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A 7-DAY TOUR
20 25 J U LY 3 1 ,
Whiskey
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T H E N AT I O N A L D R I N K O F
SCOTLAND
A 3 - D AY H E R I TA G E TO U R
JULY 31-AUGUST 3
The bi r t h- pl ace of Val our, t he c o u n t ry o f Wo rt h ;
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W her ever I w ander, w h e re v e r I ro v e , The hi l l s of t he Hi ghl ands f o r e v e r I l o v e . ”
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- Rober t B ur ns ( 17 5 9 - 1 7 9 6 )
Glorious Scotland is a country that never fails to delight, and with this in mind Transcendent Travel is pleased to unveil "Glorious Scotland" including visits to the Highlands, iconic castles, gardens, and sites that make Scotland such a spectacular country to explore. The tour will begin in Edinburgh where guests will stay conveniently on the legendary Royal Mile. Our time in Edinburgh will include an exclusive private tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and an unforgettable gala evening onboard Britannia the former yacht of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
At the end of the tour, join us on an optional 3-day tour, "Whiskey ― The National Drink of Scotland: A 3-day Heritage Tour", which will take participants into the heart of Scotland's Whiskey regions, including VIP tastings and behindthe-scenes access. Learn more about this optional experience on page 10. I do hope you will join us for these memorable tours, where we will explore together the places that make Scotland such a wonderful country. To unforgettable travel!
Following our time in Edinburgh, we will head to the iconic Glamis Castle as well as the magnificent Dunnottar Castle on Scotland's rugged coastline. Then we head into the Highlands where we will stay for two nights in Killdrummy Castle, regularly voted one of A N D R EW LA N NE R D the UK's top castle hotels. TOU R D IR EC TO R While in the Highlands we will discover the lovely village of Ballater, the glorious gardens at Crathes Castle as well as an unforgettable visit to Balmoral ― the private and cherished Highland home of the Royal Family. Our time in Scotland wouldn't be complete without a visit to Stirling Castle, where we will explore the famous castle used for the crowning of many of Scotland's Kings and Queens. Along the way, expect some unique touches such as live Scottish music, local culinary delights, whiskey, and all the things that make Scotland special. Memorable traveling is all about creating a blend of unique experiences, paired with delicious meals and superior accommodations. In this tour you can be assured of the combination of all three ― alongside our personal touches, which will ensure your enjoyment of the entire experience.
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“ Q UOTES” F RO M TR A N SCE N D E N T ' S PA S T TO U R PA RT IC IPA N T S : "You really hit the mark on hotels, restaurants, travel arrangements, and everything else!" "Thank you for providing us with an experience we will never forget" "You were the best tour guide I’ve ever had" “You made me a convert to group travel” "We had such a wonderful time and you were an amazing host"
GLORI O US SCO TLAND | JULY 25 - 3 1 , 2 0 1 6
DAY 1
Monday, July 25, 2016 •
MORNING AND AFTERNOON ARRIVALS INTO EDINBURGH
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6:30PM | WELCOME TO SCOTLAND DINNER, FOLLOWED BY LIVE SCOTTISH MUSIC
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OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL, ROYAL MILE
This morning and afternoon guests will arrive to Edinburgh's top-rated Radisson Blu Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Edinburgh on the iconic Royal Mile. Guests can take a few hours to rest or begin discovering Edinburgh. Our first official group event will be a Welcome to Scotland dinner followed by an evening of live Scottish Music at one of Edinburgh's legendary pubs.
The Royal Mile GLORIOUS SCO TLAND | JULY 25- 31 , 2 0 1 6
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DAY 2
Tuesday, July 26, 2016 •
A FULL SCOTTISH OR CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST TO START THE DAY
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A PRIVATE TOUR OF THE GARDENS AT THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE
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A VISIT TO THE MAGNIFICENT STATE ROOMS AT THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE
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LUNCH AND THE AFTERNOON AT YOUR LEISURE TO EXPLORE EDINBURGH
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A PRIVATE GALA EVENING ONBOARD BRITANNIA, THE FORMER YACHT OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN.
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OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL, ROYAL MILE
After breakfast, we will walk down Edinburgh’s legendary Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Presently, it is the official Scottish residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. After our private guided tour of the lovely gardens, used each July by Her Majesty The Queen, we will head into the magnificent State Rooms including the ancient rooms once used by Mary, Queen of Scots. Lunch and the afternoon will be at your leisure to explore Edinburgh. After a great afternoon exploring, we will head to nearby Leith and board the Royal Yacht Britannia for our unforgettable evening onboard - full event details are on page 5.
