Portal to Enchanted Realms

Magical Scotland & Northern England for MuggleNet Fans

July 11 – July 20, 2010

This special tour is only For Ages 15 and older!

Unbeatable price of $2295

(*Ages 15 – 17 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone.)

Space for this incredible tour is strictly limited to 16 travelers.

Join us on this great magical tour, planned with MuggleNet fans in mind. This is our FIFTH ANNUAL trip planned for our guests who prefer traveling with enthusiastic fellow Harry Potter fans in a less “family-oriented” group. (No young children on this trip.) Tour costs have been reduced here and there to make it possible to offer this fantastic tour at a great price, but we’re still including awesome destinations and plenty of surprises along the way. What an adventure! It’s the journey of a lifetime. This super expedition to Scotland and northern England is sure to please any Harry Potter fan. From splendid castles to spectacular lochs and mountains, there's something awesome every step of the way. For those who love rail travel or have never experienced it, this trip is a dream-come-true! Overnight accommodations for this tour will be in small hotels, bed & breakfast inns, and private houses selected for their outstanding locations and facilities.

New for 2010: We’re adding fantastic Alnwick, England for a two-night stay during the tour! Its appeal as one of England’s most charming small towns plus so many familiar Harry Potter filming connections make Alnwick one of our most exciting destinations ever! It’s almost like taking up residence at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

So start scraping your galleons together, and sign on for an exceptional sensory experience. See, hear, and feel the thrill of Harry’s magical world in Britain. Don’t miss it - Be a part of it!

Special Note: The tour planners for Magical Tours can’t predict the dates and places for special Harry Potter events in Britain next summer, but guests can be confident that our tours are flexible enough to take advantage of any events that may be scheduled during tour dates. As far as possible every effort will be made to include such additions as movie premiers and opening nights, or celebrity appearances to each tour as details are made available to us. The summer of 2010 is sure to hold some great surprises!

ITINERARY

July 11 (Sunday) - Day 1
Air flight to Edinburgh, Scotland (not included). Guests are responsible for making their own flight arrangements into Edinburgh. Magical Tours will assist with transportation information, but flight connections are the responsibility of each tour participant. Guests must plan flights to arrive at the Edinburgh airport by 12 Noon on July 12th.

July 12 (Monday) - Day 2
Guests must plan flights to arrive at the Edinburgh airport no later than 12 Noon on July 12th. A Magical Tours representative will meet the morning flights at the international arrival area of Edinburgh Airport. Guests traveling from London or other places by rail should plan journeys to arrive at Edinburgh Waverly Station in time for the assembly of our entire tour group there at 2:00 PM.

Once the tour members are all together we’ll board our train from Edinburgh to amazing Alnwick, England. (Just one hour by rail). (It’s pronounced as “ANNICK”) After our arrival we will make our way into the picturesque town of Alnwick. After reaching our destination we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the town and its surroundings. Our wonderfully-located B&B accommodations are located literally right beside the ancient city walls of Alnwick Castle!

Since most of our guests will have had a long day of travel we have planned a very nice Welcome Dinner together in the town. After dinner we’ll savor a pleasant evening to stroll around the town center, and maybe stop in at just the perfect pub to end the day..

July 13 (Tuesday) - Day 3
After an unhurried home-cooked breakfast we’ll visit the fantastic Alnwick Castle (just out our doorstep!). We’ll begin with a short orientation tour, and afterward everyone will have time to explore on their own. Alnwick Castle is the location where many, many exterior shots of “Hogwarts” were filmed. The absolutely breathtaking castle and village alone are worth a trip to the British Isles! You will feel as if you really are at Hogwarts! We may even see an owl-flying demonstration and some other nice surprises exactly where Harry’s first broom-flying lesson took place! There are special interest tours (including Harry Potter Tours of course!) you may like to join. Today we’ll have a nice lunch together in a truly unique restaurant. In the afternoon spend as much time as you like enjoying the castle’s many wonderful attractions.

An extra treat for many of our guests would be the magnificent Alnwick Gardens adjoining the castle. There are few English gardens to rival Alnwick’s. Stroll through the breathtaking splendor of one of the finest and most beautifully-designed botanical gardens in the world.

