Foo Private Explorations of Scotland V6 - Final Information Document

Thursday 19th September – Thursday 26th September 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Overview

Discover the true delights of Scotland with insights from your knowledgeable private Highlands guide. Explore history in the twisty cobbled alleyways of Edinburgh, hike in atmospheric glens and mountain ranges, hear the local legends and celebrate it all with a wee dram packed full of the flavours of Scotland. From the city streets to the wild Highlands, you are sure to fall in love with every inch of this character packed country.

 

On Trip;

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 Hours 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

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 19th September | Welcome to Scotland! | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Friday 20th September | Exploring Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3 | Saturday 21st September | North To The Highlands | Overnight: Inverness

Day 4 | Sunday 22nd September | Meet Your Guide & Head to Skye via Loch Ness | Overnight: Portree

Day 5 | Monday 23rd September | Exploring Skye | Overnight: Portree

Day 6 | Tuesday 24th September | Ferry To Mainland, 'Road To The Isles' & Glen Nevis | Overnight: Fort William

Day 7 | Wednesday 25th September | South via Stirling Castle, Bannockburn Battlefield & the Wallace Monument | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 8 | Thursday 26th September | Depart

Highlights

  • Explore beautiful corners of Scotland’s wild landscape hiking with your qualified private guide
  • Taste “Uisge Beatha” or “water of life” at one of Scotland’s best known distilleries
  • Discover the hidden gems and hear about the local's favourites as you get under the skin of this wee country

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 19th September - Welcome to Scotland!

On arrival at Edinburgh 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 | Parliament House Hotel
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Qatar Airways | Flight Number: QR029
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) | Arrival Time: 13:10

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: East Of Scotland Chauffeur Drive
Booking Reference: 123715
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport Arrivals | Pick Up Time: 13:10 | Approx Duration: 0.75 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 131 370 1555

Your private driver will have a sign with your name on.

Day 2 - Friday 20th September - 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 | Parliament House Hotel
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Private Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Walking Tour
Expert City Guide: Hannah Tait
Start Location: Parliament House Hotel Reception | Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 4 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 7920 408 507

Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Dine | Location: 10 Cambridge Street (1st Floor, above Traverse Theatre), Edinburgh, EH1 2ED
Reservation Time: 19:30 | Booking Reference: BJNVJDRH - Jia En Foo
Phone: +44 (0) 131 218 1818 | Website: https://dineedinburgh.co.uk/

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

From the Restaurant;

Dear Jia En Foo

Thanks for booking at DINE.

We confirm your booking on Friday, 20 September 2024 at 19:30 for 2 people. Ref: BJNVJDRH

Please note that you will be charged £30.00 per person in the event of a Late Cancellation or No Show.

– At busy times we operate a 15 minute ‘no show’ policy and cancellations must be received 24 hours prior to your allocated reservation time. The early Pre-theatre sitting is allocated a strict 2-hour dining as standard. Whilst we do our upmost to honour table requests, we unfortunately cannot guarantee.

– Please inform the restaurant of any dietary requirements or food intolerances prior to your visit.

– Gratuities left by our customers are passed in full to the staff. Neither the company, nor senior management benefit in any kind whatsoever from gratuities left by our customers.

Thank you for choosing Dine.

If you need to MODIFY or CANCEL your booking, please use these links.

Day 3 - Saturday 21st September - North To The Highlands

You have a nice relaxed morning to enjoy breakfast before you check out. Then catch the train north to the Highlands. Sit back and enjoy the scenic ride through the edge of the Cairngorms National Park as it takes you to Inverness. On arrival at the station you will be met by a private driver who will take you to your welcoming accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace as you prefer.

Note – There is typically some food service offered on board the train (not guaranteed), but most travellers will take a bagged lunch with them for a better selection (there are several vendors in the train station).

Overnight: Inverness | Castle View Guesthouse
Room Type: Urquhart King bed
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Train Details Read More +

Travel Date: September 21, 2024 | Rail Operator: ScotRail
Departure Train Station: Edinburgh Waverley Station | Departure Time: 10:33
Arrival Train Station: Inverness Train Station | Arrival Time: 14:15

Your Tickets will be sent to your Edinburgh Hotel for collection. Please ensure that you collect these from your hotel front desk and have your tickets ready for checking at the Train Station.

