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active 11 hours ago

Stephen Molloy

Urbanist by training, he spent most of his twenties traveling and living overseas. Bitten by the bug, he lived in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, California, Australia, DRC, Kenya, Pakistan...and then Europe. Lover of all things two wheeled,
His last big trip: Exploring France on a bike with my kids in a bike trailer.
Favorite European destinations: Lake district, Scottish Highlands, Corsica, Stockholm

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in the UK and France. The activities I focus on are a high-end selection of private guides and lodgings. I adore sharing activities and experiences that "

How did you get involved in travel?

"My parents were big travelers, and my dad writes motorcycle travel books. He sells online, but also at country fairs and has a great time with this hobby!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Travelling with my dad by motorbike through the Gobi desert. The motorbikes were from the 1950s and 1960s and we had breakdowns and snow and visits to the hospital. All the while we were hosted warmly and looked after incredibly well. Each day we awoke to incredible views and new adventures."

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Favorite experiences

Gourmet Cheese & Cider Tasting in Normandy

Take your time exploring Normandy, a large, diverse region with a unique and rural way of life. The area is known for its rustic agricultural landscape, tasty cheeses, hard apple cider, and calvados brandy. Start with a well-rounded cheese experience, as the region is known for its fine...

Recent trip reviews for Stephen

We had a wonderful trip. Each and every stop...
Scotland | Sep 19 - Oct 3, 2025

J
John L.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Oct 07, 2025
We had a wonderful trip. Each and every stop was unique and interesting. From urban settings to small towns and even the seldom traveled Shetland Islands, the scenery was beautiful. We found out many new and unknown facts about England and Scotland and their rich and interesting history. Our guide Paul, in London was very knowledgeable about all things Beatles. When we got to Edinburgh Robert gave an excellent walking tour of the city and told us many stories of unknown facts about... Read more

We had a wonderful trip. Each and every stop was unique and interesting. From urban settings to small towns and even the seldom traveled Shetland Islands, the scenery was beautiful. We found out many new and unknown facts about England and Scotland and their rich and interesting history. Our guide Paul, in London was very knowledgeable about all things Beatles. When we got to Edinburgh Robert gave an excellent walking tour of the city and told us many stories of unknown facts about events that have occurred in the town. From there we headed out into the country where we received gracious hospitality at all of our lodging stops. We were especially happy with our stay on the Isle of Sky and also the Shetland Islands. When we arrived in Lerwick Lara gave a wonderful and car tour of the town and some other historical sites on the Island. She was interesting, knowledgeable, and accommodating. We all enjoyed the day with her.
After the Shetlands we head back to London for some more rich history tours with Angie and Tracy. The walking tour to the Buckingham Palace was interesting and Angie was full of fun facts about the Royal family and the traditions. Tracy took us on a Black cab tour of London. Tracy was also interesting and knowledgeable. She took us to some local shops and eateries unique to London. She was great as well and we enjoyed our day with her. We could not have had more fun. Stephen you kept us busy and entertained. It was better than I imagined it could be. Thank you for the great planning and great guides!

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Oct 08, 2025
Dear John (though please send my regards to Joy, Dennis, and Donna as well), Thank you so much for your wonderful note — it absolutely made my day. I’m delighted to hear how much you enjoyed every stop along the way, from the bustling streets of London to the windswept beauty of the Shetland Islands. It sounds like you truly experienced the full spectrum of what makes England and Scotland so special. I loved hearing that Robert’s walking tour through Edinburgh was a highlight — he has a... Read more

Dear John (though please send my regards to Joy, Dennis, and Donna as well),

Thank you so much for your wonderful note — it absolutely made my day. I’m delighted to hear how much you enjoyed every stop along the way, from the bustling streets of London to the windswept beauty of the Shetland Islands. It sounds like you truly experienced the full spectrum of what makes England and Scotland so special.

I loved hearing that Robert’s walking tour through Edinburgh was a highlight — he has a gift for bringing the city’s history to life with those quirky little-known stories. I can just imagine the four of you relaxing afterwards at Tigerlily, perhaps reminiscing later over your elegant afternoon tea at the Signet Library!

It also sounds like you made the most of your time in the Highlands — the whisky connoisseur in Blair Atholl would have been thrilled to share his knowledge (and perhaps a dram or two), and your 4x4 adventure through the Cairngorms with Steve must have been truly unforgettable. He always runs a great experience.

I’m so glad the mix of guides — Paul, Robert, Lara, Angie, and Tracy, and all the others— helped bring each stage of your journey to life, each in their own unique way. Thank you for being such engaged and good-humoured travellers; it was a real pleasure to plan this adventure for you all.

