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Aleksandra Shebaltseva

As a passionate traveler, my approach is anchored in the belief that every journey is an opportunity for exploration and growth. With a penchant for immersing myself in diverse cultures and seeking unique experiences, I thrive on the spontaneity of travel. Through my role, I aim to inspire others to embrace the unknown, fostering a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the beauty our world has to offer. From cityscapes to natural wonders, my travel philosophy centers on creating meaningful connections and lasting memories, weaving together a tapestry of experiences that transcend borders.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"My expertise spans the entire United Kingdom – from the captivating history of England to the breathtaking landscapes of Scotland, the unique cultural tapestry of Wales, and the charming allure of Northern Ireland. It's a boundless playground for exploration, and I thrive on curating activities tailored to any taste. Additionally, I'm an expert in traversing the captivating landscapes of Ireland, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable travel experience!
I specialise in green tourism and extreme activities, which can be adapted to families with children and solo travellers.
Let's embark on a journey that captures the essence of each corner of this diverse and enchanting kingdom!"

How did you get involved in travel?

"Travel is my lifeblood! I'm fueled by a profound passion for exploring new places, and the thrill of venturing into the unknown is an essential part of who I am. I simply can't imagine a life without constantly moving and discovering the wonders our world has to offer. Each new destination enriches me in ways beyond words!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Every journey I embark on is a quest to make it truly unforgettable. I seek out new experiences, immerse myself in different cultures, and explore each destination from various angles. The richness of new feelings and perspectives makes every adventure unique and etches lasting memories in my heart. Travel, for me, is about creating a tapestry of extraordinary moments that I'll cherish forever."

Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Aleksandra

Our trip was incredible Alexandra was so resp...
England | Nov 16 - Nov 30, 2024

Caroline
Caroline M.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Dec 02, 2024

Our trip was incredible Alexandra was so responsive whenever we needed help or had questions. The hotels and tours were also exceptional.

Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Local specialist in England | Replied on Dec 03, 2024

Dear Caroline,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that your trip was incredible and I could help make your journey memorable. If you ever need help planning another adventure, I’d be delighted to assist you again!

Warmly,
Aleksandra

Amazing trip. Alejandra was wonderful. Remi...
Ireland | May 19 - May 29, 2024

James
James S.
Columbia, MD | Reviewed on Nov 26, 2024
Amazing trip. Alejandra was wonderful. Reminded us of things as we went along so we would be in the right place. Worked with us on the itinerary which was great Read more

Amazing trip. Alejandra was wonderful. Reminded us of things as we went along so we would be in the right place. Worked with us on the itinerary which was great

Hotel Review
Lansdowne Hotel
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Not great. Very Quirky. But the show in the basement was fantastic and the restaurant food good

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms too hot or cold. Our room was not good, had an additional space that was useless and the main area too small particularly the bathroom
Activity Review
Introducing Joyce’s Dublin Walking Tour
Introducing Joyce’s Dublin Walking Tour
Dublin

Fantastic. Our guide was great, knew James Joyce well.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Local specialist in England | Replied on Dec 04, 2024

Dear James,

I’m so happy to hear you had such an amazing trip, and I’m delighted I could help make your experience seamless. Your kind feedback means a lot, and I look forward to helping you plan more unforgettable adventures in the future!

Best regards,
Aleksandra

Aleksandra was excellent! She took our specif...
England | Sep 26 - Oct 2, 2024

K
Ken T.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 07, 2024
Aleksandra was excellent! She took our specific interests and likes and crafted them into a well planned eight day vacation in London. She gave us an excellent mix of the history and culture and Overall vibe of London. We changed our days of travel and she was right on top of moving scheduled tours to accommodate. Can’t give enough positive feedback for how quickly and professionally and pleasantly she and Kim Kim reacted to, our needs. A note to travelers – Apple Pay and the subway system... Read more

Aleksandra was excellent! She took our specific interests and likes and crafted them into a well planned eight day vacation in London. She gave us an excellent mix of the history and culture and Overall vibe of London. We changed our days of travel and she was right on top of moving scheduled tours to accommodate. Can’t give enough positive feedback for how quickly and professionally and pleasantly she and Kim Kim reacted to, our needs. A note to travelers – Apple Pay and the subway system are a must! Google maps was very helpful in navigating both walking and public transit. No need to do a currency exchange as long as you have Apple Pay or a credit card. Thank you again.

