Final Information - Chen Family Scottish Explorations

6 pax (4 Adults & 2 Kids, 8 & 13yrs old)

Saturday 1st June – Sunday 9th June 2024

Number of Travellers: 6
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Overview

We are delighted to share the Final Information details for your clients trip below, and are very much looking forward to welcoming them here!

 

While we hope things run smoothly for the duration of their stay, we know that unforeseen circumstances do happen and there are times when the clients may need to contact us for assistance. Please see below for ways to get in touch while on the trip;

 

Email: If you have a general question please feel free to email your Sales Consultant or Agent.
Note – Emails are monitored during office hours only.
Call us directly: Office number ++44 (0) 1479 420 020
Please note: Office hours are Mon- Fri 9:00 – 5:30

 

Out of Office Number: +44 (0)7766 794 640 for use after 5:30pm and at the weekends.
Note: If you require immediate assistance for an issue, problem or emergency, please call or Whatsapp our Out of Office Hours Number

 

Create lifetime fabulous family memories together as you adventure through the Highlands of Scotland with your private guide. Experience the thrills and hear the stories of the landscape as you explore on foot, by boat and by train. You will discover that the magic isn’t just in the cobbled streets where Harry Potter was written, it is found all through this wild playground. Your private guide will not just take care of all the logistics, but will add their expertise and local knowledge to share their favourite insiders secrets with you. Take away special memories of your time in this bonnie wee country that will make you all smile for years to come.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Saturday 1st June | Welcome To Scotland! | Overnight: Loch Lomond

Day 2 | Sunday 2nd June | Meet Your Guide & North To Glencoe | Overnight: Near Fort William

Day 3 | Monday 3rd June | 'Harry Potter Train' & The Road To The Isles | Overnight: Near Fort William

Day 4 | Tuesday 4th June | Loch Ness Monster Hunting & Urquhart Castle | Overnight: Inverness

Day 5 | Wednesday 5th June | Transfer To Braemar & Discover Scottish Musical Fun | Overnight: Braemar

Day 6 | Thursday 6th June | Cairngorms National Park, Hiking & Exploring | Overnight: Braemar

Day 7 | Friday 7th June | South To Edinburgh, Explore Kingdom of Fife | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 8 | Saturday 8th June | Magical Edinburgh, Free Afternoon & Concert! | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 9 | Sunday 9th June | Depart

Highlights

  • Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter as you take a magical steam train trip over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct
  • Hear the local legends and history from a local storyteller in atmospheric Glencoe
  • Zoom over Loch Ness looking out for the elusive monster in a thrilling zodiac ride
  • Explore some of the most stunning landscapes in Scotland and discover hidden Highland gems with your experienced private guide

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 1st June - Welcome To Scotland!

On arrival in Glasgow Airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to Cameron House. Settle into the peaceful surroundings, enjoy the hotel facilities and a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Loch Lomond | Cameron House
Room Type: 1 x Loch View Family Room with Balcony & 1 x Loch View Room Twin
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: KLM | Flight Number: KL 937
Arrival Airport: Glasgow (GLA) | Arrival Time: 10:00

4 pax – Cynthia, James, Julia & Benjamin Wu

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2703040
Pick Up Location: Glasgow Airport Arrivals | Pick Up Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 0.5 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private driver will meet you in Arrivals and have a sign showing your name.

4 pax – Cynthia, James, Julia & Benjamin Wu.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: American Airlines/British Airways | Flight Number: AA/BA 7097
Arrival Airport: Glasgow (GLA) | Arrival Time: 10:30

2 pax – Chu Shang & Fen Chen

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2703041
Pick Up Location: Glasgow Airport (GLA) | Pick Up Time: 10:30 | Approx Duration: 0.5 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private driver will meet you at Arrivals and have a sign showing your name.

