Scotland Travel Agents

Hello Tetiana,

Thank you for putting together this overall very memorable and satisfying trip through Scotland. We had a wonderful time and left feeling that we got a thorough impression of Scotland’s cities and breathtaking landscapes. Everything worked out perfectly, and we truly appreciated the attention to detail throughout the itinerary.

We do have a few minor comments and recommendations:

First, we were unable to go inside Edinburgh Castle because our flight delay made it too stressful on the day of arrival. However, we thoroughly enjoyed the recommended city tour and even stumbled upon Greyfriars Bobby’s grave, which was a lovely surprise for us as dog lovers. That would be a wonderful addition to your list of sightseeing recommendations.

Second, on the third day, we left Stirling Castle and drove north to the Culloden Battlefield. The drive took over three hours due to road construction and traffic, which caused us to miss our 2 p.m. tour. Fortunately, we were able to join the 3 p.m. session instead, though this meant we missed visiting Urquhart Castle that afternoon. That turned out just fine, as we later saw the castle from the Loch Ness Canal Tour the next day.

Isle of Skye was the absolute highlight of our trip. We loved Portree, the Storr hike, and the scenery filled with sheep—it all felt wonderfully authentic. We decided to skip the Quiraing hike to keep the day more relaxed and ensure we had time for the Talisker tour, which was a great decision.

On the sixth day, driving from Portree to Glencoe, we came across the Highland Soap Company and decided to stop. We recognized the brand from the products used in all our hotels—from Edinburgh to Inverness to Portree—and enjoyed shopping there tremendously. It would be a fantastic addition to future itineraries.

Overall, the trip was beautifully arranged, and we’re so grateful for your excellent planning and thoughtful touches. Thank you again for helping us experience Scotland in such a memorable and personal way.

Hotel Review

Bracken Hide Hotel

Portree

This was the best hotel on the trip, and we were so happy to be able to stay there for two nights. This hotel, and the Isle of Skye in general, was so beautiful that we could have stayed there the full week as well.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Sea Breezes Restaurant

Scotland

This restaurant was sadly closed during our stay on the Isle of Skye, so we cannot leave a proper review.

This was a dream trip for us to get a good look at the Scottish Highlands, Orkney Islands, the Outer Hebredes (Lewis and Harris) and Skye as well as a caste of the Fringe in Edinburgh and a chance to discover Glasgow. Jane and Marine-Heloise were very adaptable in their planning and set it up for a smooth experience. Well, except for driving on the opposite side of the road, which was both exciting and terrifying.
We were able to enjoy some of the Fringe activities in Edinburgh once we figured out how it all worked. Then drove north thru the Highlands for Scotch whiskey, historical sites and geologic wonders. All the while staying at a variety of lodging and enjoying the fabulous weather (clouds, rain, sun and rainbows). They really put together a great trip.

Hotel Review

Harbour House

Ullapool

This was a spectacular location on the water in a separate cottage. It was my wife's absolute favorite of the trip. It was an easy walk into town, had plenty of parking and breakfast was great. The unit was recently built and very modern inside but the view from the front patio (and large windows) was wonderful. We hope to stay there again.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Three Isles Tour – Mull, Iona & Staffa

Oban

Beautiful trip out of Oban. We enjoyed the ferry crossing and bus trip across Mull - great scenery from the upper level! The ride out to visit Fingal's Cave was pretty choppy and the wave action was too strong for us to put ashore and walk to the cave. But staying safe was the first priority. Visiting Iona was the best part of the trip. Walking out and exploring the Abbey then stopping for a hand pie at St. Columba Larder was an unexpected treat. Finished with a glass of wine looking out over the water to Mull on a sunny afternoon. Here's another location we will plan for visiting again.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Great bus driver!