With warm regards,
Stephen Molloy and the team at HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

Tenderfoot Travelers
Ireland | Sep 9 - Sep 18, 2025

patti
patti m.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2025
We were contacted by Stephen Malloy in April 1, 2025 and began planning our Ireland Vacation. From the beginning, Stephen made us feel like he cared about making this trip an adventure for us. We exchanged emails, had two videos chats, questioners, and even received feed back and help from his partner in crime: Elisa Gjepali, Two for One! We must have been important or a big pain.
We received our first itinerary on April 6 and it was almost perfect. We could tell Stephen had listened...
Read more

We were contacted by Stephen Malloy in April 1, 2025 and began planning our Ireland Vacation. From the beginning, Stephen made us feel like he cared about making this trip an adventure for us. We exchanged emails, had two videos chats, questioners, and even received feed back and help from his partner in crime: Elisa Gjepali, Two for One! We must have been important or a big pain.
We received our first itinerary on April 6 and it was almost perfect. We could tell Stephen had listened to us and was trying to make our dream vacation a reality. A few changes were made and we had booked our trip by April 26 and excited to be on our way.
From May through September, Stephen or Elisa answered many. many question we had and not just about our bookings and outing. We had never traveled internationally and had no idea about anything. From travel insurance to customs procedures, they helped us feel comfortable and never acted like it was a bother.
We received our travel book a week before we left on our trip. Some scheduling changes had been made and they wanted to make us aware of the changes. Stephen even did another video chat with us because there was on very confusing day and he wanted to make sure we were all on the same page about the changes for that day.
Our first day in Ireland, we received an email from Stephen welcoming us to Ireland. A friendly face in a new town. He made sure we had numbers to call in case of problems, and let us know we could still contact him or Elisa if needed.
And we did need them a couple of times. Problems were handled and we had a wonderful time.
Thank you Kimkim for a wonderful time and to Stephen and Elisa,
You will be remembered in our hearts and prayer from this day forward.
Blessings,
Pat and Patti McHugh

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Oct 05, 2025
Dear Pat and Patti, Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed comment, both here and along the kimkim chat feed. Reading your words has truly made my day :) The most special part of this journey through Ireland for me wasn’t just putting together the logistics, but the connection we built with you both. It’s been a joy to accompany you from the very first Teams Video call through to the last details of your trip, and I hope our paths cross again in the future. Perhaps a trip to... Read more

Dear Pat and Patti,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed comment, both here and along the kimkim chat feed. Reading your words has truly made my day :)

The most special part of this journey through Ireland for me wasn’t just putting together the logistics, but the connection we built with you both. It’s been a joy to accompany you from the very first Teams Video call through to the last details of your trip, and I hope our paths cross again in the future. Perhaps a trip to another of our destinations (UK, France...) or at least a message at Thanksgiving.

Elisa and I are so grateful for your blessings. I think I can speak for her, when I say that we wish you both all the very best, and may your travels continue to be filled with discovery, joy, adventure and a whole lot of laughs.

With warmest regards,
Stephen Molloy
HIGH POINT

We had excellent guides for our excursions.
Scotland | Aug 13 - Aug 25, 2025

Jeanne
Jeanne L.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Sep 01, 2025
We had excellent guides for our excursions. They were all knowledgeable, enthusiastic and personable. We especially enjoyed our Beatles tour. With Paul T. Jack, who took us on a walking tour of Smithfield was very knowledgeable and engaging. Grace took us on a walking tour focused on Shakespeare and I learned a lot (maybe more than I needed to know ). I did enjoy the town it was Stratford on Avon. Scotland was beautiful and we had great weather! Visiting St. Andrew’s was a dream of a... Read more

We had excellent guides for our excursions. They were all knowledgeable, enthusiastic and personable. We especially enjoyed our Beatles tour. With Paul T. Jack, who took us on a walking tour of Smithfield was very knowledgeable and engaging. Grace took us on a walking tour focused on Shakespeare and I learned a lot (maybe more than I needed to know ). I did enjoy the town it was Stratford on Avon. Scotland was beautiful and we had great weather! Visiting St. Andrew’s was a dream of a lifetime. We were busy with all the things that were planned for us and felt like we covered a lot of ground.

Hotel Reviews
ibis Styles London Southwark – near Borough Market
London

This hotel was in an area where we could walk to find a variety of restaurants that were close by. The room was warm and had trouble adjusting the temperature to cool the room. The included breakfast bar was nicely stocked with a variety of food.

Authenticity & Character
It was a theater themed decorated style.
Location
Near a variety of restaurants and close enough to walk to other activities.
Staff
Staff was helpful when interacted with.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was clean and lobby and dining area were clean
The White Lion Hotel
Ambleside, Cumbria

The hotel was nice but the logistics were strange. We came in the back door from the parking lot. We had to walk through the restaurant with our luggage. We had to carry our luggage up many steps and that was laborious. The restaurant had a Sunday roast that looked good on line but the roast was dry, overcooked and tough. The potatoes could barely be cut with a knife they were hard as rocks (over-baked).

Authenticity & Character
It was in an attractive older building.
Location
It was in the middle of the town and close to walk around the town even though it was Sunday evening and most things were closed.
Staff
They had a menu on the table and you were instructed to place your order on line and it was cumbersome. Upon seeking help from a server he told us we did not have to order on line but we were done by that point.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was clean and comfortable.
Eden Locke
Edinburgh

This hotel was the best out of all eight we stayed in. It was roomy and they had a nice fan. Big bathroom. Elevator! The only bad thing was we arrived at night and it was not clearly marked. The sign had the name on the same color of brick and it was not illuminated. After going around the block a few times one of our passengers got out and walked to the area where we thought it should be and confirmed we were at the right place.