Holyroodhouse 04
GLORI O US SCO TLAND | JULY 25 - 3 1 , 2 0 1 6
A PRIVATE GALA EVENING ONBOARD
The Royal Yacht Brittannia On the evening of July 26, 2016, tour participants will experience an unforgettable private evening onboard the Queen's private yacht and home which took Her Majesty and her family around the World representing the United Kingdom.
After the reception, we will enjoy a private, expert-led tour of the yacht taking us to all areas including the private Royal Bedrooms, staff quarters, and official rooms used to entertain many of the world's Heads of State.
Then, just like Her Majesty's guests, we will process As we arrive, we will be piped up the red carpet using into the State Dining Room, to be seated at the royal the royal entrance reserved for Her Majesty and her mahogany table with the finest china, linens and crystal personal guests. and where we will enjoy a 4-course dinner prepared onboard by the ship’s top-rated culinary team. We will then enjoy a champagne and canapés reception in the Queen's Drawing Room, where guests will be able After dinner, we will hear from Royal Yacht expert, Ian to relax and even sit on furniture personally selected Shapiro who will fascinate us with stories of the history for the rooms by Her Majesty. of Britannia and other royal yachts.
"This experience will be beyond special, and exclusive. Not many people get to experience this, and I'm sure this will be the highlight of the tour for many."
The Queen’s Drawing Room
GLORIOUS SCO TLAND | JULY 25- 31 , 2 0 1 6
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DAY 3
Wednesday, July 27, 2016 •
A FULL SCOTTISH OR CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST TO START THE DAY
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TRAVEL FROM EDINBURGH TO GLAMIS CASTLE
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TOUR OF GLAMIS CASTLE AND GARDENS
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LUNCH AT YOUR LEISURE AT GLAMIS
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TRAVEL TO DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
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TIME TO EXPLORE DUNNOTTAR CASTLE (ON SCOTLAND’S MAJESTIC COASTLINE)
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EVENING GROUP DINNER
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OVERNIGHT AT ARDOE HOUSE HOTEL & SPA, NEAR ABERDEEN
After breakfast we will depart Edinburgh for Glamis Castle, one of Scotland’s finest castles, and ancestral home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Still the home of the Strathmore family, Glamis is renowned for the ancient castle, and exquisite gardens. Following a few hours at Glamis, we will head to the iconic Dunnottar Castle located right on the rugged coastline. We will continue on to our lovely overnight accommodations, the top-rated Ardoe House Hotel & Spa located near Aberdeen.
Ardoe House
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GLORI O US SCO TLAND | JULY 25 - 3 1 , 2 0 1 6
DAY 4
Thursday, July 28, 2016 •
DELICIOUS BREAKFAST AT ARDOE HOUSE HOTEL & SPA
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TRAVEL TO CRATHES CASTLE AND GARDENS IN THE HEART OF THE HIGHLANDS
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TIME TO EXPLORE CRATHES CASTLE AND ITS LOVELY HIGHLAND GARDENS
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CONTINUE ON TO BALLATER, LOCATED ON THE EDGE OF BALMORAL ESTATE
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LUNCH AND SHOPPING AT YOUR LEISURE IN BALLATER
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LATE AFTERNOON EXPLORING AND RELAXING AT KILDRUMMY CASTLE
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ELEGANT SCOTTISH EVENING DINNER IN THE LIBRARY AT KILDRUMMY CASTLE
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OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT KILDRUMMY CASTLE
After breakfast, we will head further into the heart of the Highlands to experience the wonderful gardens and interiors at Crathes Castle. Then we’re off to the wonderful village of Ballater on the edge of the Queen’s Balmoral Estate. Guests will explore the town’s many shops which have been supplying the Royal Family for generations. As you stroll thru Ballater, you soon discover the peace and beauty of this Highland hideaway. This afternoon, we will arrive at Kildrummy Castle where we will be guests for the next two nights. Take time to relax with a book in the library or drawing room, take a stroll thru the wonderful grounds or just relax in this, your very own Highland oasis. Tonight we will dine in full Scottish fashion in the lovely dining room at Kildrummy (with perhaps a Scottish surprise or two to add to the fun!) After dinner, enjoy a Scotch before bed -- then walk up the grand staircase to your luxurious castle bedroom.