Transport

Welcome to the Orkney Islands

Scotland

Head immediately out for the Stenness Stone Circle and the Barnhouse Settlement, then head to the Ring of Brodgar. You will want to see them multiple times: in morning light and late afternoon to sunset. Also the village at Skara Brae. In Stromness, we ate at the Ferry Inn twice, good food, nice staff and good conversation. If you get to Kirkwall, eat at Lucano. Best Italian food on our trip and a good wine selection. Next trip we are likely to head on to the Shetland Islands for more exploring.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Breakfast/service at Stromness Hotel was only OK

Transport

Ferries were great, we were driving a rental car.

Our trip to Scotland was magical. Kate was very attentive, always quick to respond with questions and to offer alternatives to the itinerary. The pace was perfect and we hit every sight we wanted to see, with the exception of Nessie, she was not in view the day we were at Loch Ness!

Eridon was exceptional as a driver/guide. He drove us to Portree and made a few stops en route that were not on the itinerary, places that he thought we'd like, and we did! It was a long day, but one of the best ones. He was lovely and very knowledgable.

All the hotels were great, but Taransay House stood out. Our stay there included breakfast and dinner each night and the food was delicious. The rooms were immaculate and very spacious and comfortable but what stood out the most is how hospitable Murdo and his family are, he was there at the door to greet us upon arrival and we immediately felt like old friends. He helped us with mapping out routes, and finding a driver for us, by calling in a favor, when he learned that we had no transportation reserved.

As a note - in many of the more remote places in Scotland, Uber is not available and taxis need to be reserved (well) in advance. We didn't understand this and were caught out more than once when there was no transportation available. It would have been better (and easier) for us to have that done in advance, whether by Kate or on our own, as it was a bit stressful on the day to learn that we couldn't move forward with our plans due to lack of transportation.

Hotel Reviews

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Fabulous location, right on "Diagon Alley" and walking distance to everything in Edinburgh. The staff was very helpful and very welcoming. Rooms were comfortable and clean.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Taransay House, Small Hotel

Portree

Taransay House is a gem. Only four rooms, run by a family, includes breakfast and dinner. We have stayed at 5 star resorts all over the world, and Taransay House is on par. The rooms are immaculate, large and very comfortable, and the food is wonderful. The family that runs it are very special, we felt welcome immediately and when our stay was over, I didn't want to leave. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Walking distance to the center of Portree, overlooking a waterway.

Staff

Murdo and Scott are fantastic!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Prestonfield House

Edinburgh

What a special experience! We felt like we had stepped back in time to another, more civilized, era, but with all the modern amenities and comforts.

Authenticity & Character

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour

Edinburgh

Even my husband, who is not a Potter fan, thought this was so much fun.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Kate from KimKim connected us with drivers and guides that were just good people with local knowledge and an interest in helping us have a positive experience. Numerous times during our trip, my wife and I commented that the support from Kate made this a comfortable and stress free trip.

Hotel Reviews

Cameron house

Lovely property and welcoming staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Inverlochy Castle Hotel

Fort William

Our time here was impacted by a major wind and rain storm. The staff rose to the occasion and did their best to pamper us and help make it a positive staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Views are amazing.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Marmalade Hotel

Portree

Nice property in a very convenient location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Front desk staff was not overly friendly. All other employees at the property were great.

Cleanliness & Comfort

River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals

Inverness

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Authenticity & Character

Unique property, in a good sense.

Location

Staff

Wonderful welcoming staff. Made us feel like we were appreciated.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Holyrood Distillery Tour

Edinburgh

Was looking for a whiskey tour. This tour focused more on their other distilled spirits. Was not a fan of their whiskey.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Talisker Distillery

Scotland

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Inverness Walking Tour

Scotland

Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging.

Explore Glen Affric, Culloden, and Clava Cairns Tour

Inverness

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Edinburgh Old Town Tour

Edinburgh

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Vaults Tour

Edinburgh

If you have limited time, don’t think this needs to be a priority.

Quality of Experience

Probably the least favorite guide we had while in Scotland.

Guides, Drivers and Staff