Final Information - LeVan and Cerbone Scottish Explorations
LeVan and Cerbone
Wednesday 24th July – Monday 29th July 2024
Wednesday 24th July – Monday 29th July 2024
Your private driver/guide will meet you at you hotel this morning before you journey together to the Capital of the Highlands, Inverness. There are plenty of stops along the way (if your arrival time allows), perhaps visit Blair Castle, home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries, or take a short walk in the beautiful Cairngorm National Park. As you near Inverness you will visit Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746. Here you will take a tour of the battlefield and visitor centre before heading to the site of three Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones known as Clava Cairns. Head to your hotel to your welcoming hotel and relax for the evening.
Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Room Type: Oak King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Name:
Mungo Ross
Contact Number: +44(0)7887 617 572
Meeting Place: The Balmoral Hotel Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00
Your guide will meet you in your hotel reception.
Restaurant: Rocpool Restaurant | Location: 1, Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NE
Reservation Time: 18:00 |
Booking Reference: BJ4VFDNL - Name: Suzanne LeVan
Phone: +44(0)1463 717274 | Website: https://www.rocpoolrestaurant.com/
Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.
Today you will make your way to Fort William, your stunning home for the next few days. En-route visit the iconic ruins of Urquhart Castle. Perched on the shores of Loch Ness, the castle offers a glimpse into a bygone era of conflict, clans and legends. As you explore the ramparts and peer through the weathered windows, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views over Loch Ness. Take a scenic cruise across the waters of the second deepest loch in Scotland in search of the fabled Nessie. Arrive at your spectacular hotel and enjoy this incredible location as you sip on a warming dram.
Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: Crannog Restaurant | Location: Town Pier, Fort William PH33 6DB
Reservation Time: 18:00 |
Booking Reference: BAM4XQH9 - Name: Suzanne LeVan
Phone: +44(0)1397 705589 | Website: http://www.crannog.net
Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.
Step back in time today as you board the famous Jacobite Steam Train and head to the coast. Journey through the beautiful scenery as you traverse the West Highland line on the “Hogwarts Express” you are offered unparalleled views of rugged mountains and sparkling lochs. Arriving in the quaint fishing village of Mallaig you will be met by your guide to explore the scenic harbour. Your guide will drive you back, explaining some of the history that surrounds this spectacular place. Enjoy your final evening at your beautiful hotel, reminiscing about your incredible experience so far.
Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: Large Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: The Silly Goose, at The Lime Tree Hotel | Location: Lime Tree An Ealdhain Achintore Road, Fort William PH33 6RQ
Reservation Time: 18:00 |
Booking Reference: B27HV6XC - Name: Suzanne LeVan
Phone: +44(0)1397 701 806 | Website: https://www.limetreefortwilliam.co.uk/the-restaurant
Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.
As you begin your journey to Edinburgh you will pass the historic area of Glencoe. As you travel through this captivating landscape your guide will explain some of the history surrounding its tragic past. Making your way South, you will stop to explore the impressive Stirling Castle, perched high on the cliff side dominating the landscape. Afterwards visit the imposing 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 Ochil hills. Arrive in the bustling City of Edinburgh and enjoy a relaxing evening at your stunning accommodation. Tonight you will bid farewell to your Scotland guide.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Restaurant: The Ondine | Location: 2, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD
Reservation Time: 18:00 |
Booking Reference: B924AKDN - Name: Suzanne LeVan
Phone: +44(0)131 226 1888 | Website: https://www.ondinerestaurant.co.uk/
Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.
This morning is free for you to rest and relax at your hotel or explore the surroundings at your own pace. This afternoon, meet your experienced city guide in the foyer of your hotel and head out for an afternoon spent exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets of the city. Full of history, wander up the Royal Mile, stopping to visit the architecturally stunning St Giles Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from Edinburgh Castle. Later, transfer to the Royal Yacht Britannia to explore the late Queen’s former floating palace. Decommissioned in 1997 the Royal Yacht is now berthed in the waters of Leith. Experience an audio tour of the ship to discover at your own pace. This evening visit the Palace of Holyrood house for a special after hours tour of The King’s official residence in Scotland. Step behind the ropes to visit the rooms which are usually hidden from public eye. Ending the tour with a glass of champagne, savour the ambience in a place few visitors get to see. A wonderful way to end your time in Edinburgh.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast
Activity: Edinburgh Castle - Admission
Start Location: Castle Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 1SH | Start Time: 10:00
Please ensure you have a copy of the tickets with you on the day. Your tickets can be found below in the ‘Important Additional Information’ section.
