Jane Davey

While not huge like King's castles, or as grand as Duke and Earl's castles it was genuine and authentic, more like a baron's castle. The hosts were welcoming and the chef was remarkable. We were treated to the best meal we had on the entire trip there. Besides the restaurant, there is a separate bar which has a different menu. Our room had a four poster bed and a large, very modern private bathroom. I would caution you to read the room descriptions carefully as you can stay in everything from servants quarters, which are very small, to a grand two bedroom suite. This is one hotel where you will get what you pay for. There is a small family museum on premises which remains locked, but you can get a key if you are interested. I highly recommend the Tullock Castle and would definitely return if I'm ever near Dingwall again.

The Stonehenge and Bath Day Tour was impressive. I was warned Stonehenge was a free for all, but those folks had visited many years ago. Today it is well managed, traffic and parking is not an issue and the Visitor's Center is a gem. If you go, make SURE you see the 360 degree short film on Stonehenge before you go out to the site. The new displays, showing huts which would have been similar to what the workers would have stayed in enhanced the experience. Bath itself and the Roman Baths are intriguing. I especially enjoyed going underground and seeing the old Roman structures. The little interpretive stops were great in explaining how the old plumbing worked. It is another definite must do.

The West Highlands were delightful. Being on the bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond, Inveraray and Doune (Outlander) Castles and the Rest and Be Thankful Pass with its stunning views and interesting story were the highlights.

What stands out is its significant historical status. It is way more immersive and engaging than other castles. It has seen extensive restoration and is rich in royal history sitting at the heart of Scottish history. It not only served as a primary residence for the Stewart/Stuart dynasty, it was also a critical military stronghold.

What an incredible day. Gorgeous scenery, Bolton Castle and the Wensleydale Cheese Factory were the highlights. It was an 8 hour tour and I wish it had been 10 so we could have stopped more to take pictures. The Wensleydale cheese really was extraordinary.

Westminster Abbey serve as the coronation site for British Royals. It is a soaring, magnificent, gothic church which cannot be experienced by simply looking at pictures. It also serves as the resting place for over 3000 notables, including kings and queens. It is a must do at least once in your lifetime.

HUGE museum and was initially surprised it was arranged by country. However, considering at its peak, the British Empire ruled over 23% to 24% of world lands it's understandable. It houses an impressive display of artifacts from all over the world (over 100 countries). You would need two or three weeks to see it all. I will admit I came away feeling, "wow, those should be returned to the Iroquois," and "I wonder why Greece and Iraq haven't asked for their artifacts back?"

The Tower of London tour turned out to be a highly unexpected experience complete with a stunning discovery. Our entire trip was historical in nature as we were tracing some of Mark's family history roots. Edward Seymour (brother to Jane and Lord Protectorate for Edward VI who was Henry VIII and Jane's son) and John Dudley who served as the de facto regent and ruler of England after he orchestrated the downfall of Edward Seymour were both beheaded during those turbulent times. Edward and John were Mark's 12th and 13th great grandfathers from different lines of his family. In the Tower of London prison, the largest and most elaborate etching on the wall carved in by various prisoners, belonged to John Dudley! It was one of the top two highlights of the entire trip! As if that wasn't enough, our version of the Changing of the Guard was extreme. Instead of a few, we got to see 100s of uniformed guards, military members, musicians and horsemen rehearsing for the King's Birthday. We had a front row seat for their practice parade at its inception so we could see the pre-staging as well. That was unexpectedly precious. St. Pauls was a nice surprise due to its ornate interior, the American Memorial Chapel and knowledgeable guide. Then end this tour, the river cruise included seeing the raising of the Tower Bridge so a sail ship could pass through. Remarkable day.

It got cancelled due to lack of people signed up.

It's a long day from Paris, especially with the number of traffic issues we experienced. The beaches, bunkers and memorials we were allowed to see were great, but we were hurried along and told not to read the signs; they were supposed to provide links instead, but never did. The cemetery was sobering but pristine. The lunch stop was good and since lunch was included in our tour it was a treat.

