Final Information - Highlights of Scotland

Cam & Lynn Campbell, Tad & Martha Anne Zelski

Saturday 15th June – Thursday 20th June 2024

Number of Travellers: 4
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Saturday 15th June | Arrive Glasgow - Welcome to Scotland. | Overnight: Glasgow

Day 2 | Sunday 16th June | Meet Your Guide and Explore the West. | Overnight: By Oban

Day 3 | Monday 17th June | Glencoe to Pitlochry. | Overnight: Pitlochry

Day 4 | Tuesday 18th June | Transfer to Edinburgh via St Andrews. | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 5 | Wednesday 19th June | Exploring Edinburgh. | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 6 | Thursday 20th June | Depart - Farewell Scotland.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 15th June - Arrive Glasgow - Welcome to Scotland.

A private transfer driver will meet you at the dockside off your ship. Travel to your luxurious city centre accommodation to drop your bags.  Meet your private local guide at your hotel to whish you of on a tour of this characterful city. Explore the famous Burrell Collection, perhaps taking a stroll in the surrounding gardens, before having lunch. Later, discover the hidden stories of the Glasgow streets, that have been home to all kinds of creatives over the years. See the influences of Charles Rennie MackIntosh and admire the popular contemporary graffiti murals tucked into unexpected corners all over the city.

Overnight: Glasgow | ABode Glasgow
Room Type: x2 Enviable King Rooms
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2699846
Pick Up Location: Greenock Ocean Terminal | Pick Up Time: 08:00
Phone: +44 (0)141 883 2111

Your private transfer will meet you dockside and have a sign showing your name.

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.

Drive time between Greenock Ocean Terminal and The ABode Glasgow, is around 1 hr depending on traffic and without stops.

Day 1 - Full Day Glasgow City Art Tour Read More +

Activity: Full Day Glasgow City Art Tour
Expert Local Guide: Joan Dobbie
Start Location: ABode Glasgow - Reception. | Start Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 6 hrs
Phone: +44 (0)7773 555 151

Your local expert guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Day 2 - Sunday 16th June - Meet Your Guide and Explore the West.

Today you will meet your Guide/Driver for the rest of your Scottish adventure. Begin your journey northwards along the banks of Loch Lomond before you stop off at Inverrary Castle on the shores of Loch Fyne. You will have time here to explore the Castle and  Gardens before continuing on to visit the standing stones of Kilmartin Glen, with a rich history in the Neolithic and Bronze Age remains. Depending on energy levels you may wish to stop at Crinan or possibly visit Gylen Castle before arriving to your shore side hotel.

Drive time between The ABode Glasgow and Loch Melfort Hotel, is around 2 hr 40 mins depending on traffic and without stops.

Overnight: By Oban | Loch Melfort Hotel
Room Type: x1 Master Suite & x1 Main House sea view with Balcony
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Guide Details - Ian Jones Read More +

Name: Ian Jones
Contact Number: +44(0)7910 717044
Meeting Place: ABode Glasgow - Reception. | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your guide Ian will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Day 3 - Monday 17th June - Glencoe to Pitlochry.

Depart Oban this morning as you set out on the scenic drive through Glencoe, winding your way between the spectacular mountainous landscapes. There are a number of options for stops along the way, for leg stretches, views and refreshments, these can be discussed with your guide the night before. Arrive into the highland village of Pitlochry to check-in to your hotel, before taking an evening stroll to enjoy the local live music.

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

Drive time between Loch Melfort Hotel and Craigmhor Lodge & Courtyard, is around 3 hrs depending on traffic and without stops.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Craigmhor Lodge & Courtyard
Room Type: x2 Deluxe Double Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Tuesday 18th June - Transfer to Edinburgh via St Andrews.

This morning it is time to travel to the capital. En route discover the rich history of this area as you visit the coastal town of St Andrews. Known over the world as the birthplace of Golf and being home to Scotland’s oldest university, there is a rich history to this characterful coastal town. Stroll the pathways and soak in the atmosphere as your guide provides an insight into the tales of what life was like for the locals. View the ruins of Scotland’s largest medieval church, perched on the cliff side. This afternoon delve deeper into history as you visit Rosslyn Chapel, a wonderful place of worship that has been in the same family since 1446. Admire the beautiful stained glass windows and explore the Sacristy. After, your guide will take you to your hotel to settle in before departing, leaving you to enjoy the city with local guides. Tonight you may choose to head out to enjoy some of the culinary delights of the city.

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

Drive time between Craigmhor Lodge & Courtyard and St Andrews, is around 1 hr 30 mins depending on traffic and without stops.

Drive time between St Andrews and The Bonham, is around 1 hr 30 mins depending on traffic and without stops.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: x2 Townhouse Double Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Wednesday 19th June - Exploring Edinburgh.

This morning immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way 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. Your guide will leave you here so that you can spend as much time in the castle as you wish. You then have a free afternoon to continue your explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: x2 Townhouse Double Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Morning City Tour Read More +

Activity: Morning City Tour
Expert Local Guide: Joe Harrower
Start Location: The Bonham - Reception. | Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 4 hrs
Phone: +44 (0)7710 126 619

Your local expert guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Day 5 - Exploring the Castle Read More +

Activity: Exploring the Castle
Phone: +44(0)7774 757222

Your expert local guide will have your tickets into Edinburgh Castle and will be with you on entry, before they depart and leave you to explore.

Day 6 - Thursday 20th June - Depart - Farewell Scotland.

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 6 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2699848
Pick Up Location: The Bonham | Pick Up Time: 11:00
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

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

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 6 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: June 20, 2024 | Airline: Delta | Flight Number: DL0209
Departure Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Departure Time: 13:35

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 5 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 2 to Day 4
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Arrival Day, transfer from docks to hotel – drop luggage and then on to meet local guide
  • Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Half Day Walking Tour with Expert Local City Guide in Glasgow, with transfers.
    • Admission – The Burrell Collection and Grounds
    • Admission – Inveraray Castle and Gardens
    • Admission – St Andrews Cathedral
    • Admission – Rosslyn Chapel
    • Private Half Day Walking Tour with Expert Local City Guide in Edinburgh
      • Includes Entry to Palace of Holyroodhouse & Edinburgh Castle
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 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

Activities are only private if specifically stated.

 

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
  • Scotland General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Eat | See | Stay - Edinburgh - PDF: View Now
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

ABode Glasgow

129 Bath Street | Glasgow |
G2 2SZ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)141 221 6789
Web: abodeglasgow.co.uk

Loch Melfort Hotel

Arduaine | By Oban | Argyll |
PA34 4XG | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1852 200 233
Web: lochmelfort.co.uk

Craigmhor Lodge & Courtyard

27 West Moulin Road | Pitlochry | Highland Perthshire |
PH16 5EF | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1796 472123
Web: craigmhorlodge.co.uk

The Bonham

35 Drumsheugh Gardens | Edinburgh | Midlothian |
EH3 7RN | Scotland
Phone: +44(0)131 226 6050
Web: thebonham.com

Meet Your Guide

Ian Jones

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7910 717044

Mini Bio

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 – Highlights of Scotland

Saturday 15th June – Thursday 20th June 2024