Seats reserved
First Class – Direct (No Change)
Carriage A, Seat 01B, Window & Seat 01F, Window

Day 3 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Inverness City Taxis
Booking Reference: Jia En Foo
Pick Up Location: Inverness Train Station | Pick Up Time: 14:15 | Approx Duration: 10 mins
Phone: +44 (0) 1463 222 555

Your private driver will have a sign with your name on.

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Mustard Seed | Location: 16 Fraser Street, INverness, IV1 1DW
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: 135909638
Phone: +44 (0) 1463 220 220 | Website: http://www.mustardseedrestaurant.co.uk/

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

From The Restaurant;

Your reservation is confirmed
DATE
21.09.2024
TIME
18:30
GUESTS
2
GUEST NAME
Jia En Foo
Change
Cancel
This booking was managed via Quandoo.
The Mustard Seed Restaurant
Fraser Street 16, IV1 1DW Inverness
More Details
RESERVATION # 135909638
Contact restaurant
You can contact the restaurant directly for more details.
+441463220220
[email protected]

Day 4 - Sunday 22nd September - Meet Your Guide & Head to Skye via Loch Ness

Your private guide (who will also act as your driver for our time together) will pick you up from your hotel this morning. Enjoy some fabulous scenery as you make your way to Skye today through steep sided mountain glens on the way, and past the deep water of secretive Loch Ness, keep your eyes peeled for ‘Nessie’.

Maybe stop to admire the elegant Eilean Donan castle, set out on the water on a private island and surrounded by majestic scenery. Your guide will then take you onwards, passing over the graceful arc of the Skye Bridge onto ‘the misty isle’ itself and carrying on to your welcoming hotel in the harbour town of Portree.

Celebrate your arrival tonight with an informal whisky tasting in one of the local pubs, led by your guide. Discover just why ‘uisge beatha’ takes on such different characters in different areas of Scotland and appreciate the layers of flavour each offers.

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: Standard Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Guide Details - Will Snow Read More +

Name: Will Snow
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7887 459 559
Meeting Place: Your Guesthouse Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Pub: Dulse & Brose | Location: Bosville Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:15 | Booking Reference: BRMCAHFN

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

 

Day 5 - Monday 23rd September - Exploring Skye

Today you have a full day to explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction. This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests. Finishing the day with a distillery tour and tasting would be the perfect way to toast your adventures.

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

Overnight: Portree | The Bosville
Room Type: Standard Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Antler's Bar & Grill | Location: The Portree Hotel, Somerled Square, Portree, IV51 9EH
Reservation Time: 17:30 | Booking Reference: Jia En Foo
Phone: +44 (0) 1478 612 511 | Website: https://theportreehotel.com/food-and-drink

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

Unfortunately The Chargrill Restaurant updated its Autumn opening days, and has decided not to serve on Sundays or Mondays. Therefore we have secured you a table at one of our other favourite choices instead.

Day 6 - Tuesday 24th September - Ferry To Mainland, 'Road To The Isles' & Glen Nevis

After taking the short ferry back to the mainland you’ll travel along the stunning Road to the Isles with your guide. This is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. Admire the silver sand beaches of Arisaig and admire the views back to Skye and out to the small isles. Pass the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which you may well recognise from the Harry Potter films. Hear the tales of the Glenfinnan Monument and see if you can spot the Jacobite Steam Train puffing its way along the tracks. Then continue on to Fort William.

This afternoon with your guide you can hike the atmospheric Glen Nevis at the foot of the tallest mountain in Scotland (filming location for the village in Braveheart). Walk along the dramatic gorge to reach the secluded but impressive Steall Falls. There is a notorious wire bridge crossing the water nearby, but most people are content to admire it rather than use it!

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

Overnight: Fort William | Nevis Bank Inn
Room Type: Double Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Brown's Restaurant | Location: Nevis Bank Inn,
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Jia En Foo
Phone: +44 (0) 1397 705 721 | Website: https://nevisbankinn.co.uk/our-menu/

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

Day 7 - Wednesday 25th September - South via Stirling Castle, Bannockburn Battlefield & the Wallace Monument

This morning you bid farewell to the Highlands and your guide will take you south to Edinburgh. Your route will pass through the stunning scenery of Glencoe, full of mountain history and local legends. Later stop en route to visit Stirling Castle, which is one of the grandest castles in Scotland with an imposing location and a turbulent history.

