Personalized trips to Scotland
for independent travelers

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Introducing Scotland

The romantic landscapes and dramatic features of this small territory make travelers feel like the region is much larger than it actually is. Pair that with a friendly culture, plenty of outdoor adventure, and incredible seafood, and Scotland is the trip that stays with visitors long after they leave.

When is the best time to visit?
As a year-round destination with distinct seasons, travelers should pick the time they visit on what they plan to do. Spring, summer, and fall are better for outdoor recreation, while winter is a popular time to explore the holiday festivals and seasonal cheer.

Where to go in Scotland?
Delight your senses at the bright green rolling hills of the Isle of Skye, enjoy the fun-oriented culture of Glasgow, camp out or trek the mountains surrounding Loch Lomond, learn about the history and architecture of Edinburgh, and tour the distilleries of Islay.

Thinking about traveling around the United Kingdom? Learn more about planning a trip to England or Wales. Many travelers also combine their trip to the UK with a visit to Ireland.

How many days do I need?
You can briefly get to know Edinburgh in about 3 days, but to experience the breadth of opportunities Scotland has to offer, upwards of 1 or 2 weeks is much preferable.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Scotland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Etive Mor waterfall, Glencoe
Map of Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days
Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days

Discover the enchanting history and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands with this 8-day self-drive itinerary. Starting in Edinburgh,  drive north to the rugged highlands, where you’ll explore ancient castles, visit important battle sites, sail Loch Ness, and ride the world’s most scenic railway.

Scotland's Edinburgh Castle has stood for over 1,000 years
Map of Scotland & Ireland - 14 Days
Scotland & Ireland - 14 Days

Fourteen days is ample time to experience the best of Scotland and Ireland, be it touring Edinburgh, hiking the Highlands, or reveling in the historic streets of Dublin. The adventures are almost too many to list: wildlife safaris in national parks, boating across Loch Ness, cycling around Glasgow, and exploring the untamed beauty of the Isle of Skye. If that's not enough, you'll hit the road on a drive to some of the most beautiful locales in southern Ireland, like the Wicklow Mountains and County Cork.

Neist Point at Isle of Skye
Map of Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days
Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days

This seven-day adventure combines Scotland's most memorable tourist destinations with a tour of the countryside in the magnificent Scottish highlands. You will start your trip by exploring Edinburgh's galleries, castles, and pubs before heading to the spectacular castles in Inverness. You'll spend two nights in Portree, where you'll visit castles and famous geological sites and tour the hiking routes before traveling to Glencoe, which is home to spectacular scenery.

The ruins of Castle Urquhart at Loch Ness
Map of Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness & Skye - 7 Days
Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness & Skye - 7 Days

This week-long itinerary perfectly introduces Scotland's most scenic locales—blending a self-drive adventure with unforgettable guided excursions and experiences. Beginning and ending in the charming capital of Edinburgh, you'll set off into the rugged Highlands for a road trip to remember. Step back in time at the Culloden Battlefield, cruise the legendary waters of Loch Ness, and tour whisky distilleries on the Isle of Skye.

Driving toward Ben Stack on the NC500
Map of The North Coast 500: Road Trip through the Scottish Highlands  - 5 Days
The North Coast 500: Road Trip through the Scottish Highlands - 5 Days

Experience one of the world's most scenic driving routes on this 5-day journey along Scotland's North Coast 500. Beginning and ending in the Highland capital of Inverness, you'll follow the loop counterclockwise as you wind your way past mist-shrouded mountains, hidden lochs, and rugged coastlines. A relaxed pace allows you to take your time and explore plenty of sandy beaches, charming fishing villages, and unspoiled nature.

The Old Man of Storr overlooking Skye's coast.
Map of Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days
Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days

This active 9-day hiking itinerary travels through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. Starting in the heart of the Highlands, you’ll walk along the West Highland Way, experiencing the wild beauty of Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe. The first leg of your walking journey ends at the adventure capital of Fort William, where you’ll get the chance to scale Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. After a memorable ride on the historic Jacobite Express Steam Train, board a ferry for the Isle of Skye, where you’ll have three days to explore the rugged mountains, secluded coves, and idyllic villages of the Inner Hebrides.

Make the Most of Your Time in Scotland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
A Scot plays the bagpipes in Edinburgh
How Many Days to Spend in Scotland

From ancient castles to whisky distilleries and Highland Games (not to mention a mythical monster in Loch Ness), there's a reason bonnie Scotland is awash with "Outlander" fans....

