Wilderness Travel - Private Journeys - Final Information

Rubenson Family

Wednesday 3rd July – Saturday 13th July 2024

Number of Travellers: 6
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Wednesday 3rd July | Arrive in Glasgow | Overnight: Glasgow

Day 2 | Thursday 4th July | Day at Leisure | Overnight: Glasgow

Day 3 | Friday 5th July | Discovering Glasgow: The Friendly City | Overnight: Glasgow

Day 4 | Saturday 6th July | Into the Highlands | Overnight: By Oban

Day 5 | Sunday 7th July | The Inner Hebrides | Overnight: By Oban

Day 6 | Monday 8th July | North to Lochaber & Hiking Glencoe | Overnight: Near Fort William

Day 7 | Tuesday 9th July | Hiking in Lochaber | Overnight: Near Fort William

Day 8 | Wednesday 10th July | Sea Kayaking, then Over The Sea To Skye | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 9 | Thursday 11th July | The Magic of Skye | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 10 | Friday 12th July | East to Loch Ness & Inverness | Overnight: Inverness

Day 11 | Saturday 13th July | Depart

Day by Day

Day 1 - Wednesday 3rd July - Arrive in Glasgow

Arrive at Glasgow Airport where a private transfer will meet you and take you to your city centre hotel.

Overnight: Glasgow | ABode Glasgow
Room Type: x1 Fabulous suite, with extra rollaway bed, interconnecting with x1 Comfortable Double & x1 Enviable Double

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: BA | Flight Number: 1488
Arrival Airport: Glasgow International | Arrival Time: 18:35

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: Rubenson
Pick Up Location: Glasgow Airport | Pick Up Time: 18:35
Phone: +44 (0)141 883 2111

Day 2 - Thursday 4th July - Day at Leisure

The day is free for you to relax and unwind, or perhaps have a stroll around the city, before your adventure begins tomorrow.

Overnight: Glasgow | ABode Glasgow
Room Type: x1 Fabulous suite, with extra rollaway bed, interconnecting with x1 Comfortable Double & x1 Enviable Double
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Cafe Gandolfi | Location: Glasgow
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: BQW9YARJ
Phone: +44 (0)141 552 6813 | Website: https://www.cafegandolfi.com/

Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly. Name on the reservation is David Rubenson.

Day 3 - Friday 5th July - Discovering Glasgow: The Friendly City

After breakfast, you will be met by an expert local city guide who will lead you on a fascinating walking tour of some of the key highlights of ‘Scotland’s friendliest city’. Discover layers of history in the Cathedral and maze of the Necropolis, as well as varied and elegant architecture at every turn. Keep your eyes open for the vibrant street art too, it’s a flourishing and ever-changing theme of this bustling city.

Overnight: Glasgow | ABode Glasgow
Room Type: x1 Fabulous suite, with extra rollaway bed, interconnecting with x1 Comfortable Double & x1 Enviable Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Half Day City Tour Read More +

Activity: Half Day City Tour
Expert Local Guide: Moira Goldie
Start Location: ABode Glasgow - Reception | Start Time: 09:00
Phone: +44(0)7975 723 365

Your local expert guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Your guide will have any tickets and information required for your day.

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Red Onion Restaurant | Location: Glasgow
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: 132337234
Phone: +44 (0)141 221 6000

Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly.  The name on your reservation is David Rubenson.

Day 4 - Saturday 6th July - Into the Highlands

Leaving Glasgow with your main driver guide, we make our way north, pausing at the village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond. Continuing north, we stop at the striking Inveraray Castle. Our final stop is at Dunadd, a grassy hill which reveals itself to be a Iron Age Fort and, in fact, the birthplace of Scotland. If clients are keen hikers, there are many full day hikes which could be taken on this day as we pass by some wonderful mountains such as ‘The Cobbler’ – which is not as tricky as it looks!