Hotel Review
NYX Hotel London Holborn by Leonardo Hotels
London
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
London
Hampton Court and Hever Castle Tudor Tour
Hampton Court and Hever Castle Tudor Tour
London
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tower of London Beefeater Welcome & Crown Jewels
Tower of London Beefeater Welcome & Crown Jewels
London
Quality of Experience
Hidden Pubs of London tour
Hidden Pubs of London tour
London

Wow!!! what a fun and informative night couldn’t have asked for a better guide than we had. would highly recommend this experience!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Six Course Michelin Star Dining with Champagne for Two at Angler Restaurant
Six Course Michelin Star Dining with Champagne for Two at Angler Restaurant
London
Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Local specialist in England | Replied on Oct 08, 2024

Dear Ken,

Thank you so much for your fantastic feedback! I’m absolutely delighted to hear that your London trip was a success! It was such a pleasure working on your journey, and I’m thrilled that you found our service both quick and accommodating.

I truly appreciate your kind words and am excited about the possibility of helping you with your next adventure!

Sincerely,
Aleksandra

An English Adverture Tour
England | Sep 20 - Oct 2, 2024

John
John B.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 03, 2024
We would like to say thank you to Aleksandra and Kim Kim for fine work done to give us a great trip to England! In the
past we have planned our own trips but given our lack of knowledge of Cornwall, we asked Aleksandra to provide us
help in picking each day of our trip, with her help we sketched out a way to see a bit of London, see some historical
and architectural sites of significance, and pursue our interest in filming locations for Doc Martin and Poldark.
Aleksandra worked on...
Read more

We would like to say thank you to Aleksandra and Kim Kim for fine work done to give us a great trip to England! In the
past we have planned our own trips but given our lack of knowledge of Cornwall, we asked Aleksandra to provide us
help in picking each day of our trip, with her help we sketched out a way to see a bit of London, see some historical
and architectural sites of significance, and pursue our interest in filming locations for Doc Martin and Poldark.
Aleksandra worked on our itinerary with us, counseling on what was possible to reasonably cover each day. She picked
great guides for us to see Oxford University (Jacob) and Salisbury Cathedral & area (Allison), got us booked for all of
the events we picked, even getting us good seats for Hamilton which was sold out at the performance we attended.

We were very pleased with Aleksandra's picks for places to stay. In all we stayed 12 nights spread over 9 locations. The White Hart Hotel was a very relaxing, enjoyable place to start our trip and get over our jet lag on arrival in London. Boscundle Manor was so comfortable I wished we were there more than 2 nights. The Three Tuns was another favorite as we were welcomed like family by other guests in the pub when we went down for dinner. After driving almost 6 hours
on Oct 1 we were very impressed with the Stan Hill Court Hotel. All of the places we stayed were well run, clean, and
had friendly staff and good food. Aleksandra provided a very comprehensive trip plan I could reference on my phone
with all the tickets, confirmation numbers etc

Things change given different events. In our case the weather was not totally cooperative to our plans and some of
the events needed to be rescheduled or dropped from our list. We managed to fill the gaps with trips to Gunwaloe
Beach and to Geevor Tin Mine. Aleksandra helped us with changes and even arranged some ticket refunds for the
events we could not attend. We are now back in Canada, very content with what we accomplished in the last two weeks.
We now contemplate doing this again. Aleksandra will be our first contact for another trip.
John & Sally Bell,
London, Ontario, Canada.

