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 30°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, very cold, and exposed, so warm winter clothing is recommended there. We may even be birding in snow on our first day.
PACE OF TOUR AND DAILY ROUTINE: This is a fairly relaxed tour, but does include four long drives (5-6 hours, usually with some birding en route) and an earlier start (6:00 am) on one day. At the time of our visit it will not be daylight until 7:30 am or shortly after, so we’ll be able to 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. There are plenty of stops for tea, coffee, or a cold refreshment. We usually return to the hotel at around 7:00 pm, and on at least two nights we’ll go out after dark to look for owls and Red-necked Nightjar. Dinner is eaten late in Spain, and several of our hotels do not begin serving until 8:30 pm.
Virtually all the walking is fairly easy, on good paths or tracks. There are a couple of longer walks of about 1.5 miles each. Most of the birdwatching is done within a short distance of our vehicle.
ACCOMMODATION: The tour stays at a number of hotels, all rooms with private bathrooms. 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, including coffee, tea, juice, and toast at most of our hotels. 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 with a selection of freshly made sandwiches and fruit. Evening meals are taken late in Spain; restaurants may not open until 8:30-9:00 pm, allowing us to make the most of our daylight hours for birding.
DRESS: Dress will be informal throughout the tour.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF WINGS TOURS: Please take a moment to read the WINGS General Information and 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: June 2009