Wizard's Choice Tour of Scotland and England #1

June 13 - June 22, 2008

Sign-Up Dates Extended to May 20th.Sign Up Today! We have places for just 6 more!

For All Ages 5 and up

$2495 for ages 13+
$2195 for ages 5 – 13

Ask about our discount plans for families of three or more traveling together

Space for this fantastic tour is limited to 20 travelers! Good news for last-minute sign-ups (April 27 - May 20): Magical Tours has secured 6 spare reserved berths on the Fort William to London Overnight Train + hotel and B&B accommodations just for YOU!

This super tour has it all - it combines the best of our southern and northern British Harry Potter tours! This carefully designed Harry Potter theme tour offers an exceptional opportunity for Harry Potter fans of all ages to get an insider’s view of Harry Potter’s magical world. In southern England expert guides will emphasize revealing the inspirations J.K. Rowling experienced while creating Harry’s magical world. In the north of England and in Scotland travelers will get a close-up and personal view of numerous filming locations, and plenty of insider secrets! Even for those who aren’t big Harry Potter fans this tour offers a unique view of England and Scotland not seen by most tourists. Spectacular scenery, fascinating history, and the lore of ancient Britain will be appealing to anyone of any age. For this fascinating tour our overnight accommodations will be a combination of small hotels and charming Bed and Breakfast inns. B&B's, as they are called, offer unique ways to experience the true flavor of Britain, and provide the comfort of hotels but with a much more personal touch.

SPECIAL NOTE: Deposits and reservations for this exceptional touring adventure should be received by March 20th, 2008 in order to ensure accommodations on the overnight train between Fort William and London. Sleeping compartments on this very popular train are extremely limited. Reservations received after March 20 will not be guaranteed onboard sleeping accommodations, though some spare berths may be reserved, as available, for late sign-ups (considering the limited advance notice for this tour.) The additonal six berths we've secured on the overnight train are available for new tour bookings. It's not too late! Come on and join in the fun.

ITINERARY

June 13 (Friday):

Trans-Atlantic flight to London (not included) Guests are responsible for making their own flight arrangements into London, England. Magical Tours will assist with transportation information, but flight connections are the responsibility of each tour participant. Guests must plan to arrive at London Heathrow no later than 10:30 AM on June 14thth.

June 14 (Saturday):

In the early morning arrive at London’s Heathrow Airport (By 10:30 AM). If you plan to arrive at Gatwick Airport, ground transportation to Heathrow is available, but guests are responsible for making the transfer arrangements. The tour group will meet at Heathrow for a quick orientation at 12:00 noon before boarding private transport to our first stop: Black Park. Located just outside London this surprisingly rustic setting has been used as a filming location for several Harry Potter movies. Lunch will be provided at the park's snack bar.

Then we’re off to explore J.K. Rowling’s childhood home territory. We will begin to experience adventures that influenced the creator of the Harry Potter series as she was growing up nearby. The next stop is the Wookie Hole Cave. This mysterious cave is said to have inspired JK Rowling’s image of the enchanted cave Harry and Dumbledore visit in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

After emerging safely from the cave (that is, if we do) our tour continues on to Glastonbury, the most magical town in Britain! Its history abounds with tales of witches, wizards, elves, and magic. Mysterious shops and charming sights will captivate you at every turn. Our tour members will get a true sense of the influences that were critical in the creation of Harry Potter and his magical world. After checking into our old-world hotel right in the heart of the old village we'll enjoy our welcome dinner at a cozy restaurant nearby. Then it’s off to bed at last for dreams of the mythic realm!

June 15 (Sunday):

Right after breakfast we’ll set off to visit the hidden village considered by many to be “Godric's Hollow”. This is our tucked-away corner of England, the place highly favored by the major Harry Potter cast members and the location of the home used as James and Lily’s house! Nearby are very important HP filming sites depicting interior scenes at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While in the town we’ll enjoy a fabulous lunch together in one of the most enchanting restaurants in all of Britain (and one you’ll doubtless see in scenes in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!)

Afterward it’s on to the world’s longest hedge maze. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire only the School Champions were allowed to enter the maze for the third challenge; but here everyone gets to join in the fun of having our own adventure quest, and maybe even getting lost in this giant maze.

If we find our way safely out of the maze, we'll return to Glastonbury for some free time to explore its curiosities. For those hardy travelers up to it we'll climb to the top of the enigmatic hilltop known as The Glastonbury Tor. Legend tells that it was the location of King Arthur's stronghold. Another legend says that it is the home of the Faery King and that the top of the Tor was a place of fairy visions and magic. Brave travelers will get a chance to see for themselves! Dinner will be on our own back in the enchanted old town.

