The scenery is spectacular, we saw it all, the ocean, the Highlands, forests, waterfalls, valley's and glens, Edinburgh, small towns. In Scotland my wow moment was booking a 3 hour horseback 'trek' in the Scottish Highlands. Any time between April and October is a good time to visit Scotland. I got to experience so many different aspects of life in Scotland that were varied and so interesting. Our tour guide was fantastic and very informative. She is a proud citizen of Scotland and having grown up there., she was able to give us much local insight as well as long-running history. Seeing the Highlands, riding the ski lift up the mountain, visiting Culloden Battlefield, and seeing the mist filling the valley over Loch Ness. This was my first Rick Steves tour but I have frequently used his guide books. I love his sense of humor. The sheepdog farm - getting to help shear a sheep plus hold adorable puppies was awesome. We previously did one of your Ireland tours. The tour was just busy enough - though, as usual, I want a little more time for independent touring. Hope adds a Iceland. Oh and the Sheepdog demo was WOW!". Nigel, our guide was great and knew his tour fully. Neal, the shepherd was very open to questions. There were plenty of opportunities to get off the bus and stretch our legs. My only concern is that it was too short. Collecting sea glass at low tide early in the morning in Oban This tour was very memorable. Great time!! The bus drivers were so kind and efficient navigating some tight roads. Live in Berlin - A Film by Anton Corbijn is a live video album by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, featuring a live concert directed and filmed by Anton Corbijn.It was released on 14 November 2014 by Mute Records and Columbia Records. This was our first RS tour and it exceeded our expectations. We enjoy watching Rick on TV,.. sometimes it seems Ann was Rick (dressed up). "Two moments stand out for me. Staying in Dunkeld and hiking in the Hermitage, Neil and his sheepdogs, visiting all the castles, and all the fresh seafood along the pier in Oban are top on my list. "Our tour of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh was a wow moment for me; it felt like I was walking around in a Harry Potter book.". This tour has a great balance of group time and free time. Marvelous.". But with all that, the most beautiful and amazing view of the lands as we traveled provided WOW moments every day,", As usual a very insightful and fun filled "journey". In January 1936, they wed at the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, officiated by the Rev Dr George Buttrick, after which a wedding reception was held for 25 guests at the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan. "We loved seeing St. Andrews. Those dogs were absolutely amazing, as was Neil's ability to direct each of ten or so dogs individually, using only whistling. "Visiting Cawdor Castle; I especially loved the extensive, beautiful gardens. After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own. a wee bit chilly outside, we were warm and cozy in the Crannog with a low burning fire. Moderate walking: 2–6 miles throughout the day with some hills and stairs. I've been with larger tour groups before and Rick Steve's keeping their groups smaller is the way to go! Shearing the sheep was an added extra.". "It is very hard to pick just one. My wife and I had a very good time in Scotland. There were moments of this trip that were STELLAR, but overall this trip was far from my favorite. Light walking: 2–4 miles throughout the day on mostly level terrain. Along the way, we'll learn about the city's history and contemporary life, with stops at Glasgow Cathedral, bustling George Square, and thriving Merchant City. Appreciate the wide variety of experiences we were exposed to. I have done other tours with Rick Steves and this was tops. Turas math dhut! He intently watched the shepherd. 2) The bagpipe "demonstration" by Gilly. Overall wonderful tour covering both city and countryside. And we did. Nigel was an excellent guide. I appreciated each area that we went I was very much looking forward to Culloden and was disappointed that we did not have a guide to take us around the battlefield. The itinerary was wonderful. Scotland was beautiful. The tour was as advertised. This was a wonderful experience. Very well organized tour with a very knowledgable guide. "My favorite moments were the extra activities you would only get on a RS tour. A devastating situation that forced Reid and three other sisters out of their hometown of Tong to America. I'm not sure how that happened, but I chalk it up to the amazing skills, knowledge and support of Liz. No bus. Our guide James was very knowledgeable and shared many interesting stories, historic information, and personal insight. Charlie,our tour guide, was fantastic. "The sunset in Oban was remarkable and I enjoyed the time in Iona. Visiting the sheep farm and watching the sheep herder show off his dogs by running them thru their paces was awesome. The Royal Mile in Edinburgh with our local guide (who's name I can't remember) was someone who I wouldn't have met without the the Rick Steve's magic. Transportation Over all, excellent experience. Experiences were fun. Terms of Service | Privacy. I like the Rick Steves style of a striking an affordable balance. "Haggis and Black Pudding at the Bonham were to die for. I would have loved to experience Scotland in a 14 day tour! Scotland is a beautiful county, with kind, friendly people. "My "wow" moment was watching a 16 week old border collie puppy in training, the puppy had the temperament of an old sole. Scotland is a beautiful country with more small mountains and lovely rivers than I anticipated. I was a bit disappointed when I saw that there were 28 people on this tour. The beauty and variety of Scotland was impressive. Scotland was a beautiful country. So we got a working bus, but said Bye to our driver, Alan. Not the statue but the circle of individual rememberances by family and comrades.". This was our first Rick Steves tour and it was definitely the best tour I have ever had. Exceptional! The time at each location allowed us to see most everything if you didn't dawdle. Our sheepdog exhibition with Neil was also