Unique Adventure Tours Frequently Asked Questions:
What kinds of trips are offered?
We have adventures that range from one-day getaways to three-day adventures and more if you’re keen. We explore the world on foot, by raft, mountain bike, river bugs and all reached in our comfortable transport, or a combination of these vehicles! Novices are welcome.
How do I know what each trip is like?
This website provides full details of each trip. If you still have questions, please call us at +44 (0)784 34 34 682 or e-mail us at info@uniqueadventuretoursscotland.co.uk.
Who goes on UATS Adventures trips?
Our travellers love the outdoors and want a new experience in a part of the world they have wanted to visit. People join us from all over the world; to experience the variety of adventure Scotland has on offer.
What is your maximum group size?
We keep our groups small — usually 6 participants or fewer. Our minimum is typically two, but it varies by the trip.
What is included on the tour?
Your own tour co-ordinator
Accommodation in luxury handpicked accommodations.
All evening meals (unless otherwise requested).
Packed Lunches where specified.
All mornings breakfasts.
A luxury touring vehicle with ample space for all luggage and passengers.
Your tour driver/guide.
Ferry Fares and event tickets when included as part of the tour (some activities may need to be paid directly to the supplier).
What are the minimum and the maximum number of guests on each tour?
2 persons is the minimum required for a tour to run, and 6 persons are our limit (Covid 19 Restrictions).
When is the best time to travel to Scotland?
The peak season in Scotland is from mid-April to mid-October. Getting off the beaten track with us certainly helps avoid the crowds but Scotland, even in its busiest periods (July and August), still has plenty of quiet spots to relax and enjoy. The weather tends to be mild with temperatures May to September lingering between 60-75 degrees. There are certain periods of warmer weather with temperatures soaring into the low 90s. As you are never too far from the coast the breezy conditions usually keep things feeling cooler.
Once our itinerary is agreed can we keep making changes?
In order to secure the best accommodation for our guests, we make hotel bookings as soon as the itinerary is agreed upon and the deposit is paid. At this stage, we would not be able to change the tour itinerary unless in extreme circumstances.
Can we book a tour at the last minute?
We recommend booking your tour as early as possible, once past New Year within the year of travel, rooms can become scarce especially on the islands and in the more rural areas.
What kind of hotels/rooms do your guests stay in?
We favour small hotels, with Scottish character – because of this the room’s types are not uniform (so if we book 3 double rooms for your group, they may all have different views and sizes). In the Scottish Highlands and Islands, there are few large hotels with lifts and standardised rooms, any that are there are often used by the larger bus tour companies and we prefer not to use that kind of accommodation. Most of the hotels we use have restaurants on-site, with excellent locally sourced food and many are the hub of the local community.
Booking your all-inclusive Unique Adventure Tour
How do we pay for our tour?
Online booking platform or we will email a link for both bank transfer and card payment. A tour is only reserved once we receive the non-refundable deposit of 50% of the tour cost per person.
When is the balance due?
Balances are due 7 days prior to the tour start date but can be settled at any time. (see the Terms and Conditions for cancellation charges).
Can we ask you to hold off dates and reserve rooms while we decide if we wish to book?
Unfortunately, we cannot start reserving slots or accommodation until we have received a deposit.
Do you sell insurance or flight tickets?
We do not sell insurance for our tours and recommend that you take out a suitable policy for your tour. We are not a flight agent and advise that you check flights with a local broker or with the relevant airlines.
What information do you require from me?
The booking process involves filling out an online form with the details we require to book the tour – names of guests, dates of birth (required for some activities), contact details and special instructions, plus room type required.
What terms and conditions is the tour booked under?
Please see our specific terms and conditions for full details.
Before I travel
Do I need a visa to travel to the UK?
You are responsible for any visa requirement specific to your nationality, and we advise you to check with UK immigration prior to travel.
How much baggage can I bring?
Our vehicles are roomy and can easily carry a large suitcase per person booked, plus 1-day bag with you in the main seating area. If you need to store excess luggage during our tour we don’t have facilities for this, but both Glasgow and Edinburgh airport has a chargeable left luggage service.
What should I pack?
Scotland gets a good amount of rainfall, that’s why our landscape is so verdant! Plus there are some items that you shouldn’t forget. Here are some ideas for packing.
A good waterproof jacket.
A good pair of walking shoes (no sneakers/trainers for walking as surfaces can be slippery and uneven).
Plus a pair of trainers/sneakers to use in the water on activities (good sole’s for uneven terrain).
Layers of clothing are ideal (t-shirts to sweatshirts, shorts to trousers, thermals to fleece).
A camera for all those incredible photo opportunities.
Any medication that is required while you are away – please advise us on your booking form of any special requirements.
Should I bring cash or cards on tour?
It’s wise to get about £100 per person before your travel, while in Scotland there are plenty of ATM machines and most places take cards (check with your bank about the charge for overseas transactions and let them know you are going overseas). If you do bring your own currency to change please tell the driver – as there are some more rural areas that cannot change currency.
While on Tour
What times do we start and end on each day of touring?
Depending on the itinerary the tour starts just after breakfast (9 – 10am) and the day ends around 5pm. On some occasions, the days are longer due to ferry timetables or unexpected stops or delays.
Is smoking, eating and drinking permitted in the vehicles?
Smoking is NOT permitted in the vehicles; there are plenty of stops during our tours. Eating and drinking in the vehicle are permitted, but be mindful of others (many people nowadays have allergies to certain food types).
Can we change the route we are on while touring?
There is flexibility within our itineraries; the driver will discuss the day’s route with you before departure. Major changes cannot be made to routes, but very minor changes can be made if you have something specific in mind and other guests agree.
I have a problem with the accommodation, what do I do?
If there is an issue on any part of the tour, please don’t wait until the end of the tour to let us know. We are happy to offer you a form to officially note any issue that you feel hasn’t been resolved or that you wish to be logged. In our experience, by letting the guide know, matters can be resolved. We want this tour to be the best it can be!
