Thompson Family Explorations - Final Information

Sunday 30^th June – Friday 12^th July 2024

Number of Travellers: 5

Duration: 13 Days / 12 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 09:00 – 17:30

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 | Sunday 30^th June | Arrival in London | Overnight: London

Day 2 | Monday 1^st July | Historic London | Overnight: London

Day 3 | Tuesday 2^nd July | Exploring London | Overnight: London

Day 4 | Wednesday 3^rd July | Onward to Scotland | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 5 | Thursday 4^th July | Exploring Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 6 | Friday 5^th July | Journey to the Valley of Glencoe | Overnight: Near Fort William

Day 7 | Saturday 6^th July | Canoeing Loch Adventure | Overnight: Near Fort William

Day 8 | Sunday 7^th July | Over the Sea to Skye | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 9 | Monday 8^th July | Guided Explorations on the Isle of Skye | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 10 | Tuesday 9^th July | Skye Hiking | Overnight: Isle of Skye

Day 11 | Wednesday 10^th July | To the Highlands | Overnight: Auldearn

Day 12 | Thursday 11^th July | Cairngorms | Overnight: Auldearn

Day 13 | Friday 12^th July | Depart

Highlights

Explore the bustling streets of London with a local as you delve in the history of the city
Visit one of the most important castles in Scotland
Discover some of the most stunning Scottish landscapes by foot and canoe

Day by Day

Day 1 - Sunday 30^th June - Arrival in London

Arriving at your London airport, the bustling energy of the city greets you with open arms. After a seamless transfer, you find yourselves at the doorstep of your centrally located haven, The Marylebone Hotel. With its welcoming ambience and impeccable service, you quickly settle in and unwind before venturing out for a leisurely afternoon. Meandering through the charming streets, you discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey. With anticipation for the days to come, retire to your accommodations, ready to embrace your first night in the enchanting city of London.

Overnight: London | The Marylebone
Room Type: x1 Deluxe King & x1 Deluxe Twin with Rollaway
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: June 29, 2024 | Airline: United Airlines | Flight Number: UA9300
Departure Airport: San Francisco | Departure Time: 19:45
Arrival Airport: London Heathrow | Arrival Time: 14:10

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2706586
Pick Up Location: London Heathrow T2 Arrivals | Pick Up Time: 14:10 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your 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 2 - Monday 1^st July - Historic London

As the morning sun bathes London in its golden glow, meet your guide for an immersive journey through history. Beginning with a captivating tour of the Tower of London. Marvel at the ancient architecture and legendary tales as you explore the fortress’s secrets, unlocking centuries of intrigue. Next, cross the iconic London Bridge, soaking in breathtaking views of the majestic Thames River.

As the day progresses, venture back into central London, where the grandeur of Westminster Abbey awaits. Guided by your expert, delve into the abbey’s rich heritage, from coronations to royal weddings, each corner steeped in significance. As twilight descends, make your way to the theatre for a captivating performance of Mamma Mia! The evening unfolds with laughter, music, and mesmerising storytelling, leaving you enchanted and eager for more adventures in this vibrant metropolis.

Overnight: London | The Marylebone
Room Type: x1 Deluxe King & x1 Deluxe Twin with Rollaway
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 2 - Private Walking Tour Read More +

Activity: Private Walking Tour
Expert City Guide: Martin Brown
Start Location: The Marylebone Hotel Reception | Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 8 hrs
Phone: +44 (0)7811 116 232

Meet your local Blue Badge qualified guide Martin, in the hotel lobby, for a day of adventures to see the Changing of the Guard followed by a guided tour of Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Martin will have all your tickets required for the day

Day 2 - Theatre Show - Mamma Mia Read More +

Activity: Theatre Show - Mamma Mia
Start Location: Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD | Start Time: 19:30 | Approx Duration: 2.5 hrs
Booking Reference: 16413438
Phone: +44 (0) 344 482 5151 | Website: https://www.novellotheatrelondon.info/

Please find your e-tickets attached in the ‘Important Additional Information’ section at the end of this itinerary. Please ensure that you have these ready for checking on arrival.

Tickets: Stalls Row E 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20

Show running time: 2 hour 35 minutes including an interval

Please note: Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break but we cannot guarantee admittance into the performance

Please note: You may not bring any food or drink purchased elsewhere to our theatres. All our theatre bars serve drinks and snacks, but not hot food.

Day 3 - Tuesday 2^nd July - Exploring London

After a delicious breakfast, begin your independent exploration in London. Armed with a map and a spirit of adventure, traverse the bustling streets, each corner revealing a new facet of the city’s charm. From quaint cafes to vibrant markets, you can sample local delights and immerse yourself in the eclectic culture. Strolling through Hyde Park, find solace amidst the lush greenery, while the vibrant energy of Covent Garden captivates your senses.

As the day unfolds, stumble upon hidden gems and iconic landmarks, each offering its own story to tell. With no set itinerary, embrace the spontaneity, allowing the rhythm of the city to guide your footsteps. As evening falls, you find yourselves swept away by the enthralling performance of Les Misérables, a timeless masterpiece that stirs the soul. With hearts full of wonder and excitement, you return to the comfort of The Marylebone Hotel, for a restful night’s sleep before your flight to Scotland in the morning.