Hotel Reviews
The White Hart Hotel
Kingston upon Thames

very good food, very customer friendly

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sturdys Castle
Kidlington

good clean room suitable for a night stay. good food

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The St George and Dragon by Innkeeper's Collection
Topsham
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Boscundle Manor
St Austell

very nice location, owner was quite helpful in ideas for doing things in area

Authenticity & Character
beautiful location
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
provided muffins to start the day in the room..nice idea
The Three Tuns
Helston

very nice old place with friendly staff. Really fun atmosphere at dinner in pub

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
No 12 Furze Croft
St Ives

This was not a hotel. It was a couple rooms in someone's house. The owner was very friendly and helpful with advice on the area. Good parking and access to building.

Authenticity & Character
Very comfortable stay but was a new house location, not a traditional old hotel
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Stanhill Court Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
Charlwood

Really interesting old estate that was turned into a hotel. Very relaxing for last location of our trip.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful property
Location
15 min from Gatwick Airport
Staff
Very amenable to moving us to a ground floor room at our request
Cleanliness & Comfort
Avonlea Guest House
Banbury

small room but very clean. Good food at breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tintagel Arms Bed and Breakfast
Tintagel
Authenticity & Character
Location
good access to Tintagel Castle and Port Isaac.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Iconic Oxford  Private Walking Tour
Iconic Oxford Private Walking Tour
Oxford

Jacob was great...knew his material and made the walk fun and interesting

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Secrets of Salisbury Private Walking Expedition
Secrets of Salisbury Private Walking Expedition
England

Allison was very informative

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Local specialist in England | Replied on Oct 04, 2024

Dear John and Sally,

Thank you so much for your wonderful message and kind words! It was a pleasure working with you both to plan your trip to England. I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the experience and so happy to know that you’re already thinking about your next adventure!

I’d be delighted to help with your future journeys whenever you're ready. Until then, thank you once again for letting me be part of this special trip!

Sincerely and with warmest regards,
Aleksandra

I needed a few adjustments because I am trave...
Scotland | Aug 17 - Aug 24, 2024

A
Adelaide R.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2024

I needed a few adjustments because I am traveling with a dog. Aleksandra was so helpful with finding excellent accommodations where my dog was treated well. Thank you!

Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Local specialist in England | Replied on Sep 23, 2024

Dear Adelaide,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m really glad to hear that the accommodations worked out well for you and Blue. It was a pleasure assisting you with your trip, and I’m happy to continue working on your further adventures!

Sincerely,
Aleksandra

Perfect Travel Planning
United Kingdom | Jul 17 - Jul 30, 2024

J
jennifer l.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Aug 16, 2024
This trip was a dream and planned absolutely perfectly. Aleksandra at KimKim planned the perfect activities for our group and made everything so smooth and easy for us. We literally just had to show up. She took the stress out of traveling. We went to England, Scotland and Ireland and loved it all. Our favorite was Scotland, particularly the Inverness area, and it's due to the best travel guide I've ever experienced -- Sandy. He was so knowledgeable and entertaining, I wish he could have... Read more

This trip was a dream and planned absolutely perfectly. Aleksandra at KimKim planned the perfect activities for our group and made everything so smooth and easy for us. We literally just had to show up. She took the stress out of traveling. We went to England, Scotland and Ireland and loved it all. Our favorite was Scotland, particularly the Inverness area, and it's due to the best travel guide I've ever experienced -- Sandy. He was so knowledgeable and entertaining, I wish he could have stayed on for the whole trip. ha.

I would 100% recommend KimKim, and have already spread the word to anyone who will listen. I'm planning another trip for next year and will absolutely use them again then and in the future.

Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Local specialist in England | Replied on Aug 19, 2024
Dear Jennifer, Thank you so much for your fantastic feedback! I’m thrilled to hear that your trip was stress-free and created warm memories for you and your family. I’ll be sure to let Sandy know how much his expertise contributed to making the Inverness area a highlight of your trip. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re excited about the possibility of working with you on your next adventure. We can’t wait to help make it just as amazing. If you have any specific destinations... Read more

Dear Jennifer,

Thank you so much for your fantastic feedback! I’m thrilled to hear that your trip was stress-free and created warm memories for you and your family.