Authenticity & Character
Very modern and well appointed.
Location
Centrally located in Edinburgh.
Staff
Very informative and thorough.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable. Enjoyed a large bathroom and shower.
The White Hart Royal Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire

A nice hotel with a nice size room and on the first floor. We really weren’t here very long, arrived early evening and left early the next morning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loch Leven Hotel
Glencoe

Hotel was nice but once again involved lugging luggage up steps. Only staying one night I don’t recall specifics of this room. There was a lake nearby that we walked down to see.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Pretty surroundings, don’t remember seeing anything nearby to explore.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hard Days Night Hotel
Liverpool

This was a nice hotel. One downfall was that there was no parking and there was no where to unload the luggage due to restricted parking for cabs. There was a policeman out front when we arrived and he let us pull up and unload quickly. When you went in the front doors there were several steps that we had to lug our luggage up. Nice on the main level there was an elevator to take us up to the 2nd floor. The hotel room was roomy and had air conditioning that was a welcome feature!

Authenticity & Character
Beatles theme.
Authenticity & Character
Beatles theme.
Location
Close to the Cavern Club and had Beatles theme with interesting decor around the hotel.
Location
Close to the Cavern Club and had Beatles theme with interesting decor around the hotel.
Staff
We had a tour scheduled the day we were checking out and we were able to get a later check out.
Staff
We had a tour scheduled the day we were checking out and we were able to get a later check out.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness & Comfort
Balmacara Hotel
Ross-Shire

Nice hotel with a view of the lake across the street. Second floor with lots of steps to lug luggage. No elevator.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was located near to some excursions we were visiting.
Staff
I became ill and my husband went to the desk and they offered some remedies that may aid in my comfort.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was clean and comfortable.
Redcliffe Hotel
Inverness

Hotel was nice in an older building with a nice restaurant. This time we had to lug our luggage downstairs. The room was nice but small. The bathroom and shower were extremely small.

Authenticity & Character
It had an old time charm look.
Location
It was in a town and we were able to walk to get dinner and do a little souvenir shopping.
Staff
The lady who checked us in and waited on us for breakfast was very friendly and nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable but the bathroom and shower were very small.
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Sep 01, 2025
Hi Jeanne and Carl That's so cool that you took the time to do this review - cheers! Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I’m delighted to hear you had such excellent guides and that the Beatles tour was a highlight. The weather has just turned for the worse last week so you missed the storm. I’m so glad that visiting St. Andrew’s was everything you hoped for - as I say to folks, it is not just about golf! Wonderful to know you felt the trip was full and rewarding. We would be... Read more

Hi Jeanne and Carl

That's so cool that you took the time to do this review - cheers!

Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I’m delighted to hear you had such excellent guides and that the Beatles tour was a highlight. The weather has just turned for the worse last week so you missed the storm. I’m so glad that visiting St. Andrew’s was everything you hoped for - as I say to folks, it is not just about golf! Wonderful to know you felt the trip was full and rewarding.

We would be happy to have you again, perhaps travelling in France, Ireland or Wales next time!

Regards, thanks
Stephen Molloy
HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

Scotland and Northern England Tour
Scotland | Aug 11 - Aug 20, 2025

Phil
Phil D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025
We planned a 10-day (9 days + 1 flight day) self-drive tour in Scotland and Northern England with our two boys, 13 and 9. The planning experience with Stephen was great; the interactions were easy and he heard and adjusted with our feedback, though the changes were minimal given that the initial itinerary was close to spot on from our initial input. We really appreciated walking through the entire trip the week before departure and getting a few tips. We had a variety of accommodations, and... Read more

We planned a 10-day (9 days + 1 flight day) self-drive tour in Scotland and Northern England with our two boys, 13 and 9. The planning experience with Stephen was great; the interactions were easy and he heard and adjusted with our feedback, though the changes were minimal given that the initial itinerary was close to spot on from our initial input. We really appreciated walking through the entire trip the week before departure and getting a few tips. We had a variety of accommodations, and especially enjoyed the setting of the Bracken Hide Hotel in the highlands and the historic Ballaculich House apartment near Fort William. Having many breakfasts included along the way was much appreciated, as were the combination of self guided days, private tours, Castle tickets and free time. The brief guides of each area were truly helpful and our Edinburgh tour guide Gareth (EdinburghExpert) and Steve (Highland Wildlife & Birdwatch Safaris) in Aviemore were both standouts.

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Aug 26, 2025

Hi Phil,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review — I really appreciate it. We love working with the same guides you mentioned, and we try to use them as often as we can, so I’m delighted they stood out for you as well.

For me, one of the best parts of planning your trip was having our pre-trip video calls. They really helped me understand your needs perfectly and make sure the itinerary felt right for your family from the very start.

