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The 2007 itineraries are available here.

London-Scotland “Apprentice” 3-4 Star

July 3-11, 2006 - 9 days/8 nights
$2599.00 per person/dbl occupancy
plus airfare

Discounts of up to $600 available for 3rd and 4th person (children 12 and younger sharing a room with two adults).

This itinerary has been specially designed with families in mind. It offers an exciting exploration of London, the Scottish Highlands, Alnwick Castle and Edinburgh through the eyes of Harry Potter, ghosts and goblins and legends of this land which have inspired writers for centuries. Our storyteller will thrill you with the legend of Padfoot and the true tale of the Hand of Glory, which grabs Harry in Knockturn Alley (Chamber of Secrets). From the journey on a one-of-a-kind vintage steam train to knock-your-socks-off exclusive banquets at Edinburgh Castle, you're sure to be enchanted with this "kingdom."

Included:

  • Eight nights accommodations at 4-star hotels including hotel used by cast and crew in Glencoe
  • Flight from London to Inverness
  • Daily services of a Professional Guide
  • Exclusive use of Edinburgh Castle for a “Hogwarts-style” Banquet including
    • Falconry Presentation
    • Entertainment in Crown Square
    • Storyteller in the Great Hall
    • Wizard’s Cavern Virtual Reality Game
    • Private tours of exhibition areas
  • Ride on Locomotive #5972, the train used as the Hogwarts Express in the filming of the Harry Potter movies
  • Professional Storyteller
  • Panoramic tour of London
  • Coach tour of London Harry Potter film locations including Scavenger Hunt
  • Herbology lesson at The Old Operating Theatre
  • Theatre Museum workshop on Harry Potter and “movie magic”
  • Admission to Tower of London
  • Tour of Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
  • Hike to Film Locations or alternative activity
  • Admissions to Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Gardens
  • Score a goal playing in the Wizarding Games at Alnwick – site of flying lessons in HP movie
  • Edinburgh Pass with free admission to 27 attractions
  • Breakfast daily, 3 special lunches, Afternoon Tea, 3 dinners including "Hogwarts"-style banquet at Edinburgh Castle and Nevis Range private dinner
  • Pajama Party
  • Complimentary child care
  • Transfers as noted on itinerary
  • Baggage Handling
  • Gratuities to Driver
  • Limited Edition Alivan's wands for children

$2599.00 USD per person/dbl occupancy plus airfare
£1525.00 GBP per person/dbl occupancy plus airfare

Daily Schedule

July 3 (Day One)

Your adventure begins upon your arrival in Heathrow or Gatwick Airport. Included in your tour is a Heathrow Express or Gatwick Express train ticket - travel at your convenience to the Heathrow Express terminal in Paddington Station or the Gatwick Express terminal at Victoria Station. Taxi transfer to your hotel (at own expense).

Settle into your hotel for a rest and then meet the group in your hotel’s lobby at 2:00pm for a Welcome Orientation and distribution of documents. A delightful Afternoon Tea will be served but remember to save the tea leaves as our storyteller will teach you how to read your future in a light-hearted divination lesson. Afterwards our coach will whisk you around London for a panoramic tour of the most well-known London sites.

Dinner at leisure.

Grange Strathmore
Your hotel for the next three nights is the 4-star Grange Strathmore Hotel. A former residence of the Earl of Strathmore, the late Queen Mother's father, the Grange Strathmore is a beautifully restored London Townhouse with a unique blend of Victorian grandeur and contemporary luxury. Wonderfully maintaining the style of an aristocratic mansion, the Grange Strathmore is ideally situated in the fashionable borough of Kensington and Chelsea and provides the perfect location for access to the world famous Knightsbridge shops.
 

July 4 (Day Two)

Breakfast included

We begin our morning at the Old Operating Theatre for a fan favorite - an herbology lesson in the herb garret and museum.

Grab your map and get ready for a Scavenger Hunt through London in search of Harry Potter film locations. While this hunt will be enjoyed from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach, be prepared for some good-natured competition to be the winner of the “best photos” and guest-led trivia contest.

After an enjoyable lunch at a pub resembling “The Leaky Cauldron”, our afternoon includes another Harry Potter-themed activity.

