2025 Scotland Uncovered

Thank you for booking our Scotland Uncovered Land Tour – Your adventure will be here before you know it!

Approximately 30 days prior to the trip start date you’ll receive your personalized travel documents, confirming your trip inclusions and airport transfer details. Below you will find additional information to help you prepare for the adventure that lies ahead.

There are several pieces of information and documents we need in order to finalize your arrangements for this trip. You may have provided some of these already. If so, thank you! However, to be absolutely certain we have the most up-to-date information, complete the below form to update us with all of the trip requirements. If your accurate information not received 45 days before departure, your transfers may be affected.

PERSONAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

All documentation required for this itinerary is the sole responsibility of the guest. Brand g Vacations will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any passenger, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses, including missed portions of your trip, related to improper or absent travel documentation. It is suggested that copies of important documents, including your passport and visas, be kept in a separate place, in case the originals are lost or stolen.

Passport: A passport that is valid for at least six (6) months after your return date is required for this program.

Visas: All U.S. citizens traveling to the UK for tourism will need to obtain an UK ETA to travel. Applications may be submitted via the UK Government website. Decisions are typically made within three working days, and the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. United Kingdom (UK) Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Travel Protection: Travel insurance is advised to participate in this program. If you haven’t purchased a policy already, you may do so by contacting your travel agent or Brand g Vacations. You may also get a quote and purchase a policy online from Brand g’s recommended travel insurance provider, Travel Insured International.  Please be sure to carry all policy information with you during your program.

HEALTH AND MOBILITY

Vaccinations: At the time of this printing, no vaccinations are required for entering Europe but it is recommended that all guests discuss available vaccinations and any other health concerns they may have with their personal physician or a travel medicine specialist.

The consulates of the countries to be visited will also provide information on vaccination requirements and/or suggestions. You may also consult your home country’s centers for disease control for their current recommendations. For the US visit CDC.

We cannot reimburse guests for any missed portions of the trip due to illness of any sort. If you haven’t done so already, we highly recommend that all guests purchase a travel insurance policy to cover expenses incurred with any illness as well as reimbursement for missed portions of the trip. We recommend Travel Insured International, however there are many other options available.

Physical Limitations: This trip is active. While there will be plenty of time to relax, there is much to see and do. Many included excursions require an extensive amount of walking over cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces, and many sites have numerous steps that may be steeper and narrower than is common in the U.S. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition. Brand g Vacations at its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse passage, or to require a current passenger to end their trip, if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect their own health, safety, or enjoyment or that of other passengers.

Medical: Medical facilities are not always easily accessible during the more rural portions of the trip. Any medical expenses incurred during the trip are the guest’s own responsibility, and neither Brand g nor the local ground operator is responsible for cost or quality of medical care received. Guests should bring their medications with them. A travel insurance policy that covers medical expenses as well as medical evacuation while traveling internationally is highly recommended.

Dietary Preferences: Please advise us of any special dietary restrictions at least 45 days prior to your departure. This information will be provided to the proper personnel, and to the extent possible within local conditions and limitations, every effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail as possible concerning any medically related dietary concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated, and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.

LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS

While there are no restrictions on the number of bags each guest may bring it is highly recommended that each guest bring only one checked bag. Additionally, all airlines impose restrictions on both size and weight, and many airlines restrict the number of bags per person. Each guest must check with their selected air carrier for limitations prior to departure, as luggage restrictions are subject to change. Guests who exceed an airline’s luggage restrictions may be asked by the airline to pay the airline’s overweight/oversized luggage fees.

An airline’s limitations on the weight and size of checked and carry-on baggage are usually found on their website or may be obtained by calling the airline directly. Please remember that international (over the water) and domestic (intra continental) restrictions may not be the same.

Your luggage and all personal belongings are solely your responsibility throughout the trip. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.

Please place luggage tags on the outside of all of your bags, including carry on and hand luggage, and include a copy of your contact information during the trip on the inside of your checked bags. Valuables and medication should only be packed in your carry-on bags (unless required to be placed in checked bags by your airline).

AIRPORT SECURITY AND CHECK-IN

Please be sure to contact your airline prior to departure and verify there have been no changes to the flight number or schedule. If you have an airport transfer confirmed with Brand g Vacations, please advise of any schedule change affecting your airport pick up time.

Familiarize yourself with current airport security procedures and arrive at the airport at least two and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure. During peak travel times, you may want to arrive three (3) hours prior to your scheduled departure time.

CUSTOMS

Most items you purchase internationally can be brought back into the US and Canada. We do recommend, however, that you check with both your home country’s customs office for current restrictions, as well as with the embassies of the countries you are visiting for any restrictions on items that may be unlawful to take outside their borders.

