Hill's Highlights of Scotland (v3) - Final Information Document

Friday 2nd August – Thursday 8th August 2024

Number of Travellers: 1
Duration: 7 Days / 6 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 020Please 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 | Friday 2nd August | Welcome to Scotland! Royal Yacht Britannia | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Saturday 3rd August | Exploring Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3 | Sunday 4th August | Transfer to Gleneagles | Overnight: Auchterarder

Day 4 | Monday 5th August | Free Day at Gleneagles | Overnight: Auchterarder

Day 5 | Tuesday 6th August | Meet Your Private Guide & Transfer to Braemar via Kingdom of Fife | Overnight: Braemar

Day 6 | Wednesday 7th August | Exploring The Cairngorms National Park | Overnight: Braemar

Day 7 | Thursday 8th August | Explore Aberdeen & Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Friday 2nd August - Welcome to Scotland! Royal Yacht Britannia

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. Head out to start exploring and make your way down to the opulent floating palace which is the Royal Yacht Britannia. Imagine the royal receptions hosted by Queen Elizabeth II & the Duke of Edinburgh. You then have a free evening to enjoy the buzz of festival season in Edinburgh.

Note: Check In is from 3pm.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View Room
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Delta Airlines | Flight Number: DL0208
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh (EDI) | Arrival Time: 10:05

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: East of Scotland Chauffeur Drive
Booking Reference: 126549
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport Arrivals | Pick Up Time: 10:05 | Approx Duration: 0.75 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 131 370 1555

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

Day 1 - Royal Yacht Britannia Read More +

Activity: Royal Yacht Britannia
Start Location: Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ | Start Time: 14:30 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Booking Reference: D5Q5JMFQ2
Phone: +44 (0) 131 555 8800 | Website: https://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/

Please ensure that you bring your confirmed entry ticket to show on arrival. This can be found in the ‘Additional Important Information’ section at the end of this document.

Bringing your own headphones for the audio tour is recommended.

From the Royal Yacht Britannia Team “If you find that you will not arrive at your booked entry time, that is ok, you will be able to enter at a different time. Our team will let you on board as soon as possible.”

Ahoy there, we hope you are looking forward to your upcoming tour.

· The Britannia admission entrance, where the tour starts, is on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. Follow this link for directions.

· On arrival, please show your booking confirmation e-mail (on your phone/tablet or printed).

· The tours are self-guided, you can listen to the audio tour on a handset or on your mobile phone with headphones (to minimise the use of disposable headphones, we recommend bringing along your own headphones when listening via your phone).We have BSL and ASL tablets, Braille script and large print scripts available. 

· The Royal Deck Tearoom is open on a first come, first served basis. Enjoy waterfront views and choose from our menu of freshly baked cakes and scones, soups and sandwiches, all made in the onboard Galley. 

Day 2 - Saturday 3rd August - 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 winding streets layered above one another, to the ‘Royal Mile’ and the ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Your guide will personalise your explorations to your interests, and you will discover some truly unique historical  architecture as you explore.

You then have a couple of free hours to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer. Then discover some fresh and delightfully nuanced flavours with a tour and tasting of a local gin distillery.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Private Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Walking Tour
Expert Local City Guide: Kirsten Griew
Start Location: Balmoral Hotel Reception | Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 4 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 7730 524 932

Your private guide will personalise your explorations to your interest.

Finish Location = Edinburgh Castle

Day 2 - Gin Distillery Tour - Holyrood Distillery Read More +

Activity: Gin Distillery Tour - Holyrood Distillery
Start Location: 19 St Leonard's Ln, Edinburgh EH8 9SH | Start Time: 15:30 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Booking Reference: 229964711
Phone: +44 (0) 131 285 8977 | Website: https://holyrooddistillery.co.uk/

Please ensure that you bring your confirmed entry ticket to show on arrival. This can be found in the ‘Additional Important Information’ section at the end of this document.

Day 3 - Sunday 4th August - Transfer to Gleneagles

Enjoy a relaxed morning, maybe taking advantage of your hotel’s award-winning spa facilities before a mid-afternoon private transfer takes you north over the bridges to Gleneagles.

Notes;

  • Check out time at The Balmoral is 12 noon
  • Check in time at Gleneagles is 3pm.
  • Afternoon Transfer is arranged for 2pm, as travel time is approx 1 hr 15 mins.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Manor View Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: East of Scotland Chauffeur Drive
Booking Reference: 126551
Pick Up Location: Balmoral Hotel Reception | Pick Up Time: 14:00 | Approx Duration: 1.25 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 131 370 1555

Day 4 - Monday 5th August - Free Day at Gleneagles

Today you have a full free day to enjoy your luxurious resort hotel.

A Spa Treatment reservation has been made for you for this afternoon.

Overnight: Auchterarder | Gleneagles Hotel
Room Type: Manor View Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Spa Treatment - Massage Read More +

Activity: Spa Treatment - Massage
Start Location: Gleneagles Residents Spa | Start Time: 14:30 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Booking Reference: Mr Hill

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

Be in the Moment– Personalised Massage – Rest. Realign. Reconnect.

