Final Information - Roam Travel - Frank Family

Danielle, Tim, Katarina and Zachary

Sunday 7th April – Saturday 13th April 2024

Number of Travellers: 4
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

Create treasured family memories as you explore the twisting cobbled streets of Edinburgh and the beautiful scenery and rich history of Perthshire. Discover fascinating stories, indulge in local cuisine, learn ancient traditions and soak in the romance and rich history of Scotland. Through your adventures into culinary, crafts, textiles, ancient castles and whisky, you will experience the very best of this charming country. You are sure to all be smiling about moments on this trip for years to come.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Sunday 7th April | Welcome to Scotland | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Monday 8th April | Exploring Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3 | Tuesday 9th April | Free Day | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 4 | Wednesday 10th April | Round of Golf at St Andrews & Afternoon Explorations | Overnight: Auchterarder

Day 5 | Thursday 11th April | Exploring Perthshire | Overnight: Auchterarder

Day 6 | Friday 12th April | Indulge at Gleneagles | Overnight: Auchterarder

Day 7 | Saturday 13th April | Depart Edinburgh

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 7th April - 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. Depending on your arrival time you can choose to relax at the hotel or head out to start exploring this unique city.

 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh
Room Type: 1 x 2 bedroom apartment
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Train Details Read More +

Travel Date: April 7, 2024
Departure Train Station: London Kings Cross | Departure Time: 10:00
Arrival Train Station: Edinburgh Haymarket | Arrival Time: 14:15

Please ensure the clients get off the train at Edinburgh Haymarket as it is much easier for them to meet the chauffeur driver here than at Waverley where there are multiple exits.

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2701540
Pick Up Location: Haymarket Main Entrance | Pick Up Time: 14:15
Phone: 0141 883 2111

The driver will be waiting for you just outside Haymarket Station with a sign with your names on it.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Auld Hundred Pub | Location: 100 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 2NN
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: #49492
Phone: 0131 225 1809 | Website: https://www.auldhundrededinburgh.com/

Please pay directly

Day 2 - Monday 8th April - 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.

This afternoon meet some local kilts makers who have been working in the industry for over a decade.  Enjoy a workshop with them to understand how this national dress is made and what makes it so special. Tonight, you will head to the underground vaults of the Old Town where your private guide will regale you with tales of death, disease, crime and corruption!  These haunted vaults all have their own dark pasts and links to witchcraft – will you be brave enough to step inside the stone circle??

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh
Room Type: 1 x 2 bedroom apartment
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: The Rutland, Reception | Meeting Time: 09:30

Day 2 - Morning Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Morning Walking Tour
Local City Guide: Marina Edwards-Scott
Start Location: Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh | Start Time: 09:30
Phone: 07931 960 608

She will meet you in the lobby of the hotel along with your main guide Ian at 09:30

Day 2 - Meeting a Kilt Maker Read More +

Activity: Meeting a Kilt Maker
Auld Alliance Kiltmakers: Mathilde and Jonathan
| Start Time: 15:00

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Malt Shovel Inn | Location: 11-15 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh EH1 1BP
Reservation Time: 17:45 | Booking Reference: F3D2536095150533
Phone: 0131 255 6843

Please pay directly.  Please inform them if you are running late as they will only hold the table for 15 minutes due to high demand.

Day 2 - Private Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Tour
Auld Reekie Tours - Southern Vaults:
| Start Time: 19:30

Your guide will take you to the tour and then return you to the hotel afterwards

Day 3 - Tuesday 9th April - Free Day

Enjoy a totally free day today to relax at your hotel and indulging in the spa facilitIes or heading out to explore some more or do some shopping.

After a lovely day you will head to a local cookery school to test your culinary skills while you create your very own private dinner.  A fantastic way to end your time in Edinburgh with the whole family.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh
Room Type: 1 x 2 bedroom apartment
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Edinburgh New Town Cookery School | Location: 7 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JE
Reservation Time: 17:00

Your guide will meet up with you in the afternoon and take you to the cookery school for this experience.  The timings of this will be arranged between yourselves the day before.

Day 4 - Wednesday 10th April - Round of Golf at St Andrews & Afternoon Explorations

Today you explore the historic and world famous university town of St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife. Recently remembered as the place in which the Prince and Princess of Wales met during their time studying here. However St Andrews is much better known for being the ‘birthplace of golf’ and today you may wish to play a round of golf, following in the footsteps of many golfing legends.

For the non golfers, your guide will take you around the town and along the famous beach before you all meet up later in the day for dinner before departing for Gleneagles in the late evening.