Overnight: London | The Marylebone
Room Type: x1 Deluxe King & x1 Deluxe Twin with Rollaway
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Theatre Show - Les Miserables Read More +

Activity: Theatre Show - Les Miserables
Start Location: Sondheim Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6BA | Start Time: 19:30 | Approx Duration: 3 hrs
Booking Reference: 16409185
Phone: +44(0) 344 482 5151 | Website: https://www.sondheimtheatre.co.uk/

Please find your e-tickets attached in the ‘Additional Important Information’ section at the end of the itinerary. Please ensure that you bring these with you and have them available for checking on arrival.

Seats; Stalls Row C 13, 14, 15, 16 & 17

Running time: 2 hours 50 minutes including an interval

Please note: Latecomers may not be admitted until a suitable break but we cannot guarantee admittance into the performance

Day 4 - Wednesday 3^rd July - Onward to Scotland

Meet your private driver in the morning for a seamless transfer to the airport as you bid farewell to London to catch your morning flight to Edinburgh. Arrive in Edinburgh to meet your private driver to transfer you to your luxurious city centre hotel.

Have time to relax and settle in before joining a tour that will take you on a trip back in time. Wander the streets of Edinburgh to visit the dark eerie dwellings of the Real Mary King’s close. Experience a tour and learn how the locals used to live and work in these underground alleyways, before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: x1 Superior King & x1 Superior Twin with Rollaway
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Little's Chauffeur Hire
Booking Reference: 2706587
Pick Up Location: Marleybone Hotel Reception | Pick Up Time: 10:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 141 883 2111

Your private transfer will take you to T5, Heathrow Airport for your onwards travel to Edinburgh

Day 4 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: July 3, 2024 | Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA 1446
Departure Airport: London Heathrow | Departure Time: 13:15
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh | Arrival Time: 14:40

Day 4 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Edinburgh Chauffeur Services
Booking Reference: EOCS/JACADA1
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Pick Up Time: 14:40 | Approx Duration: 0.75 hrs
Phone: +44 (0)131 654 2200

Your private transfer driver will meet you at Arrivals and have a sign showing your name.

Day 4 - Real Mary King's Close Tour Read More +

Activity: Real Mary King's Close Tour
The Real Mary King's Close:
Start Location: The Real Mary King's Close, 2 Warriston's Close, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PG | Start Time: 17:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Booking Reference: 41767217
Phone: +44 (0) 131 225 0672

Situated on the Royal Mile, across from the magnificent St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Mercat Cross.

Look for the flags and arches of Edinburgh City Chambers, and Mary King’s Close entrance is right next door.

Please find your e-tickets attached in the ‘Important Additional Information’ section at the end of this itinerary. Please ensure that you have these ready for checking on arrival. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time.

Day 5 - Thursday 4^th July - 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 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 time as you wish. You then have a free afternoon to continue explorations at your own pace, pick up souvenirs or relax as you prefer.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: x1 Superior King & x1 Superior Twin with Rollaway
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Private Walking Tour Explorations Read More +

Activity: Private Walking Tour Explorations
Expert Local City Guide: Hannah Tait
Start Location: The Bonham Hotel Reception | Start Time: 09:30 | Approx Duration: 3.5 hrs
Phone: +44 (0) 7920 408 507

Your local expert guide will meet you at the reception of your hotel and will have all tickets and information required for your morning.

This includes tickets for entry to Edinburgh Castle.

Day 6 - Friday 5^th July - Journey to the Valley of Glencoe

Meet your main driver guide at your hotel this morning and set off for the west coast. Travel to experience the adrenaline rush of magnificent creatures flying overhead and swooping low to land like a feather on your outstretched arm, a truly unique experience. Have time here to be mesmerised by the grace and poise of the birds of prey.

Afterwards, it is time to continue on to the nearby city of Stirling. Here, discover the history and significance this location has played in Scotland’s past. Wander inside the impressive Stirling Castle, perched high on the cliff side, dominating the landscape. Later, continue through the beautiful scenery to the valley of Glencoe and on to your Castle accommodation in the highland town of Fort William.

Drive time from The Bonham to Inverlochy Castle is around 3hrs 30 mins depending on traffic and without stops.

Overnight: Near Fort William | Inverlochy Castle Hotel
Room Type: x1 Junior Suite with Rollaway & x1 Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Guide Details - Ian Jones Read More +

Name: Ian Jones
Contact Number: +44 (0)7910 717 044
Meeting Place: The Bonham Hotel Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00

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

Day 7 - Saturday 6^th July - Canoeing Loch Adventure

Today, take to the waters by canoe to explore your wonderful surroundings. Your expert guide will teach you the basics for a fun and enchanting loch journey. Paddle the shoreline and stop off to enjoy a picnic lunch at the waters edge. Returning to dry land your guide will be awaiting your arrival. Have the choice of a afternoon hike or perhaps you would like to simply have a cosy cafe stop before returning to your castle retreat.