Kildrummy Castle GLORIOUS SCO TLAND | JULY 25- 31 , 2 0 1 6
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DAY 5
Friday, July 29, 2016 •
BREAKFAST AT KILDRUMMY CASTLE
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VISIT TO BALMORAL CASTLE
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AFTERNOON EXPLORING THE HIGHLAND SCENERY AROUND BALMORAL
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ELEGANT SCOTTISH EVENING DINNER IN THE LIBRARY AT KILDRUMMY CASTLE
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OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT KILDRUMMY CASTLE
Today guests will explore Balmoral, the much-loved Highland retreat of the Royal Family. After a guided tour, take some time to walk the peaceful grounds, stroll along the River Dee or absorb the beauty of the Highlands. After lunch at Balmoral, we will explore Crathie Kirk (Built by Queen Victoria) and some of the magnificent vistas that make this part of the World so renowned. Then it’s back to our Highland home, Kildrummy Castle where we will again enjoy another memorable dinner together.
River Dee
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GLORI O US SCO TLAND | JULY 25 - 3 1 , 2 0 1 6
DAY 6
Saturday, July 30, 2016 •
A LUXURIOUS BREAKFAST AT KILDRUMMY CASTLE
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TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND’S LEGENDARY STIRLING CASTLE
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TIME TO EXPLORE THE CASTLE AND ITS TREASURES
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CONTINUE ON TO EDINBURGH
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GUESTS WILL CHECK-IN TO THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL ON THE ROYAL MILE
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A MEMORABLE GROUP DINNER IN THE HEART OF EDINBURGH
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OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL, ROYAL MILE
Today guests will explore Scotland’s most famous castle, Stirling. A visit to Stirling is unforgettable as many of the major events in Scotland’s history has taken place within its walls. After ample time to explore, we will head back into Edinburgh where we will enjoy another memorable dinner together in full Scottish-style. 7-DAY GLO R I O U S SC OTLA N D TO U R E N D S W IT H TONI GHT ’ S OV ER N I G H T AC C O M MO DAT IO N S
Stirling Castle
GLORIOUS SCO TLAND | JULY 25- 31 , 2 0 1 6
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T h e 7 -d a y Glorious Scot land t our ends t he morning o f Ju ly 31, 2016.
G uest s m ay choose t o ad d- o n the follow i ng exper t - l ed W hi skey ex p e ri e n c e :
Whiskey
T H E N AT I O N A L D R I N K O F
SCOTLAND
A 3 - D AY H E R I TA G E TO U R
FOR THIS TOUR, WE ARE PLEASED TO BE JOINED BY WHISKEY EXPERT, CHEF THOM ENGLAND AS HE LEADS US ON EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE TASTINGS AND TOURS IN THE LOWLANDS, HIGHLANDS, AND CAMPBELTOWN. TOUR PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE ACCESS TO PRODUCTS NOT GENERALLY AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
ABOUT |
Chef Thom England, CEC, CFSE, CSS
Chef Thom England, as a professional chef, food writer, educator and mentor, has shared his expertise with many aspiring and seasoned chefs for over 20 years. Born and raised in Northern Indiana, Chef England trained in New York at the Culinary Institute of America. He spent much of his professional career in New York and well as Central Indiana. He is an ACF Certified Executive Chef (CEC) and Certified Foodservice Educator (CFSE). He is also well versed in the production and pairing of alcohol, running and consulting for wineries. He is a Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) He currently serves as program coordinator at the Ivy Tech Hospitality and Culinary Arts program. Additionally, he is active in the community as a local foods activist as co-founder and president of Dig-IN: a non-profit for the promotion of Indiana Food, Beverage, and Agriculture. Thom is the author of 3 cookbooks including The Idiots Guide: Grilling (2014), The Idiots Guide: Cooking Basics (2015), and Indiana Harvest (2009). Over the years, Chef has had food articles published in several local and national publications. He has been an avid local foods traveler, studying food and culture in 47 states and 6 countries.
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WHISKEY HERI TAG E TO UR | JULY 31 - A U G 3 , 2 0 1 6
Itinerary Sunday, July 31, 2016 DAY 1
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DEPART EDINBURGH AFTER BREAKFAST AND HEAD TO INVERARAY
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LUNCH, WHISKEY TASTING AND TIME TO EXPLORE INVERARAY
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CONTINUE ON TO CAMPBELTOWN
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DINNER AND EVENING WHISKEY EXPERIENCE IN CAMPBELTOWN
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OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE ROYAL INN, CAMPBELTOWN
Details
After departing Edinburgh, we will head to scenic Inveraray, overlooking the still waters of Loch Fyne where we will enjoy the first of the many whiskey tastings. Along the way we will hear from expert guides and locals about the production process. Our next stop is the lovey waterside town of Campbeltown, long renowned for its production of Whiskey. The top-rated Royal Inn will be our base as we explore some of the areas distilleries and see just why this region is world famous for its Whiskey. Tonight we will toast another fine day with a memorable group dinner.