Please pass on my thanks also to your wife and the boys — cheers J, J and P as well!

Warm regards,
Stephen Molloy
HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

There were major issues with our trip. Terrible experience. .When ...
England | Jun 14 - Jun 22, 2025

V
Vandan D.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025
There were major issues with transfers. When we arrived to Barcelona, the transfer was 30 minutes later. On our way back to the airport in Barcelona, the transfer vehicle was not the correct size and not large enough to accommodate our luggage. The black cab tour was not an actual black cab, it was a silver taxi, it had no AC and extremely hot. The whole experience was terrible. The changing of the guards but not up close at all, we were stuck behind huge groups and not private or... Read more

There were major issues with transfers. When we arrived to Barcelona, the transfer was 30 minutes later. On our way back to the airport in Barcelona, the transfer vehicle was not the correct size and not large enough to accommodate our luggage. The black cab tour was not an actual black cab, it was a silver taxi, it had no AC and extremely hot. The whole experience was terrible. The changing of the guards but not up close at all, we were stuck behind huge groups and not private or personalized as it was mentioned to us while booking. There was a huge mess also with Costa Brava day trip. The guide messaged up the day before indicating we needed to meet him in Giorna which is 1.5 hours away from our hotel, which was not what was discussed with Stephen. We had to call them and deal with that hassle to get that sorted which added so much stress in the vacation while taking care of our toddler. We would not book with Kim Kim ever again. The agents don’t pay attention to detail, book terrible transfer companies and misrepresent what our experiences will be. Terrible experience! Do not recommend at all. Zicasso is much better to go with.

Activity Reviews
Private Day Trip to Costa Brava's Coastal Villages
Private Day Trip to Costa Brava's Coastal Villages
Barcelona
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private transfer
Private transfer
Spain

Horrible transfer company

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Tour Guide Changing of the Guard to the Palace of Buckingham
Private Tour Guide Changing of the Guard to the Palace of Buckingham
London
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Not private or close up at all
Transport
Private transfer to your destination
Private transfer to your destination
England

Not a black cab at all, it was silver taxi and no AC in the heat. TERRIBLE

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Jul 17, 2025
Dear Vandan Thank you for your constructive feedback. We primarily specialise in trips to the UK, Ireland, and France, but were happy to help when you asked to extend your journey with a few final days in Barcelona. While this falls outside the core of our work, we work their often and have great suppliers there as well. We're very sorry that parts of your trip caused stress, especially while travelling with a toddler, and want to acknowledge how frustrating that must have felt. We’d like... Read more

Dear Vandan

Thank you for your constructive feedback.

We primarily specialise in trips to the UK, Ireland, and France, but were happy to help when you asked to extend your journey with a few final days in Barcelona. While this falls outside the core of our work, we work their often and have great suppliers there as well.

We're very sorry that parts of your trip caused stress, especially while travelling with a toddler, and want to acknowledge how frustrating that must have felt. We’d like to gently clarify a few points and let you know how we responded:

The transfer vehicle on your final day in Barcelona was clearly not suitable for your luggage and stroller, and we have refunded this in full.

The earlier delayed transfer on arrival was also taken into account, and that service was refunded as well. We have organized to not work with them again, black listed.

Regarding the Costa Brava tour, we completely understand the confusion and anxiety caused by the unexpected message about meeting in Girona. Once you brought it to our attention, we worked quickly behind the scenes to resolve the situation and ensure the plan stayed as originally discussed.

About the London Cab Tour: the vehicle used was a fully licensed London taxi—silver in colour but otherwise identical to the traditional black cab. The guide reported that:

Air conditioning was on and functional throughout.

The weather on 16 June was mild, peaking around 25°C later in the day.

No issues were raised during the tour, and we understand that you thanked the guide warmly at the end of the evening.

We understand, however, that expectations play a big part in experiences like this, and we’re sorry it didn’t feel right to you on the day. We will certainly call this the London Cab Tour in the future, not the Black Cab Tour.

The Changing of the Guard experience was a private guided walking tour, offering context, history, and insight while helping you navigate a popular event that always draws large crowds. We appreciate that the term “private” can cause confusion when the event itself is public—we’ll reflect on how this is presented in future descriptions.

We take your comments seriously and always aim to improve. While we're disappointed, we genuinely thank you for sharing your thoughts. We hope your future travels bring smoother moments and more joy all the way through.

