If you’ve just signed up for one or more of our enchanted journeys, I bet you’re already in tour preparation mode. You’re thinking about flights, wondering about weather and what clothes to pack, and maybe planning a few extra days in the UK or Ireland.
You’re in luck! Our pre-tour service is second to none. Tour hosts, Jamie George and Linda Marson, are on hand to help with tour preparation. They can help you find the best flights, plan your extra days and generally answer any questions you have about getting ready for your journey.
As soon as you register, you go on our mailing list to receive regular tour updates. A few weeks before your tour starts, we send additional information about the itinerary and extensive tips to help with tour preparation.
Here’s a quick overview of what you need to consider as you get ready for your adventure in Ireland, Scotland, Wales or England.
Arrival and departure
Tours begin and end at an airport. Details of the specific time and meeting place for your tour are in the itinerary. At the end of the tour, we drop you at the airport by 10am, in time for flights leaving after 12.30pm.
Itineraries
Information in itineraries and supplementary notes, is as detailed as possible. However, we reserve the right to vary itineraries to give you the best possible experience under circumstances prevailing at the time. These include, for example, weather, traffic and road conditions. In general, we have lunch at about 12.30pm and dinner at about 7pm each day. Given the busy itineraries, the distances we cover and the magic of places we visit, it’s impossible to be precise about time!
We allow plenty of time at each site so that you benefit fully from the ambience and subtle magic of the experience. We do more than just see sights, our focus is on experiencing the ‘spirit of place’. So, rest assured, our tours are not the ‘now you see it – now you don’t’ variety!
The pace of each tour is not rushed. Some areas such as Glastonbury Tor and Tintagel require you to climb a number of steps, but otherwise each site is easily accessible and within walking distance of the coach. Nevertheless, you will get some physical exercise!
Hotels
We stay in comfortable hotels, selected for their traditional fayre, historical significance and warm atmosphere. All rooms have private facilities. Should you have any queries, problems or requests, please do not hesitate to ask Jamie or the hotel reception desk. You can settle your room service and bar bills on the morning of departure.
What to bring – what to wear
You probably know that British weather can be somewhat changeable and unpredictable! In general, temperatures are 15-20°C between May and September. So, a few tour preparation tips – pack light clothing along with a warm jacket and woolly sweater, waterproof walking shoes or boots, waterproof jacket and hat. And you may get the chance to swim, so come prepared.
Other items to consider, include:
- voltage adapter
- phone charger
- camera
- fold-up walking stick
- a journal for your thoughts
- a ribbon or two or prayer rag to offer up to the spirits of some of the places we visit like a holy well or sacred tree.
Most hotels supply a hair dryer but you may wish to bring your own (with voltage adapter!). Dress is informal for dinner, so that should save on packing. On our farewell evening it’s nice to wear something a little ‘dressy’, but please don’t go overboard with what you decide to wear!
Luggage
We transfer your bags from the coach into the hotels. However, when checking out, please leave your bags in the lobby before breakfast. This reduces delays and ensures the smooth running of tours.
That’s all for now on tour preparation!