Frequently Asked Questions
1 – Do all your tours begin and end in Inverness?
I collect and deliver anywhere in Scotland, by custom tour and by City-to-City tour.
2 – Are the Tours for one person or a group?
As a private driver/guide, tours are always exclusive, so the pricing is never per passenger, it is per van-load, whether that be 1 or 7 people; a £575.00 tour is that price no matter how many passengers.
3 – Can each person in my party pay separately?
Driver/Guide licencing in Scotland only allows me take one payment per tour, so if people in a party wish to split the cost then they arrange that amongst themselves and make one tour payment to me.
4 – How do I make payment?
Through my partners' (Inverness Tours) secure online booking system which accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express or alternatively direct to me via BACS (bank to bank transfer) or PayPal.
5 – What is the guide lodgings supplement to tour price, if guide requires overnight(s) away from home?
The supplement is £150 per night away from home, payable directly to me at the start of the tour.
6 – Are admissions charges to visitor attractions included?
No. Paying as you go leaves you freer to make “on the move” variations to the itinerary as suits you, and, as party size varies widely, I wouldn’t know what the admissions element may be.
7 – Are ferry fares included?
No. Ferry fares vary, dependent upon your party size so can’t be included in a single set price. I’m happy, however, to give you an idea of the cost of any particular ferry crossing you need to make.
8 – What happens if I need to change my tour date?
It can be changed free of charge if I am still available on the alternative date. If you need to cancel your tour then see our full terms tab. If you can’t get to the arranged meeting point or there is a last minute problem please call, to see if I can assist or rearrange your itinerary.
9 – Do you book our accommodation?
Travel industry regulations in the UK preclude me from “booking” your accommodation, but I am always happy to help and advise.
10 – Can I alter the itinerary on the day?
Yes, this can be done. But be aware that some experiences such as whisky distillery tours or certain ferry routes will have been booked and paid for, by you, in advance.
11 – What is your abilities policy?
You must be able to get into the vehicle without our guide’s assistance owing to insurance constraints. The step height is 10 inches or 25 centimetres. Fold down wheelchairs may restrict passenger numbers on multi-day tours, so please advise if you have a wheelchair. Most of our tours are easy grade. Short walks, level ground. Bear in mind that some castles & boat trips may be difficult to access. Do email if you believe there is a problem and we will do our best to resolve it.
12 - Can I drink coffee in the vehicle?
I am happy for you to enjoy bottled water and hard candies while we travel, but other food and drink are viewed as hazardous due to the nature of Highland roads.
Terms
Your booking is made subject to the following terms and conditions:-
All tours are exclusive and the same price for between one and seven people. Your booking is considered confirmed once I send out your confirmation.
If you have to cancel a booking then I look at every case individually. I try to be as fair as possible when working out refunds (some bank charges will have been incurred, and is there an opportunity to pick up another tour?). I can guarantee the following as an absolute minimum, however:- if you cancel a booking up to 30 days in advance you receive a minimum refund of 80% the total paid. Cancellations between 30 and 10 days before the tour receive a minimum refund of 50%. There is no refund if you cancel within 10 days of the tour or are not at the organised departure or pick-up point, unless as a result of individual compelling and personal circumstances. In those cases I may consider a discretionary 50% refund.
Shore Excursion Tours only – If the ship fails to dock I will give a refund of 80%.
If you wish to change any part of your confirmed booking you should inform me in writing as soon as possible. I will do my very best to assist you, but cannot guarantee that I will always be able to meet the request.
While I shall do everything reasonably possible to provide your tour itinerary and/or services as planned, I reserve the right to alter itineraries and/or transport if circumstances require me to do so. In the very unlikely event that I have to cancel your tour then I will give a full refund immediately.
Tour times are as stated in your confirmation document unless you have entered into an agreed updated arrangement with me.
Food, accommodation, admissions and ferries to and from the islands are not included in the price of the tour.
Guide lodgings on long tours is an extra that is always detailed on the confirmation.
I am happy for you to enjoy bottled water and hard candies while we travel, but not other food and drink as they are hazardous both to yourselves and seat upholstery. If upholstery is marked beyond my personal ability to clean, then a fair charge will be made for professional valeting.
I try to accommodate all abilities but be aware that some tours may not be suitable. If you or any member of your party has requirements that may affect their ability to travel on the tour then please provide me with full details at the time of booking enquiry. I will then work with you to ensure that you enjoy the most appropriate version of the tour you want.
