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Tetiana Smal

Ever since I can remember, I've been fascinated by the idea of discovering new places, meeting people from different cultures, and immersing myself in the beauty of our world. This passion led me to pursue a career in travel, where I could turn my wanderlust into a fulfilling profession.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of exploring a wide range of destinations, each leaving a lasting impression on me. From bustling cities to tranquil natural landscapes, every journey has been a source of joy and discovery.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in tailor-made holidays to England, Scotland, and Wales. Your trip could include stays in bigger cities like London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Glasgow, or relaxing in the stunning coastal and mountain areas, staying in charming villages such as Bibury in the Cotswolds, Portree on the Isle of Skye, or Betws-y-Coed in Snowdonia.

For nature enthusiasts, discover hidden gems surrounded by breathtaking landscapes while savoring local cuisine and beverages in a sustainable way, harmonizing with the environment, which is so important nowadays. Take leisurely walks along nature trails, explore historic old quarters, and enjoy the serene beauty of the countryside. All in a slow, immersive style of touring, appreciating every view and experience in each destination."

How did you get involved in travel?

"My journey into the world of travel began during my university days. Driven by a desire to see more of the world, I started working as a guide on bus tours across Europe. This incredible experience allowed me to explore both grand cities and charming small towns, find my favorite benches in parks around the globe, and discover where to find the best coffee in almost every European destination.

These adventures not only enriched my knowledge of diverse cultures and landscapes but also ignited a passion for sharing these experiences with others. I believe that travel has the power to transform us, offering new perspectives and unforgettable memories. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"For me, every trip is unique, as no two journeys are alike. Each adventure brings new acquaintances, new flavors, and new experiences. However, my latest trip to Canada stands out as an unforgettable experience.

I spent several weeks exploring the region of British Columbia, a place where stunning mountains and hiking trails merge with the endless beauty of the ocean. The city of Vancouver, with its blend of diverse cultures, added another layer of richness to the journey.

One of my dreams came true on this trip—I saw whales. Witnessing these magnificent creatures filled me with childlike joy and awe. It was an incredible feeling that I will cherish forever."

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Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Tetiana

Two Week Vacation to London and Scotland
Scotland | Mar 20 - Apr 2, 2025

Michelle
Michelle M.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 04, 2025
Working with Tetiana for my first KimKim organized trip was wonderful. Absolutely great! Tetiana was very attentive regarding any questions I had. Her reply was always very quick and professional. During the planning months, Tetiana found options to suit our requests and needs and offered a lot of expertise. She know the UK very well and I am so happy with the suggestions she made.
We spent our first 6 days in London. Tetiana arranged for a private driver to pick us up at Heathrow and...
Read more

Working with Tetiana for my first KimKim organized trip was wonderful. Absolutely great! Tetiana was very attentive regarding any questions I had. Her reply was always very quick and professional. During the planning months, Tetiana found options to suit our requests and needs and offered a lot of expertise. She know the UK very well and I am so happy with the suggestions she made.
We spent our first 6 days in London. Tetiana arranged for a private driver to pick us up at Heathrow and booked us in to very comfortable accommodations in Kensington. The location was perfect! The next day we had an amazing private driver named Dean take us out to Highclere Castle for a tour. I am a huge Downton Abbey fan so thoroughly enjoyed that day trip. The second day, Tetiana organized us for a Rabbies tour to The Cotswolds & Oxford. I was travelling with my 26 year old son, and we both enjoyed seeing this part of England very much! For the next few days, we figured out transit and made our way to all of the amazing sights we wanted to see in London.
Our second week was spent in Scotland. Tetiana arranged train tickets for us to head to Edinburgh. Any time I had uncertainties or questions, I communicated with Tetiana via Whatsapp and she helped us immediately. She arranged a walking tour for us that afternoon which was incredible! I asked Tetiana to help me find a real castle for us to stay in, and Melville Castle was perfect. Our two-bedroom suite was gorgeous and spacious and everything we did and saw in Edinburgh was just amazing. Our next three days were spent in Inverness. The Highlands of Scotland are just beautiful. The people were so incredibly friendly and I can't wait to go back!
Our last day was spent in London again and we really liked The Sanctuary House that Tetiana found for us. It is a very excellent location if anyone wants to be near all the most popular landmark sights.

I can't thank Tetiana enough! She followed my request list perfectly and Jackson & I had an stress-free, wonderful vacation.

Hotel Reviews
Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel
Inverness

Dated. I understand that Inverness is very old, but the rooms definitely need an upgrade. As well, the restaurant options were not what we expected. Breakfast was excellent, but in the evening the restaurants were too upscale for what we were looking for after long days out on tours. As well, the stairs with luggage were not expected. There is no elevator.