The village of Alnwick is also a treat – one could hardly find a more picture- perfect English village. At the end of the day – a great introduction into charming English country life – pick out an inviting restaurant in the old town for a memorable and relaxing dinner on your own.

July 14 (Wednesday) - Day 4
After our last breakfast in charming Alnwick we’re off on our rail journey to Fort William, Scotland. During our journey a “train picnic” will be served onboard as we make our way via Edinburgh to the stunning Scottish Highlands. This train ride is regarded as one of the finest rail journeys in the world! We’ll make our way into the rugged mountains of “Harry Potter Country”, within easy view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak. Our Highland home will be a unique private house overlooking the breathtaking Loch Linnhe. There we will have the entire place to ourselves for three nights – our personal hideaway for sharing our Highland adventure with each other.

In the evening we’ll gather to have an unforgettable evening in one of the most surreal – and yet perfectly familiar - places you’ve ever been. A lovely dinner and mystery Harry Potter activities will round out a very full day. We can’t go into the details of this memorable evening, and we don’t want to spoil the surprise; but suffice it to say it is certain to be a highlight of your entire Magical Tours journey!

July 15 (Thursday) - Day 5
After our family-style breakfast we’re off on one of our most eventful days. Part of the fun of staying in our own private house is that we get to have whatever we like for the meals we have there. We’ll begin with our exploration tour of the Fort William area by private van. We can look forward to visiting many film locations used in the Harry Potter movies, including the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, prominently featured in Chamber of Secrets, Prizoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, and Order of the Phoenix. Not only will we be able to see the world-famous viaduct from different scenic views, but we’ll actually get to visit it up close!

For lunch we return to our guest house for a quick sandwich buffet before heading out for the next great adventure: Steal Falls! This dramatic waterfall, located far up the breathtaking valley of Glen Nevis, was prominently featured in several scenes from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Yes, we’ll be right in the heart of “Quidditch Country” as the more ambitious among us undertake the challenging hike to the falls. For those not up for the 3+ hour hike we can arrange a free afternoon for relaxing or exploring the village of Fort William. Many former guests rank the hike to Steal Falls as one of their favorite activities of the entire tour!

After seeing the sights we’ll return to our private accommodations for a fun “family-style” feast. After dinner we’ll have our always popular Harry potter Trivia Contest with some really great prizes! It will be a great evening of fun and fellowship – a real bonding experience!

July 16 (Friday) - Day 6
After a great breakfast together, we begin another amazing adventure. Today we’ll ride the famous Jacobite Steam Train along through the rugged mountains, and this time over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. We’ll follow the same route Harry and his fellow Hogwarts students took on their way to their magical School – the same one used in so many of the Harry Potter films. We’ll travel in rail cars just like those used in the filming of the “Hogwarts Express” scenes. This Highland rail journey to the rugged seacoast village of Mallaig and back is rated one of the “Greatest Rail Journeys of the World”! It will be an awesome experience – you won’t believe how much it will feel like you’re really on your way to Hogwarts! Lunch will be a special onboard treat!

After our return to Fort William we'll stop briefly by our house before the next adventure. Right away we’ll set out for a journey to the Forbidden Forest – very near the site of Hagrid’s Hut in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This scenic and historic valley has been used as an important filming location in several of the Harry Potter movies. The brave-hearted will venture - on foot into the dark forest to experience it for ourselves. If we escape the forest, we’ll make our way to a cozy and inviting wayside inn for dinner on your own. This scenic inn offers a wide variety of delicious local specialties and beverages Hagrid would appreciate.

In the late evening we’ll make our way back to our snug beds for a good rest before tomorrow’s new adventures.

July 17 (Saturday) - Day 7:
We’ll enjoy another fun family-style breakfast and a bit of free time before we leave our Highland home on the train journey back to Edinburgh. There’ll be time for shopping in the village or a tour of the Ben Nevis Whisky Distillery in town. On the train lunch will be an onboard treat as we savor our last views of the unforgettable Scottish scenery. After our arrival in Edinburgh we’ll check into our handy hotel located right in the heart of the city – the location simply couldn’t be better!

When we’ve had a chance to settle in we’ll have a short walking tour which will offer everyone keen insights into Jo Rowling’s life in Edinburgh. Along the way we’ll enjoy a fun welcome dinner at the very restaurant where J.K. Rowling wrote most of the first Harry Potter book.!