When you return to your home country, you should be prepared to declare everything you purchased or acquired while traveling. Many countries will ask you to complete a customs form, which will require descriptions and values of the items. These forms are easier to complete if you keep your sales receipts easily accessible. Most countries have set customs duty exemptions for both quantity and value of certain items. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with these allowances and limits prior to your travel.

HOTEL CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT

Please be advised that most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 3:00pm. If you arrive at the hotel before 3:00pm, you may need to wait until the room becomes available. Hotel check-out is usually no later than Noon. If your arrival or departure schedule does not coincide with these times, you may ask the hotel to store your luggage while you explore independently. Please note that every effort is made to ensure that your hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon your arrival at the hotel, but this is not always possible. A short wait for your room to become available may be unavoidable. Depending on your scheduled arrival or departure, you may wish to purchase an early check-in or late check-out, or an additional hotel night, to guarantee availability of your room. Feel free to contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations to review your arrival and departure and discuss any special check-in and/or check-out needs.

AIRPORT  TRANSFERS

Guests who provided their independently arranged flight details to Brand g Vacations no later than 45 days prior to departure, will automatically have airport arrival and departure transfers arranged. Flight arrangements must also be made in accordance with Brand g vacations flight recommendations. Guests are responsible for checking with the airlines and providing their most up-to-date flight details. Please contact your travel agent or Brand g Vacations if you have any questions about your flight arrangements.

Arrival transfers are provided from Inverness Airport (INV) to your Brand g host hotel in Inverness. The transfer takes about 25 minutes depending on traffic. At Inverness  Airport, please proceed to the baggage hall to collect your luggage and exit the secure area, where you will be met by a representative who will be holding a sign with the Brand g Vacations logo, and who will accompany you to your hotel. Please note you will have cleared customs and Immigration at your first port of call in the UK. If you cannot find the representative, please remain outside the baggage area until the representative comes to you. There may be a waiting period of up to one hour for scheduled airport transfers, depending on grouping of flight arrivals.

Departure Transfers are provided at the end of the trip when you will be transferred from the Kimpton Charlotte Square hotel to Edinburgh International Airport (EDI) in time for your Independently arranged flight or to your independently arranged local Edinburgh hotel, where after, no further transfers will be provided.

TRAVEL DELAYS

If you experience a travel delay while still in your home country, after working with your air carrier to revise your flight schedule, please contact Brand g Vacations at 952-405-9309 to advise us of your revised arrival date and time. If the line is busy or you are calling outside or normal business hours, please leave a message.

If you have already departed your home country, please contact our local staff at the numbers provided in your travel documents or in the Communication Information section below. If you purchased travel insurance that covers flight delay and cancellation expenses, you will also want to contact your travel insurance company to start a claim for expenses incurred during your delay. If the delay is serious enough that you will miss the starting point of your cruise, any additional hotel, and/or flight arrangements necessary to meet your group will be at your expense.

BAGGAGE DELAYS

Baggage delays unfortunately occur from time to time, especially during peak travel periods. If you discover any bag did not make it to your destination, do not leave the airport baggage area without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your claim. If you have an airport transfer scheduled, and are traveling with a companion, we recommend that one person exit the baggage claim area and locate the representative to inform him or her of the situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that the transfer is properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy of your travel itinerary, along with the hotel and ship contact information. Report your lost baggage to your Brand g Vacations Tour Leader and provide them with a copy of your Lost Baggage Report. Brand g Vacations is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and/or personal belongings. Selecting a travel insurance plan that will cover lost or stolen luggage and/or personal items is highly recommended.

PROGRAM STAFF

A Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will be with you during your travel program to handle all the details, leaving you to relax and enjoy your vacation.

CONTACTING HOME

The ability to stay in touch with friends and family is an important part of travel, and many guests choose to bring cell phones on the trip. International roaming charges can be expensive, and it is advisable to contact your domestic carrier to determine the charges and plans available for each country you are visiting, then select the best available plan for your expected usage. In some countries, SIM cards are available for purchase that can be used in an unlocked phone (call your carrier to determine if your phone is, or can be, unlocked), providing a local number that can be used both locally and internationally, usually at a significantly lower rate.

Making international calls from hotels is possible, but costly. Connection fees are usually applied, in addition to other call charges.

Please note that many of the places visited on the trip are rural and internet access will be extremely limited.

INTERNET ACCESS

The Brand g Vacations host hotels offer free internet and Wi-Fi access.

