Hance Scottish Explorations - V2 - Final Information Document

Thursday 18th July – Friday 26th July 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
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

 

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 18th July | Welcome to Scotland | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Friday 19th July | Exploring Historic Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3 | Saturday 20th July | St Andrews & The Kingdom of Fife | Overnight: St Andrews

Day 4 | Sunday 21st July | Transfer West Through The Highlands | Overnight: Near Fort William

Day 5 | Monday 22nd July | Over The Sea To Skye | Overnight: Sleat

Day 6 | Tuesday 23rd July | Exploring Skye | Overnight: Sleat

Day 7 | Wednesday 24th July | Transfer To Inverness | Overnight: By Dingwall

Day 8 | Thursday 25th July | E-Biking Explorations in The Cairngorms National Park | Overnight: By Dingwall

Day 9 | Friday 26th July | Fly To London

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 18th July - 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 Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Old Town Executive View
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: American Airlines | Flight Number: AA 6696
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) | Arrival Time: 12:05

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2705884
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport Arrivals | Pick Up Time: 12:05 | Approx Duration: 0.75 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your Private Driver will have a sign with your name on it.

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 - Lunch Details Read More +

Restaurant: Fisher's In The City | Location: 58 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1EN
Reservation Time: 14:00 | Booking Reference: BC9DZ4AW
Phone: +44 (0) 1312 255 109 | Website: https://www.fishersrestaurants.co.uk/fishers-in-the-city/

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

From the Restaurant;

We are pleased to confirm your booking at Fishers in the city on Thursday, 18 July 2024 at 2:00 PM.

Your booking details are below:

Ref: BC9DZ4AW

Date: Thursday, 18 July 2024

Time: 2:00 PM

Guests: 2

Leave Time: We respectfully require your table back by 4:00 PM

Thank you for booking.

Kind Regards

Fishers in the city

EDIT BOOKING

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Lookout | Location: Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AA
Reservation Time: 20:00 | Booking Reference: BWZNYCZZ
Phone: +44 (0) 131 3221 247 | Website: https://www.thelookoutedinburgh.co/

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

From the Restaurant;

We are pleased to confirm to confirm your booking at The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage on Thursday, 18 July 2024 at 8:00 PM.

Your booking details are below:

Ref: BWZNYCZZ
Date: Thursday, 18 July 2024
Time: 8:00 PM
Guests: 2

Thank you for booking.

Kind Regards
The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage

EDIT BOOKING

Day 2 - Friday 19th July - Exploring Historic 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 Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Old Town Executive View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Private Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Walking Tour
Expert Local City Guide: John Kelly
Start Location: Balmoral Hotel Reception | Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 4 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 7468 460 801

This includes entry to Edinburgh Castle & 1 other attraction as per interest if required

Day 2 - Lunch Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Witchery | Location: The Witchery by The Castle, Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF
Reservation Time: 13:00 | Booking Reference: BQDPVKJJ
Phone: +44(0)131 225 0974 | Website: http://www.thewitchery.com/

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

From The Restaurant;

Please to to confirm your reservation at The Witchery on Friday, 19 July 2024 at 1:00 PM. Your reservation details are below:

Ref: BQDPVKJJ
Date: Friday, 19 July 2024
Time: 1:00 PM
Guests: 2
Area: The Original dining room
Leave Time: We respectfully require your table back by 2:55 PM

Thank you for choosing The Witchery, we look forward to welcoming you soon.

We respectfully require all guests to order a minimum of one main course, for any lunch or dinner reservations.

Please advise us in advance if you have any special dietary requirements. We take the utmost care to ensure that all reasonable dietary requests are accommodated when dining at The Witchery; however, due to the nature of our offering we are unable to guarantee that any item will be 100% allergen free.Thank you for your reservation. We look forward to welcoming you to the Witchery by the Castle.