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

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Braid Estate Rooms interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Dormy | Location: Gleneagles, St Andrews
Reservation Time: 20:00
Phone: 01764 290 024

Please pay directly

Day 5 - Thursday 11th April - Exploring Perthshire

You have options today!  You can either stay at Gleneagles and enjoy the activities that the hotel has to offer or you can head out to explore some of Perthshire with your guide.  Perhaps you might like to visit Perth and Scone Palace – where former Kings and Queens of Scotland were crowned.  Or maybe head to the pretty town of Pitlochry with its famous Salmon Ladder and boutique shops.

You’ll return to Gleneagles in the afternoon for some family time before dining out on some delectable treats in one of the many restaurants.

Your guide will arrange a meeting time with you the night before, which he will pass on to Graham.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Braid Estate Rooms interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Breakfast Details Read More +

Reservation Time: 08:15

Day 5 - Guide Details - Graham Beckett Read More +

Name: Graham Beckett
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7928 719716
Meeting Place: Gleneagles, Reception

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Strathearn | Location: Gleneagles, St Andrews
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: 01764 290 117

Please pay directly

Day 6 - Friday 12th April - Indulge at Gleneagles

Today, you will stay local and indulge in all that Gleneagles has to offer. After breakfast, make your way through the hotel to the tranquility of the spa or take some time out for a little retail therapy in the beautiful arcade situated inside the hotel. If you are feeling adventurous, there are many experiences you can pre-book from tennis to falconry, archery or 4×4 off roading. Not forgetting the numerous dining options from casual lunch options to fine Scottish fare, you will be spoilt for choice. Today is your day to explore the wonders of a place that truly demonstrates the best Scotland has to offer.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Braid Estate Rooms interconnecting
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Breakfast Details Read More +

Reservation Time: 08:15

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Birnam | Location: Gleneagles
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: 01764 290 117

Please pay directly

Day 7 - Saturday 13th April - Depart Edinburgh

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

 

Please note that due to your early flight the hotel will provide a bagged breakfast to take with you on departure.  

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 3144221/2701431
Pick Up Location: Gleneagles Hotel, Gleneagles Auchterarder Perthshire PH3 1NF | Pick Up Time: 03:30
Phone: 0141 883 2111

Day 7 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: April 13, 2024 | Airline: American Airlines | Flight Number: AA 7224
Departure Airport: EDI | Departure Time: 07:05
Arrival Airport: LHR

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 6 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 2 to Day 5
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Private transfers to and from the airport
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Edinburgh Walking Tour
    • Entry tickets to Edinburgh Castle
    • Meeting a kilt maker
    • Evening Cookery Class
    • Private tour of the Haunted Vaults
    • Entry to the Attractions in Perthshire if required
  • 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
Notes Read More
  • Activities are only private if specifically stated

 

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather – April 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.

Important Additional Information Read More
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

The Rutland Hotel, Edinburgh

1-3 Rutland Street, Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
EH1 2AE | Phone: +44 (0)131 229 3402
Web: therutlandhotel.com

Gleneagles Hotel

Auchterarder, Perthshire | Auchterarder |
PH3 1NF | Phone: 01764 290 020
Web: gleneagles.com

Meet Your Guides

Ian Jones

Contact Number: +44 (0)7910 717 044

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.

Graham Beckett

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7928 719716

In another life I spent 34 years working in education heading a P.E. Department, as a Boarding Housemaster and as a Senior Teacher but throughout that time I was always involved in Hill Walking, Mountaineering or Climbing, both personally and as a leader, working in the Lake District, Scotland or abroad during my school holidays. Increasingly towards the end of my teaching career, I was spending more and more of my time in this way – and so 8 years ago I gave up teaching altogether and committed to the outdoor life completely. I recently moved to Blair Atholl, though I spend most of the year travelling, working and playing in the mountains of Britain and abroad. I have a grown-up family of three daughters who are similarly fully involved in outdoor life – walking, climbing and crazy downhill bike racing.

Places to Play

Whilst I am happy in any mountainous region – I am most at home in the Cairngorms where I can roam for days on end, staying high and remote in some of the wildest and most inspiring mountain scenery in Britain.

Not a lot of People Know This

I am also a semi-professional folk singer/guitar player who loves to link his hillwalking and leading to his music. There’s nothing nicer than ending a few days walking with a few good songs – particularly if they are closely connected to the area that you have just walked in!

Virtuoso

Final Information – Roam Travel – Frank Family

Sunday 7th April – Saturday 13th April 2024