Final Information - Scottish Explorations
Volpi
Saturday 3rd August – Monday 12th August 2024
Day by Day
Day 1 - Saturday 3rd August - Welcome to Scotland
On arrival at the airport you will be met by a private driver who will transfer you to your city centre hotel. Rest and relax before your travels really begin.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: x1 Deluxe King Room
Meals Included: None
Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +
Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA2344
Arrival Airport: Edinburgh | Arrival Time: 21:50
Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +
Supplier: East of Scotland Chauffeur
Booking Reference: #127993
Pick Up Location: Edinburgh Airport | Pick Up Time: 21:50
Phone: +44 (0)131 370 1555
Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name on.
Day 2 - Sunday 4th August - Day Trip to St Andrews
Known over the world as the birthplace of Golf and being home to Scotland’s oldest university, there is a rich history to this characterful coastal town. Travel with your guide from Edinburgh to stroll the pathways and soak in the atmosphere. View the ruins of Scotland’s largest medieval church, perched on the cliff side. This afternoon you may like to breathe in the fresh sea air and explore the miles of uninterrupted beaches, before returning to the City.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: x1 Deluxe King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 2 - St Andrews Tour Read More +
Activity: St Andrews Tour
Start Location: Bonham Hotel | Start Time: 09:00 | Approx Duration: 8 hrs
Booking Reference: Michele Volpi & Angelica Della Grazia
Phone: +44(0)7739 060 400
Your private driver guide will meet you at your hotel this morning to travel to the historic town of St Andrews and lead you on a wonderful guided tour. Returning you to your hotel this evening, at approximately 5pm.
Day 3 - Monday 5th August - Foodie Tour & Military Tattoo
Spend the day with an expert local guide. Immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you discover the highlights of this unique capital city before exploring the tasteful delights. Be led through the hidden gems of the city to the places only the locals know about so you can taste some of the local delicacies. This evening is a night of celebration, at the Royal Military Tattoo. Enjoy this wonderful spectacle on the Castle Esplanade, with a dram of Whisky to begin.
Overnight: Edinburgh | The Bonham
Room Type: x1 Deluxe King Room
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Guide Details - Sarah Lachhab Read More +
Name:
Sarah Lachhab
Contact Number: +44(0)7497 751525
Meeting Place: The Bonham, Reception | Meeting Time: 09:00
Sarah will meet you at your hotel this morning before heading out to explore the food and book delights of the city.
Day 3 - Royal Military Tattoo - Dram Package Read More +
Activity: Royal Military Tattoo - Dram Package
Start Location: The Scotch Whisky Experience, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE | Start Time: 19:30
Booking Reference: 2476040 - Volpi
Phone: +44(0)131 225 1188
Dress code: Smart, i.e. smart casual, avoiding short trousers and sports shoes. As you are sitting in the outdoor arena for the Tattoo performance, a warm top layer or coat is recommended.
After your meal, the Scotch Whisky Experience team will escort you into the Tattoo stands where you will find your seats. You will be seated approximately 30 minutes before the show starts. The show runs for approximately 90 minutes.
Please ensure you have your ticket with you at all times during your Tattoo experience. (These will be at your hotel for your arrival.) You will be moving between locations within the area, so you may be asked to present your ticket at several points throughout the evening.
Day 4 - Tuesday 6th August - Travel by Train to the Highlands & Meet your Guide
This morning board your train to the highland village of Pitlochry, where you will be met by your guide who will be with you for the rest of your Scottish travels. Visit a local whisky distillery for a tour and tasting and perhaps a spot of lunch, before continuing your travels to the West coast.
Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: x1 Spa Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4 - Train Details Read More +
Rail Operator: Scotrail
Departure Train Station: Edinburgh Waverley Station | Departure Time: 10:32
Arrival Train Station: Pitlochry Station | Arrival Time: 12:27
Scotrail Train – 1st Class tickets.
Please collect your tickets from Waverley Station. Collection Code HBN976KB, and have with you any debit/credit card with your name on. Booking reference: 682843961590
Disembark the train at Pitlochry.
Day 4 - Guide Details - Jeremy Martin Read More +
Name:
Jeremy Martin
Contact Number: +44(0)7717 390 103
Meeting Place: Pitlochry Train Station | Meeting Time: 12:27
Jeremey will meet you off the train and have a sign with your name.
Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Isle of Eriska Hotel, Benderloch | Location: Benderloch Argyll PA37 1SD Scotland
Reservation Time: 19:30 |
Booking Reference: MV-06082024-01
Phone: +44 (0) 1631 720 371
Please note this is a reservation only, please pay directly.