Authenticity & Character
This hotel definitely needs to be updated.
Location
Staff
Very attentive, kind and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Twin beds are very small. Rooms are very small. Bathroom is a great size though.
Ember Locke
London

This location is perfect. It is in the Kensington area with wonderful pubs, restaurants, grocery stores and easy transit access within minutes. It is safe and very walkable. The restaurant in this hotel is very good. There is also a wonderful coffee bar in the lobby.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms could use some updating. The hotel was kept very clean; the rooms are just dark and a bit dated.
Melville Castle
Edinburgh

The hotel itself was gorgeous. Staying in a castle was more affordable than I thought it would be and our two-bedroom suite was stunning! We dined at the downstairs restaurant on our last night there and the food was excellent! The Library bar is attractive and the atmosphere was casual and relaxing! I also loved that dogs were allowed and we got to visit with a few owners and snuggle their pups. My only disappointment was the staff. Michelle was a very nice receptionist, but the other staff members did the bare minimum. Our very first impression was disappointing. No one greeted us at check in or offered to help us with our bags. Two young people stood there and watched us, without offering help or even a "welcome or hello". There was an elevator, but we still had to manage our bags with 4 stairs into our suite on our own. The staff were younger and more interested in visiting with each other; their attentiveness was lacking. As well, the outside areas of the hotel were also lacking pride. The outer small buildings looked dishevelled; pieces of the roof broken off, hoses and pails lying around etc. Unforunately this was the view from our bedroom windows and that didn't leave a great impression. However, the daily cleaning service was perfect.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
As noted above. Our first impression was a receptionist who sat behind her desk and didn't acknowledge us until we said hello. Two other young people were on their phones and talking with each other but also didn't say hello or offer to help us with our bags. This was a disappointing first impression for our first time staying in a castle! The breakfast staff however were lovely and a lady named Michelle who worked later in the day & evening was very kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our two bedroom suite, the Library Bar and the breakfast room.
The Sanctuary House Hotel
London

Excellent location! Wonderful "extras" in the rooms that we didn't see at our other hotels.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Receptionist was "flat". Just not a great first impression when checking-in. The pub attached to the hotel had amazing, friendly staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was fabulous! Clean, great style, and really nicely stocked with extras!
Activity Reviews
Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle
London

I highly recommend this tour!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dean White was the driver our KimKim specialist hired for us and he was just so fun to be with.
Explore Glen Affric, Culloden, and Clava Cairns Tour
Explore Glen Affric, Culloden, and Clava Cairns Tour
Inverness

Absolutely LOVED this full day trip. Our guide Ryan was funny, an excellent driver and wonderful at engaging with the tourists!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Private Tour
Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Private Tour
Edinburgh

Our private walking tour was great! Our guide was on time, very enjoyable and informative. The only thing I would have liked is if it was booked at least half an hour to an hour sooner. We only had about 45 minutes at the castle once we got up there before closing time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Stirling Private Tour
Stirling Private Tour
Edinburgh

Our private guide Michael was SO friendly and wonderful. He was personally from Stirling and loved living there. He picked us up at our hotel and was dressed so professional. After seeing Stirling Castle, he took us to a local bakery that was incredible and he was just so professional, experienced and funny! A Great Day!!! Loved the area and highly recommend seeing Wallace Monument and the castle!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Churchill War Rooms & WW2 Westminster Small Group Tour
Churchill War Rooms & WW2 Westminster Small Group Tour
London

We misunderstood/so did Tetiana where we were suppose to meet our guide and didn't realize there was a one-hour walking tour involved before we went in to the War Rooms. Thankfully we found him just in time and it was all absolutely wonderful!!! :)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The Vaults Tour
The Vaults Tour
Edinburgh

This was so cool! Great guide on this tour and really fascinating to even think people lived and existed in these vaults in the 1700's!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour
Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour
Inverness

We had Ryan from Rabbies again on this trip. He is an amazing persona and an excellent, safe driver. We found this day far too long. Skye is nice, but being from Canada we didn't find it as "breath taking" as I had hoped. I think we could have spent the 12 hours doing something different and enjoyed that more. However, we met some really great people on the van tour and again, Ryan is the best tour guide we have ever had.