CURRENCY AND MONEY MATTERS

The official currency in Scotland is the £ UK Pound. Scotland has its own denomination of money that differs from the rest of the UK however, it is legal tender in the UK.

ATMs:  connected to bank networks such as PLUS or Cirrus are widely available in most major metropolitan areas, airports, city centers, and some hotels. Fees for transactions vary. ATMs are not available onboard the ship and may be limited in the smaller towns and villages along the river. Your bank can tell you which network your ATM card can access, and whether a debit or credit card must be used. It is also recommended that guests bring an overseas contact number for your bank or credit card company in case you require assistance while traveling.

We recommend that you change or withdraw enough local currency while in larger cities, as ATMs and banks may not be readily available in some of the smaller towns along the itinerary. Also, we recommend that you not carry bills in large denominations, as many merchants are hesitant to accept them due to counterfeiting. Local banks can break the larger bills into smaller denominations for you.

Credit Cards and Travelers Checks: Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards internationally. American Express is accepted at most major hotels and large vendors. Smaller vendors and particularly restaurants may not accept American Express for payment. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express cards are all accepted onboard.

There may be some stores or locations where cash is preferred (especially for small purchases) or where a card cannot be used for purchases. We recommend bringing at least one major credit card as well as an ATM card that is both a debit and credit card.

Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies to let them know that you will be leaving the country to avoid any problems using your credit or debit cards overseas.

GRATUITIES

Optional Gratuities for the included components of this program have been pre-paid. You are welcome to provide additional tips at your discretion.

SMOKING

The hotels have open areas where smoking is allowed and may offer smoking areas in specific sections of some indoor lounges. All hotel rooms and ship staterooms are non-smoking. We ask everyone to refrain from smoking while on excursions.

ELECTRICAL CURRENT

The voltage in Scotland is 220v, UK standard. To use any electrical products from the US or Canada you will need a plug adaptor and any device that is not dual voltage will require an electrical converter. Many electronic devices have built-in electrical converters, however, please check the manufacturer’s specifications for specific details.

EXCURSIONS

Your tour program includes comprehensive shore excursions led by a local English-speaking guide; these excursions have been designed to provide you with the best possible experience. Your Brand g Vacations Tour Leader will provide details on each day’s excursion(s) and timing. Should guests be concerned about any aspect of an excursion, please inform your local guide or tour leader.

ETIQUETTE

Some Churches, and other tourist attractions may require a dress code. If you plan to bring a cell phone or tablet on excursions, please ensure it is set to “silent.” Guides will alert you when photos and/or flash photos are not allowed.

FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Most host hotels are fitted with elevators for guest use however some rooms may have to be reached via stairs.

Some of the places we visit on this itinerary are not handicapped accessible. Please note: the American with Disabilities Act does not apply in Europe and accessibility to some sights may be limited for those with mobility impairments. Excursions may involve walking over uneven ground and some excursions are walking tours only. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.

At its sole discretion, Brand g Vacations reserves the right to refuse passage, or to require a passenger to end their trip if the passenger’s state of health or physical condition may affect their own health, safety, and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.

SECURITY

In the countries in which we operate, pickpockets are not uncommon, and caution is encouraged. Please lock hotel doors, reducing the opportunity for theft. Hotel rooms are fitted with safes for personal use. Brand g Vacations cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry, or other valuable items from a hotel, or while on an excursion ashore during a voyage. A travel insurance policy will typically cover most incidents of loss or theft.

WATER

Water is safe to drink from the tap in Scotland.

WEATHER

Weather forecasts are widely available on the Internet, and some of the favorites for large, international cities are www.weather.com and www.cnn.com/weather.

Average temperatures      Inverness:        64/58 degrees F

                                         Edinburgh:       65/57 degrees F

WHAT TO BRING

Travel Essentials: The following items are essential for any destination: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, raincoat, and umbrella. It is recommended that you bring; Electrical convertor and adaptors, duplicates of prescription eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications (generic equivalents are usually easier to obtain), copies of credit card information, and copies of your passport information pages and visas.

 Clothing: Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program; however, you may wish to pack a few nicer outfits for evening meals or nights out on your own. Comfortable, sporty, casual clothing including a mix of shirts, everyday slacks/pants, skirts/dresses, and walking trousers are appropriate throughout the trip. Scottish weather can be unpredictable, so we suggest layering your attire for warmth.

Brand g will provide formal Highland wear for the State dinner on the Lord of the Highlands. Please ensure you have ordered online no less that 45 days before departure.

Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, with good ankle support, are highly recommended, as there is a significant amount of walking on many excursions.

