FLIGHTS
----------------------
You will need to book your own flights as your flights are NOT included in the costs of this Challenge. You will need to be at Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia airport on Sunday 29 May at 15.00 to take advantage of the group transfer to the first night’s accommodation. If you are making your own additional plans and travelling outside of the dates then please do let us know well in advance. Transfers are only included if meeting the group at the scheduled times and meeting places.

PASSPORTS/VISAS
----------------------
Please check with your national embassy to re/confirm current requirements for Greece and Albania.

LUGGAGE/BAGGAGE
----------------------
You are not required to take your luggage with you on daily excursions. We advise you bring a day pack for personal sundries, bottled water, light snacks, sun lotion and any medication you may require. 

ACCOMMODATION
----------------------
We will be staying at well reviewed and centrally located hotels. Rooms are ensuite and single and shared options are available. In the exceptional case where our usual accommodation is not available, we will arrange a similar alternative. 

INSURANCE
----------------------
Travel insurance covering the event you are undertaking, trip curtailment/cancellation, emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, air evacuation and repatriation is a compulsory condition of your booking. If you haven’t got your own insurance in place, we can add you to the The Brun Bear Foundation insurance policy for an additional charge.​
 

• If you choose not to take out the appropriate travel insurance, should you fall ill or be involved in an accident you will not be covered for those associated costs.

• We strongly recommend that you are insured for the full duration of your trip and the policy is taken out prior to the date of your departure and does not cease until you’ve returned.

• If you have an existing policy, we highly recommend you call your insurers and confirm that it meets with the requirement of the trip and that you’re fully covered for the event you’re undertaking, clarifying its precise nature to your insurers. 

• You must also make sure you inform the insurance company of any pre-existing medical conditions before travel. Failure to do so may invalidate your policy or any subsequent claim.

FOOD/DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
----------------------
Water is safe from the tap. Greece and Albanian cuisine is healthy and plentiful! It is customary for several dishes to be selected and shared; however if guests would rather not take this approach we will arrange for individual servings. All meals will be provided except for lunch on the day of departure. Meals will be substantial and include vegetarian options, but it is still a good idea to bring energy bars, snacks and isotonic drinks to keep you going during the day. Breakfast will consist of fruit, cereals, toast, jam, cheese etc, plus tea and coffee. Lunch and evening meals will be cooked.  We will strive to cater for every dietary requirements as long as we know in advance. Just complete the relevant section on your registration/information form.

WEATHER
----------------------
To view the current weather / weather outlook for Kastoria, Greece please click here.

To view the current weather / weather outlook for Korçë, Albania please click here. 

CURRENCY
---------------------- 
The currency in Greece is the Euro. The currency in Albania is the Albanian lek although you will find Euros are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in Greece and Albania , but the charges are dependent on your bank. We recommend that you have some cash with you, but carry your credit card for emergencies. Visa and MasterCard are widely recognised and useful to have in emergencies. Approximately £200/US$200/€200 spending money is enough for drinks and tips. When it comes to shopping you will find familiar souvenirs as well as one-off and traditional crafts and artefacts.
 
MOBILE & INTERNET COVERAGE
---------------------- 
Albania and Greece have good mobile coverage though it can be intermittent in mountain areas. Local SIM cards can be used in European phones. Other phones will need to be set to roaming to work - please keep an eye on roaming charges! You can buy a SIM card with mobile data from any mobile phone/internet provider. We advise you purchase prepaid SIM cards covering phone calls, text messages and internet data at your port of entry and/or soon after.

RECOMMENDED KIT & CLOTHING
----------------------
The kit required for each Adventure differs slightly. Full kit lists will be provided after registration with details of any specific items that may be needed, but as a guide the basics are shown below.
 

• Small day rucksack for carrying essential items for the day.

• Trekking socks, trousers and lightweight waterproofs

• Lightweight “synthetic” warm jacket.

• Water bottle/hydration backpack and snack

• Stout trainers or walking shoes for the excursions. Flat sole shoes, fashion boots, heels etc are not advised for hikes etc.

• Sunscreen and sunhat 

• Personal medication

• Casual shoes/clothes for the evening.