After the walking tour enjoy a free evening. Amazing Edinburgh offers a lively nightlife - and there’s something for everyone, from traditional Scottish music to live pop performances. For those who are strong of heart, you might decide on a ghost walk into one of the scariest places in the world: deep in the underground Vaults of Edinburgh! You’ll find anything from G-rated “spooky” walks to frightfully grisly ones. Whatever you choose, fall under the spell and enjoy a memorable evening taking in one of the world’s greatest cities!

July 18 (Sunday) – Day 8
Enjoy a morning to sleep in a bit later - no hurry to get up for an early breakfast. A bit later in the morning we’ll start the day’s activities with another short walking tour – this time covering the upper part of the famed Royal Mile. We’ll be introduced to some of the old city’s most famous (and infamous) characters. Along the way we’ll have a nice breakfast in a café that played a major role in the creation of the Harry Potter books.

At the end of the walking tour get set for another great event: Just when you think life can't get any better, we’ll continue on for a tour of the famed Edinburgh Castle planned for Magical Tours guests. We’ll get to see the Castle that is said to have inspired Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and where J.K. Rowling herself hosted the Half-Blood Prince book release celebration. Everyone will have free time to explore this magnificent monument on your own, followed by some leisure time soak in the atmosphere of the castle or to meander along the Royal Mile and have a relaxing lunch on your own.

At the end of this incredible day savor the fascinating city of Edinburgh. Get into Edinburgh after dark, and take time for dinner on your own at just the perfect pub or restaurant.

July 19 (Monday) – Day 9
Have breakfast our hotel when it suits you, because this morning is set aside for something everyone will love: Free time in Edinburgh! You may just want to wander the intriguing street to sight-see and shop. Or for those looking for a bit of exercise you can take the hike down the hill to the palace of Holyrood House, the royal residence of Queen Elizabeth in Edinburgh. From there you can look up to Arthur’s Seat, a massive volcanic outcropping in a huge town park just past the foot of the Royal Mile. You may even want to make the trek to the top of Arthur’s Seat for an incomparable view of old Edinburgh. There is something remarkable for everyone to do – just choose your own adventure!. Lunch will be your own choice today.

The group reassembles in the mid-afternoon for another unbelievable experience. We’ll take a short trip to an ancient Scottish castle in the countryside for visit to a genuine owlery and an up close and personal encounter with owls! This will be an experience you will never forget! Everyone will get to handle and learn about flying owls, and to try a hand at really flying different kinds of owls just like those that appear in the Harry Potter movies – even some of the “Hogwart’s owls’ relatives! This is one of the all-time favorite and most memorable activities for our former Magical Tours guests.

After our return to the city we’ll have a very nice farewell dinner together. When we’re done with the evening festivities everyone will enjoy one last free evening to experience a bit of Edinburgh’s exuberant night life – or if you’re up to the challenge a visit into the hidden vaults of Edinburgh on a ghost walk.

July 20 (Tuesday) - Day 10
Our tour ends with breakfast at our hotel. As everyone’s schedule will differ, making the arrangements for transportation to connect with your flight from central Edinburgh will be each guest’s own responsibility.

We will have made so many new friends, and will have shared such a memorable adventure it will be hard for us to say goodbye to each other after our time in the world of Harry Potter. But our band of MuggleNet fans will always have at least one thing in common: we experienced a fantastic Magical Tour together! For those who wish to arrive earlier or extend the tour at the end Magical Tours will be pleased to offer tips on overnight accommodations at the airport or in the city, and any other information to help assure the best travel experience ever. Also for those who would like to travel to London at the end of this itinerary Magical Tours can assist in making economical arrangements.

This limited size private tour will fill quickly. Don’t miss out!

Reservations and deposits for all tours must be received by April 1st, 2010

Prices for the Portal to Enchanted Realms Tour, July 11 - 20, 2010:

A $500 deposit is required with each reservation. Final payment is due by May 1st, 2010 See the “Extended Payment Plan” on our Magical Tours website for details on payment options.