Most certainly opulent!! Line skipping was nice, guide was knowledgeable but excessively wordy. It was very, very hot and very very crowded so we were stuck listening to someone drone on forever we oft could not even see. The tour itself was great, but our guide not so much so. We were supposed to have 4 hours there, but 2.75 of that was listening to the guide get off track and tell personal stories, leaving us only 1.25 hours to explore the rest of the palace, find some place to eat, visit the gardens, the grand and petit trianon and Marie-Antoinette's hameau. We did get fed, saw some of the gardens but missed the rest which I was really wanting to see.

Already reviewed the Tullock Castle Hotel, but the town was delightful as well. They have a really nice local museum

Bus ride to the boat ride, plus stopping and getting off the boat to see the castle, time for the visitors center and bus ride home was well planned and a great deal of fun.

Two of our top five activities were included in this day trip, Clava Cairns and Culloden. The sheer intrigue and age of Clava Cairns left a permanent impression. The visitor's center at Culloden was well done from both perspectives. The dramatic change to Scotland's future path was handled well. Walking the battlefield and finding various clans brought the battle to life. We were also finally able to make a connection as to why Tullock Castle was "lost" to our family in 1746.

Interesting to be in the Isle of Skye and see Eileen Donan Castle. It was a day full of history and sites. Getting to drive through valleys where actual battles took place made it easy to see how they would have developed. The Donan Castle is different in that the exterior was re-created to be as close to the original as possible complete with dropping streaks. The interior is modern and a destination house for a family. The stop in Portree and getting to see several Highland "Coos" was a special treat.

Such an interesting place, very crowded but still worth the time to enjoy. To fully appreciate it, you need to take the time to see it all, the military fortress and batteries, the tradesmen quarters, royal palace and crown jewels, the tribute to Scottish warriors, St. Margaret's Chapel, prisons, museums etc.

They were extremely accommodating and flexible. Permitting us to check in early after a 6 hour flight and being up for 36 hours was very helpful! Very good breakfast also and a very friendly staff.

Very friendly staff. Great location. Everyone was happy with their room. We had a beautiful, spacious room. The lobby, bar, and outside seating area were really nice. I would highly recommend this hotel.

We were lucky and had amazing weather. The boat was very clean. Way nicer than our ferries in the states! The return trip took us on the ocean side of the Cliffs of Moher. It was incredible.

The admission process and the way they moved you through was really efficient. You don't want to miss this if you come to Dublin.

This tour was with the Killarney Touring Company with Aodan Griffin. It was the highlight of our trip. He was extremely knowledgable about everything concerning Ireland. He was flexible and willing to do anything we wanted. A true professional. He had a brand new van that was very clean and comfortable. He couldn't do enough for us!

This is a quaint hotel in a great part of London that is near the Metro and yet has a neighborhood feel. Close to many diverse restaurants. I felt safe and the rooms are clean. The only drawback is that there is the same (but well apportioned) breakfast served every day.

This is a clean and comfortable hotel, but the room was the smallest I've ever been in. It had everything we needed; it was just small. The bed was comfortable, as was the room. The view was OK. The location was great in that it was close to the city Metro and suburb trains, a few blocks from many great restaurants and bakeries and shops and fairly close to the Arc. The breakfast was the same every day, so that got to be a bit stale at the end of our stay. The staff are so friendly and will help with anything you ask. The elevator is a bit small, but the way it empties to the dark, circular staircase was a bit treacherous for my eyes. A better understanding of the train system would have helped us save some money and some lost time as we went in the wrong direction a couple of times. During our final walk-through conversation, it was a good thing we took notes as those notes were very helpful in finding meeting points of tours. Also, if you want to go to the top of the Arc, understand that the only safe way to get there is via a tunnel from the Champs-eLysees side.

Delightful historic hotel with a chef who prepares authentic Indian dishes and more conventional dishes as well. Only slight negative was that we had to carry our bags downstairs ourselves.

Such a cute place and comfortable too and right in the middle of everything. Next door to Sally Lund’s Buns. The staff were so friendly and helpful. The breakfast was excellent. Only slight negative was the metal spiral staircase which make carrying our bags down interesting.

Very luxurious hotel and large comfortable rooms. Bigger than the other hotels we stayed in and newer too but we still really enjoyed it.

A large hotel in the city so a bit more impersonal than some of the other hotels but still very comfortable and convenient.

We had a one on one tour with the most fabulous entertainer and host. I don’t remember his name but I loved watching his face while he told us stories.