June 16 (Monday):

After an early breakfast we’ll check out of our charming inn and make our way to Oxford. This "City of Dreaming Spires" is one of the most important filming locations for the Harry Potter movies. There we will visit the Great Hall which was the model for the Hogwarts Great Hall, the famous grand staircase, the trophy room, the “hospital wing”, the library Harry visited in his invisibility cloak, and more! We’ll also enjoy lunch together at a perfect restaurant in Oxford: the small pub where great literary figures gathered in years past. In this charming little place, C.S. Lewis first read aloud his work, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; and J.R.R. Tolkien first entranced listeners with his reading of The Hobbit.

In the afternoon we will board our train for Edinburgh, Scotland, the present-day home of J.K. Rowling. After our arrival, we'll check into our hotel right in the heart of the old town, have a short walking tour to orient you to the city; and then it's on to our welcome dinner in the restaurant where J.K. Rowling wrote much of the first Harry Potter book.

June 17 (Tuesday):

Just when you think it can't get any better, we're off for a tour of Edinburgh Castle designed for Magical Tours guests! We’ll also get an up-close look at the Castle that is said to have inspired Hogwarts, and where J.K. Rowling herself hosted the Half-Blood Prince book release celebration. This will be an experience you will never forget!

After a quick lunch together we’re off for an activity you won’t believe: an up close and personal encounter with owls! You will get to handle and learn about flying owls, and to try your hand at really flying different kinds of owls just like those that appear in the Harry Potter movies! In the evening we’ll return to Edinburgh for dinner on our own at one of the many restaurants along the Royal Mile within easy walking distance of our hotel.

After dinner, for those who are strong of heart, we’ll have a ghost walk into one of the scariest places in the world: deep in the underground Vaults of Edinburgh. If we emerge safely, we’ll scurry back to our comfy hotel, and hide under the covers.

June 18 (Wednesday):

Bright and early we depart Edinburgh by train to journey through the Scottish Highlands to Fort William. This train ride is regarded as one of the finest rail journeys in the world! Within easy view of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, we disembark for our stay in “Harry Potter country”. Shortly after arrival we’ll stop by the town's High Street to enjoy a lunch on our own. Our Highland home will be an enchanting B&B overlooking the breathtaking Loch Linnhe. In the afternoon we'll begin our exploration tour of the Highlands of Scotland. We'll visit 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 . We'll have time to see the sights you really want to see before returning to town for a "Welcome to the Highlands" dinner together.

June 19 (Thursday):

After breakfast, we begin another amazing adventure. Today we'll ride The Jacobite, a historic steam train very similar to the one used in all the movies, traveling along the very same route where the Hogwarts Express scenes were filmed . Steaming along through the rugged mountains, we'll ride over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct , which was featured in four HP films. We can have fun imagining we're following the same way Harry and his fellow students took on their journeys to their magical school. This Highland rail adventure between Fort William and the rugged seacoast village of Mallaig is rated as “one of the greatest rail journeys of the world”! Lunch will be an onboard treat. After the steam train ride, we’ll travel to a scenic loch-side restaurant for a nice dinner together.

The evening brings yet another unforgettable adventure. We’ll set out on foot into the Forbidden Forest – very near the site of Hagrid’s hut in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – by lantern light. If we escape the forest, we’ll make our way on foot to a wayside inn for a cup of hot chocolate. Then it’s back to our comfy, warm B&B for a good night’s sleep.

June 20 (Friday):

After a hearty Scottish breakfast we're off once more for more nearby adventures. Though we'll have a small bus for local touring, those who love hiking in magnificent scenery are definitely in the right place! There are super-secret areas that were closed off during the filming of Goblet of Fire. But WE know that we can take a short hike to Steall Falls, the setting for Harry’s Dragon challenge in the Tri-wizard Competition. Those up to the challenge will have a chance to go there themselves. (We can see if all the dragons have cleared out!) We'll have individual bag lunches to enjoy wherever our adventure finds us!

After the day's touring there will be time for an early evening dinner on our own before boarding our overnight train from Fort William to London. If you prefer, you may wait until after boarding the train (about 8 PM), and enjoy dinner on your own from the train’s buffet car. Even though the hour is late, there is still enough light to enjoy the magnificent panorama of the rugged Scottish Highlands before darkness finally falls. For those who have never taken an overnight train trip, it is a highly memorable experience! The onboard Pullman sleeping rooms are fun, and quite comfortable, too. Everyone will enjoy falling to sleep to the rhythm of the rails.