Sincerely

Our agent Stephen made everything run very smoothly. Highly impressed!
Scotland | Jun 17 - Jun 25, 2025

drsadler@shaw.ca
[email protected] S.
Canada | Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025
I had dreamed of doing a trip to the Orkney Islands, the Isle of Skye, and Iona for years and tried to organize it myself, but it proved to be too complex. Stephen and his colleagues at Kimkim blew us away with how well they put it together They patiently worked with us, custom-building the trip of our dreams. Over a period of months we went back and forth making adjustments and Stephen was very patient with us. Eventually we had a complex package involving flights, taxis, tours of multiple... Read more

I had dreamed of doing a trip to the Orkney Islands, the Isle of Skye, and Iona for years and tried to organize it myself, but it proved to be too complex. Stephen and his colleagues at Kimkim blew us away with how well they put it together They patiently worked with us, custom-building the trip of our dreams. Over a period of months we went back and forth making adjustments and Stephen was very patient with us. Eventually we had a complex package involving flights, taxis, tours of multiple sites, hotels, and car rentals. Things went very smoothly. We received a detailed itinerary and downloadable tickets that made the trip a breeze. We would arrive at a site, or a ferry, show the staff our ticket either printed or on phone, and they would wave us through. At each car rental and hotel, we just gave our name and everything was ready. My brother and I have travelled all over the world, and have rarely been so impressed.

A couple of highlights stand out: We had an Orkney Wildlife Sea Tour with Ocean Trek out of Kirkwall and our host was a fellow named Jimmy. A small boat, but Jimmy was very friendly and knowledgeable, so it was a special delight. He made it feel like we were just friends out for a day on his boat. We saw a castle, seals, and many different kinds of birds. Another highlight was the Tarbet Hotel on Loch Lomond. It was one of the most comfortable and elegant places we’ve ever stayed. Old-world elegance, and dog-friendly.

I hope to make use of Kimkim on future trips. They custom-designed the trip, making everything simple for us so we could focus on enjoying the wildlife and archaeological sites we came to see.

Hotel Reviews
The Tarbet Hotel Arrochar
Tarbet

One of the nicest places I've ever stayed, and I've travelled all over the world. Warm, old-world elegance; friendly staff, choice of 3 lovely lounges. Didn't care for the loud music being played in two of them and the lobby, but one lounge was kept as a quiet space, so I survived. A dog-friendly establishment and was delighted to meet the desk clerk's dog on one occasion. We were leaving early, so they packed us a bag breakfast. There is a nature-trail area across the street, and Loch Lomond is just across the street. The road it's on is a bit busy, but wasn't a problem. We elected to eat in a lovely former church down the street about half a kilometer, called 'Kirk o' the lochs'. Nice decor and good food to be found there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Martyrs Bay Rooms
Isle of Iona

Arrived 5:00 pm. Were made welcome. Rooms and amenities were fine, but we were leaving early in the morning, so we didn't have a chance to sample food. They put together a bag breakfast for us to take on the road, so we were impressed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree

Rooms were comfortable. Breakfast dining room staff were great, and the food was excellent. However, in a separate dining room for supper, the service was terrible. Bored teenagers waiting on us; waited 20 minutes to be noticed and then had to walk over to the counter and ask for a menu. After that another staff person came and told us that they only had 2 cooks on that night, so we would have to wait about a half hour for our food. Not impressed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Stromness Hotel
Stromness

Nice rooms, Victorian decor, friendly staff, good food. However, in the four days we were there, they didn't clean our room. A bit unusual, but we didn't suffer for it. Also, guests should be aware this is a 'no alcohol' hotel. Meals in the dining room are a bit expensive, but there are other restaurants, take-away places, and a grocery store within a couple of blocks for cheaper options.

Authenticity & Character
Location
So much history in Stromness
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
They only clean rooms if you stay more than 6 days.
Activity Review
Orkney Wildlife Sea Tours
Orkney Wildlife Sea Tours
Scotland

This was one of the true highlights of the trip. Jimmy was our host, and he has a very small boat; can only take 3 guests, so it is very up-close and personal. Jimmy was very friendly and was a fountain of knowledge about the area. He asked what we wanted to see and took us to places to see it. We saw castles, seals, and numerous kind of seabirds. By the end of the tour, it felt like we were just friends out on a boat together. The only thing was that I was expecting a larger tour boat, and he was off to the side of the marina, so it was a bit of a challenge to find him. However, it was well worth it. I highly recommend hium.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Jul 16, 2025
Hey Doug (and Peter) Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. I’m absolutely thrilled to hear how well everything came together for you both—it was a real privilege to help bring your long-held dream of visiting Orkney, Skye, and Iona to life. It’s great to know that the travel experience—from ferries and flights to hotels and car hire—allowed you to mostly focus on what really mattered: exploring the incredible wildlife, landscapes, and archaeological treasures of Scotland. I’m so... Read more

Hey Doug (and Peter)

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. I’m absolutely thrilled to hear how well everything came together for you both—it was a real privilege to help bring your long-held dream of visiting Orkney, Skye, and Iona to life.

It’s great to know that the travel experience—from ferries and flights to hotels and car hire—allowed you to mostly focus on what really mattered: exploring the incredible wildlife, landscapes, and archaeological treasures of Scotland. I’m so pleased you enjoyed highlights like the sea tour with Jimmy in Orkney, the peaceful charm of Iona, and the elegance of the Tarbet Hotel on Loch Lomond.

Thank you again for entrusting me/us with such a meaningful journey. I hope we’ll have the chance to work together again on your next adventure.