Campbeltown
WHISKEY HERI TAG E TO UR | JULY 31 - A U G 3 , 2 0 1 6
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Itinerary Monday, August 1, 2016 DAY 2
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A WONDERFUL BREAKFAST WILL BE ENJOYED IN OUR SEASIDE HOTEL
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FULL-DAY, IN-DEPTH WHISKEY EXPERIENCE INCLUDING EDUCATION, VIP TASTINGS AND PRIVATE TOURS OF THE DISTILLERIES IN THE AREA
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THE DAY’S EVENTS WILL CULMINATE WITH DINNER AND A SPECIAL WHISKEY TASTING
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OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS AT THE ROYAL INN, CAMPBELTOWN
Itinerary Tuesday, August 2, 2016 DAY 3
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FULL SCOTTISH BREAKFAST AT OUR HOTEL IN CAMPBELTOWN
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ENJOY THE MORNING IN CAMPBELTOWN WITH SOME LAST-MINUTE SHOPPING OR EXPLORATION
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AFTER LUNCH WE WILL ENJOY A SCENIC DRIVE THRU LOCH LOMAND AND THEN INTO THE SCOTTISH LOWLANDS WHERE WE WILL VISIT THE WORLD FAMOUS AUCHESTOSHON DISTILLERY
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AFTER A FASCINATING VISIT TO AUCHESTOSHON DISTILLERY WE WILL HEAD BACK INTO EDINBURGH
whiskey noun
whis·key \ˈhwis-kē, ˈwis-\
: a strong alcoholic drink made from a grain (such as rye, corn, or barley)
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WHISKEY HERI TAG E TO UR | JULY 31 - A U G 3 , 2 0 1 6
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This is a land-only package, airfare to and from the United Kingdom is NOT included.
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A 7-DAY TOUR
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PRICE: $3,450 | D OU BL E OC C U PAN C Y PR IC E: $ 4 ,2 0 0 | SINGLE OCCUPANCY
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Whiskey
T H E N AT I O N A L D R I N K O F
SCOTLAND
PRICE: $1,450 | D OU BL E OC C U PAN C Y
A 3 - D AY H E R I TA G E TO U R
PR IC E: $ 1 ,7 5 0 | S I N G LE O C C U PA N C Y
Whiskey tour includes: 3 nights of superior accommodations, 5 meals, transportation, whiskey tastings, educational components, and special extras including wine with meals and snacks. These tours may be purchased together or separately.
NE W FOR 2016! R E TU R NING T RAVEL ER D ISC OU N T If you’ve travelled with us before, we’d like to say thank you by offering you a $100.00 discount off this booking! REFER-A-FRIEND DISCOUNT We love it when you tell your friends and family about the experience of travelling with us. When you recommend us, and that person takes a tour, we’re pleased to offer you a $100.00 discount on your next tour with us. INCLUSIONS • 11 meals • 6 nights of deluxe accommodations Divided between Edinburgh, Aberdeen and The Highlands • Superior motor coach transportation between tour destinations • Guides, tours and admission fees at tour venues SPECIAL EXTRAS INCLUDED • Curator/expert led tours • Wine included with all group dinners • Snacks at various points on tour • Welcome goodie bag with various gifts/niceties
EXCLUSIONS • Airfare to/from the United Kingdom • Meals over and above the 11 included in the tour package • Personal expenses PASSPORTS Every tour member must have a valid passport that will be in effect for at least six months after the date of the conclusion of the tour. Transcendent Travel Services, LLC must receive a copy of that passport no later than 60 days prior to departure. IMPORTANT NOTES Space is extremely limited on this tour, and because of the exclusivity of the events we are unable to add participants once the maximum has been reached. Should you wish to add extra nights in Edinburgh before or at the end of the tour, please specify when booking. We will be happy to make those arrangements with our hotel in Edinburgh, alleviating the need to switch hotels after the tour. All pricing is based on double occupancy. Upon request, we will make every effort to match a single guest with another interested party interested in sharing a room.
