Scotland Guided Tours & Experiences

Jane and Gabrella pieced together an impressive itenerary. Rather than visiting normal sites, we threw them a curve requesting to leave the beaten path so we could stay in castles and see lands our ancestors once owned. But of course, we also wanted to see all the major sites. They pulled it off with remarkable brilliance. The accommodations were tailored to mesh with our historical agenda and the hosts were amazing, yet the locations were conveniently close to venues and tour meeting points. They selected such great tour companies, we quickly learned to expect above average guides. Of some 20 plus guides and drivers we only had two I would classify as adequate, the rest were exceptional.

Highlights were so numerous it's difficult not to mention them all. Definitely staying the the Tullock Castle which had been in the family from the 1500s to the 1700s was near the top, finding ancestral inscriptions in the Tower of London is something we will never forget, and expecting to see the changing of the guards but being treated instead to many 100s of soldiers, guards, musicians, and mounted horsemen all in uniform rehearsing for the King's birthday was particularly momentous. Those were all great experiences but as for actual sites, Clava Cairns, Culloden, everything in York, Stirling Castle, and the American Cemetery at Normandy were probably at the top of the list.

Hotel Review

Tulloch Castle Hotel ‘A Bespoke Hotel’

Dingwall

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.

Authenticity & Character

Retention of as much of the historic nature as possible, while adding modern amenities

Location

It had great views, but it is out of town a way so it's better if you have transportation if you plan to stay several days and see other sites.

Staff

They were extremely welcoming. They were also very responsive and extremely polite. There was a couple who booked servants quarters, but were expecting a four poster bed room and demanded to be upgraded. Tullock is in high demand and was already sold out for the season. Yet despite them raising their voices and demanding a different room, they simply became even more polite and gently explained they couldn't kick someone out of their room and they didn't have an upgrade to offer.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The bathroom was large, bright, clean and had a great view!

Activity Reviews

Welcome to Dingwall

Dingwall

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

Stirling Castle Tickets

Scotland

What stands out is its significant historical status. It is way more immersive and engaging than Edinburgh Castle. It has seen extensive restoration and is rich in royal history. It is 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.

Quality of Experience

So well done. We enjoyed a complete self guided experience.

Kimkim handled our much personalized trip flawlessly! Kateryna, our agent, was wonderful, she took the time to learn about my wife and my needs/expectations and devised our once in a lifetime trip. The local guides that she hired for us could not have been better. The highlight of our trip was a daytrip visit to our ancestors lands and the guide (Elaine) was simply amazing!!! She took an enormous amount of time pre-planning our day and included some amazing xtras too! We had several tour guides over our trip and they were all extremely knowledgeable and accomodating thank you all (John, John, Ritchie and Liberty) ! And again thank you Kimkim for this amazing experience!!

This is the first time I have had a travel company book a trip for me. It was so worth it! Liam from Highpoint Travel put together an amazing itinerary for us. He was always available for hiccups. Every hotel and tour booking was spot on! He booked us in a variety of hotels at great locations. There were some tours I would like to especially highlight. The Hebridean Farm Hike with Karen Elwis was especially memorable. Karen was absolutely charming, informative and fun. She even pulled my leg out of a mud sink hole and cleaned my shoe:) She has to be a definite booking for anyone travelling to the Isle of Mull. Additionally, Steve with Highland Wildlife & Birdwatch Safaris in Aviemore was amazing. We covered so much in our four-hour safari. Steve, too, was informative and fun. Booking with Steve is a must for the Cairngorms National Forest. Our Edinburg tour guide Garreth was wonderful. He took us off the beaten path and it was so fascinating. Also, our Stirling Castle tour guide Bruce gets two thumbs up. Really enjoyed our tour with both of them. And our Glencoe tour guide Hannah was very sweet and patient with my level of hiking. And loved her dog Inka.

Hotel Reviews

Douglas Hotel

Brodick

Loved this hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Isle of Mull Hotel and Spa

Isle of Mull

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Courtyard by Marriott SEC

Glasgow

The hotel was in a great location. Very clean.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Absolutely loved David Rose. He checked us in and was incredibly helpful. I can't say enough about Aeden Doig in the bar/restaurant. He was such a joy. Fun and engaging. Took good care of us. As did Anja. She was an absolutely charming and a wonderful server!!!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Oban Bay Hotel

Oban

Great hotel. We were there for such a brief time.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The reception staff and the bar staff were wonderful. Loved them.

Cleanliness & Comfort

RiverBeds - Luxury Wee Lodges with Hot Tubs

Ballachulish

Loved this hotel. The experience was so much fun!!!!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Loved the staff. So friendly and helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bracken Hide Hotel

Portree

Fun hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cairngorms Guest House

Aviemore

Bed was small for us, but other than that it was a lovely hotel.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Our dinner server was great. I didn't get her name though:(

Cleanliness & Comfort

Tigerlily

Edinburgh

Fun hotel. Location was great. Loved the girl who checked us in and the breakfast servers. So cheerful and friendly.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Grand, York

North Yorkshire

Loved, loved, loved The Grand York. It truly was grand. We loved our server at dinner, Jack. He was so personal and took great care of us.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Jack in the restaurant was wonderful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Belgrave Hotel

London

Loved the location. The bed was a bit small, but other than that, it was great.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Free time in Camden Town!

London

Didn't know what to expect. My husband wanted to go to Camden Town because of it's history with the Swinging '60s. It was a wonderfully crazy experience!

Guided Hebridean Farm Hike

Scotland

The whole experience was wonderful. Karen Elwis was so charming and informative. We had such a good time. What she and her husband are doing to preserve their Hebridean Farm is stellar. This experience is a must for any future travelers. Hard for me to put into words how special this was!

Quality of Experience

The whole experience was special. I can't even find the words that would describe it. Magical.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Wish I could give Karen a ten!!!!