Insect Repellent: Midges are tiny flying insects with a wingspan of only 2-3mm. There are over 35 different species of biting midge in Scotland, but it is Culicoides impunctatus, otherwise known as the Highland Midge, that earns its place as Scotland’s most ferocious foe. They are prevalent in Summer months primarily July and August but can be seen from April to October. Local suggest wearing a lotion such as Avon’s Skin So Soft on bare skin or a chemical free insect repellent such as SMIDGE or if you want chemicals use a DEET based product. Hats with nets can also be worn in extreme cases. Bites are harmless.

NESS WALK HOTEL, INVERNESS

The Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness is nestled along the verdant banks of the River Ness and is a haven of refinement. Once a 19th-century house, this meticulously restored Category B listed building beautifully preserves its period charm. Merging seamlessly with contemporary design and architecture, the hotel achieves a harmonious balance between its rich past and the sophistication of the present. Surrounded by a dramatic canopy of impressive trees, Ness Walk allows you to experience a secluded atmosphere in the heart of the vibrant city center.

Exceptional service is at the core of your Ness Walk experience. The concierge will announce your arrival and deliver your luggage to your Cedar Room, complete with garden views. Relax by the fire in the lounge with a welcoming glass of chilled champagne, as the hotel takes you through check-in before exploring your room and hotel amenities.

The Torrish Restaurant is named after the beautiful salmon fly, commonly used when fishing close by the River Ness. This restaurant serves delicious breakfasts, afternoon teas, à la carte dinners alongside a diverse range of drinks and beverages. The Torrish Bar is perfect for pre-dinner refreshments and a great place to meet with friends for drinks and a catch-up. With an open fire, high corniced ceilings, and lavish furnishings, you’ll be warm and cozy in Torrish.

Hotel Amenities:
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
• Concierge Services and Luggage delivery services
• Lounge, Bar, and Torrish Restaurant
• In-room dining
• Laundry (additional charge)

Room Amenities:
• Large comfortable beds
• Luxury en-suite bathrooms
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and Smart televisions
• Hairdryer, Iron and ironing board
• Complimentary Slippers and Bathrobe
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• In-room safe
• Air Conditioning

Dates of Stay: August 12-14, 2025

CAMERON HOUSE HOTEL, LOCH LOMOND

The Cameron House Hotel, Loch Lomond, details the historic grandeur of the past with the classic charms of the present, offering a warm welcome and sumptuous retreat in the heart of Loch Lomond. Stylish, yet comfortable, each space has been designed with everyday luxury living in mind, curated using the finest Scottish fabrics, furnishings, and artworks. The majority of rooms boast magnificent views across Loch Lomond or the beautiful hotel grounds.

Dining options are varied and exceptional. The Cameron Grill is at the heart of the hotel, offering wholesome natural dishes to the very best of modern cooking, with wonderful views across Loch Lomond. The Boat House Restaurant and Bar, located by the loch’s edge, serves Italian-inspired dishes with the freshest fish and locally sourced produce. The Clubhouse at Cameron, located at the Cameron Club and Spa, offers a friendly and traditional dining experience.

Guests can also relax at the Lobby Bar with its grand marble-top centerpiece, enjoy hearty cuisine at the Tavern Bar, sip whisky at Great Scots’ Bar, or rejuvenate at the Café Spa within the Cameron Spa.

Hotel Amenities:
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
• Concierge Services and Luggage storage services
• Cameron Spa and Leisure Club with Gym and Rooftop Infinity Pool
• Lounge, Bars, and multiple Restaurants including Cameron Grill and Boat House
• Golf Courses (Carrick and Wee Demon)
• Loch Cruises and Seaplane tours (additional charge)
• Laundry (additional charge)

Room Amenities:
• Luxury en-suite bathrooms
• Egyptian cotton linens
• L’Occitane bathroom products
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and Smart televisions
• Hairdryer, Iron and ironing board
• Complimentary Slippers and Bathrobe
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• In-room safe
• Air Conditioning

Dates of Stay: August 14-17, 2025

RUSACKS HOTEL, ST ANDREWS

The Rusacks Hotel, St Andrews is a sought-after playground for golfers and non-golfers alike. Occupying an iconic 1800s building, the hotel is steeped in golfing history. Overlooking the picturesque town of St Andrews—and just a stone’s throw from Old Tom Morris’s famous Old Course Links—it’s a monument to golf and its founders, as well as a luxurious base for explorers of St Andrews.

Guests can enjoy seasonal menus at The Bridge, which takes inspiration from the shorelines and rolling hills of southern Europe. 18 is the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar offering unrivaled views across St Andrews’ Old Course and West Sands Beach, featuring open-flame cooking and locally sourced meats and seafood. The One Under Bar is a favorite Scottish pub, offering an extensive drinks menu and hearty traditional pub fare.