Then head to the nearby Wallace Monument, which celebrates Scotland’s first national hero William Wallace. Admire the huge Wallace Sword and climb the steps to gain the beautiful vista of the surrounding hills.

Finally take a journey through time with a visit to the site of The Battle Of Bannockburn. This was the greatest victory of Robert The Bruce and you can experience that day in history in thrilling 3D at the award-winning visitor centre. Your guide will depart after dropping you safely at your welcoming city centre hotel. Leaving you to enjoy one last night in Edinburgh.

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

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Raeburn
Room Type: Standard Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Radicibus Italian Restaurant | Location: 2 Deanhaugh Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1LY
Reservation Time: 19:30 | Booking Reference: B7QNK7C4 - Jia En Foo
Phone: +44 (0) 131 285 8608 | Website: https://radicibus.co.uk/

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

From The Restaurant;

Dear Jia En Foo

This email is to confirm your booking at RADICIBUS ITALIAN RESTAURANT on Wednesday, 25 September 2024 at 19:00.

Your booking details are below:
Ref: B7QNK7C4
Date: Wednesday, 25 September 2024
Time: 19:00
Guests: 2

Thank you for booking.

Kind Regards
RADICIBUS ITALIAN RESTAURANT

If you need to MODIFY or CANCEL your booking please use these links.

Day 8 - Thursday 26th September - 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 8 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: East Of Scotland Chauffeur Drive
Booking Reference: 125811
Pick Up Location: The Raeburn Hotel Reception | Pick Up Time: 11:00 | Approx Duration: 0.75 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 131 370 1555

Finish Location = Edinburgh Airport

Day 8 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Qatar Airways | Flight Number: QR030
Departure Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) | Departure Time: 14:45

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 7 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Some meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 4 to Day 7 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
    • (This is typically a comfortable estate car)
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Airport Transfer on Departure Day – Edinburgh Hotel to EDI
  • Train Tickets from Edinburgh to Inverness – First Class, No Changes
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Morning Walking Tour with Expert City Guide in Edinburgh
      • Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle
    • Informal Whisky Tasting in Local Pub, led by your guide
    • 2 x Variable Entry Fee (eg. Dunvegan Castle on Skye. This will be led by client interest)
    • Whisky Distillery Tour & Tasting on Skye
    • Entry to Stirling Castle
    • Entry to Wallace Monument
    • Entry to Bannockburn Battlefield Visitor Centre
  • 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 so stared in the inclusions

 

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 for Hiking

  • 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.

 

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 outwith regular office hours +44 (0)7766 794 640 (urgent calls only, but can also be used for less urgent text messages or WhatApp messages)

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 Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Scotland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 866 740 3890

Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+44 (0)7766 794 640

Emergency Services

999

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

Parliament House Hotel

15 Calton Hill | Edinburgh | Mid-Lothian |
EH1 3BJ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 131 478 4000
Web: parliamenthouse-hotel.co.uk

The Bosville

Portree | Isle of Skye |
IV51 9DG | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1478 612846
Web: perlehotels.com/the-bosville

Nevis Bank Inn

Belford Road | Fort William | Inverness-shire |
PH33 6BY | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1397 705 721
Web: nevisbankinn.co.uk

The Raeburn

112 Raeburn Place | Edinburgh |
EH4 1HG | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)131 332 7000
Web: theraeburn.com

Meet Your Guide

Will Snow

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7887 459 559

Happy | Helpful | Highlander

I love Scotland’s wild places and cycling through them. When I’m not on my bike I also enjoy sea kayaking and hill walking. After over a decade of leading overseas expeditions to Asia, Africa and Latin America combined with teaching Geography I’ve become about as settled down as a tour guide can ever be, living in the Highlands, although still like to venture overseas. I guided a sensory impairment charity trek to Kilimanjaro in June 2014.

Working for Wilderness Scotland has given me an opportunity to share the outstanding natural beauty of a world-class destination. The landscape and culture is unsurpassed. If I had to choose a favourite trip it would be quite difficult as it’s always a privilege to experience any journey in our remote surroundings with amicable, like-minded people.

Place to Play

Biking in the far north. Empty roads and wild trails.

Not a lot of people know this

I was the first person from Scotland to complete the ‘Tour Divide’, a 2745-mile long mountain bike race from Canada to Mexico.

Virtuoso

Foo Private Explorations of Scotland V6 – Final Information Document

Thursday 19th September – Thursday 26th September 2024