I’ll be sure to let Sandy know how much his expertise contributed to making the Inverness area a highlight of your trip.

Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we’re excited about the possibility of working with you on your next adventure. We can’t wait to help make it just as amazing.

If you have any specific destinations or ideas in mind for next year, please feel free to share them whenever you’re ready.

Sincerely,
Aleksandra

Fantastic guide. Great tour
Scotland | Jul 25 - Jul 27, 2024

S
Steven B.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jul 28, 2024
John Patience is a fantastic guide. He took us to some amazing places on the mainland and all over Iske of Skye. He brought us to spots we never could have found on our own and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the area. He was great company for three days. Bravo!! Read more

John Patience is a fantastic guide. He took us to some amazing places on the mainland and all over Iske of Skye. He brought us to spots we never could have found on our own and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the area. He was great company for three days. Bravo!!

Activity Reviews
Inverness to Isle of Skye Private Transfer
Scotland

John took us to castles, lochs, towns and overlooks. Really great

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore The Isle of Skye
Explore The Isle of Skye
Scotland

One could spend a whole week or more on Skye. We had 2 days, which seemed like just enough. The Fairy Glen, Fairy Pools and Talisker distillery were particular highlights

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Local specialist in England | Replied on Jul 28, 2024

Hi Steven,

Thank you for your superb feedback!

It’s great to know that John Patience was such good company during your three-day tour and provided an exceptional experience on the mainland and around the Isle of Skye. I’m happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed the journey. I'll be sure to pass on your kind words to John.
Wishing you more joyful explorations in the future!
Warmest regards,
Aleksandra

Amazing London Vacation
England | Jul 10 - Jul 15, 2024

Stacia
Stacia M.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Jul 19, 2024
Aleksandra planned our family an amazing vacation with London Stratford as our home base and side trips to downtown London, Oxford and Bath. We liked everything about our trip from the hotel to the tours and tour guides. Most importantly, Aleksandra was so accommodating while planning and during our stay in London. We had to make some last-minute changes to our itinerary because of family reasons and she was easy to reach and took care of everything. She answered all of our questions and... Read more

Aleksandra planned our family an amazing vacation with London Stratford as our home base and side trips to downtown London, Oxford and Bath. We liked everything about our trip from the hotel to the tours and tour guides. Most importantly, Aleksandra was so accommodating while planning and during our stay in London. We had to make some last-minute changes to our itinerary because of family reasons and she was easy to reach and took care of everything. She answered all of our questions and checked on us each day even on weekends. I highly recommend Aleksandra and KimKim.

Hotel Review
Hyatt Regency London Stratford
London

The hotel is conveniently located right next to the London Stratford train station which is fantastic for travelers. The hotel was nice and the breakfast served daily was very good. It was difficult for taxis to find because it's located within a shopping/restaurant type mall so always send your GPS location to your taxi driver.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Smoke alarm went off in middle of night so no water, a/c, elevators until mid-morning
Activity Reviews
Private Oxford University Punting Tour
Private Oxford University Punting Tour
Oxford

What a fun, relaxing excursion this was for our family. Our guide was so nice and knowledgeable. We enjoyed this punting tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 Round Trip to Oxford - Private Transfer
Round Trip to Oxford - Private Transfer
London

Our driver to Oxford went above and beyond traveling through horrible traffic to Oxford and back. Also, he was extremely accommodating when we had a family issue that delayed our return. He was very kind.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Retired Royal Guard Central London Walk
Retired Royal Guard Central London Walk
London

We highly recommend this tour. David Lombardi is an excellent tour guide. He has such a unique background that affords him inside information that other tour guides would not have. We learned so much and were interested the entire time. He was extremely professional, knowledgeable and interesting.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
British Museum Private Tour
British Museum Private Tour
London