 

Overnight: By Oban | Loch Melfort Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Main House Double, with 1 x Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Guide Details - John Walker Read More +

Name: John Walker
Contact Number: +44 (0)796 700 2260
Meeting Place: ABode Glasgow | Meeting Time: 09:00

Your main guide John will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Loch Melfort Hotel | Location: Oban
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Rubenson
Phone: +44 (0)1852 200 233

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

The name on your reservation is Rubenson.

Day 5 - Sunday 7th July - The Inner Hebrides

Take to the waters today for an exhilarating tour of the coastline and islands of the west. Enjoy an experience just for you. You will be in safe hands with your expert skipper, taking you on a journey on board a fast RIB for the day. Circumnavigate Mull, with stops at Iona, Staffa and a final stop in the colourful port of Tobermory for an early evening meal.

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

Overnight: By Oban | Loch Melfort Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Main House Double, with 1 x Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Macgochans | Location: Tobermory
Phone: +44(0)1688 302 350

Please note that this is a table reservation only, please pay directly. The timing of this meal will depend on the boat tour and will be confirmed by your guide on the day.

Day 6 - Monday 8th July - North to Lochaber & Hiking Glencoe

After breakfast, we head north, passing island-bound Castle Stalker as we make our way to Glencoe. This rugged and beautiful valley offers superb hiking. Choose from a low level route to a loch or an energetic hike to a high summit, led by your private guide. If time permits, visit the Glencoe Exhibition, which tells the tale of the terrible massacre which took place in the ‘Glen of Weeping’ in 1692.

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

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Junior Suite, 1 x Interconnecting Large Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Nevis Bank Inn | Location: Fort William
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: David Rubenson
Phone: +44 (0)1397 705 721

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

Day 7 - Tuesday 9th July - Hiking in Lochaber

We take advantage of our location in one of the prime hiking spots in Scotland. Your guide will select a suitable objective for the day – perhaps a stunning hike in Glen Nevis, or a hike to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland. There are many wonderful hikes around Glencoe and Kinlochleven as well – you are truly spoiled for choice!

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

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: 2 x Junior Suite, 1 x Interconnecting Large Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Highland Cinema | Location: Cameron Square, Fort William, PH33 6AJ
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Name on res: David Rubenson
Phone: +44 (0)1397 609 696

Day 8 - Wednesday 10th July - Sea Kayaking, then Over The Sea To Skye

A short drive west along the beautiful “Road To The Isles” takes us past the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, all the way to Arisaig Bay near Mallaig. The beauty of this coastline is best revealed by sea kayak as you glide through hundreds of sandy islands, home to a wonderfully curious seal population. From Mallaig, we take the ferry over the sea to Skye and transfer north to Portree, the main village on the island.

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

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Premiere Double, 2 x Premiere Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Cuillin Hills Hotel | Location: Portree
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: Rubenson
Phone: +44(0)1478 612003

Your dinner this evening is included.

Day 9 - Thursday 11th July - The Magic of Skye

We enjoy a memorable morning hike at The Quiraing – we can hike here all day if you like as the unique landscape and rock formations are endlessly fascinating. Afterwards, there is lots to see and probably not enough time! Flora MacDonald’s grave is nearby and Dunvegan Castle, home of the MacLeod’s is a short drive away.

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

Overnight: Isle of Skye | Cuillin Hills Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Premiere Double, 2 x Premiere Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Cuillin Hills Hotel | Location: Portree
Reservation Time: 19:30 | Booking Reference: Rubenson
Phone: +44(0)1478 612003

Your dinner this evening is included.

Day 10 - Friday 12th July - East to Loch Ness & Inverness

We leave Skye by crossing the bridge into the stunning Kintail region. Keen hikers will enjoy spending a day here exploring the mountains. Otherwise, we can stop at picturesque Eilean Donan Castle on our way to Loch Ness, where we can enjoy a short hike above the village of Drumnadrochit. Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle or choose the option of a late afternoon cruise on Loch Ness before we arrive in the capital of the Highlands.