NOTE: The MAXIMUM for this small group tour is 16 persons, and the MINIMUM is 10 All prices are based on double occupancy.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: The additional cost for single occupancy accommodations will be $450. We are pleased to work with guests to avoid this charge through the “roommate plan”. As guests sign up for tours we will keep single travelers advised on possible room sharing options. Single guests will have the opportunity to contact each other in advance to see if they would be comfortable sharing twin or triple accommodations during the tour. The extra charge is payable if such arrangements do not work out, or if the guest prefers private rooms.

TOUR INCLUDES: All eight (8) breakfasts throughout, five (5) lunches and five (5) dinners; all ground transportation including airport transfers and all rail travel, eight (8) nights of overnight accommodation (based on double occupancy) in very specially–selected hotels & B&Bs & private apartments, admissions to all attractions described in the tour itinerary, full time knowledgeable guide services, and standard gratuities. There will be no additional charges for tours and events offered by Magical Tours/Your Man in Europe.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to, and returning from Great Britain, optional travel insurance, extra beverages (meals will include 1 beverage and will be budgeted accordingly); a la cart or premium menu selections beyond the established meal allowances; between meal snacks; gratuities for extra services such as baggage porters, or for superior service (normal gratuities are included in the trip cost); souvenirs; and privately arranged activities. Room upgrades, where available, are also not included. NOTE: All overnight accommodations, as well as railroad, coach, and mini-bus travel will be NON-SMOKING.

ITINERARY CHANGES: Guests are advised that the tour itineraries are subject to minor revisions both prior to and during the tours. Normally such changes involve slight alterations in the order of activities, rather than significant changes such as canceling a planned tour item. From time to time additional events are added to the schedule; but if circumstances require leaving out a planned activity guests will be advised as early as possible, and a different event of equal or superior value would be introduced as a substitute. Our tour parties are small enough to make possible quick shifts in the plans to adjust for unanticipated conditions, such as bad weather or transportation interruptions beyond our control.

THE DIFFERENCE: Magical Tours does not operate “Big Bus Tours”. There will be no wake-up calls at 5 AM to herd onto the buses, or marathon cross-country slogs with a busload of exhausted people. Our guests will travel at a relaxed pace, and have friendly, extremely knowledgeable guides for the entire tour – not just a bus driver and contracted tour guides. We do our best to set the mood, to weave a spell, and to make yours a total experience. These are also not just film-location “drop-by” trips. Each of the places visited will come to life through carefully planned presentations. Hotels, bed & breakfast inns, and private apartments, as well as most restaurants on the entire journeys have been selected for their highly prized locations or high levels of “atmosphere”, or both! The small group size allows us to personalize the experience in a way big groups simply cannot do.

For those who haven’t experienced British rail travel there is simply no contest between long stuffy confining bus journeys and the openness, freedom and comfort of First Class train travel. Our travel adventures are not just more mass tours organized by a big commercial tour company to capitalize on a movie fad. The trips encompass a genuine affection for an enduring classic of literature, as well as for beautiful and historic countries. This is much more than just a “Harry Potter” tour – anyone would love these unique views of England and Scotland. We want guests to be a real part of it all – not just tourists passing through. We don’t supplement the price during the trips through endless additional charges for “extra” tours and arrangements you must handle on your own.

If you want a complete, personalized, worry-free escorted tour of Harry Potter’s England – a magical journey – you’ve found the source!

DISCLAIMER: These themed tours are not official 'Harry Potter' events and are not endorsed, sanctioned or in any other way supported, directly or indirectly by Warner Bros. Entertainment, the Harry Potter book publishers or J.K.Rowling and her representatives. All rights to the series of “Harry Potter” books are the property of J.K. Rowling and her publishers including Scholastic Press, et al. Film rights and image trademarks are the property of Warner Brothers, Inc. Any references to trademarked and copyrighted materials are not intended as anything more than an effort to bring well-known imaginary figures and places in literature into the context of an actual travel experience in Great Britain. Though the places we will visit are quite real and historically significant, the theme of this tour is based upon entirely imaginary characters and places. When the tour itinerary refers to such imaginary characters or place names, there is no intent to imply that they are real people or places, or that they pertain to factual events. Such references are intended to create associations between possible inspirations for the stories and/or filming locations used for the movies, and the very real places we will visit. Since “Hogwarts”, “The Forbidden Forest”, etc. are not real places, we cannot possibly actually visit them…but we can have fun pretending…

Copyright 2008 -Your Man in Europe/Magical Tours