Warmest regards,
Stephen
HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

Exploring Scotland Over the December Holidays
Scotland | Dec 22 - Jan 1, 2025

C
Chad H.
Morgantown, WV | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2025
We had an outstanding Scottish trip over the December holidays! Stephen and Marine provided wonderful support in planning a 11 day trip that took us on a loop from Edinburgh to the Highlands (Glencoe and Skye). In Edinburgh, our local guide, Gareth, was phenomenal. He maintained a captivating discussion of the city over over three hours! The Wee Touring Menu at Wedgewood was a huge success with the entire family. The Mary King's Close Tour was a wonderful addition to the trip and well... Read more

We had an outstanding Scottish trip over the December holidays! Stephen and Marine provided wonderful support in planning a 11 day trip that took us on a loop from Edinburgh to the Highlands (Glencoe and Skye).

In Edinburgh, our local guide, Gareth, was phenomenal. He maintained a captivating discussion of the city over over three hours! The Wee Touring Menu at Wedgewood was a huge success with the entire family. The Mary King's Close Tour was a wonderful addition to the trip and well worth the time.

Once we left Edinburgh, hiking in Glencoe, Pitlochery, and Skye was pretty outstanding as well. While it was always a little but rainy (as expected), we really enjoyed the views, the streams, and waterfalls.

Hotel Reviews
Broomhall Castle
Stirling

The location was wonderful and provided a unique experience for the family. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The biggest questions were based on the New Years' celebration events. While we initially believed there would be options to eat locally or eat within the hotel at the bar, the only option was to buy tickets for a New Years Dinner.

Authenticity & Character
How often can you sleep in a castle?
Location
Great location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Atholl Villa Guest House
Pitlochry

A solid place--the staff was very friendly, the rooms were clean, and comfortable, and the hotel is in a great location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right on the main strip, the rooms were quiet and comfortable.
Staff
The staff were present, they communicated well, and they were there to help if you needed guidance.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Broadford Hotel
Broadford
Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful location with good access to local restaurants.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Glencoe Inn
Ballachulish

The Glencoe Inn is very comfortable and tucked away in the mountains. From a location perspective, Bellachulish was just beautiful and had great places to hike. The Inn's accommodations were limited during our stay. Upon arriving, we were told that the main restaurant and bar were closed for renovations and there was limited staff available. The Inn provided a limited menu and limited bar during our stay.

Authenticity & Character
The character was not clear since many portions of the Inn were closed or under renovation.
Location
Beautiful location and great place to explore
Staff
Very helpful and kind!
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were clean and quiet and we really enjoyed the shared community spaces.
York Place Apartments by Destination Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Very comfortable, quiet accommodations in the heart of Edinburgh. Very spacious, strong WiFi, and is a place that a large group could stay for several days. The single blip with York Place Apartments was the check-in process. This was nobody waiting for us and there is no desk--so we were somewhat stuck outside this apartment without a way to get inside the apartment.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very walkable to downtown, restaurants, etc. The biggest challenge is there is no way to park in front so you will need to park a car and walk to the apartment.
Staff
Have staff there to meet people or provide a clear point of contact to enter into the apartment.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
The Wee Tour of Scotland tasting menu
The Wee Tour of Scotland tasting menu
Edinburgh

The Wee Tour of Scotland tasting menu was a good culinary experience. We enjoyed a set course meal of five or six dishes, offering a nice variety of Scottish cuisine. It was a solid four out of five experience.

Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Scotland

Again, a strong contender for being the main highlight, Stirling castle was a great experience. The parking was easy, Stirling is a central city to Scottish history, the castle is well-maintained, and the tour guides were great. I was surprised when my teenage daughters wanted to keep exploring after 2 hours!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide
Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide
Edinburgh

Possibly the highlight of the trip, Gareth was interesting and informed. This felt more like a 3 hour discussion between Gareth and our family of 4 than a simple tour were you are blasted with facts and figures.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Small group visit of Mary King's Close
Small group visit of Mary King's Close
Edinburgh

Just a fantastic way to understand the city's history and how lower class people lived.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Creative and interesting tour guides. Informed and interested in telling their stories.
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Jan 23, 2025
Hi Chad, Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled that you had such an outstanding trip, from Edinburgh’s history with Gareth to the stunning hikes in Glencoe and Skye. It’s great to hear that Wedgewood’s tasting menu and the Mary King’s Close tour were highlights as well! We do appreciate your understanding about the holiday season—while we do our best to organize everything, some hotels operate with a lighter service during that time. We're sorry that the Glencoe Inn had only... Read more

Hi Chad,

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled that you had such an outstanding trip, from Edinburgh’s history with Gareth to the stunning hikes in Glencoe and Skye. It’s great to hear that Wedgewood’s tasting menu and the Mary King’s Close tour were highlights as well!

We do appreciate your understanding about the holiday season—while we do our best to organize everything, some hotels operate with a lighter service during that time. We're sorry that the Glencoe Inn had only the bistro menu available during your stay.

Thanks again for your thoughtful feedback, and we hope to welcome you back to Scotland in the future!