Scotland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Sunrise, Loch Lomond
Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Scotland

Conjuring up romance effortlessly and with subtlety, Scotland is a stunning destination in which to celebrate your love for each other. For the backdrop to your honeymoon here,...

Scotland Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments
Inverness
Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments
4.5
(6)
· Mid-Range
Glen Mhor's location on the banks of the River Ness isn't its only selling point—it's also the only hotel in Scotland with its own on-site brewery and distillery. The setting is ideal for exploring Inverness (guests can walk to the hilltop castle and the historic center in under five minutes),...
Photo courtesy of Toravaig House Hotel
Skye
Toravaig House Hotel
4.7
(3)
· Upscale
This Skye retreat feels more like a private country house than a hotel, with just 11 rooms and a devoted staff of two. The rural setting on Skye's Sleat Peninsula offers far-reaching views across the Sound of Sleat, and the nearest neighbor is the renowned Torabhaig Distillery, just a 10-minute...
Photo courtesy of Rocpool Reserve
Inverness
Rocpool Reserve
4.4
(8)
· Upscale
Rocpool Reserve, a colorful boutique retreat set within a restored Georgian mansion, sits on a quiet residential street above the River Ness. Guests will be within a short walk of Inverness Castle, the city center's shops and restaurants, and convenient routes to Highland highlights like Loch...

Best Experiences in Scotland

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
(photo courtesy of Seaflower Skye)
kimkim gem
Isle of Skye
Isle of Rona Cruise with Seafood Lunch
5.0
(1)
6 hours
·
Small group
Discover the remote Hebridean island of Rona on this six-hour excursion that pairs you with a luxury motor yacht and an experienced Skye skipper. After casting off from Portree, you'll skirt rugged coastline dotted with seals and puffins as you cruise east to the isolated shores of Rona,...
Your first stop is at Anstruther, the largest of East Neuk's traditional fishing villages
Edinburgh
Fife Fishing Villages & St Andrews Day Trip
8.5 hours
·
Small group
Seaside villages and coastal castles await on this relaxed day trip into the Kingdom of Fife. With the help of a comfortable minibus and local driver, you'll take a scenic route past Lowland countryside and North Sea beaches, with plenty of time for independent exploration at a series of curated...
(photo courtesy of Skye Ghillie)
kimkim gem
Isle of Skye
Private Wild Hiking Experience
5 hours
·
Private
Discover a wilder side of Skye with this immersive nature hike led by a personal ghillie (outdoor guide). The five-hour adventure begins with a Land Rover pickup and a transfer to a private estate, where you'll set off on a tailored route shaped by your interests and the season. Cross remote...

Our Latest Scotland Content

Scotland's 16th-century Gylen Castle overlooks the Firth of Lorn from the southern tip of the Isle of Kerrera
Scotland FAQ

Scotland packs a remarkable amount into a relatively small country, from historic cities and whisky distilleries to rugged Highlands, far-flung islands, and sheep-dotted country roads. Naturally, first-time travelers have questions: How long should I spend? Do I need a car? Is it really that rainy? This guide answers the most common Scotland FAQs, covering everything from weather and transportation to food, tipping, packing, and local etiquette so you can plan your trip with confidence.

Start your trip with a walk along Edinburgh's Royal Mile, home of the Scotch Whiskey Experience
Map of Scottish Whisky Adventure in  Edinburgh, Inverness & Glasgow - 8 Days
Scottish Whisky Adventure in Edinburgh, Inverness & Glasgow - 8 Days

Spend eight fun-filled days indulging in the finest whisky Scotland offers, starting in Edinburgh with a visit to the Johnnie Walker distillery and a private whisky and artisan food tour. From there, pick up your rental car and drive to Inverness for a tour of two Speyside distilleries. This is where you can admire the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye while you taste smoky whiskies characteristic of the island's terroir. Finish the adventure in Glasgow by creating your own bottle of Clydeside whisky to take home.

Look for iconic Highland cows as you explore the rugged Isle of Skye
Map of Soul-Stirring Scotland: Edinburgh, Stirling, Fort William, Skye & Pitlochry - 11 Days
Soul-Stirring Scotland: Edinburgh, Stirling, Fort William, Skye & Pitlochry - 11 Days

This action-packed 11-day itinerary squeezes the best of Scotland into a fast-paced trip. Starting in Edinburgh, you'll strut down the Royal Mile before renting a car and beginning an epic road trip. Wander the halls of Stirling Castle, hike up Conic Hill for views of Loch Lomond, and admire dramatic Highland scenes in Glen Coe. Cross to the Isle of Skye to discover nature's beauty and meet a local artist. Then join a whisky tasting and wildlife safari around Pitlochry before returning to the capital.