2 Pax – Chu Shang & Fen Chen.

Transfer Company system will send contact details for the chauffeur as an SMS 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place, to the mobile number for the travelling passenger. If the client is unable to locate our chauffeur, they must call the mobile number provided, or call the Little’s Office on +44 (0)141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: The Boat House | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:00 | Booking Reference: BM324239
Phone: +44 (0) 138 931 2210

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 2 - Sunday 2nd June - Meet Your Guide & North To Glencoe

Your Private Guide, who will also act as your driver, will pick you up this morning and together you will head North to the Highlands! Stop in the amazing landscape of Glencoe and take a hike to explore with your guide. Then relax in the local mountaineers pub to meet a local storyteller who will spin you tales of the local history and Scottish legends before you head to your historic castle accommodation.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Junior Suite w 2 additional beds & 1 x Large Double as Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Guide Details - Andrew Reeve Read More +

Name: Andrew Reeve
Contact Number: +44 (0)784 513 6867
Meeting Place: Cameron House | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your Guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Garrison West Public House & Kitchen | Location: Fort William
Reservation Time: 17:30 | Booking Reference: B6AR69GM
Phone: +44 (0) 139 770 1873

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 3 - Monday 3rd June - 'Harry Potter Train' & The Road To The Isles

Today you board the magical ‘Harry Potter’ Train and puff your way through beautiful scenery towards the West Coast and over the graceful arc of the Glenfinnan Viaduct. On arrival in Mallaig you will be met by your guide and head for lunch. You can either choose to take the train back to Fort William, or travel back with your guide so that you can stop to explore the ‘Road To The Isles’ as you go. Take a stroll on the silver sands of the Arisaig beaches and look out over the turquoise waters to the small isles, stop at Glenfinnan to discover the Jacobite history and admire Dumbledore’s Island as you pass.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

NOTE: There have been some recent reductions in this service, but currently the train is scheduled to run as planned. We will update you of any developments if anything changes.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Junior Suite w 2 additional beds & 1 x Large Double as Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Ben Nevis Inn | Location: Fort William
Reservation Time: 18:15 | Booking Reference: B3XJ9TWK
Phone: +44 (0)139 770 1227

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 4 - Tuesday 4th June - Loch Ness Monster Hunting & Urquhart Castle

This morning head out for a hike with your guide to discover waterfalls and a scenic loch (which you may recognise as seen from dragon-back in a certain magical film). Then take a fast paced Zodiac boat trip out onto the dark waters of infamous Loch Ness. Look out for wildlife such as feral goats, golden eagles and of course the elusive monster!

Once back onshore enjoy a decadent afternoon tea in one of the local’s favourite treat restaurants. Later, on the way to Inverness stop to explore the ruins of Castle Urquhart, which was destroyed by the government to stop it being used as a stronghold by local clans.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Luxury Family & 1 x Luxury King as Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Afternoon Tea Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Lovat | Location: Fort Augustus
Reservation Time: 13:00
Website: https://thelovat.com/dining/afternoon-tea/

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Kingsmills Hotel | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:15 | Booking Reference: BDZ3DQZ6
Phone: +44 (0) 146 323 7166

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 5 - Wednesday 5th June - Transfer To Braemar & Discover Scottish Musical Fun

Today you head deep into the Cairngorms National Park following the ‘Snow Road’ to your unique luxury hotel. There are several intriguing art installations along the way, all inviting you to focus on certain views in this wild landscape. 

On arrival in this charming village you will discover the delights of some traditional Highland Games activities and a Scottish Ceilidh in a private taster. Admire the strong man feats of strength and test your skills at some events yourself in a private mini Highland games. Then enjoy live music to get your feet tapping and a dance caller to get you all whirling in the right directions. You are sure to have a great time immersing yourselves in this traditional experience, trying out the steps and rhythm which are enjoyed by all at events such at weddings and impromptu pub birls!

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 1 x Scottish Culture Family Suite & 1 x Scottish Culture Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Clunie Dining Room | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: Under - Cynthia Chen
Phone: +44 (0) 01339 720 200

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 6 - Thursday 6th June - Cairngorms National Park, Hiking & Exploring

The National Park is your playground today, and there are so many options to explore with your guide! You could hike up into the hills, or around a shimmering loch (discovering a ‘bothy’ along the way), visit a unique pyramid and hear about the strong local connections with the Royal Family. Discuss the best routes with your guide to suit your preferred level of challenge, the weather and your current energy!