Hotel Amenities:
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
• Concierge Services and Luggage storage services
• Lounge, Bars, and multiple Restaurants including The Bridge and 18 Rooftop
• Golf Concierge services
• Fitness Room with Peloton bikes and free weights
• Laundry (additional charge)

Room Amenities:
• Large comfortable beds
• Luxury en-suite bathrooms
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and Smart televisions
• Floris bath and body products
• Complimentary Slippers and Bathrobe
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Minibar
• In-room safe
• Air Conditioning

Dates of Stay: August 17-19, 2025

KIMPTON CHARLOTTE SQUARE HOTEL, EDINBURGH

The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, Edinburgh consists of seven interconnected Georgian townhouses, overlooking one of Edinburgh’s prettiest private garden squares. Charlotte Square is situated in Edinburgh’s New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s delightfully removed from the city’s tourist hubs. But it’s inside where things really get interesting. The interior blends handsome woods, plush fabrics, and rich pops of color—and, yes, just a touch of tartan—to luxurious effect. And with a magnetic inner courtyard and an acclaimed Middle Eastern restaurant, it’s no wonder the hotel has become a natural meeting point and a sociable heart of modern life.

Dining at BABA offers contemporary cocktails and inventive cooking that blends Middle Eastern with Scottish influences. Mezze take center stage here, but a charcoal grill pulls its weight, too. Aizle’s tasting menus highlight the season’s best produce, while The Garden offers a tranquil gathering space. The Spa at Charlotte Square features natural and organic treatments, seaweed-based products by Ishga, and luxury organic CBD therapies, alongside a Pool and Gym.

Hotel Amenities:
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
• Concierge Services and Luggage storage services
• Lounge, Bars, and Restaurants including BABA and The Garden
• Kimpton Spa with Pool and Gym
• Laundry (additional charge)

Room Amenities:
• Minibar
• Hairdryer
• Room Service
• Complimentary Toiletries
• Wake-Up Service
• In-room safe
• Air Conditioning

Dates of Stay: August 19-24, 2025

Edinburgh undergoes an incredible transformation in August, with the Edinburgh Festival: arguably the biggest celebration of culture and performing arts in the World. Although it’s often considered to be one single festival, it’s technically 11 different festivals that all take place in August. The two biggest festivals are the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and whether you’re into comedy, theatre, music, opera, dance, film, arts, or something else altogether, the collective Edinburgh Festival has you covered.

Tickets are now on sale and you’ll have the evenings of Wednesday August 20 and Thursday the 21August 21 to book shows: Edinburgh International Festival & Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

We hope you’ll find the linked pages below useful when planning your free time in Scotland. It contains such information as; the Inverness and Edinburgh sites visited as part of the Brand g itinerary, nightlife recommendations and other things to do and see.

Inverness, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland

Formal Highland Dress Hire

For our tour and state dinner on board the Lord of the Highlands we would like to offer everyone the opportunity to dress in formal highland wear, the National Dress of Scotland.

For ladies, this includes a tartan sash, which is a light scarf or covering that is typically draped over the upper body. It is made from wool and matches the tartan pattern of the wearer’s clan. If you want to stick to tradition, your sash should be fashioned from wool. However, silk is an acceptable substitute. The sash is either secured with a pin or tied into a bow or rosette.

For men, this includes the kilt.  It is a type of knee-length non-bifurcated short “dress” with pleats at the back, originating in the traditional dress of Gaelic men and boys in the Scottish Highlands. It is first recorded in the 16th century as the great kilt, a full-length garment whose upper half could be worn as a cloak. The small kilt or modern kilt emerged in the 18th century, and is essentially the bottom half of the great kilt. Since the 19th century, it has become associated with the wider culture of Scotland, and more broadly with Gaelic or Celtic heritage. But never refer to it as a skirt or dress in Scotland or your trip may be somewhat disappointing. To find out more about Highland dress and tartan (never referred to as plaid) go to our Tartan Blog       Do you have a family or Clan Tartan? Why not look up your own Tartan on the official Scottish Register of Tartans HERE. 

Please see the below form for measurement instructions and order details.

Below is a list of emergency contact details

Please bring this information with you and provide a copy to your family members or friends in case they need to reach you in the event of an emergency. Scotland is in the Greenwich Mean Time Zone (GMT) or British Summer Time (BST) during daylight savings. When it is Noon in New York, it is typically 5:00 PM in Scotland.

International telephone calls may be placed by dialing the International Access Code (011), the country code, and then the phone number. If you are dialing from inside Scotland, you do not need to dial the country code of 44.