Scotland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 10 Days in Scotland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Scotland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Scotland
Travel specialist Kateryna Garkavenko
active 4 hours ago

Kateryna Garkavenko

Travel is truly one of the most rewarding experiences we can have. It’s amazing how much we can learn and grow from every trip, and I believe that most people benefit greatly from exploring new...

read more...
Travel specialist Aleksandra Sheb
active 3 hours ago

Aleksandra Sheb

As a passionate traveler, my approach is anchored in the belief that every journey is an opportunity for exploration and growth. With a penchant for immersing myself in diverse cultures and seeking...

read more...
Travel specialist Jane Davey
active 8 hours ago

Jane Davey

Born and raised in the UK, I’ve always had a love affair with the great outdoors. It’s no wonder I ended up in travel! Growing up, family holidays meant exploring the UK with my parents and...

read more...
Travel specialist Liz Chreist
active 46 mins ago

Liz Chreist

My favorite definition is- Travel (travel-ǝl)-noun- The only thing you buy that makes you richer. I have had the privilege of traveling to many countries around the world. Traveling close to...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Scotland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Would 100% Do Again
Scotland | Sep 21 - Sep 30, 2026

J
Jennifer F.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Oct 12, 2026

I initiated this trip as planning for my parents and then had Aleksandra communicate directly with them on specifics later on. She did such a fantastic job and communicated well. Made me feel at ease in using this service, and felt that my parents were in good hands in their planning of the remainder of their trip.

Local specialist: Aleksandra Sheb
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Sheb
Local specialist in England | Replied on Oct 14, 2026

Hello Jennifer,

Thank you so much for your beautiful words! ❤️ I’m truly grateful for your trust in me to take care of your parents’ travel plans, and it makes me so happy to know that I could give you peace of mind and make you feel they were in good hands. It was an absolute pleasure helping them, and I hope they create wonderful memories on their journey!

Sincerely,
Aleksandra

We loved our entire experience with KimKim - ...
Scotland | Oct 3 - Oct 9, 2026

Cristina
Cristina S.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 11, 2026
We loved our entire experience with KimKim - very responsive, very easy to work with, and knowledgeable. Read more

We loved our entire experience with KimKim - very responsive, very easy to work with, and knowledgeable.

Hotel Reviews
The Inn on Loch Lomond
Inverbeg

Very beautiful location and great staff. Comfortable rooms, well appointed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not near the town, but fine for us as we had a car.
Staff
Front desk staff was awesome!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Victoria House Bed and Breakfast
Fort william

Wonderful staff and well appointed rooms; food was great and the bed was comfortable. We appreciated having minifridge as well and used the hot tub which was spotless and well maintained. It is not right downtown but there are things around the Inn to do.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Be aware that you will need to drive if you want to be in the town area. Lots of walking paths around it and cute cafe.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loch Eyre House
Portree

The house itself has a beautiful view of the loch. The rooms leave a lot to be desired. They are tiny. If there are two of you each with a suitcase, be prepared to struggle to find floor space for them. The shower is narrow, almost impossible to wash your hair without hitting your arms on the sides, one hand towel, minimal amenities. There is little to no soundproofing and it's like staying in someone's house, so you hear everything. The main room shown in the picture is beautiful but very small so if more than a couple of people want to use it, it's a bit awkward. The hotel is also very far from town, on challenging roads. There is nowhere to walk there for exercise.

Authenticity & Character
Location
If you're interested in being able to walk anywhere, this is not the location for you. If you want to be far from everything with a lot of quiet, it's good for that.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Towels were old, one had a hole in it, the most basic amenities provided. Bed was old and uncomfortable.
Kingsmills Hotel
Inverness

Wonderful stay - large, comfortable rooms, very pretty hotel. Nice pool and hot tub as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
You can walk to town, but it is at least a 15 minute walk.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Allan Park
Stirling

A great place to eat and wonderful staff; however, I would not recommend staying in the basement level. The kitchen is there and the music was very loud. Rooms are tiny but well done.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Easy to walk to everything.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Loch Lomond Sunset Cruise
Loch Lomond Sunset Cruise
Loch Lomond

This was sold as a sunset cruise, but it was at 3:30 so there wasn't much of a sunset. You are gone for 1 hour and it's a very cursory view of the lake. The boat was very nice and the information was good to know.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Cruise
Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Cruise
Inverness