Best,
Stephen and the team at High Point Holidays

Absolutely loved how local our guided adventu...
Scotland | Sep 24 - Oct 1, 2024

Elizabeth
Elizabeth M.
Albuquerque, NM | Reviewed on Oct 07, 2024
Absolutely loved how local our guided adventures felt. True experts for wildlife and urban interest tours. We even saw the elusive grouse!
Everything was very professional and the accommodations (4) each fit the location and needs for the surrounding explorations. The luxury spot in Granton on Spey was such a treat and not anything I would have found in my own or chosen for myself. It was idealic.
I truly valued the expertise and the fun that were woven together; making the trip extra... Read more

Absolutely loved how local our guided adventures felt. True experts for wildlife and urban interest tours. We even saw the elusive grouse!
Everything was very professional and the accommodations (4) each fit the location and needs for the surrounding explorations. The luxury spot in Granton on Spey was such a treat and not anything I would have found in my own or chosen for myself. It was idealic.

I truly valued the expertise and the fun that were woven together; making the trip extra special.

Would use again in a heartbeat.

Hotel Reviews
Hebridean Inn
Broadford

Morgan is the greeter, bartender, and all around brand representative for this no nonsense spot. Whatever they pay her should be doubled. Comfortable with added convenience of the restaurant/bar. Recommend.

Authenticity & Character
It’s not the prettiest spot but gives you access to the gorgeous surroundings. No nonsense and still comfy.
Location
Staff
Make it come to life!
Cleanliness & Comfort
No worries here.
Mount Barker Luxury B&B
Grantown on Spey

Just stay here. Look no further. THE most wonderful place, people, and comforts.

Authenticity & Character
Well designed and appointed.
Location
Walkable
Staff
Lovely host, could have stayed a month.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Luxury well deserved description.
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Oct 07, 2024
Hi Elizabeth Thank you for your kind words. I just calculated that we worked on this over 1042 days (that means 2 years, 10 months, 7 days) between your first request and the end of your journey! And, it was a pleasure the whole time from the first call, until when I heard news from you during your journey. I appreciated getting the chance to create a tailor-made vacation for active folks in Scotland. It was a pleasure to book these guides, see these sites, and get you up amongst some... Read more

Hi Elizabeth

Thank you for your kind words. I just calculated that we worked on this over 1042 days (that means 2 years, 10 months, 7 days) between your first request and the end of your journey! And, it was a pleasure the whole time from the first call, until when I heard news from you during your journey.

I appreciated getting the chance to create a tailor-made vacation for active folks in Scotland. It was a pleasure to book these guides, see these sites, and get you up amongst some exceptional landscapes. I also note how much you enjoyed the lodgings!

Please do get in touch if you are keen to relive the experience, somewhere else!

Best Regards
Stephen Molloy
HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

The booking experience was good, Stephen was helpful but the exsorbatant cost did not result in the trip of a lifetime.
Scotland | Sep 16 - Sep 22, 2024

K
Karrie A.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
The booking experience was very good, Stephen was responsive and made the process easy. The trip however did not live up to the dollars spent. One of the vendors arrived an hour late which led to lost time on our tour since we were on a schedule for transportation to our next location. The tour was very good but I did not appreciate the lost time and sightseeing that had been paid for. Kimkim did their best to connect with the vendor to find out when we could expect them to arrive but... Read more

The booking experience was very good, Stephen was responsive and made the process easy. The trip however did not live up to the dollars spent. One of the vendors arrived an hour late which led to lost time on our tour since we were on a schedule for transportation to our next location. The tour was very good but I did not appreciate the lost time and sightseeing that had been paid for. Kimkim did their best to connect with the vendor to find out when we could expect them to arrive but it took me almost 45 min to get in touch with anyone at Kimkim.
Stephen booked excellent private tour providers and hotels in Scotland but the tour itself was very poorly organized. Our first day put us at the hotel way past dark, we had to get take out food as everything was closing and we missed out on some of the planned stops. The next morning we sat with our local driver and reviewed our itinerary. He said that this is common for 3rd party planners. Our tour as written was not feasible; we worked together to reconfigure it into a trip that made sense for the time it takes to travel from sight to sight and based on our interest and the events that had been pre-paid. This reconfiguration provided a more enjoyable experience.
The end result is that I would not use Kimkim again, the very high cost did not result in a luxury trip, only luxury hotels that we did not have time to enjoy. Going forward I will take the time to work with local vendors to configure a trip.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Colessio
Stirling

The rooms are very small, you will be stepping over luggage to get around. The location is good but don't bother to stay for breakfast.

Authenticity & Character
We were told it was an old hospital so I'm glad it no longer looks like one but there was very little "character"
Location
Very walkable to all of the sights
Staff
Staff was fine, good to see teens working
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fine for one night
Druid House B & B
Inverness

The owner is a wonderful woman who is so very welcoming. She made all efforts to make us feel home as we arrived late and hungry. I would highly recommend staying here if you plan to spend some time in the inverness area. It is a great place that provides an at home feel. The rooms are spacious and very well appointed with everything you need.

