or a cold refreshment. We usually return to the hotel at around 7 p.m., and on at least two nights we will go out after dark to look for owls and nightjars. Dinner is eaten late in Spain, and several of our hotels do not begin serving until 8:30 p.m.
Virtually all the walking is fairly easy on good paths or tracks. There are a couple of longer walks of about 2 miles each. In Monfrague, we may take a short but steep series of steps up to the monastery. Most of the birdwatching is done within a short distance of our vehicle.
ACCOMMODATION: The tour stays at a number of hotels all of which have private facilities. Some have balconies and many have good views of the Spanish countryside 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 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: April 2008