GLORIOUS SCO TLAND | JULY 25- 31 , 2 0 1 6
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Due to the exclusive nature of the hotels involved, including hotels with a limited number of rooms, we are not able to offer more than two single occupancy rates. Single rooms are available on a first-come first-serve basis at $4,200. Tour pricing is based on an exchange rate of $1.60 to the pound. Although we do not anticipate this, should the exchange rate exceed $1.80 to the pound within 120 days of departure, a $325.00 surcharge will be added to the final balance of each tour participant. We will do our best to accommodate mobility needs. Because of the age of many of the buildings on the itinerary, there will not be an elevator at every stop nor in every hotel. Each day will involve a good deal of walking, and ability to maneuver steps. Please make us aware of any special needs when booking. At the time of booking please inform us of any special dietary requests (vegetarian, allergies, etc.). PAYMENTS The following payment schedule will apply per person. All payments are to be received by Transcendent Travel Services, LLC. PAYMENT
RECEIVED DATE
$600
AT TIME OF BOOKING
$1,100
NOVEMBER 15, 2015
$1,100
JANUARY 15, 2016
$650
MARCH 15, 2016 (FINAL PAYMENT)
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50% cancellation fee after the first payment No cancellations or refunds within 120 days prior to the beginning of the tour
Should world conditions affect the staging of the tour, Transcendent Travel Services, LLC reserves the right to offer the tour at a later date. SUBSTITUTIONS Transcendent Travel Services, LLC recognizes that circumstances occur where it may be necessary to cancel participation in the tour. Substitutions are encouraged so that cancellation fees can be avoided. Substitution deposits/payments must be received before a refund to the original passenger is made. They must be made no later than 120 days prior to travel or charges will apply. ITINERARY VARIATION If unforeseen circumstances beyond our control necessitate, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and/or destinations and to substitute hotels if circumstances warrant. Venues, attractions and destinations may be adjusted or modified at the sole discretion of the tour planners and Transcendent Travel Services, LLC. NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR PRICE Those items listed in the exclusions, as well as laundry, valet service, food not included, after-hours tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages or other expenses of a personal nature or any other items not specified on the itinerary are not included in the tour price.
All payments should be made out to: Transcendent Travel Services, LLC.
RESPONSIBILITY The responsibility of Transcendent Travel Services, LLC is strictly limited. We shall not become liable for delays, losses, or accidents incurred by said persons or operators to passengers and baggage from whatsoever cause. Transcendent Travel Services, LLC also reserves the right to change the routing, hotels, and/or sightseeing and any service offered, should local conditions in our opinion warrant; the extra cost, if any, must be paid by the passengers. The right is reserved to refuse any person on this tour. The transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act or omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances. This passage contract in use by the carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carrier(s) and the purchasers of the tour and/or passengers. All additional expenses caused by war, landslides, strikes, delays, illness or accidents are the responsibility of the passengers.
CANCELLATION POLICY The following cancellation charges will apply if any person cancels their participation on the tour:
Full terms and conditions of your booking will be provided to each tour participant at the time of making your deposit.
No order will be processed without the $600 first payment. Should any payment be in arrears more than one payment period and no payment arrangement entered into, Transcendent Travel Services, LLC reserves the right to cancel a passenger’s participation in the tour and to hold all payments to date. FORM OF PAYMENT Two forms of payment are available at no extra charge: Check or money order. Credit Card payments will incur a fee of 5%.
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GLORI O US SCO TLAND | JULY 25 - 3 1 , 2 0 1 6
For a nominal fee per traveler, we are pleased to offer our guests peace of mind as we travel together. Travel insurance is HIGHLY recommended and may be purchased directly from Transcendent Travel for the following competative rates: TRAVELER AGE
INSURANCE PREMIUM PER TRAVELER
18 - 30
$100
30 - 45
$125
45 - 60
$150
60 - 75
$150
75 +
$200
Insurance via Transcendent covers the following*: • Medical Coverage up to $15,000 • Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) $25,000 for Primary & Spouse; $5,000 for Dependent Children • Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation - $300,000 • Emergency Medical Reunion - $50,000 • Return of Mortal Remains up to $50,000 The purchase of insurance is optional, but highly recommended. We will be pleased to answer any questions you have about this coverage. *This policy does not cover participant cancellation. Please refer to the cancellation terms beginning on page 13.
The insurance rates above are inclusive of the 7-day Glorious Scotland tour and the 3-day Whiskey Tour, and do not change if the 7-day tour is the only portion taken.
Dunnottar GLORIOUS SCO TLAND | JULY 25- 31 , 2 0 1 6
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