Beautiful views and hilarious guides on the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Stirling Old Town Private Walking Tour
Stirling Old Town Private Walking Tour
Scotland

Perfectly paced trip - our guide was incredibly knowledgeable (and patient) with all of our questions.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Didn't apply
Bespoke Private Isle of Skye Tour from Portree
Bespoke Private Isle of Skye Tour from Portree
Scotland

Trevor was amazing - the best day of our entire trip. He was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with us, and worked with us to give us the best day. He thought of everything, including bringing us hot tea, towels, snacks, raincoats - you name it. Wish we had Trevor with us on the rest of the trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Kateryna Garkavenko
Kateryna
Kateryna Garkavenko
Local specialist in London | Replied on Oct 13, 2026
Hi Cristina! Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review! It truly means a lot to hear that you enjoyed your experience with kimkim and had such a wonderful time exploring Scotland! I'm especially happy to hear that Trevor made your Isle of Skye adventure so memorable! It sounds like he really went above and beyond to make your day special, and I'll be delighted to pass along your lovely words! I also really appreciate your honest feedback about... Read more

Hi Cristina!

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review!

It truly means a lot to hear that you enjoyed your experience with kimkim and had such a wonderful time exploring Scotland!

I'm especially happy to hear that Trevor made your Isle of Skye adventure so memorable! It sounds like he really went above and beyond to make your day special, and I'll be delighted to pass along your lovely words!

I also really appreciate your honest feedback about the accommodations and the Loch Lomond cruise. I'm sorry that some aspects didn't quite meet your expectations. Your comments are incredibly valuable and will help us make even better choices for future travelers.

It was such a pleasure helping you plan this adventure, and I'm so grateful that you trusted us with your trip!

Wishing you many more wonderful travels, and I hope we'll have the pleasure of helping you explore another beautiful destination someday!

Warmest wishes,
Kate ❤️

Stunning trip to Scotland- October 2026
Scotland | Sep 30 - Oct 6, 2026

Pia
Pia M.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 11, 2026
Our trip to Scotland, booked through kimkim and organized by Kateryna, was a delight from start to finish. We are a group of 4 friends (2 couples) with busy lives, none of whom had traveled to Scotland or even been abroad in years. Kimkim and Kateryna planned a 6-day trip for us that managed to hit all our highlights and left us all with the desire to return. Planning the trip was easy- I put our priorities and parameters into the kimkim survey, and Kate came back with a plan for our trip... Read more

Our trip to Scotland, booked through kimkim and organized by Kateryna, was a delight from start to finish. We are a group of 4 friends (2 couples) with busy lives, none of whom had traveled to Scotland or even been abroad in years. Kimkim and Kateryna planned a 6-day trip for us that managed to hit all our highlights and left us all with the desire to return. Planning the trip was easy- I put our priorities and parameters into the kimkim survey, and Kate came back with a plan for our trip that included all our hotel stays, private tours, castle and historic site visits and lots of local flavor. Kate answered all of our questions quickly and efficiently, and when we decided to add a day to our trip she altered our plan, and even switched up a few of the hotels based on our preferences.
Once our flights and the trip were booked, we kept in touch through the kimkim chat and emails, downloading the kimkim app a few weeks before departure. The app had all our hotel, tour and other tickets contained right within it, usually including map and website links, so no searching through emails or looking up directions. We used the app every day during our trip!
When we arrived in Edinburgh we were met by a driver who kept in touch via text while we went through immigration and collected our bags. The driver (Nikolin with Eagle Transfer) was friendly and on the drive to the hotel gave us a lot of local tips as well as much-needed driving advice (we picked up a rental car after 2 days in Edinburgh). It was great to not have to struggle with our bags on a train, or figure out how to book our own taxi.
Two days in Edinburgh were not nearly enough, but we had other places to go! In Edinburgh we had a fantastic 2.5 hour walking tour of the city with Jack, an amazing Scottish tour guide who met us at our hotel, took us all over the city, also gave us great recommendations, and escorted us back to the hotel at the end. Definitely one of our trip highlights!
From Edinburgh we drove to Loch Lommond, then to Oban, Inverness, Stirling and finally back to Edinburgh to catch our flight home. We managed a flat tire when almost to our hotel in Loch Lommond, which threw a wrench into our plans. Reaching out to Kate via the kimkim app was easy and she helped get us connected with our tour guide in Oban. They adjusted the time of our driving tour the next day which allowed us to do a 3-hour (plus!) tour with John, another highlight. John saw that we had covered a lot of our planned tour with him on our drive to Oban, so he adjusted and gave us an entirely different tour that covered so much local history and sights- even letting us stop at a pub for a quick refresh! At the end he took us to Dunstaffnage Castle, a stunning ruin with so much history. From Oban we headed to Inverness, then the next day from Inverness to Stirling. At every stop we were able to experience the vast history of Scotland, and our own ancestral connections to it. Once we got the hang of the driving even that was a delight, with so much stunning scenery everywhere we turned. We were incredibly lucky with the weather during our trip, with only a little bit of rain (which treated us to no less than 3 rainbows) and very mild temperatures.
To anyone planning a trip to Scotland- especially if you have never been- we highly recommend the service, professionalism, expertise and guidance of Kate and the whole kimkim team. We can't wait to go back to Scotland, or to have kimkim help us plan another trip abroad!

