Travel Review: Birthday Vacation in Scotland, Edinburgh, Isle of Skye, Mallaig, Glencoe, Loch Ness, St Andrew's Golfing

Review by traveler

Danielle M.

6.26.2017

General Info

Traveler Review

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Scotland

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

My husband and I visited Scotland for 10 days in June to celebrate my 50th birthday. We worked with this travel agency to plan our trip. Our trip and the overall experience could not have been better planned or executed. Every step along the way, every car service (and our tour guide especially) arrived on time, were friendly and knowledgeable. It's easy to say that Scotland is a breathtaking, beautiful country, but it was the attention to detail (our drivers showing up on time, putting us at ease (on the road, at the sights, etc) and knowing everything about Scotland was what made it so special.) We spent 2 days in Edinburgh on our own...what a wonderful small city. It gave us an opportunity to be on our own tooling around the city together and inserting some spontaneity into the first two days. We left Edinburgh and traveled via car to St. Andrews where we fulfilled one of my husband's dreams---play golf at St. Andrews. Our caddies arranged by the course were fantastic (one from Liverpool the other from Scotland)...could not have been more fun or accommodating. Our tour guide picked us up on St Andrews to begin the rest of our vacation--a tour through the mainland and into the Isle of Skye. First, let me say, that our tour guide was fantastic. Sweet, friendly, a consummate gentleman who knew the roads, knew the sights and knew the country...what a pro! We were very well cared for---thank you!!!

Our agent also deserves a shout out for planning a fantastic trip where we were able to see so many of the fantastic sights of Scotland (we saw 9 castles, Glencoe, 2 days in Isle of Skye--amazing, and so much more) and yet there was still time to throw in some surprises. Can't rave enough about our experience or the great work that was done by this travel company to make our experience such a memorable one. Thank you!!!!!

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

There were so many parts of our trip.

We loved Isle of Skye and were so lucky to have unusually good weather while we were there. The scenery on this island is breathtaking every where you look--every minute---it's a picture. We loved the lodge--a wonderful small inn with breathtaking views (and a fantastic chef and cooking staff---Michelin rated). We were invited by the staff, for no apparent reason besides luck to sit at the "chef's table" for dinner on our first night. We met a wonderful French couple who shared our table and enjoyed the best meal I've ever had (7 courses I might add that took 3.5 hours). It was an "event". We were entertained and greeted by the cooking staff. WOW!

Our stay in a castle was also memorable. The castle is first class as are the staff! If you want to stay at a caste in Scotland, this is your place. The grounds are also beautiful so take a stroll and play the giant chess set on the lawn.

The tour/drive through Glencoe. AMAZING views. I was humbled by the sights here. To see this incredibly pristine, untouched country was overwhelming and moving all at the same time.

My husband, who is an engineer by trade really loved the Falkirk wheel and the many canal locks and how they work to transport boats from one elevation to the next---fascinating.

Culloden Battle field. It is hard not to list this serene, beautiful field where so many great men lost their lives (1,000 in one hour). If you're interested in Scottish history (or not) and the Highlanders and their support of the Bonnie Prince Charley in the early to mid 1700s---go here. Take the time to meander through the visitor center and watch the film that re-enacts the battle (on four screens). Our driver's son (ironic huh?) is the producer of this video and it's very well done. Then go outside and you can see how the flags set off where the British troops lined up to defeat the Highlanders.

9 Castles. Yes, we saw or visited 9. Unbelievable. If you love castles (working castles, ruins and everything in between) Scotland is the country to visit.

The Lochs. Our guide taught me how to say "loch" properly. Thanks! Loch Ness, Lock Lomond were our favorites.

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

Skip the Jacobite Steam train. There was no announcement that the Viaduct was approaching. We actually missed it. Bummer. And the ride had some nice things to see--waterways, etc...but very uneventful.

On the other hand, starting out in Mallaig was amazing. A very cute town on the water. That made it worth while.

Photos

Travel Review: Birthday Vacation in Scotland, Edinburgh, Isle of Skye, Mallaig, Glencoe, Loch Ness, St Andrew's Golfing

General Info

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

Real Customer Reviews

Other Reviews for Travel Agency 2087825

Small Footer