Final Information - Jacada - Scottish Explorations

Stiltner

Saturday 28th September – Thursday 3rd October 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Overview

Immerse yourself in the beauty Scotland has to offer. Delve deep into the history with your private guide and hear the tales of the landscape as you soak in the wild freedom of these natural treasures. Absorb the character of Scotland while exploring the landscape and feel embraced by this vibrant welcoming culture. In between your explorations, your luxurious hotel surroundings will ensure that you feel completely relaxed and pampered by the end of your trip.

Highlights

  • Discover the beauty of the rolling hills of Highland Perthshire
  • Explore historic castle rooms and hear tales of the ancient cobbled streets
  • Relax in luxury handpicked accommodations throughout

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 28th September - Welcome to Scotland

Arriving into Edinburgh airport you will be met by your transfer driver and whisked to your boutique accommodation in the heart of the city. After dropping your bags and freshening up, you will meet a local city guide this afternoon who used to be homeless.  Your guide will tell you all about their journey and also will showcase the city’s historical landmarks and explore the social projects that have helped them get back on their feet.  The perfect way to start your Scottish adventure.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King Room
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: Aer Lingus | Flight Number: EI 3252
Departure Airport: Dublin | Departure Time: 10:05
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Arrival Time: 11:25

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: East of Scotland Chauffeur Drive
Booking Reference: Stiltner
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport | Pick Up Time: 11:25 | Approx Duration: 30 mins
Phone: +44 (0)131 370 1555

Your private driver will meet you in the arrivals hall, carrying a sign with your name on.

Day 1 - Local City Guide Read More +

Activity: Local City Guide
Invisible Cities:
Start Location: Meet in front of Maggie Dickson's Pub on the Grassmarket, Edinburgh | Start Time: 14:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs 30 mins

Phone: +44 (0) 7500 773 709

Join your group tour and meet your Invisible Cities guide in front of Maggie Dickson’s Pub on the Grassmarket (92, Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR), please arrive 10 minutes before the start time.  This is approximately 25 minutes walk from The Bonham. Please speak to the hotel front desk if you wish to arrange a transfer.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Timberyard Restaurant | Location: 10 Lady Lawson St Edinburgh EH3 9DS
Reservation Time: 18:00
Phone: +44(0)131 221 1222

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

Day 2 - Sunday 29th September - To the Rolling Hills of Highland Perthshire

It is time to leave the bright lights of the city behind and head north this morning.  However, should you wish you can attend a service at place of worship before departing.  Enjoy the drive, watching the landscape change from rolling green fields to the rugged mountains and moorlands of the Cairngorms National Park. On your way, stop off at one of the most important castles in Scottish history and follow in the footsteps of some of the Scottish Royal Family as you walk through the hallowed halls. Continuing on,  pop into a local, award-winning chocolate shop which makes the most delicious truffles before arriving at your accommodation in the mid-afternoon.

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

Overnight: Pitlochry | Craigatin House & Courtyard
Room Type: King size Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: McKays Hotel | Location: 138 Atholl Rd, Pitlochry PH16 5AG
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: Stiltner- 5GB96P34
Phone: +44 (0)1796 473888

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

Your reservation is booked under Catherine Stiltner.

Day 3 - Monday 30th September - Visiting a Scottish Hill Farm and exploring the landscape

Head into the hills today to visit a traditional Scottish hill farm. Enjoy meeting the local farmer and gaining an insight into what daily life looks like in rural Scotland. Meet the farm’s friendly herd of swiss goats and hear about how the award-winning cheese is made.