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

Overnight: Inverness | Kingsmills Hotel
Room Type: 1 x Luxury King, 1 x Luxury Family Studio
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Hou Hou Mei Restaurant | Location: Inverness
Reservation Time: 19:00 | Booking Reference: David Rubenson
Phone: +44(0)1463 236371

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

Day 11 - Saturday 13th July - Depart

Your guide will take Ben, Laurel, Alex and Alyssa to Inverness airport in time for your departing flight, wishing you safe travels homeward bound.

A private transfer will meet Kathie and David at the Kingsmills reception to journey to your Edinburgh hotel and continue your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: July 13, 2024 | Airline: BA | Flight Number: 1469
Departure Airport: INV | Departure Time: 11:05

Flight for Ben, Laurel, Alyssa & Alex.

Day 11 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: East of Scotland Chauffeur Drive
Booking Reference: David Rubenson
Pick Up Location: Kingsmills Hotel | Pick Up Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 3 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 131 370 1555

2 pax transfer – David & Kathie.

End location: Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 9 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above. Including tea/coffee and soft drinks.
  • Airport transfer on Day 1 (Glasgow Airport to Hotel)
  • Airport transfer on Day 11 (Inverness Airport, by guide)
  • Day 11 departure transfer from Kingsmills, Inverness to Ibis, Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 4 to Day 11
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide from Day 4 to Day 11
  • All ferry journeys included in the itinerary above
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Day 3 – Private Glasgow City Tour
    • Day 4 – Visit to Inverary Castle
    • Day 4 – Visit to Dunadd Fort
    • Day 5 – Private RIB Trip to the Isle of Mull
    • Day 6 – Glencoe Visitor Exhibition
    • Day 8 – Private Sea Kayaking Experience
    • Day 9 – Entry to Dunvegan Castle
    • Day 10 – Entry to Eilean Donan Castle
    • Day 10 – Entry to Urquhart Castle
  • Pillow Gift on Arrival
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support form 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 – 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

  • 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.

 

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).

Important Additional Information Read More
Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

ABode Glasgow

129 Bath Street | Glasgow |
G2 2SZ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)141 221 6789
Web: abodeglasgow.co.uk

Loch Melfort Hotel

Arduaine | By Oban | Argyll |
PA34 4XG | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 1852 200 233
Web: lochmelfort.co.uk

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

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

Cuillin Hills Hotel

Portree | Isle of Skye |
IV51 9QU | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)147 861 2003
Web: cuillinhills-hotel-skye.co.uk

Kingsmills Hotel

Culcabock Road | Inverness | Highland |
IV2 3LP | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1463 237 166
Web: kingsmillshotel.com

Meet Your Guide

John Walker

Contact Number: +44 (0)796 700 2260

Mini Bio

After a long career in retail management, I decided my desire to be outdoors needed to come first, so as the children were independent now, I took the plunge!

I started out on the hills at an early age, being taken to the Peak District and Lake District of England by my parents, graduating to holidays in Scotland, but it wasn’t until I first visited the Alps with my wife Tracey on our motorbike that I realised how deep my passion was for all things mountainous. We bought a pair of boots each in Chamonix, and have never looked back!

I ‘completed’ my first round of the Munros in 2009, (Scottish mountains over 3000ft), the 4429th person to do so, and am well into my second round. I have walked, scrambled and climbed all over the UK, the Alps, Dolomites, Carpathians, Sierra Nevada and Kilimanjaro in Africa. I have several trips to the Urals and Kamchatka planned for 2016, which I am really looking forward to.

I am particularly fond of the Scottish mountains in winter, and a keen winter climber and Alpinist. I also like to cycle, and will be riding the Etapes Loch Ness and Caledonia with my wife in 2016, which is about the only time we manage to spend time together!!

Place to Play

The Northern Corries, Rum, Skye, the Alps.

Not a lot of people know this

I love old scooters, especially my 1967 Lambretta SX200.

Virtuoso

Wilderness Travel – Private Journeys – Final Information

Wednesday 3rd July – Saturday 13th July 2024