Day 5 - Wednesday 7th August - Coastal Discoveries
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 from Loch to sea with exciting discoveries on the way, including lunch on the Isle of Mull. Once you have returned to dry land, your driver guide will take you back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Overnight: Benderloch | Isle of Eriska
Room Type: x1 Spa Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6 - Thursday 8th August - Road to the Isles & Sea Kayak Adventure
Travel the road to the Isles today, winding your way through the luscious valley scenery. Meet your specialist guide to head out to explore the clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of Arisaig. Tailored to your experience this sea kayaking session will provide you a glimpse into a watery world as you journey around tiny islands, spotting seals, dolphins, and a host of coastal birds as you go. Later, board the ferry at Mallaig to travel over the Sea to Skye.
*Please remember to bring a change of clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting wet for Kayaking.
Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Chargrill Restaurant, Portree | Location: Marmalade, Home Farm Rd, Portree IV51 9LX Primary Contact
Reservation Time: 19:30 |
Booking Reference: BR4M3ZAY
Phone: +44(0)1478 611711
Please note this is a reservation only, please pay directly.
Day 7 - Friday 9th August - Guided Explorations on the Isle of Skye
Today you have a full day to explore some of the special corners of this magical island with your guide. You will be spoilt for choice with fascinating history and dramatic landscape on offer, with unique hiking routes through stark and unusual rock formations and sweeping coast and mountain views to enjoy in almost every direction. This ‘misty isle’ is also home to so many curious stories and legends of fairies and islander culture, your guide will share some of the best hidden gems and personalise the day to your interests.
Overnight: Portree | Marmalade Hotel
Room Type: x1 Superior Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Scorrybreac Restaurant, Portree | Location: 7 Bosville Terrace Portree Isle Of Skye IV51 9DG Scotland
Reservation Time: 19:30 |
Booking Reference: B73GRQJY
Phone: +44 (0)1478 612 069 | Website: https://www.scorrybreac.com
Please note this is a reservation only, please pay directly.
Day 8 - Saturday 10th August - Scenic Drive to Glencoe
Leave the island today by crossing the iconic Skye bridge. Visit the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle, which occupies an island at the confluence of three sea lochs and stands in defiance of the towering peaks surrounding it. Take your time here to explore and enjoy the iconic view, before continuing onwards through mountain glens to the highland village of Glencoe.
Overnight: Glencoe Village | Glencoe Inn & Gathering
Room Type: x1 Classic Double Mountain View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Laroch Restaurant, Ballachulish | Location: Loan Fern Ballachulish Highland PH49 4JB
Reservation Time: 19:30 |
Booking Reference: Michele Volpi
Phone: +44(0)1855 811940
Please note this is a reservation only, please pay directly.
Day 9 - Sunday 11th August - Hiking the West Highlands
Today you have a full day in the hills, your guide will lead you on a hike through the atmospheric landscapes of Glencoe. The route for this day will be discussed with your guide the evening before, to take in consideration of the weather and the terrain you would like to cover. After you have returned from your hike, your guide will say goodbye and leave you to make the most of your final evening of your Scottish travels.
Overnight: Glencoe Village | Glencoe Inn & Gathering
Room Type: x1 Classic Double Mountain View
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10 - Monday 12th August - Depart
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10 - Transfer Details Read More +
Supplier: West of Scotland Chauffeur Drive
Booking Reference: Volpi
Pick Up Location: Glencoe Inn & Gathering, Glencoe Village | Pick Up Time: 08:30
Phone: +44 (0)141 483 1555
Your driver will meet you at your hotel this morning.
Day 10 - Flight Details Read More +
Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: BA1499
Departure Airport: Glasgow | Departure Time: 13:45
Trip Details
- Inclusions
-
- 9 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 4 to Day 9
- All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
- Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet (Edinburgh Airport to Hotel)
- Airport Transfer on Departure Day (Glencoe to Glasgow/Edinburgh Airport)
- All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
- All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
- Private Day trip to St Andrews
- Private Edinburgh City & Foodie Tour
- Royal Military Tattoo – Dram and Ticket Package
- Train from Edinburgh to Pitlochry
- Whisky Distillery Tour
- Group Boat Trip to Mull
- Private Sea Kayaking Experience
- Admission – Eilean Donan Castle
- Personalised trip design and delivery
- 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
- Exclusions
-
- 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
-
Activities are only private if specifically stated.
Notes On Weather & Flexibility
Weather – August 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 footwear for hiking
- Day pack 20-30 litre for carrying water and extra layers
- Reusable water bottle
- Warm layers, including warm hat and gloves
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Smart casual attire for dinners
- For Sea Kayaking
- Optional – Swimming costume/trunks or outfit you don’t mind getting wet.
- Wetsuit socks, waterproof socks or warm wool socks
- Footwear that you don’t mind getting wet
- Non-cotton moisture-wicking base layer top
- Non-cotton quick-dry leggings or trousers
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
-
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
Emergency Services
- Terms & Conditions
-
Please see our booking terms here.
Final Information – Scottish Explorations
Saturday 3rd August – Monday 12th August 2024