You have flexible entry tickets for the castle, allowing you to arrive anytime after it opens. Your transfer to the Royal Yacht is scheduled for 12:30 PM. You can choose when to visit the castle based on how much time you want to spend there before heading to the yacht.
Supplier: East of Scotland Chauffeur Drive
Booking Reference: Suzanne LeVan
Pick Up Location: 11 Parliament Square, Edinburgh, EH1 1RF | Pick Up Time: 12:30
Phone: +44 (0)131 370 1555
Transfer to the Royal Yacht. Your transfer will be waiting at 11 Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, just down the Royal Mile from the Castle, near Mercat Cross. If in any case, you are unable to locate your chauffeur, then please call the number above.
Activity: Royal Yacht Britannia - Audio Tour
Start Location: Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ | Start Time: 12:45 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Booking Reference: D5Q56VRR3 - Name: Suzanne LeVan
Phone: +44(0)131 555 8800
Please ensure you have a copy of the tickets with you on the day. Your tickets can be found below in the ‘Important Additional Information’ section.
Restaurant: Fingal's | Location: Alexandra Dock, Port of Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 7DX
Reservation Time: 14:45 |
Booking Reference: B3Y9H3DT - Name: Suzanne LeVan
Phone: +44(0)131 357 5000
Champagne Afternoon Tea. Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.
Name:
Lorna Colvin-MacLean
Contact Number: +44(0)7814036325
Meeting Place: National Museum on Chambers Street | Meeting Time: 16:00
Your transfer will be in touch with your guide, Lorna, and take you to the National Museum on Chambers Street to meet before exploring the Old Town.
Activity: Palace of Holyrood House - Private Evening Tour
Start Location: Palace of Holyrood House | Start Time: 18:30 | Approx Duration: 2 hrs
Booking Reference: LeVan
Phone: +(0)131 524 1040
Your guide will walk with you to the Palace and leave you to enjoy your private after-hours tour. It is approximately a 20-minute walk back to your hotel post-tour.
Saying farewell to Scotland, your private transfer will take you to the airport this morning for your onwards flight to Dublin.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire, Edinburgh
Booking Reference: 2704847 - Client name: Suzanne LeVan
Pick Up Location: The Balmoral Hotel Reception | Pick Up Time: 07:00
Phone: +44(0)141 883 2111
Your driver will send the details for the chauffeur 30 minutes prior to the reservation taking place. If in any case, you are unable to locate your chauffeur, then please call the number above.
Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA8877
Departure Airport: Edinburgh | Departure Time: 09:40
Arrival Airport: Dublin | Arrival Time: 10:55
Activities are only private if specifically stated.
Notes On Weather & Flexibility
Weather – July 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
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.
UK: +44 (0)1479 420 020
US: 866 740 3890
EU: +353 (0)91 457 898
US: 844 235 6240
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Please see our booking terms here.
12 Ness Walk |
Inverness |
IV3 5SQ |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1463 215 215
Web: nesswalk.com
Torlundy |
Near Fort William |
PH33 6SN |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1397 702 177
Web: inverlochycastlehotel.com
1 Princes Street |
Edinburgh |
EH2 2EQ |
Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)131 556 2414
Web: roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel
Contact Number: +44(0)7887 617 572
Having had the most extraordinary good fortune and privilege to travel on adventures and lead expeditions to all seven continents, allowing me to become more familiar with the Khumbu Valley in Nepal than the Lairig Ghru in the Cairngorms, I am still as passionate as ever to share my enthusiasm for my home country, Scotland.
Whether travelling on skis or snowboard; by kayak, canoe, raft, boat or windsurfer; shod in rock-shoes or snow-shoes or equipped with ice axe and crampons – whether out on my own, with friends, or leading and teaching others, I am still often not able to tell the difference between days of work or play.