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: 1 x Scottish Culture Family Suite & 1 x Scottish Culture Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Clachan Grill | Location: Ballater
Reservation Time: 18:15 | Booking Reference: 23496 - Cynthia Chen
Phone: +44 (0)133 975 5999

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 7 - Friday 7th June - South To Edinburgh, Explore Kingdom of Fife

South to Edinburgh today. Make the most of your last day with your private guide and explore the Kingdom of Fife on the way. Visit historic St Andrews and the charming fishing villages, take in some of the fun coastal path, maybe visit a palace and take the time to taste the best fish & chips before heading to Edinburgh. Your guide departs after seeing you safe into your hotel, leaving you to enjoy the rest of your adventures in Edinburgh.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Castle View with 2 roll-away beds & 1 x Executive View Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Ondine | Location: 2 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1AD
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: BZM7PPNZ
Phone: +44 (0) 131 226 1888 | Website: https://www.ondinerestaurant.co.uk/

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 8 - Saturday 8th June - Magical Edinburgh, Free Afternoon & Concert!

This morning you will be met at your hotel by a local guide who will lead you on a private wonderful walking tour exploring the traces of magic that linger in all the cobbled streets and alleys of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Hear the stories and see the places where the Harry Potter books came to life as you discover hidden corners of this city.

Your guide will ensure that you know where to go to enjoy your Afternoon Tea and then depart, leaving you to take your time and enjoy it. Afterwards you then have a free afternoon to continue exploring at your own pace, and pick up any last minute souvenirs, before your special concert this evening!

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Deluxe Castle View with 2 roll-away beds & 1 x Executive View Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Private Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Walking Tour
Expert Local City Guide: Sarah Cagossi Austin
Start Location: The Balmoral Reception | Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 4 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 1786 447 784

Your Morning Walking Tour will have a special focus on Harry Potter locations and will end in Edinburgh Castle around 1pm. Your guide will ensure that you know where to go for your afternoon tea before they leave.

Day 8 - Afternoon Tea Details Read More +

Cafe: The Tea Rooms | Location: Edinburgh Castle
Reservation Time: 13:30 | Booking Reference: Cynthia Chen

Please note that this is a table reservation only. Please pay directly.

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Scran & Scallie | Location: 1 Comely Bank Road, Edinburgh, EH4 1DT
Reservation Time: 17:00 | Booking Reference: BNR3MPPR
Phone: +44 (0)131 332 6281 | Website: https://scranandscallie.com/

Please note that this is a Table Reservation only. Please pay directly

Day 9 - Sunday 9th June - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Edinburgh Airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: East of Scotland Chauffeur Drive
Booking Reference: 120769
Pick Up Location: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh | Pick Up Time: 02:30 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 131 370 1555

Your private driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

4 pax – Cynthia, James, Julia & Benjamin Wu

Day 9 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: June 9, 2024 | Airline: KLM | Flight Number: KL924
Departure Airport: Glasgow Airport (GLA) | Departure Time: 06:10

4 Pax – Cynthia, James, Julia & Benjamin Wu

Day 9 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: East of Scotland Chauffeur Drive
Booking Reference: 118694
Pick Up Location: The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh | Pick Up Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 131 370 1555

Your private driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

2 Pax – Chu Shag & Fen Chen.

Day 9 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: June 9, 2024 | Airline: American Airlines/ British Airways | Flight Number: AA/BA 7158
Departure Airport: Glasgow Airport (GLA) | Departure Time: 13:34

2 Pax – Chu Shang & Fen Chen

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 8 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above and below
    • Near Glasgow, Cameron House (1 Night)
      • 1 x Loch View Family Room with Balcony
      • 1 x Loch View Room Twin
    • Near Fort William, Inverlochy Castle (2 Nights)
      • 1 x Junior Suite w 2 additional beds
      • 1 x Large Double as Twin
    • Inverness, Kingsmills (1 Night)
      • 1 x Luxury Family
      • 1 x Luxury King as Twin
    • Braemar,  Fife Arms (2 Nights)
      • 1 x Scottish Culture Family Suite
      • 1 x Scottish Culture Twin
    • Edinburgh, The Balmoral (2 Nights)
      • 1 x Deluxe Castle View with 2 roll-away beds
      • 1 x Executive View Twin
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable UK qualified guide from Day 2 to Day 7
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
    • Please note that this will be a minivan, so luggage space is not unlimited. If you require more space for luggage please advise & supplement would apply
  • Airport Transfer from Glasgow Airport to Cameron House on Arrival Day
  • Airport Transfer to Edinburgh Airport on Departure Day
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, (these are not private unless otherwise detailed) specifically:
    • Storyteller Private Experience in Glencoe
    • First Class Tickets on the ‘Harry Potter’ Train
    • Zodiac Trip on Loch Ness
    • Tour of Speyside Cooperage
    • Tour of Whisky Distillery & Tasting (for adults only)
    • Entry Fee as per interest in Kingdom of Fife
    • Entry to Edinburgh Castle
    • Private Morning ‘Harry Potter’ Themed Walking Tour with Local Expert Guide
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • Map and trip dossier
  • 24 hour in-country support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather – June in Scotland can be a very wide range of weather, and very changeable. Suitable clothing and footwear is essential, as well as a flexible attitude. Plans may have to be changed to accommodate Mother Nature, and your guide will have back-up plans that they will discuss with you if required.

