Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? You’ll likely find the answer below. If not, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help you plan the perfect Scottish experience.

Tour Information & FAQs

Planning a trip should be exciting, not stressful. Our Frequently Asked Questions are designed to give you clear, helpful information before you travel. From booking details to what to expect on the day, we’ve got you covered. Still have questions? Just reach out and we’ll be glad to assist.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

Yes we do. You have booked yourself a private tour which means that your driver can pick up and drop off at your accommodation.

Arrive at the door 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to parking restrictions, we can’t wait for you if you’re late.
It’s simple: you book, you go. This means we’ll never cancel your tour. Be aware that adverse weather or other reasons beyond our control may cause a visitor site to close at short notice.
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities in our vehicles, but you’ll have regular comfort stops.

We regret we don’t carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours. You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you must provide your own car seat.

We want you to enjoy Scotland and we believe the best way to do this is to get out and experience the sites. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Yes it is as we visit quite a few sites run by Historic Scotland and you could save some of your well-earned pennies. This will give you free admission to 70 paid attractions, fast track entries to Edinburgh and Stirling castle and a 20% discount on audio guides.
You don’t need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it’s up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
We advise you take out travel insurance before you arrive in Scotland.
  1. Booking a Tour
    For our scheduled/set tours, availability can be checked and bookings made via our website, or by contacting us directly to book manually.
    If you wish to make any changes to a set tour itinerary, please contact us prior to booking to confirm feasibility.

We always recommend getting in touch before booking to ensure the tour is the right fit for you and to confirm availability.

  1. Tours Involving Accommodation or Ferries
    For tours that require overnight accommodation and/or ferry crossings, please do not proceed with booking until we have confirmed driver availability and you have secured appropriate accommodation where required.
  2. Bespoke & Custom Tours
    For bespoke or custom-designed tours, Alba Experiences will calculate the route, timing, and logistics before issuing a personalised quotation.
    Requested dates will be provisionally held for up to 48 hours following the quotation. A deposit is required to secure the booking.
    Initial planning will be limited until a deposit has been received, after which a more detailed itinerary may be developed, including route refinements and attraction suggestions.
  3. Deposits & Final Payment
    A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to confirm all tour bookings and secure the agreed date(s). This deposit contributes towards administrative costs and any advance expenses incurred.
    The remaining balance must be paid in full no later than 30 days prior to the tour start date, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
  4. Booking & Payment Fees
    Online bookings made through our reservation system may be subject to a service fee of up to 2%. For card payments, card fee is paid by the participant. For customized tours the service fee is included with the final price.
  5. Payment Plans
    Payment plans may be available upon request. Where no payment plan is agreed, payments will be split between the required deposit and the outstanding balance.
  6. Currency & Payment Methods
    Our reservation system supports payments in your local currency where available. Bank transfers (such as BACS, SEPA, or equivalent) may be offered without fees, while card payments may incur processing charges depending on the provider. Major debit and credit cards are accepted.
  7. Payment Confirmation
    Upon successful payment, an electronic receipt will be issued automatically to confirm payment and booking status.
  8. Driver-Guide Assignment
    James will be your tour guide throughout the duration of your tour.
If you have any more questions, please fill out our contact form.