Highlights of Scotland - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What kind of places will I visit on the 'Highlights of Scotland' tour?

  This tour takes you through classic folklore and stunning landscapes, including important Jacobite sites like Culloden Moor, picturesque spots like the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and moments to soak in natural beauty in Cairngorms National Park and the Isle of Skye. You'll also visit cities like Edinburgh, Inverness, Fort William, and Glasgow.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  You can expect to stay in small, family-run hotels or pensions for 6 nights, with the exception of larger city hotels at the start and finish. These accommodations are locally-run, may vary in standard, and might not have elevators or air-conditioning, but they are clean, safe, and in convenient locations. Standing or desk fans can be requested if not already in your room on hot nights.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Six breakfasts are included in the tour price. Generally, other meals are not included to give you flexibility in choosing where and what to eat, but your CEO can suggest local restaurants.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The tour accommodates a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 16 participants, ensuring a relatively small group experience.

• Is there a minimum age requirement to join this tour?

  Yes, the minimum age for this tour is 12 years old.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2, indicating it involves light physical activity.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, who acts as the group manager, leader, and driver. Local guides are also used for specific sites to enhance your experience.

• What activities are included in the tour price?

  Included activities are a Loch Ness cruise and Urquhart Castle visit, Culloden Moor visit, a whisky distillery tour and tasting, a visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint, a Ben Nevis forest walk, and a visit to Glencoe. All transport between destinations and to/from these included activities is also covered.

• What kind of transportation is used on the tour?

  Transportation on the tour includes a private vehicle, train, and walking.

• What are some optional activities I can do during the tour?

  Optional activities include visiting Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, exploring The Victorian Market in Inverness, seeing the Glenfinnan Monument, and in Glasgow City, a Brewery Tour (10GBP per person), the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and a Glasgow Walking Tour (17GBP per person).

• What is the tipping etiquette in Scotland for this tour?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule for wait staff is 10% of the bill, and €1 or €2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-5 per day is recommended. At the end of the trip, if you felt your CEO did an outstanding job, a guideline of €30-€40 per person per week is suggested.

• How are solo travelers accommodated on this tour?

  Solo travelers are generally paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, as group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, though these rooms may be smaller.

• Is there an emergency fund recommended for this trip?

  Yes, it is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, which may be needed if unforeseen circumstances require a change to the planned route.

• Are there any important notes regarding booking activities, especially Edinburgh Castle?

  Yes, if Edinburgh Castle is a must-see, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online several weeks prior to your trip, as same-day entrance cannot be guaranteed without advance tickets. During high season (May-October), it's also advisable to book reservations for any popular optional activities or museum tickets in advance to avoid them being sold out.