With kindest regardsThe Witchery

Online link to CANCEL RESERVATION

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Hawksmoor | Location: 23 West Register Street, EDinburgh, EH2 2AA
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: 2109907248
Phone: +44 (0) 1315 264 790 | Website: https://thehawksmoor.com/locations/edinburgh/

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

From The Restaurant;

Hawksmoor Edinburgh
Table for 2 on Friday, 19 July 2024 at 19:00
Name: Anne Hance
Confirmation #: 2109907248

You can modify or cancel your booking through OpenTable using the links below;

MODIFY

CANCEL

Day 3 - Saturday 20th July - St Andrews & The Kingdom of Fife

This morning your Private Guide (who will also act as your driver) will meet you at your hotel and together you will head over the sweeping bridge to explore the gems to be found in Kingdom of Fife. Maybe explore part of the Fife Coastal Trail with a stroll along the “Fringe Of Gold”, as the Fife beaches are known. Take some time to admire the traditional villages which are built around tiny fishing harbours. These are all wonderfully picturesque with wee stone houses keeping watch over the brightly painted fishing vessels in the harbours, so make sure that you have your camera handy! Don’t forget to sample some traditional Fish & Chips. With fresh fish straight out of the sea, this area has won multiple awards for this Scottish dish and is famous for having some of the best in the whole of the UK.

Then continue to St Andrews, a characterful university town, full of history and stories. More recently the Prince & Princess of Wales famously met during their studies here. However, St Andrews is much better known for being the ‘birthplace of golf’. 

Overnight: St Andrews | Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
Room Type: Eden King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Guide Details - Andrew McMurtrie Read More +

Name: Andrew McMurtrie
Contact Number: +44 (0) 7741 314 872
Meeting Place: Balmoral Hotel Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Adamson | Location: 127 South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9UH
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: 22332
Phone: +44 (0) 1334 479 191 | Website: https://theadamson.com/

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

From the Restaurant;

Thank you for your booking at The Adamson.

The details of your reservation are shown below.

Restaurant
Anne Hance
Saturday, 20 Jul, 2024
19:00
2 guests
2 hours

Your reservation confirmation number is 22332

Cancellations within 24hrs of booking, will be subject to a charge of £30 per person that will be applied to the credit card on file.

If you are no longer planning on attending your reservation, please use the option below to cancel the booking…

Cancel Reservation

If you are running late for your reservation please call us on 01334 479191. Your table may be given to someone else if we do not hear from you after 30 minutes of your reservation time.

Day 3 - Spa Massage Booking Read More +

Activity: Spa Massage Booking
Start Location: Your Hotel Spa | Start Time: 16:00 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs

Please note that this is a booking only and should be paid directly.

80 Minute Signature Massage with female therapist for 1 pax

Cost = £210 GBP

Day 4 - Sunday 21st July - Transfer West Through The Highlands

Today the rugged West coast is calling you, and your guide will share some of the fascinating stops and stories along the way. Stop at Blair Atholl to walk the hallways and gardens of a castle that has been inhabited by the Dukes of Atholl for over seven centuries and boasts some fine 18th century interiors within its Scottish baronial architecture. There are also many superb options for scenic leg stretches as you admire the scenery becoming more mountainous. Stop to take a fascinating tour of the highest Distillery in Scotland, with a wee celebratory dram at the end! Then your journey continues west towards your unique hotel, which was a particular favourite of Queen Victoria.

Your morning meeting time will be agreed with your guide the day prior.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Crannog at Garrison West | Location: 4 Cameron Square, Fort William, PH33 6AJ
Reservation Time: 17:30 | Booking Reference: BJ9VQAFY
Phone: +44 (0) 1397 701 873 | Website: https://www.garrisonwest.co.uk/

NOTE – The restaurant only had availability for 17:30 or 20:30.

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

Message from Restaurant;

Thank you for booking a table with us.

This email is to confirm your booking for the Crannog at Garrison West on Sunday, 21 July 2024 at 5:30 PM.

Your booking details are below:

Ref: BJ9VQAFY
Date: Sunday, 21 July 2024
Time: 5:30 PM
Guests: 2
Leave Time: We respectfully require your table back by 7:30 PM

Terms and Conditions

BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL
We respectfully ask that you please do not attend if you have Covid Symptoms, have tested positive for Covid or are in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for Covid

Once you have reached the door, please wait for a member of staff to take your name and direct you to your table. We accept both cash and card payments. Service is NOT included in your bill apart from groups of 6 or more where an automatic discretionary 10% charge is applied.

Cancellation penalties applies if the booking is cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice of the booking or if the party does not arrive for their booking. The penalty of £20 per person will be charged in these instances.