80 MINUTES / £215

Every day is different. Everyone is unique. Our body tells us what we need. Experience a sensory journey and your therapist will curate a massage honoring your individualneeds. This treatment blends holistic bodywork to remedy any areas of concern and return you to equilibrium. No two treatments will ever be the same. Depart feeling relaxed and restored.

80 minute treatment includes an introductory Salt, Heather & Honey Foot Ritual

Prices exclude 12.5% discretionary service charge

Day 5 - Tuesday 6th August - Meet Your Private Guide & Transfer to Braemar via Kingdom of Fife

This morning your private guide (who will also act as your driver for your time together) will meet you at your hotel and you will start your journey north by heading to St Andrews in the Kingdom of Fife. Enjoy exploring this characterful university town, full of history and stories. More recently the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge famously met during their studies here. However, St Andrews is much better known for being the birthplace of golf and ‘The Old Course’. Then it is time to head north over the ‘snow roads’ into the beautiful Cairngorms National Park where you will settle into your unique and opulent hotel.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Guide Details - John Hamilton Read More +

Name: John Hamilton
Contact Number: +44 (0)7496 554 756
Meeting Place: Gleneagles Reception | Meeting Time: 10:00

Day 6 - Wednesday 7th August - Exploring The Cairngorms National Park

Today you have a full day with your private guide to discover some of the highlights and hidden gems in the local area. Maybe spend your morning on a scenic hike, the heather will be blooming and the mountain landscapes are full of tales which your guide can share.

This afternoon is flexible and you could continue your explorations with your guide, maybe visiting Balmoral Castle. This has been the Scottish home of the Royal family since it was bought for Queen Victoria in 1852. Or you could choose to explore the charming village of Braemar (where your hotel is situated), or maybe get pampered in the hotel spa. The choice is yours.

Your guide will agree a meeting time with you the day beforehand.

Overnight: Braemar | The Fife Arms
Room Type: Victoriana Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Visit to Balmoral Castle Read More +

Activity: Visit to Balmoral Castle
| Start Time: 14:00 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs

Entry is flexible between 1pm & 4pm this afternoon, so your guide will discuss what will suit you best to fit in with your other plans.

Day 7 - Thursday 8th August - Explore Aberdeen & Depart

This morning starts early as your guide will transfer you west to Aberdeen for a quick glimpse of the place where your family used to live. The ‘Granite City’ is a long standing busy port, built strong to withstand the wild northern weather. Discover the history in the small fishing cottages, contrasting with the more modern influences of the offshore industry. Your guide will then take you to the airport to catch your flight to London.

Note: Drive time to Aberdeen is approx 1 hr 45 mins, so departure time from the hotel will need to be 8am to allow any time at all in Aberdeen.
Note: Timing are traffic dependant, if there are any issues or delays then you may have to head directly to the airport.

Breakfast is served from 7:30 am.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA1307
Departure Airport: Aberdeen | Departure Time: 11:55
Arrival Airport: London

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 5 to Day 7 inclusive
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by your guide on guided days
  • Private Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Private Transfer from Edinburgh to Gleneagles on D3
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • D1 – Entry to Royal Yacht Britannia
    • D2 – Private Morning Walking Tour of Edinburgh with Expert City Guide
      • Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle
    • D2 – Gin Distillery Tour & Tasting
    • D5 – Entry to St Andrews Cathedral & another entry as per interest
    • D6 – Entry to Balmoral Castle
  • 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
  • Spa Treatments at Hotels
Notes Read More

Activities are only private if so specified

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

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 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

Important Additional Information Read More
  • Scotland General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Edinburgh - Restaurant Recommendations - PDF: View Now
  • Braemar Area - Restaurant Recommendations - PDF: View Now
  • Royal Yacht Britannia Ticket - PDF: View Now
  • Holyrood Distillery Tour Confirmation - 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

Gleneagles Hotel

Auchterarder, Perthshire | Auchterarder |
PH3 1NF | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1764 290 020
Web: gleneagles.com

The Fife Arms

Mar Rd | Braemar | Royal Deeside |
AB35 5YL | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1339 720 200
Web: thefifearms.com

Meet Your Guide

John Hamilton

Contact Number: +44 (0)7496 554 756

Enthusiastic | Passionate | Outdoors

I am an individual entirely committed to the outdoors through adventure. I have a passionate appreciation of remote locations via active travel such as kayaking, ski mountaineering, canoeing, mountain biking, walking, etc – especially through sharing experiences with others. I am completely committed to introducing others to the outdoors and all that the outdoors has to offer. I take my partner and two spaniels everywhere I can and take them canoeing and have even taken my 15-year-old spaniel on the ski chair lift often. I play guitar and have supported some of Scotland’s best known traditional musicians. I love Correlejo, Fuerteventura, and have been there 14 times. I love the excitement of paddling white water. I love the snow!

“I am happiest when I have travelled to a remote area, am camping, enveloped in nature and with great company.”

Place to Play

Paddling, skiing, walking and Biking ‘anywhere’ in Scotland.

Not a lot of people know this

I own a book that was owned by Robert Burns, Scotland’s greatest poet. His signature is on the inside cover. It has been passed down to me from my Grandfather and Father. Every year I host a Burns supper at my house and sing Burns songs in respectful memory.

Virtuoso

Hill’s Highlights of Scotland (v3) – Final Information Document

Friday 2nd August – Thursday 8th August 2024