a fun and relaxing visit!". Being a dog lover, I was excited the visit was included: it far outreached my expectations. O absolutely loved this tour. Interesting, educational, fun. I like the "no grumps/grouch" policy. I have seen several small demonstrations at Highland games, but this one was the REAL THING!! The sheep dog demonstration and talking to the shepard and discussing his life so was so authentic.". The bus driver on the Isle of Mull was fun too. "The sheep dog exhibition will forever be memorable. A different bus should have been sent but was not. Scotland is so varied, and I learned a great deal of history throughout the trip. all of the details regarding lodging, meals and The learn, be active, and no grumps philosophy works, for me. A small, friendly group of 24 people — half the size of most tour groups; Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art, and culture of Scotland come alive for you; All group transportation from Glasgow to Edinburgh; 13 nights' accommodations in memorable, centrally located hotels and B&Bs I also so enjoyed learning about the Crannogs, the life of a shepherd and training their dogs, and walking the streets of Culross (fun to learn about what scenes from Outlander were filmed there!). Both sites were "haunted" and lent a sense of both history & spirituality.". It has plenty of history to be learned. I wrote a lengthy trip report on the forum. The tireless efforts of our tour guide Liz made this tour a moment to prize forever. Then, we're off to the picturesque village of Dunkeld on the River Tay, where we'll visit its medieval cathedral before having a free afternoon to find lunch, poke around town, or relax along the river. Both Anne and Andy knew their history about Scotland and made it very entertaining. I had a wonderful first experience with Rick Steve's Tours! On those same documents she gives her occupation as 'domestic' - either servant or maid - a position she held for at least four years upon her arrival into America, according to the paper. The tour was very well-organized and every day was a delight. Maybe it can not be helped due to the limited highway system in Scotland. The group was small, convivial, and blended well with the locals. Would love more!". I enjoyed the history and learning about modern Scotland, the people and their culture. Her ability to personalize the history and culture made my experience real. Today we'll drive through Speyside, famous for producing Scotland's favorite drink: whisky, of course. hope I can make the reunion but not sure as of yet. Especially challenging was the time in Edinburgh at the beginning 2 days. The guide was not what I would consider "Rick Steves" quality. Martin was great. The itinerary was perfect and we saw and learned soo much. High quality B&B's, not fancy hotels. (1) The Crannog tour with a visit to an replica of thousand--year-old community dwelling built twenty feet off the shore of a loch. Our guide, Helen, was delightful and very knowledgeable about each site we visited as well as the country's history. Many days we had over 20,000 steps, so you do need to be prepared for that. One of the reasons I chose Rick Steves Tours is the lower group numbers of about 24. I plan to revisit Scotland and spend more time in the Highlands and possibly the Orkney Islands. Ann has a great sense of humor and was fun to be with. The country side, cities, people, bus and boat transport, and tour sites opened doors to the world.". Even if we missed something (like the Loch Ness cruise), James creatively remedied the situation. There were no big surprises which is good when you prepare a tour. Enjoyed the sites, getting the history and culture explained to me. This was a great trip that I have been wanting to do for at least 5 years. His knowledge and love of Scotland and his happy spirit made the trip very memorable. She has a pleasant and outgoing personality. The tour was organized from the very beginning. Scotland was like living in a postcard. I saw so much more and learned so much from our guides. This is a moderately active tour! The weather was better than expected and Nigel was an excellent guide. Our tour guide James was excellent. This was much more walking than I expected (though warned) so was tired at the end of each day. Helen was an absolutely wonderful guide. per person + air, Single Our group was a very congenial group to be with and Ann was an excellent guide. "Having a chance to learn to play the bagpipes.". We were first time Rick Steve customers and loved it. Who knew there were so many waterfalls in Scotland? Very enjoyable tour. See our FAQ | Call We never felt like we were being lead from event to event. The weather was absolutely perfect and the Loch was beautiful. Elizabeth immersed the group into all aspects of Scotland. 2. I loved the castles, especially Sterling and Cawdor where I did feel we had a fairly good amount of time to explore. I have enjoyed all of our RS Tours but I think Scotland is my favorite one ... Helen is extremely knowledgeable of Scottish History and of the areas that we visited. Hotels were very nice. Very well organized and informative. I was so moved, that I was speechless, and tears filled my eyes. All the guides were enthusiastic as well as knowledgeable. Loved it, "The castle on top of the hill at royal mile in Edinburgh. Two things really opened my eyes to the past: the recreation of the 2500-year-old crannog, and Martin's guided comparison of the ruins of a 500-year-old castle with its still-occupied twin.". Pictured left with her husband Fred and son Donald, Fred and Mary Anne Trump had five children, (pictured) though their second Fred Jr died aged 42, following a life blighted by alcoholism, Donald Trump was a middle child. He shot off out towards the sheep and single handily corralled the sheep into a tight ball. "My favorite wow moment was the isle of iona and Edinburgh loved the royal mile and the military tatoo. Overall a great vacation. Being an "Outlander" fan, it was fun to see both Edinburgh and stone circles. We met some nice people and everyone was always on time. I loved our Scotland tour. "The open-air Scottish Crannog Museum took me back to another time in history. 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