Thank you for booking.

Kind Regards
Crannog at Garrison West

If you need to edit or cancel your booking please use the links below;
EDIT BOOKING
CANCEL BOOKING

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Silly Goose at the Lime Tree
Reservation Time: 19:30 | Booking Reference: B99TCK43 - Anne Hance
Website: https://thesillygooserestaurant.com/

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

This is a Back – Up, as the early Crannog Reservation will not be possible due to Distillery tour time

Day 5 - Monday 22nd July - Over The Sea To Skye

Today you will enjoy superb views as you drive west along the stunning Road to the Isles, this is frequently listed as one of the most beautiful drives in the world and it is easy to see why. Your guide will share the tales of the local area as you go, making the landscape come alive with characters and history.

You may wish to stop at the historic Glenfinnan Monument, and see if you can spot the famous ‘Harry Potter Train’ puffing its way over the graceful arches of the viaduct. Take a stroll on the white sand beaches of Arisaig and soak in the views of the Small Isles before you carry on. At the small fishing town of Mallaig you board the afternoon ferry for the short trip over the sea to Skye and onwards to your hotel with lovely coastal views.

Your morning meeting time will be agreed with your guide the day prior.

Overnight: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Luxury Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Kinloch Lodge Restaurant | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:30

7 pm has been requested, but is not possible at the current time. The hotel have waitlisted you for a later time and will let you know if this becomes available.

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

Day 6 - Tuesday 23rd July - Exploring Skye

Today you have a full day to explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. This morning you head out to explore the secretive Loch Coruisk. From the tiny fishing village of Elgol you take a boat trip to the heart of the Black Cuillin mountains which tower above the blue waters of the loch. Along the way you can spot seals and perhaps dolphins in the coastal waters. The boat will drop you at the remote southern end of the loch and you can drink in the atmosphere of this stupendous place as you hike around the loch. Today is sure to be a highlight of the trip and you would be well justified in celebrating with a wee dram when you relax in the evening

Your morning meeting time will be agreed with your guide the day prior.

Overnight: Sleat | Kinloch Lodge
Room Type: Luxury Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Kinloch Lodge Restaurant | Location: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 18:30

7 pm has been requested, but is not possible at the current time. The hotel have waitlisted you for a later time and will let you know if this becomes available.

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

Day 7 - Wednesday 24th July - Transfer To Inverness

Returning to the mainland this morning, by way of the graceful Skye bridge, it is not long before you see one of the prettiest castles in Scotland. Eilean Donan occupies an island at the confluence of three sea lochs and stands in defiance of the towering peaks surrounding it. Take your time here to explore and enjoy the iconic view before continuing onwards through mountain glens. On arrival at Loch Ness set out onto the deep secretive waters and enjoy a scenic cruise, keeping your eyes open for ‘Nessie’ herself. Then continue to a warm welcome at your accommodation north of Inverness.

Your morning meeting time will be agreed with your guide the day prior.

Overnight: By Dingwall | Newhall Mains
Room Type: Deluxe One Bedroom Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Hance

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

Day 8 - Thursday 25th July - E-Biking Explorations in The Cairngorms National Park

Head to the northern side of the Cairngorms National Park today to explore on 2 wheels. Your guide will discuss the best options with you to suit your preferences, energy levels and the weather on the day. Maybe challenge yourselves with the steeper curves of the ‘Snow Roads’, or just enjoy some of the lovely quiet backroads with their easier angles. Your E-bikes mean that you have plenty of options open to you!

Finish your afternoon with a celebratory tour of Glenlivet Distillery, and raise a dram to your Scottish adventures. Slainte Mhath!

Your guide will take you back to your hotel at the end of the day, your last night in the Highlands.

Your morning meeting time will be agreed with your guide the day prior.

