Suzette_M, nov. 2023
After a lifetime of longing to see Scotland, the 3-day Skye & Highlands tour, with guide Ian, was absolutely amazing. It started with finding a "Wee Heeland Coo" and a shiny sign at my seat as a surprise birthday recognition: charming!
Ian was a consummate (of-course-kilted) leader, with a wealth of well-told facts and stories, and a few outstanding groaners of jokes, as well as a fun musical playlist. His driving (Sprinter van) felt completely comfortable and safe, even on some pretty hinky roads, and he made every stop a treat with background, suggestions, assisting with photos, pointing out highlights, etc. Top guy!
The accommodations at Glencairn & Ardross in Inverness were just a dream, and again a birthday treat of delicious raspberry tarts with a welcoming b-day note -- this level of caring attention to detail by the tour operators and venues was really something special. The space was beautifully appointed, the bed was plush, the bath had towel-warmers and a temperature-set shower, and the breakfast offered so many options, all delicious, in a comfortable, gracious dining room.
The sights themselves were plentiful, fun, fascinating and awe-inspiring -- Skye, especially the Quiraing, was... well, i stood on that hilltop and cried with joy. A memory for a lifetime. Though the Old Man tried to hide in the mists, we managed some glimpses
We got to feed some Highland Cows, see gorgeous lochs and castles, wander through moving historical sites, visit some engaging towns -- we even dipped our faces into a freezy fairy-blessed stream, encouragd by Ian's tale-spinning and "I'll go first" bravado: every moment was filled with something interesting. Cannot express how fantastic it was.
Practical matters: regular and well-timed stops allowed for leg-stretching and a visit to the Loo, and/or to grab a light lunch (lots of options at these stops, we ate well at modest expense), and/or to grab a hot beverage against the typical November chill and wet -- yes, it rained: it's Scotland in November! Properly attired, it was perfectly atmospheric, and the bursts of sunlight were that much more appreciated among the highland mists. Our on-your-own dinners in Inverness were memorable -- especially the required haggis with neeps & tatties, along with some beautiful local salmon and produce
Downsides? nearly nil. The van's sound system was spotty, but Ian said there are planned repairs/upgrades: that will be a valuable improvement. The cruise on Loch Ness was brief, a scant half-hour; expected a longer trip; gorgeous scenery and a lovely time, just wish it was a bit longer, an hour at least. For the evenings of DIY dining, i would recommend looking into restaurants and getting reservations beforehand: we were sold out of several venues (found great alternatives, but that was a little grr)
Take this tour! If you're lucky, Ian will be your guide, but in any event it will be a wonderful time you'll always remember
Thank you for fulfilling a lifelong dream, and giving me the best birthday ever!