Description
Departs Fridays
All Year
Check In: 08:15 / Return: 18:30
Tour cost: £89.00 + £45.00
Kitty paid on day of departure
This is the route that is at the heart of all of our tours. If youve only got three days to play with, then this is the very best you can do!
Two nights on the atlantic coastline and a full day on Skye, plus all the highlights there and back! Its action packed!
Day 1 - Leaving Edinburgh we head straight for the Highlands. First stop is Stirling and Braveheart Country (William Wallace, King Robert the Bruce and Rob Roy), youll hear all the history and legends, with plenty of walks and time off the bus. Then we wind through some of Scotlands finest glens (stunning mountain valleys, if you didnt already know!), including Glen Garry, Glen Nevis and breathtaking Glencoe (hear about the massacre of Clan MacDonald). Then its onto the Atlantic coastline staying at Stromeferry, our home for 2 nights. We also sometimes stay in the beautiful village of Plockton - famous for the TV series Hamish Macbeth.
Day 2 - A full and active day round the Isle of Skye, with lots of walks and time to take in the magic. Youll see the Cuillin Mountains, the Old Man of Storr (an incredible Jurassic pillar) and hear some amazing legends, visit the fascinating Kilt Rock, and take in absolutely awe-inspiring panoramas in the Quiraing. Perfect preparation for a few wee drams in the local pub, to reflect on a day of tales and legends.
Day 3 - Our first stop is a visit to Eilean Donan Castle (where Highlander was filmed) followed by a spot of monster hunting on Loch Ness (of course!). In the afternoon its time for an emotional visit to tragic Culloden battlefield (Bonnie Prince Charlies last stand) before winding our way through the Cairngorm Mountains. Our final stop (time allowing) is a gentle walk through the beautiful Hermitage Forest. Finally, home to Edinburgh, tired and happy honorary Scots!
Please Note: From May to September we will be spending one night at Stromeferry and the other night in the Great Glen with superb views to Ben Nevis.
Were certain that this will be a really special trip, and one youll remember for a long time to come. We look forward to seeing you.
Tour itineraries and accommodation can vary due to acts of God etc, but we normally stick to this. Kitty includes hostels, evening meals and breakfast.
Kitty system
The kitty is a cash payment made on the morning of tour departure. It is a one off payment and will cover the following:
Accommodation on the tour
Breakfasts (help yourself continental style - cereals/breads/spreads/fruit etc)
Evening meals (we cook together in a group coordinated by your driver-guide)
Ferry crossings (applicable to 5 day, 7 day Hebridean, 7 day Orkney and 9 day tours)
Boat trips (applicable to 4 day, 7 day Hebridean, 7 day Orkney and 9 day tours)
We do not schedule many stops that involve an entrance fee, for those that we do the kitty will cover it as we believe these are the unmissable stops you would have wanted to pay for i.e Skara Brae, Iron age Village - however as we run flexible tours, the itinerary may change to include something that requires an entrance fee, if the group decides - these will be payable by the individual.
It is important to note that all the money paid in the kitty is spent on the group - none of it is retained by Wild in Scotland. If we overspend then you will not be asked to contribute more (in fact you will not even know that we have gone over the budget!).
How can we do the kitty so cheap? As a company we get group discounts for many of the hostels that we stay at and this discount is passed on to you - we do not agree with kick backs of any kind, on principle. With regards to cooking together - this is always an economical (not to mention healthy) way to eat and saves a great deal - also any deals we may get with local pubs are passed on to you).
It is also worth noting that because we shop at local shops, buy seafood from local fishermen and choose independent places to eat and stay, we are supporting the local communities - these parts of our country are fragile and invaluable and require respect and help when we visit them - we believe the way we operate does this.
Getting to Edinburgh
There are plenty of options to get up to Edinburgh, as usual the further in advance you book and the more flexible you can be then the better chance you have of getting a cheap deal. If you are travelling by rail always make sure you check they are offering you the cheapest option as there may be deals available that they might not automatically offer you. Rail returns from London can be as little as £25 but if you book at short notice they are much more expensive.
If you are flying up we can normally pick you up at the airport around 9am, just ask when you are booking your tour.
For general information on public transport throughout the UK take a look at Traveline. Or phone the Travel Line on 0870 608 2608
By bus
The cheapest way to get to Edinburgh from London is by bus. There is a very regular daytime service from London Victoria and an overnight service departing at 10.30pm and arriving into Edinburgh at 7.15am - plenty of time for you to get to our office for check in! You can book at either of the links below.
National Express Coaches
Megabus
By rail
Trains are probably the easiest way to travel from the heart of London, to the heart of Edinburgh in 4.5 hours. Trains depart London Kings Cross every half hour 6am to 7pm. Cheap deals are often available, Hit the link below for up to date info and bookings.
Nationals Express Trains
The Trainline
By air
Most budget airline companies fly up to Edinburgh now. Try Easyjet on 0870 6 000 000, or the more friendly www.easyjet.com, (Go and Easyjet have now merged), or Ryanair (London to Glasgow, Prestwick) on 0870 333 1231 (www.ryanair.com) or www.flyaerlingus.com if your heading over from Ireland. Tickets from London tend to be around £50 return, less the longer you book in advance. Skyscanner is a valuable tool for comparing prices for diffferent airlines and dates. From Edinburgh airport a bus takes 25 minutes to the city centre for £3.50 one way. These run every 15 minutes.
Passenger Cancellations
Percentages of purchase price to be refunded to passenger upon their cancellation:
Over 14 days - 60% returned upon cancellation, Cancellation must be in writing.
Less than 14 days - 0% returned upon cancellation, 60% returned if seat is re-sold after cancellation is received in writing and the tour departs full.
All tickets are transferable or may be used against a higher value booking up to 5 days in advance of departure. A £10 charge will apply.
A doctors note must be produced upon hospitalisation confirming that it would be unsuitable for the reserved to travel. In the event of a relatives death a certificate is required. In both cases upon receipt of note or certificate a full refund may be given less a £10 admin charge.
Start: Edinburgh
Return: Edinburgh
Suitable For
18 ? 35s,Individuals,Couples,Backpackers / students / independent travellers
What to bring
Sensible boots or shoes for walking, something warm and something waterproof!
Extras
Supplements: £45.00
This is the kitty. It is paid in cash on the morning of departure. The kitty pays for all your accommodation and food except lunch. It covers all boat trips, ferries and entrance fees.
Pickup Option:
Wild in Scotland HQ - 8:15
166 High Street, Edinburgh
Return Option:
Wild in Scotland HQ - 18:30
166 High Street, Edinburgh
Travel Information
Tour cost: £89.00 + £45.00
A person may not travel without paying the full kitty amount. No tour refunds will be given upon refusal to pay the kitty. The group will dispose of any remaining kitty funds democratically.
Passenger Cancellations
Percentages of purchase price to be refunded to passenger upon their cancellation:
Over 14 days - 60% returned upon cancellation, Cancellation must be in writing.
Less than 14 days - 0% returned upon cancellation, 60% returned if seat is re-sold after cancellation is received in writing and the tour departs full.
All tickets are transferable or may be used against a higher value booking up to 5 days in advance of departure. A £10 charge will apply.
A doctors note must be produced upon hospitalisation confirming that it would be unsuitable for the reserved to travel. In the event of a relatives death a certificate is required. In both cases upon receipt of note or certificate a full refund may be given less a £10 admin charge.
