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Trip Overview An LGBT family adventure by Alyson Family Adventures |
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An illustrated itinerary of one of our many travel adventures for gay men, lesbians, and friends. This information supplements our
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1: Arrival
Your adventure begins with your morning arrival at Glasgow Airport in Scotland. An 11:00 am courtesy transfer is included from Glasgow Airport to Fort William, one of the main towns of Scotland's rugged Highlands region. We will get together in the afternoon for an orientation to learn more about the trip. After a short drive south to the Glencoe valley we will check in to our hotel, then later enjoy our included dinner together. Our hotel for the next two nights is the Ballachulish, one of Scotland's most famous hotels. It is dramatically situated on the shores of Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven and at the foot of the dramatic Glencoe, a long, narrow ravine, known for both its beauty and history.
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2: Steall Falls, Evening Festivities
Stretch your legs and get ready for our morning hike to Steall Falls, location for the dragon scene (Task 1 of the TriWizard Tournament in the HP movies). This is a beautiful hike taking about 1 to 1.5 hours each way from the trail head to the Falls. Hiking shoes are required. After reaching the Falls, there are plenty of opportunities for photos, having a snack break, and perhaps even crossing the short "wire bridge" to get a closer look at the Falls. For those not taking the hike to Steall Falls, the morning will include a visit to the filming location of "Hagrid's Hut" and the pumpkin / "Hippogriff" scenes in Prisoner of Azkaban. Take a short walk up the hill to where the buildings and other props were built and get a view of beautiful Glencoe as the actors did. (Props are no longer on the site.) You might want to stop in at the Inn directly across the road from the filming location – surely the cast and crew spent plenty of time at this charming location while working on the film. Have something to drink, or if seats are available, have lunch at this friendly Inn. For Steall Falls hikers, after returning to the trailhead, you'll travel to Glencoe and then take a walk up the hill which was host to "Hagrid's Hut," pumpkins and magical creatures. Take a break back at the hotel before dinner (included). After dinner, get ready for a Pajama Party! Bring your pillows and pajamas while we hear stories, play games, and generally have fun into the night. Don't worry about staying up late since we have a late start in the morning!
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3: Steam Train Ride
Enjoy a sleep-in as we have a late start this morning. Arrive at the train depot by 9:30am for a fabulous private ride for our group and our other HP fan friends on a steam train where you will travel along the same route used to film the movies. Travel west through the Highlands across numerous picturesque bridges and viaducts, including Glenfinnan Viaduct, 16 miles west of Fort William. You'll have a chance to take loads of pictures, and enjoy a memorable day! We return to Fort William at 4:00pm, then transfer from the train to a waiting motorcoach for our transfer to Edinburgh. Share stories of your adventures or just catch up on some sleep during the ride through the beautiful Scottish countryside. This far north twilight starts late and lasts a long time before the sun fades behind the hills. Dinner will be on your own after our arrival in Edinburgh, with numerous restaurants to choose from.
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4: Alnwick Castle
An early morning departure for an all-day adventure at Alnwick Castle, a film location for the first two Harry Potter movies. Your coach will whisk you in comfort across the border into England and the village of Alnwick. Here you will gaze upon the scenery used for Harry's first flying lesson. There is plenty to do at this exciting location! Competitions will be held throughout the day as we join in playing the very popular Wizarding Game, developed for us by the National Governing Body for the Olympic sport of Team Handball. Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle, and has been home to the Percy Clan, the Earls and Dukes of Northumberland, since 1309 - over 700 years! We will have lunch during a break in our games. We will return to Edinburgh in time to prepare for our exciting movie with fellow fans! We have reserved seating at an Edinburgh theatre for our special viewing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – a perfect end to a perfect day! Dinner is on your own this evening.
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5: Edinburgh and its Castle
Today is your day to visit attractions in Edinburgh which you are particularly interested in. Visit the Camera Obscura and its amazing optical illusion displays, dare to enter the Edinburgh Dungeon (and hope they let you out again!) or take an Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour. Be sure to stop at the café where J K Rowling spent time while writing the first adventures of our favorite wizard. And save a little time to prepare for our final night gala at Edinburgh Castle! The Castle is reserved exclusively for our HP Fan groups tonight as we hear stories in the Great Hall (where J.K. Rowling read from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince as a kick-off to the worldwide book launch), and enjoy a fabulous banquet! End the night with music and a party in Crown Square in the heart of the Castle!
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6: Departure Day
We will enjoy breakfast together on our last morning followed by transfers to Edinburgh Airport for our flights home. Bid farewell to new friends and start planning for your next Alyson Family Adventure!
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