Essential Information

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVELLING WITH HEADWATER

Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. On the trip pages we feature ‘land only’ itineraries but we can book your flights, ferry or train tickets and add on any city breaks or extra nights’ accommodation to create your perfect holiday.

ACCOMMODATION All accommodation detailed in this brochure has been inspected and classified by the authorities of the relevant countries. As there is no direct British equivalent of many classifications, the broad expression ‘hotels’ refers to all the different types of accommodation we use, from friendly family-run B&B and country inns to luxury  hotels (where is the country’s official hotel rating). The Hsymbol indicates the level of comfort for all accommodation not falling within the country’s official rating system and has been assessed by us in a similar way to the star system used by the AA within the UK. These accommodations are usually officially licensed, extremely popular with customers and very much part of the country way of life. Our prices include accommodation based on two adults sharing a twin or double room with en-suite facilities.

PLEASE NOTE: In Europe when requesting a room for three people either a double or twin room with an extra bed is often provided, which may be cramped. • Single rooms (even if you’ve paid a supplement) sometimes just offer privacy, and are often of a lower standard than doubles or twins. • When requesting a room with twin beds in Austria, Croatia, Germany or Switzerland a double bed frame with two single mattresses and separate bedding are the norm. • Some facilities, including swimming pools may not be available for early and late season holidays and the reduced prices shown on our website reflect this. • Any special children’s facilities are generally only available during school holidays. Please see our website (using the link at the bottom of the individual trip pages) for full details of the accommodation on each trip.

ACTIVITY LEVELS To help you choose a holiday that best suits your level of fitness, all our holidays are given an activity level rating, see page 57 for more details.

BIKE HIRE Should you require a Headwater bike for any extra nights booked in your holiday region (either before, after or in the middle of your holiday) then an additional charge of £25 per day, per adult and £18 per day, per child will be payable at time of booking. Prices may vary subject to region.

CHILDREN’S PRICES We can often offer prices for children, including infants (over 1 and under 12 on the date of the outward travel) when sharing a double/ twin room with two adults or two full fare paying passengers. Please contact us for details and prices. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION RATINGS Customer satisfaction ratings shown on the individual holiday pages relate to holidays taken in the period October 2019 - September 2020 but may include holidays prior to this period.

CYCLE HELMETS The latest requirements for wearing cycling helmets in the European countries stated are:

France

Spain

Portugal

Austria

Slovenia

Croatia Mandatory for all children under 12 years

Mandatory for all cyclists

Mandatory for all cyclists using an e-bike

Mandatory for all children under 12 years

Mandatory for all children under 15 years

Mandatory for all children under 16 years

In countries where wearing a cycling helmet is mandatory (see above) you are expected to bring your own helmet as we cannot guarantee the availability of helmets for hire or purchase at your destination. If you decide to hire or purchase a helmet at your destination the choice of helmet and its suitability are at your discretion and Headwater will not be responsible for any issues or problems with helmets or other protective headwear. Note that if you do not have a helmet in countries where it is mandatory, you will not be allowed to take part in any cycling element, which may mean that you are not able to continue with the tour and Headwater will not be responsible for any costs you incur as a result. Even in countries where cycling helmets are not a legal requirement, we strongly recommend that all customers wear helmets while on one of our cycling tours. You are expected to bring your own helmet as we cannot guarantee the availability of helmets for hire or purchase at your destination. If you do decide to hire or purchase a helmet at your destination the choice of helmet and its suitability are at your discretion and Headwater will not be responsible for any issues or problems with helmets or other protective headwear. If you choose to ignore our advice to wear a helmet or other protective headwear you understand that you do so at your own risk and that such action may affect the validity of your travel insurance. Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.

EXTRA NIGHTS/CITY BREAKS These include accommodation (and meals where specified on our website), but not the cost of travel between airport/station and hotel.

FOREIGN OFFICE TRAVEL ADVICE Our holidays are run in adherence with the travel advice provided by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). For up to date travel advice please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, call 0207 008 1500 or email TravelAdvicePublicEnquiries@fco.gov.uk.

GROUP SIZES We may from time to time, operate holidays with lower or higher numbers than the group sizes. HOLIDAY ITINERARIES Please note that the itineraries shown on the holiday pages are for general guidance only, and we reserve the right to change these subject to local weather conditions etc.

IMAGES The images shown in this brochure and on our website are for illustrative purposes only.

MEAL PLANS Details are clearly stated in the ‘What’s included’ box on the individual holiday pages.

PRICING All prices quoted in the brochure are in GBP. Lead prices shown are ‘land only’ (i.e. exclude flights) and include accommodation based on two adults sharing a room with en suite facilities. Prices are correct at time of going to press but should be treated as a guide only.

REP/LOCAL AGENT SERVICES In some areas, the hoteliers or local agents also act as our representatives. Their contact details will be provided to you before travel.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS & CAR HIRE Our air and air-rail inclusive arrangements are detailed on our website; here you will find the most up to date timings and routes along with all UK regional airport information. Should you prefer to travel to your destination by Eurostar and onward rail or take one of the various channel crossings you can find all the details relating to these options on our website along with prices and what’s included. For holidays where car hire is not included in the standard package we can, of course, arrange car hire for you - contact us for details.

TAXES Departure/arrival taxes and visa charges which are payable locally in cash are not included in the holiday price. Neither are local tourist taxes like the French taxe de sejour and Italian tassa di soggiorno (if charged), which are payable directly to your hotelier at the end of your stay.

WHAT YOUR HOLIDAY PRICE INCLUDES Please contact us for exact prices before booking. The individual holiday pages provide information on inclusions however where we refer to: • High quality bikes - we will provide a fully equipped bike with panniers (where possible) and bike lock or a child’s all-terrain bike. • Canadian canoes or sit-on-top kayaks – we will provide paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids, 25 litre waterproof container, boat lock and chain. Please see our website for age limitations and swimming requirements for canoeing holidays. Further detailed information relating to the holidays can be found on the individual holiday pages or on our website.