Hotel Reviews
Victoria Square
Stirling

This hotel was just lovely and we wish we could have stayed longer. Harriet (the owner/manager) was so helpful and kind, helping us with our heavy bags (no elevators in this historic property). Great location on the edge of Stirling, private car park, very pretty restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
Stunning decor, beautiful building, just gorgeous.
Location
Quiet but right on the edge of Stirling, an easy walk to lots of things. Overlooked a lovely green square/park.
Staff
Harriet accepted delivery of our passports from a taxi driver (left at a previous hotel) and held them for us to arrive. She also made dinner reservations for us at a local bistro and helped us with everything we needed.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Every detail here- robes, slippers, heated towel bars and tile floors in the bath, lovely complimentary sherry and shortbread in the room. Just lovely.
Bunchrew House Hotel
Bunchrew

Rated one of the most romantic hotels in Scotland- and we could see why! We stayed in the Lovat Suite- huge, truly historical feeling while still being incredibly comfortable. Our friends and traveling companions had the suite next door which had a stunning view of Beauly Firth right out their window. We arrived late and left relatively early, but enjoyed a nice breakfast and a drink in the lounge/bar the night before. Wish we had had more time to explore the history of this beautiful property.

Authenticity & Character
Felt like we were staying in an incredibly well-preserved, very historic home.
Location
Right on the shore of Beauly Firth- really beautiful and lucky if your room overlooks the water!
Staff
Our visit was brief but everyone was very kind and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely bath with heated tile floor, heated towel bars, giant comfy bed.
Dungallan Country House
Oban

Dungallan Country house is just that- a lovely country house. The rooms are stunning and have all the amenities you could ask for- including gorgeous bathrooms with heated towel bars, robes and slippers, giant shower, etc. Homemade shortbread and Scottish tablet (a treat!) in every room. The staff- lead by manager Michele- could not have been more helpful, setting us at ease immediately upon arrival when we discovered we had left our passports in the room safe at our previous hotel. The dinner we had in their restaurant was quite possibly the best dinner of our entire trip. Lovely breakfast too.

Authenticity & Character
Just like a lovely large country home, with only a few rooms that are beautifully appointed.
Location
A stunning view from the lawn and patio, although up a steep winding drive from the main road so be careful!
Staff
Michele- the manager- was absolutely amazing, as were David and the rest of the staff. We felt like honored guests!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was so clean and so comfortable- lovely bath, comfy bed. I wanted to take home all their draperies.
Cameron House
Alexandria

Cameron House is a full-on luxury resort. We stayed in the original part of the building in a lovely ground-level room that overlooked the beautiful garden. The hotel has everything, and while we didn't have time to experience all of it we were able to see the gorgeous pool/waterslide/hot tub/spa area, the stunning whiskey bar, the fun and casual lounge restaurant, and the lovely lobby bar. At dinner at their off-site restaurant as both in the hotel were fully booked. Amazing location right on the shore of Loch Lommond. The massive, stunning buffet breakfast we had the next morning was beyond compare, with the best haggis of the trip and just an amazing selection of anything you could want. Wish we could have stayed longer!

Authenticity & Character
Hotel/resort that was obviously a grand estate in previous centuries.
Location
Right on the shore of Loch Lommond, absolutely stunning.
Staff
Above and beyond- from bringing our bags from our disabled car in the parking lot (flat tire!) to assisting us get our passports transferred to a later hotel after I brilliantly left them in the hotel safe.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stunning room with all the amenities- robes, slippers, heated towel bars, shortbread! Incredibly comfortable bed.
Apex Waterloo Place
Edinburgh

A great hotel in the heart of Edinburgh New Town. The rooms are modern and comfortable, with all the amenities you would expect from a 4-5 star hotel. The staff at the hotel could not have been more helpful and accommodating, from holding our bags when we arrived early in the morning, to the most wonderful and attentive service in the restaurant (with a truly delicious breakfast service) to helping us book a taxi to pick up our rental car on the day of checkout. Even though there was road construction going on on the street in front of the hotel, we were able to be dropped off and picked up right at the door. We would definitely book here again!

