Final Information - McDuffie Scottish Graduation Celebrations - V2

Brant & William

Thursday 23rd May – Sunday 26th May 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 23rd May | Welcome to Scotland | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Friday 24th May | Morning Fishing & Afternoon Golf at Gullane | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3 | Saturday 25th May | Kayaking Adventure & Golfing in Fife | Overnight: St Andrews

Day 4 | Sunday 26th May | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 23rd May - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel to drop your bags. Your expert local city guide will be waiting for you here at your hotel and together you will head out to start exploring this unique city.

Immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city, and hear the tales of the winding streets as you wander up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past.

Finish your day with a private tour of the atmospheric underground streets of Mary King’s Close, where a warren of 17th-century streets was walled up and forgotten about. Hear about the chilling crimes committed by dark inhabitants of old Edinburgh, or the everyday lives of the people who used to live here. The rest of the evening is free to relax as you wish.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Gleneagles Townhouse - Edinburgh
Room Type: Town Bedroom - Twin
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Delta | Flight Number: DL0726 & DL122
Departure Airport: Altanta - ATL | Departure Time: 14:20
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh - EDI | Arrival Time: 08:35

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2701491
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport Arrivals | Pick Up Time: 08:35 | Approx Duration: 0.75 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your driver will meet you in arrivals with your name on a sign.

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 0141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 1 - Private Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Walking Tour
Expert City Guide: Hugh Salvesen
Start Location: Gleneagles Townhouse Reception | Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 7 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 7528 013 864

Day 1 - Private Tour Of Underground Streets Read More +

Activity: Private Tour Of Underground Streets
Start Location: The Real Mary King's Close, On the Royal Mile, across from St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Mercat Cross | Start Time: 17:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Booking Reference: 41751483

Day 2 - Friday 24th May - Morning Fishing & Afternoon Golf at Gullane

This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head out of the city to a peaceful fishing loch. Here you will meet an expert fishing guide who will share their local trips and tricks for making the most of this wonderful location.

Mid afternoon you head to Gullane Golf Course to play your self-arranged superb links round, enjoying this championship destination course before your guide takes you back to your hotel in Edinburgh.

Overnight: Edinburgh | Gleneagles Townhouse - Edinburgh
Room Type: Town Bedroom - Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Guide Details - Ian Jones Read More +

Name: Ian Jones
Contact Number: +44 (0)7910 717 044
Meeting Place: Gleneagles Townhouse Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00

Day 2 - Private Fishing Experience Read More +

Activity: Private Fishing Experience
| Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 2.5 hrs

Day 2 - Round At Gullane Golf Club Read More +

Activity: Round At Gullane Golf Club
| Start Time: 15:00 | Approx Duration: 4 hrs

Booked Directly.

Day 3 - Saturday 25th May - Kayaking Adventure & Golfing in Fife

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel this morning and together you head north into the Kingdom of Fife. Here you will head out onto the waters in kayaks with a local expert guide. Depending on the tides, weather and your experience you may get to paddle along this quirky coastline to the beach landing right by your next destination.

The delightful Kingsbarns golf club is situated on the same coastline as The Old Course (the ‘birthplace of golf’), so enjoy teeing off this afternoon after lunch in the clubhouse. A luxurious experience playing one of the most scenic rounds of golf in the country, which is ranked in the top 100 courses in the world and enjoys wonderful views along the whole 1.8 miles of coastline.

Your guide will take you to your unique hotel in St Andrews once your round is finished. Depending on the time you may be able to spend some time exploring this historic university town before your guide departs, leaving you to enjoy a last dinner in Scotland.

(Note: if the tides and weather are not suitable then you will explore a scenic loch in your kayaks. Perhaps discovering the ruins of an ancient castle.)

Overnight: St Andrews | Rusacks Hotel - St Andrews
Room Type: Links Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Private Sea Kayaking Experience Read More +

Activity: Private Sea Kayaking Experience
| Approx Duration: 4 hrs

Day 3 - Round at Kingsbarns Golf Club Read More +

Activity: Round at Kingsbarns Golf Club
| Start Time: 16:20 | Approx Duration: 4 hrs

Note: You are waitlisted for an earlier tee time. Your guide will advise is one becomes available.

Day 4 - Sunday 26th May - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your St Andrews 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 4 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2701492
Pick Up Location: Rusacks Hotel Reception | Pick Up Time: 07:30 | Approx Duration: 1.75 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

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 0141 883 2111, which operates 24/7.

Day 4 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Delta | Flight Number: 0035
Departure Airport: Edinburgh - EDI | Departure Time: 12:05
Arrival Airport: Atlanta - ATL | Arrival Time: 16:00

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 3 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide on Day 2 and Day 3
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on Day 2 and Day 3
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet (EDI to Edinburgh city centre hotel)
  • Airport Transfer on Departure Day (St Andrews hotel to EDI)
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Walking Tour with Expert Local City Guide
      • includes entry to Edinburgh Castle
    • Private Tour of Underground Streets
    • Private Morning Fishing with Expert Fishing Guide
      • Includes permits & all equipment
    • Private Kayaking Experience with Qualified Guide
      • Includes all equipment
    • Round of Golf at Kingsbarns Golf Course
      • Includes Green Fee on Number One Course, Club & Electric Trolley Hire & Caddy
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 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
  • Round of Golf at Gullane Golf Course & all associated costs (caddy & equipment hire)
Notes Read More

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather in Scotland can be 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
  • For Sea Kayaking
    • Swimming costume/trunks
    • Wetsuit socks, waterproof socks or warm wool socks
    • Footwear that you don’t mind getting wet
    • Non-cotton moisture-wicking base layer top
    • Non-cotton quick-dry leggings or trousers

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.

 

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).

 

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.

Important Additional Information Read More
  • Where To Eat - Edinburgh General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Where To Eat - St Andrews General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Scotland - General Info General Info - PDF: View Now
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

Gleneagles Townhouse - Edinburgh

39 St Andrews Square | Edinburgh | Mid-Lothian |
EH2 2AD | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 131 322 3780
Web: gleneagles.com/townhouse

Rusacks Hotel - St Andrews

Pilmour Links | St Andrews | Fife |
KY16 9JQ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1334 474 321
Web: marineandlawn.com/rusacksstandrews

Meet Your Guide

Ian Jones

Contact Number: +44 (0)7910 717 044

Me In Three = Caring | Knowledgeable | Fun

Born and educated in Edinburgh, I began my teaching career. Throughout over 40 years in education in Scotland and abroad, I have used the outdoors both as a classroom and for leisure. Some of my fondest memories are of introducing young people to the varied Scottish landscapes and encouraging them to develop their skills in a range of activities including skiing, hill walking, climbing, sailing, canoeing, and cycling. I now look forward to sharing my knowledge of Scotland with a different audience.

Places to Play

I have had the opportunity to work and travel across the world. However, from scaling mountains to strolling through its glens and along its shores Scotland is unique. Now living in Strathspey, I have the Cairngorm National Park on my doorstep and easy access to the spectacular west coast.

Not a lot of people know this

I lived and worked in Dubai for 6 years and took the opportunity to do a skydive over The Palm.

Virtuoso

Final Information – McDuffie Scottish Graduation Celebrations – V2

Thursday 23rd May – Sunday 26th May 2024