Overnight: By Dingwall | Newhall Mains
Room Type: Deluxe One Bedroom Cottage
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8 - Glenlivet Distillery Tour Read More +

Activity: Glenlivet Distillery Tour
| Start Time: 15:00 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs

Original Distillery Tour

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Hotel: Your Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Hance

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

Day 9 - Friday 26th July - Fly To London

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to catch your flight to London.  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: Inverness City Taxis VIP Service
Booking Reference: Hance - BA1471 INV 15:25
Pick Up Location: Newhall Mains Reception | Pick Up Time: 12:30 | Approx Duration: 0.75 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 1463 222 555

Day 9 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA 1471
Departure Airport: Inverness Airport (INV) | Departure Time: 15:25

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 8 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 3 to Day 8
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Half Day Walking Tour of Edinburgh with Expert Local City Guide in Edinburgh
      • Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle
    • 3 x Entry Fees in Kingdom of Fife & St Andrews as per client interest
    • Entry to Blair Castle
    • Distillery Tour & Tasting – Dalwhinnie
    • Entry Fees on Skye as per interest, max 3
    • Entry to Eilean Donan
    • Scenic Cruise on Loch Ness (approx 1 hr)
    • Full Day Guided Road Cycling on E-Bikes with Local Biking Guide in Cairngorms National Park
      • Includes all equipment hire
  • 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

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 Road Cycling
    • Padded Cycling shorts for comfort
    • Leggings or similar (not loose wide pants)
    • Gloves for comfort

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 112NHS 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
  • General Info - Scotland General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Where To Eat - Edinburgh General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Where To Eat - St Andrews General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Where To Eat - Fort William General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Where To Eat - Skye General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Where To Eat - Inverness General Info - PDF: View Now
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

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

Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

Old Station Rd | St Andrews | Kingdom of Fife |
KY16 9SP | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1334 260 300
Web: oldcoursehotel.co.uk

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

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

Kinloch Lodge

Sleat | Isle of Skye |
IV43 8QY | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1471 833 333
Web: kinloch-lodge.co.uk

Newhall Mains

Balblair | By Dingwall | Highland |
IV7 8LQ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1381 632 032
Web: newhall-mains.com

Meet Your Guide

Andrew McMurtrie

Contact Number: +44 (0) 7741 314 872

Me In Three : Reliable | Interested | Calm

Growing up in Glasgow, the Scouts took me on many adventures, close and far, mainly by foot. I studied Topographic Science (the making of maps), thinking I’d get paid to walk up hills, but ended up working offshore on boats and rigs making sure all the infrastructure was put in the right place, then surveying it once it was there. Having spent over 30 years in the offshore survey sector serving the energy industries, with nearly half of that time offshore, my career has taken me all over the world from Australia to Brazil, and Angola to Vietnam – always looking for a hill to walk or run up – although living in Aberdeenshire at all times. I gained a few outdoor qualifications along the way in my adult Scouting roles, and I’m now able to ‘work’ in the outdoors, which truly is my passion.

I regularly orienteer competitively, including winter night-time events, so my navigation skills are well-honed! I have twice competed in Finland at Jukola an 11-person relay and the world’s largest orienteering event where approximately 1700 teams compete through the night. I have also completed 17 mountain marathons in various regions of the UK. These involve 2 days running over mountainous terrain while navigating a route and carrying all the kit you need.

Hiking and biking are my two main passions nowadays, but I’ve been known to sail and ski too, mostly in Scotland. My wife says I have an addiction to bikes – buying them!

Place to Play

Living on the edge of the Southern Cairngorms, much of my ‘play time’ is spent here and it is a great place to bike and hike. The journey over to the west coast is one I enjoy and there is always a sense of excitement when I’m in the campervan heading west. It is hard to leave Scotland for adventure though I have managed the occasional trip – climbing Mt Toubkal in Morocco, cycling and sailing holidays in Mallorca and skiing trips to the Alps.

Not a lot of people know this

I spent five summers in a row as a teenager on some form of Scout camp/expedition: Switzerland, Massachusetts, Austria, Bavaria and Norway. Scouts played a large part of my teenage life and the reason for my love of the outdoors, camping and adventuring. My first Munro was Ben Nevis, aged 12, at my first summer camp on the banks of Loch Sunart – 38-years later I compleated (yes, correct spelling) my Munros on Beinn Sgritheall, overlooking the dramatic Loch Hourn, Knoydart and with stunning views to the Skye Cullins and beyond. I’ve also managed 50 Corbetts so far but still climb Munros too.

Virtuoso

Hance Scottish Explorations – V2 – Final Information Document

Thursday 18th July – Friday 26th July 2024