Authenticity & Character
Felt like home; after days of hotels and car rides it was a nice change.
Location
Just a hop off of the main road.
Staff
The owner greets everyone with a huge smile and is clearly glad to open her home. I would have loved to stay there longer, she made it very easy to be comfortable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The home is spotless, our room appeared to be new and was extremely well appointed. I was thrilled with the Dyson hair dryer and just wish we had more time to enjoy the large soaking tub.
Craigellachie Hotel of Speyside
Aberlour

Beautiful hotel, I would love to have spent more time here. The hotel is furnished in beautiful antiques and woven fabrics produced locally. The pub and restaurant looked wonderful, sadly we did not get there in time to try them. The breakfast was very good and the staff were wonderful. The only note is there is no lift / elevator so it is not conducive to those travelling with a lot of luggage or mobility needs. Stairs are the only option.

Authenticity & Character
The decor
Staff
Everyone one was kind and helpful, that is the Scottish way after all.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Johnstons Of Elgin
Johnstons Of Elgin
Elgin

We all enjoyed this tour, although I believe there is room for improvement on how the mill and process works it was an enjoyable and educational experience that we would recommend.

Phd level guided tour of Bannockburn
Phd level guided tour of Bannockburn
Stirling

We did not know what to expect from this tour but it was above and beyond any other tour experience. A one on one opportunity to ask all the questions and delve into any aspect of not only Bannockburn but the overall history of Scotland was fantastic. I will look for similar bookings on all of our future trips.

Visit the Kelpies
Visit the Kelpies
Scotland

We all enjoyed learning about the story behind the Kelpies. The tour was informative and being able to go inside the structure was something I will remember each time I see photos of the iconic pair.

Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Scotland

The castle is amazing. The history and views are not to be missed but book the guided tour.

Falkirk Wheel Boat Ride
Falkirk Wheel Boat Ride
Falkirk

Fantastic feat in engineering, we enjoyed seeing it but the boat ride was not worth the time.

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Sep 27, 2024
Dear Karrie Thank you for taking the time to write the review. I LOVE that you thought the guides were great, and the hotels were special. I especially love that you name-dropped the ones you adored: Bannockburn, Druid House, Craigellachie, but also the guides that you didn't mention by name, in Ireland, and in the Highlands. To your point about the pace of the trip, I am sorry to have heard just now that you didn't arrive as early as you had desired. I do recall the day planning as being... Read more

Dear Karrie

Thank you for taking the time to write the review. I LOVE that you thought the guides were great, and the hotels were special. I especially love that you name-dropped the ones you adored: Bannockburn, Druid House, Craigellachie, but also the guides that you didn't mention by name, in Ireland, and in the Highlands.

To your point about the pace of the trip, I am sorry to have heard just now that you didn't arrive as early as you had desired. I do recall the day planning as being tight, and for that I apologise if it all became too overly ambitious. I do remember though, that the addition of Grantown on Spey, for example, was at your last-minute request. Any rate, it is a relief for me to read that the guide we chose for you managed to sort all of this out. To avoid this concerning future travelers we will take note - to add more free-time in each day!

Lastly, when it comes to the delayed driver at the very beginning of the trip, I believe that was because you had requested a size increase to accommodate excessive luggage. Do you remember? This vehicle was changed overnight and the driver was, as a result, late. This is how I understand the situation.

Thank you again for the detailed trip notes, I am very appreciative of the detail and also your overall comments - we do listen, and we do implement changes based on feedback - and that is why I say THANK YOU! All the best, Stephen Molloy - High Point Holidays

This is the second trip with booked with Step...
Scotland | Jun 1 - Jun 10, 2024

Phillip
Phillip J.
Moraga, CA | Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024
This is the second trip with booked with Stephen and KimKim.
We had a complicated excursion; 8 people and 3 countries in 10 days, but everything was taken care of. We had great transfers, great day trips, and we built in time to explore cities also. Stephen really pays attention to what we wanted and didn't try to push anything on us. We had a few calls with him to make sure every detail was accounted for. The best thing is the collaboration between things we already know that we want...
Read more

This is the second trip with booked with Stephen and KimKim.
We had a complicated excursion; 8 people and 3 countries in 10 days, but everything was taken care of. We had great transfers, great day trips, and we built in time to explore cities also. Stephen really pays attention to what we wanted and didn't try to push anything on us. We had a few calls with him to make sure every detail was accounted for. The best thing is the collaboration between things we already know that we want to do, and suggestions for great attractions that we never would have found on our own. I think that's the best part of the planning, it's truly a team effort, and Stephen is more than willing to listen and work with us to plan fantastic trips. It's about time to start planning for 2025!

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Sep 24, 2024

Hi Phillip!

Thank you for this lovely review. It feels like a hearty pat on the back, and I like that. I appreciate that you took the time to write this review of your trip through Europe. From my side, it was a pleasure, especially the pre- and post-trip video calls with you guys! I certainly look forward to be given another chance in another destination.

Sincerely
Stephen Molloy