June 21 (Saturday):

After our early-morning arrival in London we'll visit the famous King’s Cross Station before apparating, or uhh rather, being transported to our wonderfully-located hotel, where else? On Tottenham Court Road, of course! We'll enjoy a quick breakfast together before setting out for our first London adventure. After our arrival we'll have an unforgettable experience: a real Herbology Lesson in one of the most fascinating Herb Garrets in the world!

In the afternoon we’ll set out to see some of the most famous sights of old London. The day's adventure will include lunch on our own, and a boat ride on the River Thames, following the same route Harry and his guards fly on broomsticks in the film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Evening brings us to our farewell dinner in a unique restaurant everyone will really enjoy. We'll have dinner early to allow everyone time for a London play, or some late evening free time to explore London after dark, or to join one of the many ghost walks or literary walks available. London has an amazing array of plays, and we can show you how to get discount tickets for the production of your choice. Theatre tickets, London walks, or other evening activities are not included in the tour price.

June 22 (Sunday):

After one last breakfast at our hotel the tour ends. Everyone will be assisted with transfers to the airport. There are several choices for transportation from central London to Heathrow (or Gatwick), depending upon departure time; but all such arrangements and costs are the responsibility of individual guests.

After this magical experience you’ll never think of the Harry Potter books and movies in the same way because – for a little while, at least – you will have lived in Harry’s world yourself!

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

Reservations and deposits for this incredible experience should be made as early as possible, but in order to assure sleeping accommodations on the overnight train, preferably not later than March 20, 2008. Sign-up extended until May 20th! The last places will fill quickly. Good airfares are still available, but don't delay!

This is not a “Big Bus Tour”. There will be no wake-up calls at 5 AM to herd onto the buses, or nightmarish marathon bus rides with totally exhausted tour participants. Our travelers will have friendly, extremely knowledgeable guides for the entire tour – not just a bus driver and contracted tour guide. We do our best to set the mood, to weave a spell, and to make yours a total experience. This is not just a film-location “drop-by” trip. Each of the places visited will come to life through carefully planned presentations. Hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and most restaurants on the entire journey have been selected for their very specific location and/or high level of “atmosphere”. The small group size allows us to personalize the experience in a way large groups simply cannot do.

Our travel adventure is not just another mass tour organized by a big commercial tour company to capitalize on a movie fad. It encompasses a genuine affection for an enduring classic of literature, as well as for a beautiful and historic country. This is much more than just a “Harry Potter” tour – anyone would love this unique view of England and Scotland. We want you to be a real part of it all – not just a tourist passing through. The price is not set artificially low, and then supplemented during the trip through endless additional charges for “extra” tours. If you want a complete, personalized, worry-free escorted tour of Harry Potter’s Britain – a magical journey - this is it!

Complete Prices: $2495* Adults (Age 13 +) $2195* Children ages 5 - 12

(NOTE: The MAXIMUM for this small group tour is 20 persons, and the minimum is 12.)
All prices are based on Double Occupancy. Inquire about Single Supplement prices.
A special discount is available for family groups of 3 or more lodging together.

*SPECIAL NOTE: Prices are based on the October, 2007 British Pound to US Dollar exchange rate of 1 Great Britain Pound = $2.05. Magical Tours/Your Man in Europe reserves the right to charge a tour supplement fee equal to any increases in the currency exchange rate exceeding a 2% loss in the US Dollar valuation. The Pound to Dollar currency exchange rate in 2007 proved very unfavorable for US visitors to Britain. If the trend continues Magical Tours will have no choice but to pass the cost increase on to our guests. We regret this situation, and hope that the exchange rate will not continue to deteriorate.

Tour Includes: All eight breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners; all ground transportation including First Class rail travel and vans or minibuses , 8 nights of overnight accommodation (based on double occupancy) in very specially–selected B&Bs and hotels and one overnight train, 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 London, return transportation to airport on departure, 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.

Please Note: This tour is designed for fans of the Harry Potter books and films – young and old. The nature of the tour, which will include young children, makes the inclusion of alcoholic beverages with meals inappropriate. Included meals come with a beverage of choice, but for this tour, alcoholic beverages are excluded if underage guests are present.

Also: All overnight accommodations, as well as railroad, coach, and mini-bus travel will be NON-SMOKING. The minimum age for this tour is 5 years.

DISCLAIMER: This themed tour is not an official 'Harry Potter' event and is 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 whimsical 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”, “Hogsmeade”, 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