The British Museum is worth seeing but it is extremely crowded. It probably depends on when you visit it. We had to wait in long security lines to get in and then it was hard to see exhibits at times. Our tour guide was late so that did not help.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Iconic Oxford  Private Walking Tour
Iconic Oxford Private Walking Tour
Oxford

Our tour guide was fantastic. First, we were an hour late because of London traffic and he was so nice and accommodating. He was extremely knowledgeable and an excellent storyteller. Very interesting tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bath and The Cotswolds
Bath and The Cotswolds
London

We changed our itinerary slightly and ended up going to Stonehenge and Bath. Both were definitely worth seeing. It was a beautiful drive too. We had a nice lunch at the Derby in Bath and enjoyed touring the Roman Baths. We were thankful to visit Stonehenge and happened to be there when it was not too busy. Our tour guide, Alam, was fantastic. He was so kind and patient with us and very knowledgeable. He made sure we saw the best views and sites.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Exclusive Guided Tour in Buckingham Palace
Exclusive Guided Tour in Buckingham Palace
London

We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Buckingham Palace is stunning. The self-guided tour was very well-done.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
London

We had a slight itinerary change and had afternoon tea at the Savoy and I'm so glad we did. It was very special. They provided excellent service; the setting was beautiful, and the afternoon tea was delicious. They even packed up a box for our daughter who was unable to attend.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Beatles Private Walking Tour
Beatles Private Walking Tour
London

This tour is not just for intense Beatles fans. It's for anyone who is interested in learning about the Beatles and seeing different parts of London. Our guide, Michael Purvis, was amazing. He took such good care of us. He is a musician and had so many interesting stories and pictures to share with us. Even though it was a misty day, we enjoyed every minute of this tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Local specialist in England | Replied on Jul 25, 2024

Dear Stacia,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was a pleasure planning your itinerary, and I'm thrilled to hear that you and your family had an amazing vacation.
I appreciate your recommendation of me and KimKim and I look forward to the opportunity to assist you with future travel plans.

Sincerely,
Aleksandra

Perfect getaway: beautiful nature, kind people, living history
Scotland | Jun 26 - Jul 11, 2024

Jenny
Jenny P.
Armenia | Reviewed on Jul 19, 2024
It was a great trip that included a bit of the Isle of Skye but mostly focused the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides). These are beautiful locations but a bit tricky to navigate on your own. Without Kimkim, it would have taken me forever to figure out all the buses and ferries. Aleksandra designed a perfect trip for me, balancing travel, my favorite activities at the locations and time to just be there and explore on my own. She also picked great places for me to stay: it was a good mix of homely... Read more

It was a great trip that included a bit of the Isle of Skye but mostly focused the Western Isles (Outer Hebrides). These are beautiful locations but a bit tricky to navigate on your own. Without Kimkim, it would have taken me forever to figure out all the buses and ferries. Aleksandra designed a perfect trip for me, balancing travel, my favorite activities at the locations and time to just be there and explore on my own. She also picked great places for me to stay: it was a good mix of homely and comfortable. I liked every single one of them, though they were very different in their vibe. Staying in the Lewis Castle in Stornoway was probably the most memorable one; the Edinbane Lodge that dates back to 1543 (no kidding, for real, it's an old building re-furbished into a top-notch accommodation with superb dining experience) was also quite an experience. My B&B host Elizabeth from Barra was absolutely lovely (but she wants to retire, so I was lucky I guess).

Olha was a constant support over WhatsUp, which was great because changes of weather meant some of the activities had to be adjusted short-notice. Every single person I got to interact with was kind and open. I felt truly welcome in every location. All my drivers (Alan, Murdo, Roddy, Alasdair, Brian) told me stories about the place and its people, all of them were native Gaelic speakers so I got to pick and practice a few words: that was important for me. I learned so much about the history and the contemporary life on Skye and Western Islands. Murdo is a musician and a very authentic, fun person to be around. As a bonus, I got to hear a Gaelic song he wrote and performed! A surfing lesson with Eli (I probably misspell the name here) was amazing - the location and the weather made it a very special experience. Kayaking on Barra with Ben and Chris was also fun and relaxing. We got to see many seals who would just pop out of the water near the kayak and stare at us for a few seconds before diving back.

