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Tour Size
12 Guests
Tour price
$4,400 per person
Included in the price:
Hotels with breakfast for 11 nights (3.5-star and 4-star), chartered minibus and licensed driver/guide for 10 days, ferry fares, private tour of Inveraray Castle, private tour of Ardkinglas Manor Estate, tea and scones at Kingshouse Hotel Glencoe, admission to all music events hosted by Jamie which include acclaimed guest performers, guided walks, artists’ studio tours.
Excluded from the price:
Airfares, airport shuttles, taxis, lunches in restaurants, dinners, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, bike rentals, excursions to Iona Abbey, optional harbor cruises, admissions to Oban castles, and anything else not listed in the “Included” section.
Couples versus Singles
The tour price is based on two people per hotel room. Rooms have one large bed. In most cases, two twin beds may be available making it possible to share a room with another single person. If you are interested in booking as a single, please make your interest known and Jamie will assist in matching you with another single with your approval. If you are a single and would like your own room, the single supplement is $1,600 above the tour price. (An even number of individuals must choose the single option to keep all spots filled – please discuss arrangements with Jamie.)
Payments
Reservations are taken on a first-come-first-serve basis according to postmark, so please do not delay. 50% deposit is required to reserve your place. Balance is due no later than May 1. Please send checks payable to Jamie Laval, PO Box 843, Tryon, NC 28782.
Cancellations and Refunds
Up to and including June 1, 2025 50%
After June 1, 2025 0%
Health and Mobility Requirements
You must be able to walk up to 2 miles per day (in total) at a reasonable pace to keep up with the group (1.5 miles per hour). Watch short video sample of Jamie walking in the Highlands [HERE]. We are not able to accommodate guests who require ambulatory equipment such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs. Some of the hotels are traditional, older style inns which do not have elevators. You must be able to carry your own bag up the stairs to your room. Porters will not be available.
The minibus does not have an onboard restroom. We will make every accommodation possible for frequent restroom stops. Please be advised that there will occasionally be gaps of up to 2 hours between available restroom facilities.
COVID-19 Policy
Vaccinations are recommended but not required. Masks are optional. You must take a self-administered COVID-19 rapid test on the first morning before checking out of the hotel, so please make sure to bring a test kit with you when you leave the United States. Show your test strip to Jamie before boarding the minibus at the start of the tour. If you test positive, you must withdraw from the tour. If Jamie tests positive, he will withdraw or conduct the tour from a separate leader car.
Method of Payment While in Scotland
It is recommended that you use Apple Pay or Google Pay on your smartphone for all purchases. This method of payment is the most standard and secure method throughout Great Britain. Although credit cards are still in use, they are less secure. Using cash on a regular basis is not recommended. It may, however, be handy to keep a few British Pounds with you for incidentals (such as tips for street musicians!). Exchange a small amount of cash at the airport or withdraw cash from an ATM. Gratuities are not expected in Scotland. You may optionally tip 10% if you wish.
Smartphones
Everyone must carry a smartphone throughout the trip. This is for your safety and will enable Jamie to contact you with updates or in case you go astray.
Passports and Visas
Rules are much stricter now with passports and visas. Please read the following carefully and act immediately.
Make sure the expiration date of your passport is April 3, 2026 or later because you are required to have a minimum of 6 months remaining time on your valid passport after your planned departure date from the United Kingdom. If you need to renew your passport, please do so TODAY! Due to the recent firings of federal employees, there is a backlog at the passport office and delivery of passports will be slower than usual. Allow at least 8 weeks or more for delivery of the new one.
Important additional new visa requirements:
• As of January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom. This UK ETA is obtained online and costs £10. Allow up to 3 days for processing. It is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
• You will also likely need a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) if your flight makes a transfer in a European country (this applies to just about everyone!). As with the UK ETA, the ETIAS is obtained online and costs £7. It is valid for up to 3 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply well before your trip, ideally a few weeks in advance to allow time to address any issues that may arise and reapply if necessary.
Insurance
You may research travel insurance companies independently if you would like to purchase insurance for reimbursement in case you have to cancel your trip.
Indemnification
Jamie Laval is not responsible for injuries, illness, lost or stolen items, or financial reprisals during the duration of the tour. Please sign Jamie's release of liability form prior to the trip.
Arriving in Glasgow
Although you may choose to taxi or Uber from the Glasgow Airport to the hotel, a very inexpensive and convenient service is the purple AirPort Express shuttle bus. Step out of the front door of the airport directly onto the bus which leaves every few minutes and takes you directly to the Buchanan Street Station. The hotel is an easy walk from the station.
Early Arrivals and Extended Departures
If you plan to arrive in Glasgow prior to the official start date of the tour, please book your own accommodations.
Tour Info and Detailed Itinerary
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