 

Essential Packing List

  • Waterproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof over-pants
  • Sturdy hiking boots/shoes (sneakers or tennis shoes are not suitable for any hiking in Scotland)
  • Day pack 20-30 litre for carrying water and extra layers
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Warm layers
  • Warm hat, gloves and a neck gaiter
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Smart casual attire for dinners

Note: If you would like us to provide trekking poles for your use then please just let us know and we will ensure these are available for you.

 

Useful Contacts

24 hour in-country support (Wilderness Scotland):  +44 (0)1479 420 020, or out with regular office hours +44 (0)7766 794 640 (urgent calls only)

Emergency services:  999 or 112
NHS 24 (24 hour free medical advice):  111

 

Tipping Guidelines

For tipping our guides – We don’t generally recommend a set amount as tipping is not expected in the same way that it is in North America. However, similar North American travel companies generally suggest something along the lines of £10-30 per person per day for your guide, which is a wide range to choose from. Generally, we would encourage you to ask yourself what you were expecting from your guide, and then think about how they have exceeded those expectations and choose an amount you are comfortable with.

For local services such as restaurants again tipping is not expected but if you receive great service then 10-15% of the bill is normal.

 

Luggage Notes

Please note that we expect travellers to bring an average of One Large Holdall or Suitcase and up to Two smaller day-bags or hand-luggage sized pieces. If you expect to bring more than this then please let us know well in advance of arrival so that we can ensure there is capacity for this (additional charges will apply if separate luggage transfers are required).

Important Additional Information Read More
  • General Info Scotland General Info - PDF: View Now
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

Cameron House

Loch Lomond | West Dunbartonshire |
G83 8QZ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1389 312 210
Web: cameronhouse.co.uk

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Torlundy | Near Fort William |
PH33 6SN | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1397 702 177
Web: inverlochycastlehotel.com

Kingsmills Hotel

Culcabock Road | Inverness | Highland |
IV2 3LP | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1463 237 166
Web: kingsmillshotel.com

The Fife Arms

Mar Rd | Braemar | Royal Deeside |
AB35 5YL | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1339 720 200
Web: thefifearms.com

The Balmoral Hotel

1 Princes Street | Edinburgh |
EH2 2EQ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)131 556 2414
Web: roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel

Meet Your Guide

Andrew Reeve

Contact Number: +44 (0)784 513 6867

Ever since my first backpacking and wild camping trip along the South West Coast Path aged 11, the mountains and sea have held a strong allure. I first visited Scotland in 2014 for the Scottish Islands Peaks Race and there was no going back. After a short-lived career in Mechanical Engineering I moved to the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides to start a sea kayaking business. Covid-19 necessitated a pivot and I’m now attempting to suffuse our secondary school pupils with some knowledge of Mathematics.

Place to Play

The Outer Hebrides! Running in the deserted North Harris hills in the morning and kitesurfing at Seilebost beach in the afternoon. Sea kayaking here will challenge the most committed and daring paddlers! I’ve also got a soft spot for Loch Tay and the Lawers ridge where my first days in Scotland were spent.

Not a lot of people know this

I have a penchant for crochet – my finest product is a pair of leather-soled slippers.

Virtuoso

Final Information – Chen Family Scottish Explorations

Saturday 1st June – Sunday 9th June 2024