I would definitely go back to Eilean a' Cheò and na h-Eileanan Siar again and would definitely ask Kimkim team again to help plan it. These places are treasures for those who love nature and who appreciate simple, kind, honest and trusting communities with deep roots and oral history of resilience. The trip has left me with many cherished memories, stories to share, a sense of healing and a deep appreciation of true Island hospitality and kindness. Mòran taing.

Hotel Reviews
The Bracken Hide
Portree

It's a lovely location on a slope overlooking Portree, with a view to the harbor. I loved having my own pod that was warm and cozy. The days were rainy, but the pit-pat of the rain on the roof made it even more cozy to be inside.

Authenticity & Character
I loved staying in a pod. The inner decor was very cozy.
Location
The view
Staff
Very helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
I loved the warm floor! :-) makes a huge difference when you come back cold and soaked with rain. The place was warm and dry and the wet clothes would dry quickly as well
Lews Castle
Stornoway

Where do I even start :-))) You get to stay in a real castle! My room was under the roof and looked out over the roof tiles to another tower. The refurbishment is very modern, of course. There is a shower, a bathtub, a fridge a coffee machine and a tea kettle. But somehow it still feels like a castle. That's how a modern castle room should look like :-) I particularly enjoyed opening the front door of the castle with my own key when I came back form my daily explorations. It felt like a lot of fun just doing that. And then you get inside, there is a hall, a staircase and the place is your temporary "home."

Authenticity & Character
It's a castle! Does not get any more authentic than that :-) During the day it's a museum. You can do a tour of the rooms with augmented reality app - I highly recommend doing that
Location
Stornoway center is a walking distance. But the castle itself is surrounded by a forest with many paths - great for walking, biking, exploring, relaxing...
Staff
There is always someone in the building but they give you your own space and are only there if you need help. Very friendly, gave me plenty of good advice on the first day and then just let me be - exactly what I wanted.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless clean, spacious, my room was full of light and sunshine, the bathroom was always warm, which was important because the weather was a bit chilly. Great comfortable bed, tea kettle, very relaxing atmosphere, could also hear the sound of rain on the roof (which I love)
Carnan B&B
Castlebay

The host greeted me with tea and chocolate cake! She is lovely, but she wants to retire, so I think we should leave her alone :-))) Her little pet dog is very friendly and fun - we became best buddies.

Authenticity & Character
It's a lovely house. A real house where a real family lives. Gives you a sense of home
Location
It has a great view to the castle in the bay.
Staff
Elizabeth is very welcoming, kind, attentive and good-natured. She gave me lots of good advice where to go and what to see.
Cleanliness & Comfort
A very comfortable home away from home
Edinbane Lodge
Edinbane

This place is very special. It dates back to 16th century and looks very picturesque. Once you step into your room, you are amazed at the level of luxury. You could watch TV while taking a bath, if you wished. My room also had a patio with a gas fireplace that I enjoyed for a few hours in the evening. It's very atmospheric: great combination of old and modern. Their dinners are famous. If you stay at this lodge, I highly recommend booking a dinner experience as well. Also, check the pottery workshop nearby: you won't be able to go away without a souvenir.

Authenticity & Character
A lodge that has been a lodge since 16th century. It has all the character that comes with the time it's been around
Location
It's a tiny place. Very quiet.
Staff
Friendly, helpful, graceful
Cleanliness & Comfort
I loved sitting by the fire in the patio. I also loved the tea set from the local pottery workshop. It's beautiful and great to see they support their neighbor's business.
Activity Reviews
Isle of Lewis Heritage: Private Day Tour from Stornoway
Isle of Lewis Heritage: Private Day Tour from Stornoway
Scotland

My driver and guide, Murdo, was just great. He is very authentic, a local through and through who told me so many interesting stories about the Isle of Lewis, it's history, it's people. And these stories did not feel like stories from the book. They were real stories, lived by the people or passed by the people from one generation to another. The Callanish stones are a very special cite to visit. The Black Houses were also very interesting to experience.