Authenticity & Character
This is a relatively modern hotel but retains a good deal of character, especially in the lovely lounge and bar area.
Location
Easy to walk to lots of places, nearby shopping, coffee shops, restaurants and local sights.
Staff
They were so attentive and helpful at every step and at every level of service, from front desk staff to housekeeping and restaurant staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very comfortable room and bed, great temperature controls, terrific shower! Gorgeous garden tub we did not take advantage of.
Activity Reviews
Oban Distillery Visit
Oban Distillery Visit
Oban

Unfortunately we were unable to do the distillery visit as our earlier activity (driving tour) started late due to our later than planned arrival in Oban. I'm sure it would have been great.

Historical Tour and Seafood Experience
Historical Tour and Seafood Experience
Oban

John adjusted the timing of our tour as we were late arriving to Oban (due to our own car trouble) and took us on a lovely 3+ hour tour of the area. The original route was one we had kind of traveled on our way from Loch Lommond, so John adjusted and took us to other places- the Bridge over the Atlantic, Dunstaffnage Castle, a lovely seaside village where they hold a rock-skipping competition and other memorable spots. Due to our delay we weren't able to take advantage of the seafood tasting experience, which was unfortunate, but now we have a reason to go back to Oban!

Quality of Experience
Got to see so much of the area around Oban, learn about the history and just soak it all in!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
John was just the best, and we so appreciated his time, local knowledge and landscape, and willingness to adapt the tour to what we wanted to see and experience.
Transport
John's tour van was clean, comfortable and he maneuvered it around the scary (to us) Scottish roads with ease!
Edinburgh Old Town Tour
Edinburgh Old Town Tour
Edinburgh

This guided walking tour of Edinburgh was one of the highlights of our trip. Jack- our tour guide- met us at our hotel and brought us straight up to Calton Hill, an historic sight very close by. From there he guided us through New Town, Old Town, the Royal Mile, New College, Grassmarket and eventually back to our hotel, offering history, local lore and knowledge the entire way. So much nicer than a larger, more impersonal group. Jack even took us inside the Edinburgh Supreme Court building (two of our group were lawyers) which was a great addition/side note. We absolutely loved this part of our trip to Scotland.

Quality of Experience
We learned so much and really got a feel for the city.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jack was the absolute best- so friendly and kind, adjusted our tour to fit what we wanted, etc.
Transport
We were walking but Jack made sure we weren't exhausted- Edinburgh has a lot of stairs!
Local specialist: Kateryna Garkavenko
Kateryna
Kateryna Garkavenko
Local specialist in London | Replied on Oct 12, 2026
Dear Pia, Thank you so much for such an incredibly thoughtful and generous review. I truly loved reading every part of it, and it made me so happy to hear how much you all enjoyed Scotland. It was such a pleasure planning the trip for the four of you, and I’m delighted that so many parts became real highlights - Edinburgh, the wonderful tour with Jack, the beautiful stays along the way, and of course John’s flexibility in Oban after the tyre issue. I loved hearing how the trip unfolded,... Read more

Dear Pia,

Thank you so much for such an incredibly thoughtful and generous review. I truly loved reading every part of it, and it made me so happy to hear how much you all enjoyed Scotland.

It was such a pleasure planning the trip for the four of you, and I’m delighted that so many parts became real highlights - Edinburgh, the wonderful tour with Jack, the beautiful stays along the way, and of course John’s flexibility in Oban after the tyre issue. I loved hearing how the trip unfolded, even with the little unexpected adventures along the way.

I’m also so glad the hotels felt special and memorable. It sounds as though you really experienced such a lovely mix of character, comfort and genuine Scottish hospitality throughout the journey.

Thank you as well for your very kind words about me and the team. That honestly means so much. It was a real joy helping to bring everything together for you, and I’m especially happy that the trip left you wanting to come back.

And thank you for the photos too - they were such a pleasure to see 😊

Whenever you’re ready for your next adventure, I would be absolutely delighted to tailor another trip for you all. It would be such a joy to work with you again!

Warmest wishes,
Kate

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.