The Theatre Museum has developed a presentation especially for HP Fan Trips. We will explore the “magic” behind the making of the Harry Potter movies from the viewpoint of a make-up artist. Just how does Warwick Davis “become” Professor Flitwick or how does an actor become a “Gringotts Goblin”?

Our themed day winds down with a visit to the famous Hamley’s Toy Store and other stores which sell items signed by actors from the Harry Potter movies. With 7 floors of toys, it may be hard to leave Hamley’s!

Dinner at leisure.
 

July 5 (Day Three)

Breakfast included

Plan to spend the morning visiting the famous Tower of London. With guided tours by Yeoman costumed guides and engaging interactive exhibits, you won’t be at a loss for how to fill the morning hours. Perhaps you’ll hear stories of the prisoners held within its walls and towers and learn whether any were able to escape the clutches of the royals who put them there. Our guide will lead the group in the morning but you are free to visit the Tower of London at your leisure if preferred.

The Tower of London has been an integral part of British royal history for nearly 1,000 years. Only at the Tower can you marvel at the breathtaking Crown Jewels, stand on the execution site of three English queens and hear the myths and legends that make a visit to the Tower a fantastic experience.

Spend your afternoon for more sightseeing, to sample the fabulous shopping that a major city such as London can offer, enjoy an afternoon theatre matinee or just to wander and “take it all in”.

Dinner at leisure

July 6 (Day Four)

Breakfast included

We have included a flight from Heathrow to Inverness to give the Harry Potter fans an opportunity to visit a location with much mystery and intrigue – Loch Ness. After a rest for lunch, visit the Loch Ness Visitor Centre followed by a tour of Urquhart Castle.

Urquhart Castle on banks of Loch Ness
Enjoy the romance and mystery of Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland, home of the world-famous monster, known affectionately to locals as 'Nessie'. For centuries sightings have been made of a mysterious creature said to inhabit the deep and murky waters of Scotland's most famous Loch. Now you can explore those murky waters for yourself: examine the evidence, find out some important facts about Scottish History and look forward to that long-awaited visit to a very unique part of Scotland!
The picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle are situated 2 miles from Drumnadrochit on a rocky peninsula on the banks of Loch Ness. After a chequered history, the building was blown up in 1692 to prevent it becoming a Jacobite stronghold. Despite the difficulties of building, it was a prime strategic location sitting as it does surrounded virtually on three sides by the cold waters of Loch Ness which would have been a main route through the Great Glen of the Highlands.
Late afternoon arrival at hotel in Glencoe. Dinner included.

Isles of Glencoe
Your hotel for the next two nights is quite special for Harry Potter fans. The Isles of Glencoe Hotel and Leisure Club was used by the cast and crew of the Harry Potter films when filming in the Glencoe area. You might even get lucky and win our drawing to stay in the very rooms used by Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson or Tom Felton!
 

July 7 (Day Five)

Breakfast included

Steall Falls

Stretch your legs and get ready for our morning hike to Steall Falls, location for the dragon scene (Task 1 of the TriWizard Tournament in the HP movies). This is a beautiful hike taking approx. 1 – 1 1/2 hours each way from the trail head to the Falls. Hiking shoes are required. After reaching the Falls, there are plenty of opportunities for photos, having a snack break, perhaps even crossing the short “wire bridge” to get a closer look at the Falls.

For those not taking the hike to Steall Falls, the morning will include a visit to the filming location of “Hagrid’s Hut” and the pumpkin/ “Hippogriff” scenes in Prisoner of Azkaban. Take a short walk up the hill to where the buildings and other props were built and get a view of beautiful Glencoe as the actors did. (Props are no longer on the site.)

You might want to stop in at the Inn directly across the road from the filming location – surely the cast and crew had more than a few pints at this charming location while working on the film. Have a drink, or if space permits, lunch at this friendly Inn best known for its award-winning local brews.

Ben Nevis Distillery
Afternoon activities for those not doing the Steall Falls hike include a tour of the Ben Nevis Distillery, the back storage buildings of which have often been used as inside filming studios for movies such as Braveheart and Rob Roy. Stop nearby for a quick look at Old Inverlochy Castle.

Steall Falls hikers – after returning to the trailhead, travel to Glencoe (as described above) and then take a walk up the hill which was host to “Hagrid’s Hut”, pumpkins and magical creatures.

Take a break back at the hotels before an evening “near the stars”.