I welcome children of all ages on tours. If travelling with children, let me know before booking as some tours are not suited to young children. I also need to ensure the correct car seats are provided. Parents must ensure that their child is seated in the provided car seat at all times.
Guests are asked to restrict themselves to one large suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is carried free of charge but at the guest’s own risk. It is the guest’s responsibility to ensure that luggage is fit for travel, sturdy and waterproof. Travellers have to be able to lift their own luggage.
I strongly recommend that you arrange suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
Force Majeure – I will not have any liability to you if prevented from fulfilling contractual obligations to you as a result events outwith my control. Such events may include (but are not limited to) war; terrorist activity or the threat of terrorist activity; civil commotion or riot; any action taken by a governmental or public authority; industrial disputes; collapse of buildings, fire, explosion or accident; traffic or road conditions or road closures; technical or mechanical breakdown; adverse weather conditions; natural disasters and all similar events or circumstances.
Feedback – I strive to continuously improve my service and my tours. I therefore welcome all feedback, and encourage my guests to make use of all usual and expected communication channels – reviews, social media, emails, telephone & even snail mail.
If anything is unclear do call me on 07743 473081 or 0044 7743 473081 if outside the UK.
All tours are exclusive and the same price for between one and seven people. Your booking is considered confirmed once I send out your confirmation.
If you have to cancel a booking then I look at every case individually. I try to be as fair as possible when working out refunds (some bank charges will have been incurred, and is there an opportunity to pick up another tour?). I can guarantee the following as an absolute minimum, however:- if you cancel a booking up to 30 days in advance you receive a minimum refund of 80% the total paid. Cancellations between 30 and 10 days before the tour receive a minimum refund of 50%. There is no refund if you cancel within 10 days of the tour or are not at the organised departure or pick-up point, unless as a result of individual compelling and personal circumstances. In those cases I may consider a discretionary 50% refund.
Shore Excursion Tours only – If the ship fails to dock I will give a refund of 80%.
If you wish to change any part of your confirmed booking you should inform me in writing as soon as possible. I will do my very best to assist you, but cannot guarantee that I will always be able to meet the request.
While I shall do everything reasonably possible to provide your tour itinerary and/or services as planned, I reserve the right to alter itineraries and/or transport if circumstances require me to do so. In the very unlikely event that I have to cancel your tour then I will give a full refund immediately.
Tour times are as stated in your confirmation document unless you have entered into an agreed updated arrangement with me.
Food, accommodation, admissions and ferries to and from the islands are not included in the price of the tour.
Guide lodgings on long tours is an extra that is always detailed on the confirmation.
I am happy for you to enjoy bottled water and hard candies while we travel, but not other food and drink as they are hazardous both to yourselves and seat upholstery. If upholstery is marked beyond my personal ability to clean, then a fair charge will be made for professional valeting.
I try to accommodate all abilities but be aware that some tours may not be suitable. If you or any member of your party has requirements that may affect their ability to travel on the tour then please provide me with full details at the time of booking enquiry. I will then work with you to ensure that you enjoy the most appropriate version of the tour you want.
I welcome children of all ages on tours. If travelling with children, let me know before booking as some tours are not suited to young children. I also need to ensure the correct car seats are provided. Parents must ensure that their child is seated in the provided car seat at all times.
Guests are asked to restrict themselves to one large suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is carried free of charge but at the guest’s own risk. It is the guest’s responsibility to ensure that luggage is fit for travel, sturdy and waterproof. Travellers have to be able to lift their own luggage.
I strongly recommend that you arrange suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance.
Force Majeure – I will not have any liability to you if prevented from fulfilling contractual obligations to you as a result events outwith my control. Such events may include (but are not limited to) war; terrorist activity or the threat of terrorist activity; civil commotion or riot; any action taken by a governmental or public authority; industrial disputes; collapse of buildings, fire, explosion or accident; traffic or road conditions or road closures; technical or mechanical breakdown; adverse weather conditions; natural disasters and all similar events or circumstances.
Feedback – I strive to continuously improve my service and my tours. I therefore welcome all feedback, and encourage my guests to make use of all usual and expected communication channels – reviews, social media, emails, telephone & even snail mail.
If anything is unclear do call me on 07743 473081 or 0044 7743 473081 if outside the UK.