Best of the United Kingdom
Trip Code: BMSUC
Why we love it
If you're a Harry Potter lover, this is for you! Explore J.K. Rowling's greatest inspirations in Edinburgh and take one of the world’s most scenic train journeys through the Highlands, crossing the famed Glenfinnan Viaduct., Marvel at the archeological wonder of Stonehenge and discover all you need to know about the rich history of this iconic site., Spend a day exploring arguably the most beautiful and most British countryside – the Cotswolds. Explore the sleepy villages, walk through endless fields and taste some of the best ales in the neighbourhood., Walk the famous Lon Gwyrfai path in Snowdonia National Park, travel to the mountainous landscape of Lake District National Park and hike through the purple heather in Cairngorms National Park., Take a ferry to the Isle of Skye, soak up the fresh sea air and mountain views and taste your way through the local whisky. Then, take a day trip through the stunning landscapes and medieval castles of Skye.
Is this trip right for me?
Just as a heads up before you book, this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again, there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.
Please note that most of the travel on this trip is done by train. While this is a fantastic and sustainable way to move around, you will be responsible for shifting your bags to and from the trains and moving them round the station. Sometimes a short walk from your hotel to the train station is also required. Please pack carefully and do not bring any unnecessary items with you. Suggested weight of your luggage should not exceed 12 to 15 kg.
Important information
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. As this is a combination of 3 trips, your leader and the composition of your group may change in London and Glasgow.
3. At the end of second part of your trip in Edinburgh, you will be provided with a train ticket and instructions how to reach the start of the third part of your trip in Glasgow. This part of your journey will not be assisted by our Tour Leader.
What to bring/pack
PACKING
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, TRAVELLING ON LOCAL TRANSPORT
It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary that your luggage gets stowed separately (and unattended). The smaller your bag the better for you and other passengers. To ensure maximum comfort, try to pack small and light., WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.
Physical rating
This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day's activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don't want to participate.
EXPLORING EUROPEAN CITIES
One of the pleasures of travelling in Europe is the ease at which cities can be explored on foot. On most trips, our leader will take you on frequent orientation walks, and you will be able to further explore in your own time. We recommend you pack comfortable walking shoes for this trip. Many of our customers are surprised at how much they end up walking, however this is entirely up to you, and public transport to take you back to our accommodation is never far away.
Joining your group
Heeton Concept Hotel - Kensington London, 15-25 Hogarth Road Earls Court, London, UNITED KINGDOM
The Heeton Concept Hotel in Kensington might adhere to the traditional Victorian architecture of West London, but on the inside an intimate, energised and modern interior awaits you. Well connected to South Kensington’s many attractions, the Kensington Heeton Concept Hotel is just a three minute walk from Earls Court Station, and our staff cater to your needs 24 hours a day . Nearby attractions include The Royal Albert Hall, the Natural History Museum, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
From Heathrow airport you can reach the hotel by taking the Piccadilly Metro Line and stopping at Earls Court Station (50 minutes approx.). Private transfers are also available to prebook with Intrepid.
Finishing your trip
The Bruntsfield Hotel, 69 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HH, UNITED KINGDOM, Phone: +44 (131)2291393
The Bruntsfield Hotel is a townhouse hotel just a short walk from Edinburgh city centre, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens. It’s perfectly located for leisure breaks in the city and enjoys open views across Bruntsfield Links park and the Meadows park.The hotel has free Wi-Fi in all public areas and guest bedrooms. Room features include a room safe, television with international channels, a desk. tea and coffee making facilities and ensuite bathrooms.
Alternate Finish Point
If you are making your own way to the Edinburgh Airport (airport code EDI) the hostel's reception will be happy to organise a taxi or transfer for you. Alternatively you can catch tram T50 from Princes Street directly to the airport. The ride takes about 45 minutes.
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 25
Lunches included: 3
Dinners included:
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.
BREAKFASTS
There are some continental breakfasts included on this trip which may simply include bread/toast or pastries, butter, jam, coffee/tea/juice (or similar).
Climate & seasonal information
The areas visited on this trip can be cold throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season, and at night. Rain is possible at any time of year. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, and snow fall is common. Summers on the other hand can be quite hot, and temperatures can reach up to 30 C. Please familiarize yourself with what climate to expect and bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, rain coat and anything else that you think may be applicable.
In case of emergency
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us
In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:
If you have booked an arrival transfer, and you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find to the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly on the number listed in the joining point instructions in the section above.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Europe Operations Team can be reached on the number listed below:
Intrepid's Local Operator: +49 8024 4679 540
Intrepid local operator : Available for phone call on +44 (0)1479 420 020 or +44 (0)7766 794 640
Accommodations
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
FACILITIES
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Transportation
The main mode of transport on this trip is trains. These are modern and equipped with air conditioning and charging points. Train travel in UK is comfortable and takes you directly into the city centre of your destination. Most of the train station facilities will include lifts, but please note, you will be responsible for carrying your luggage on the platform and on and off the train.