This afternoon there are lots of options for you to choose from, perhaps a gentle walk with your guide to get off the beaten path and discover more of the beautiful landscape, maybe a visit to the oldest tennis court in the UK at Falkland Palace or perhaps visit the first lending library in Scotland to meet the Keeper of the Books and handle some of the precious first editions that line their shelves.  Whatever you decide, your guide will make sure you make the most of your time here and help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

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

Overnight: Pitlochry | Craigatin House & Courtyard
Room Type: King Size Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Victoria's Restaurant | Location: 45 Atholl Road Pitlcohry PH16 5BX
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: BGRCL62Y
Phone: +44(0)1796 472 670

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

Day 4 - Tuesday 1st October - Boat trips and ancient dwellings

Head west this morning to the glistening waters of Loch Tay where you will enjoy a scenic boat trip and see the incredible scenery from a different angle.  Keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife that may swoop through the skies above your head or look down at you from the ridge lines.  You will also see some foundations of buildings sticking up out of the water on stilts – this is known as a Crannog which is how people used to live in this part of Scotland.  The replica building was destroyed by fire but take some time to time to visit the centre and learn about the ancient crafts that they are keeping alive here.

After a busy morning, this afternoon is free – perhaps to wander through the village and enjoy some souvenir shopping or perhaps take a gentle hike with your guide to make the most of the wonderful countryside and your last night here.

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

Overnight: Pitlochry | Craigatin House & Courtyard
Room Type: King Size Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Old Mill Inn | Location: The Old Mill Inn, Mill Lane, Pitlochry Perthshire PH16 5BH
Reservation Time: 18:30
Phone: +44(0)1796 474020

Please note this location does not take table bookings.  Please arrive in plenty of time to get a table.

Day 5 - Wednesday 2nd October - Helping the needy and return to Edinburgh

It is time to head back to Edinburgh today but your first stop will be at a local food bank in the city of Perth where you can hear first hand about how the food donations of the local community have been helping the needy in the cost of living crisis.  From people who can’t afford to feed their children to the pensioners who don’t have family to help, this community run project has had a real impact on people’s lives and is part of a wider trust that is working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

You’ll arrive back in Edinburgh at lunchtime, where your guide will drop you off at your accommodation and say goodbye.  The rest of the day is free to explore more of the city or sit back and watch the world go by from one of the many cafes – reminiscing on your wonderful Scottish adventure.

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

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: Superior King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Auld Hundred | Location: 100 Rose Street Edinburgh EH2 2NN
Reservation Time: 18:30 | Booking Reference: 55171
Phone: +44(0)131 225 1809

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

Day 6 - Thursday 3rd October - Depart

Your private transfer will collect you from your hotel today to take you to Edinburgh Airport in time for your departing flight, taking with you lasting memories of your Scottish adventure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Littles Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2709449
Pick Up Location: The Bonham | Pick Up Time: 09:30 | Approx Duration: 30 mins
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private transfer driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel.

Day 6 - Flight Details Read More +

Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA8947
Departure Airport: Edinburgh Airport | Departure Time: 12:00

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 6
  • Most meals as indicated above
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 2 to Day 5
  • Ground transportation in your private guide driver vehicle from Day 2 to Day 5
  • Departure airport transfer Day 6
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically;
    • Afternoon walking tour with an expert guide
    • Entry to Stirling Castle
    • Visit to a local cheese farm
    • Boat trip on Loch Tay
    • Entry to the Crannog Centre
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour 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 specifically stated.

 

Notes On Weather & Flexibility

Weather – In Scotland there 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.

 

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 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

The Bonham

35 Drumsheugh Gardens | Edinburgh | Midlothian |
EH3 7RN | Scotland
Phone: +44(0)131 226 6050
Web: thebonham.com

Craigatin House & Courtyard

165 Atholl Road | Pitlochry | Highland Perthshire |
PH16 55QL | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)1796 472 478
Web: craigatinhouse.co.uk

Meet Your Guide

Douglas Gilbert

Contact Number: +44 (0)758 412 6408

Mini Bio

My first job was as a summer warden at Hermaness National Nature in Shetland; how cool is that! I spent the next 35 years in conservation roles in the Scottish Highlands, Northumberland, The Peak District, and the Hebrides.

I’m interested in all things natural history, including our human relationships to nature. I am a canoeist, sea kayaker, biker, and standing stone enthusiast. I’m also fascinated by place names – where they come from and what stories they tell?! Tha beagan Gàidhlig agam, ach tha mi ga ionnsachadh fhathast!

Virtuoso

Final Information – Jacada – Scottish Explorations

Saturday 28th September – Thursday 3rd October 2024