Quality of Experience
The bridge over the Atlantic! :-)
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Gaelic heritage, knows every road and path and settlement, great sense of humor, honesty
Transport
Taxi to Surf Lesson
Taxi to Surf Lesson
Stornoway

Alan MacKenzie is a great travel companion, equally good at sharing and listening. I am very grateful he was the one to welcome me to the Western Isles. I think it sat the tone for the rest of my stay and travel.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Attentive, tactful
Transport
Lewis Surf Lessons
Lewis Surf Lessons
Scotland

This was my first ever surfing lesson and I am glad it took place on Lewis. We had the whole huge beach to ourselves, since you are going to get wet anyways, you don't need to worry about the rain and it being not exactly the warmest day :-) It was very atmospheric, you could feel the power of the sea (which you have to respect). I think if I did not have a one-on-one lesson and a lot of support from the instructor, I would never manage to get as far as I got. She was great - very encouraging and easy going. It was pure fun but also a good challenge (did I feel it the next day :-))) ). There are also caves on that beach that can only be visited at low tide - we took a short stroll after the class to check them out.

Quality of Experience
the location is amazing
Guides, Drivers and Staff
easy-going, attentive, fun
Sea Kayak Trip
Sea Kayak Trip
Barra

I had two sessions. One was a one-on-one trip with Ben. It's very relaxing to be on the water and take it at your own speed. We did a good round and saw lots of seals. We also did a round around the castle in the bay. The other one was with Chris and his daughter (sorry, can't remember the name). They are all a great family - all very friendly, experienced and attentive. The second was with a group on a sunny day - so that was also a lot of fun and very picture-pretty, but no wildlife.

Quality of Experience
We swapped a few stories while on the water. Ben is a great companion. He was guiding, spotting wildlife, telling about me about the local traditions, good advice on where to eat and what to try, some funny stories. Felt like a great day on the water with a good friend. The group trip was great too, people watched out for each other, everyone was a good sport.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Easy going but attentive to detail, good fun
Taxi
Taxi
Scotland

Brian told me a few stories while on the road. Also gave me the advice to use the opportunity and have dinner at the place where he dropped me off. Thank you. I would have missed an amazing dining experience, if not for this advice. That was a perfect ending to my perfect Islands getaway.

Quality of Experience
In general, all the taxi pickups and transfers were hassle-free, all of them were super friendly
Guides, Drivers and Staff
very genuine. I don't know how to explain it, but it's just that they were all very friendly and somehow very "authentic" welcoming locals.
Transport
always clean, always comfortable, always warm on cold days
Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Local specialist in England | Replied on Jul 23, 2024

Dear Jenny,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I'm thrilled to hear that you had such a memorable and enjoyable trip! It was my real pleasure to help design a journey for you.

I’m so delighted that you found what you were looking for during this trip, and I’m grateful we were involved in this rare opportunity to introduce you to the Hebrides.

We would be more than happy to assist you again if you decide to return to Eilean a' Cheò and na h-Eileanan Siar. Thank you for choosing us and for sharing your cherished memories with us.

Mòran taing,
Aleksandra

Aleksandra was great to work with.
England | Jun 18 - Jun 28, 2024

R
Royce R.
SeaTac, WA | Reviewed on Jul 04, 2024

Aleksandra was great to work with. She is super responsive to all questions and emails. She works hard to solve any problems that may occur during the trip. She took the burden of planning the trip off my shoulders and gave us a great experience.

Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Local specialist in England | Replied on Jul 04, 2024

Dear Royce,

I'm so grateful for your kindness and wonderful feedback! I hope your experience was seamless and enjoyable despite any issues, and that you were able to create wonderful memories during your English vacation with Rachel.
Wishing you exciting adventures ahead!

Sincerely,
Aleksandra