We have a delightful dinner party planned at the top of the Nevis Range – with fantastic views of Britain’s tallest mountain – Ben Nevis. Take the Gondola ride up the mountain, enjoy a few easy walks from the top of the gondola, before a casual and fun evening with dinner and entertainment. Wonder at the long daylight hours at this far Northern latitude. On a clear day you can actually see Ireland in the distance!

Back at the hotel, get ready for a Pajama Party! Bring your pillows and pajamas while we hear stories, play games, and generally have fun into the night. Don’t worry about staying up late, we have a late start the next morning!
 

July 8 (Day Six)

Breakfast included

Hogwarts Express

Enjoy a sleep-in as we have a late start this morning. Arrive at the train depot by 9:30am for a fabulous private ride on Olton Hall, Engine #5972! Travel through the Highlands, take loads of pictures, sit in the very cars used in the movies, and enjoy a fantastic day with all of the HP Fan Trip’ers!


 

Viaduct

Return to Fort William at 4:00pm for the coach transfers to Edinburgh. Share stories of your adventures or just catch up on some sleep during the ride through the beautiful Scottish countryside.





Dinner at leisure.
Your accommodations for the next three nights will be enjoyed at the beautiful 4-star Dalmahoy Marriott Hotel and Country Club.


Isles of Glencoe
The Baronial Manor House of Dalmahoy is set in 1000 acres of wooded parkland at the foot of the rolling Pentland Hills. It was built in 1724 and extended in 1990 when opened as a hotel and country club. Leisure facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, two championship golf courses, gymnasium with professional fitness instructors, Health & Beauty Salon, solarium, and tennis courts.

Complimentary child care is available so that parents are able to have dinner, do a round of golf or simply relax after an exciting day filled with Harry Potter-themed activities.
 

July 9 (Day Seven)

Wizarding Games

Breakfast included

An early morning departure for an all-day adventure at Alnwick Castle, a film location for the first two Harry Potter movies. Your coach will whisk you in comfort into England and the village of Alnwick. Here you will gaze upon the scenery used for Harry's first flying lesson. You will learn about the deadliest plants in the world at the new Poisonous Garden and take a lesson in herbology. There is plenty to do at this exciting location!

Competitions will be held throughout the day as fans play the very popular HP Fan Trips’ Wizarding Game, inspired by Harry's favorite sport (The Wizarding Game was developed for us by the National Governing Body for the Olympic sport of Team Handball).

Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited such structure in England after Windsor Castle, and has been home to the Percys, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309.

Lunch included.

Early evening return to Edinburgh.

Dinner at leisure.
 

July 10 (Day Eight)

Breakfast included

vaults

Today is your day to visit attractions in Edinburgh which you are particularly interested in. We have included an Edinburgh Pass which includes the entrance fees to 27 of Edinburgh’s top tourist attractions, unlimited bus travel for transport around the city and the surrounding area, and special offers from shops and restaurants. Visit the Camera Obscura and its amazing optical illusion displays, dare to enter the Edinburgh Dungeon or take an Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour – all included in the Edinburgh Pass. Be sure to stop at the café where J K Rowling spent time while writing the first adventures of our favorite wizard.

 

Edinburgh Castle
Don’t forget to save time to prepare for our final night gala at Edinburgh Castle! The Castle is exclusively ours tonight as we enjoy falconry demonstrations, hear stories in the Great Hall (the location where JK Rowling read from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as a kick-off to the worldwide book launch), play the Wizard’s Cavern virtual reality game in the education vaults, take private tours of the Scottish Crown Jewels and other exhibition areas of the castle, and enjoy a fabulous banquet! End the night with music and a party in Crown Square in the heart of the Castle!

 

July 11 (Day Nine)

Breakfast included

Morning transfers included to Edinburgh airport.


Harry Potter characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Ent. Harry Potter Publishing Rights J.K.R. These themed tours are not official 'Harry Potter' tours and are not endorsed, sanctioned or in any other way supported, directly or indirectly by Warner Bros. Entertainment, the Harry Potter book publishers and/or J.K.Rowling and her representatives.

Some images courtesy of Visit Britain, and FreeDigitalPhotos.Net.
Original material copyright © 2003-2009 HP Fan Trips™ and Beyond Boundaries Travel. All rights reserved.