Quality of Experience
Our driver, Ryan.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tetiana Smal
Tetiana
Tetiana Smal
Local specialist in London | Replied on Apr 05, 2025
Dear Michelle, Thank you so much for your wonderful words! It was an absolute pleasure working with you and Jackson to plan this special adventure through England and Scotland. Your enthusiasm and openness made the process not only smooth but genuinely fun! I loved helping bring your Downton Abbey dreams to life at Highclere Castle, finding that perfect stay in a real Scottish castle, and tailoring every step to fit your pace and interests. I’m so happy to hear that everything went... Read more

Dear Michelle,

Thank you so much for your wonderful words!

It was an absolute pleasure working with you and Jackson to plan this special adventure through England and Scotland. Your enthusiasm and openness made the process not only smooth but genuinely fun!

I loved helping bring your Downton Abbey dreams to life at Highclere Castle, finding that perfect stay in a real Scottish castle, and tailoring every step to fit your pace and interests. I’m so happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that you felt supported along the way—that means the world to me.

Thank you for trusting me (and Kimkim) with your travel plans. I already look forward to the next time we get to explore a new destination together!

Warmest wishes,
Tetiana

A Perfect 2 Week Tour of England
England | Mar 13 - Mar 28, 2025

Samuel
Samuel B.
Chelmsford, MA | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2025
When I first approached Tetiana with the rough concept of what we wanted to accomplish on the trip, she immediately got to work constructing a plan. We essentially wanted a 2 week trip of England that mostly avoided London and took us to as many of the places that we specifically wanted to see as possible. We would not do any driving and wanted all of the connections to be easy. Within a short time, she created a reasonable initial framework and worked with me to adjust a few things. We... Read more

When I first approached Tetiana with the rough concept of what we wanted to accomplish on the trip, she immediately got to work constructing a plan. We essentially wanted a 2 week trip of England that mostly avoided London and took us to as many of the places that we specifically wanted to see as possible. We would not do any driving and wanted all of the connections to be easy. Within a short time, she created a reasonable initial framework and worked with me to adjust a few things. We ended up with a masterful plan that combined train trips, private tours and transfers, and small group tours.

In execution, the plan worked perfectly. Our strongest indicator of the quality of the plan was the stunned reaction of British folks we met along the way to the breadth of what we had seen and done in just 2 weeks.

Hotel Reviews
Amano Covent Garden
London

The hotel was well located near Covent Garden and the theater district and the breakfast buffet was good. Beyond that, I cannot recommend it. The room furnishings were excessively spare. There was no surface designed to house a suitcase. I had to push together the only two chairs in the room to house one bag, and put our other bag on a small cocktail table. Simply inexcusable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Near Covent Garden
Cleanliness & Comfort
A place to put your luggage!!
Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Cambridge

The Clayton Hotel was comfortable and just a couple of hundred feet from the train station. Dinner and the breakfast buffet were fine.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very close to the Cambridge Railway Station
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Indigo Bath
Bath

The Indigo is a quirky reuse of a series of historical buildings located in a place that’s within convenient walking distance of Bath’s major attractions. The hotel and room itself have more of a B&B feel than that of a hotel. That’s both good and bad. It gives the place a more unusual feel, but also a less comfortable one. The hotel was generous with complementary wine and soft drinks in the room. Supposedly, the buildings are connected at the garden level, but we were told that this route was not available. As a result, we had to put on jackets and walk around the block outside to get to the breakfast buffet. This annoyance alone prevents me from giving an overall score higher than 3.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, not so comfortable
The Grand, York
North Yorkshire

The Grand is a wonderful, traditional hotel with old world charm and great service by an attentive staff. An added bonus is its proximity to the York railway station, tour bus pickup points, and the York Minster. Each are within 5 minutes walk. Together with the fine included breakfast, this all makes the Grand the nicest hotel we have visited in quite a while.

Authenticity & Character
Wonderful traditional atmosphere
Location
York railway station, tour bus pickup points, and the York Minster. Each are within 5 minutes walk.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Courtyard by Marriott Oxford City Centre
Oxford

I really wanted to like this hotel. A front desk manager spent more than 30 minutes helping me to get the tv working properly. But I can’t recommend this hotel because the room and bathroom are so very TINY. As I write this review, I am at sea on a cruise and staying in a basic stateroom whose size exceeds the Courtyard’s by a considerable degree. There was no convenient place to put luggage or to unpack. Marriott price for a Motel 6 room.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean but uncomfortably small room
Activity Reviews
Yorkshire: All the Creatures Great and Small Mini-Coach Tour
Yorkshire: All the Creatures Great and Small Mini-Coach Tour
York

We were very fortunate to arrive in Grassington (Darrowby) on a day when the town was dressed for filming!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York
Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York
York

We were the only 2 passengers on a 16 person tour bus! Our driver/guide was great. Whitby as a very interesting town.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
One Day Trip Canterbury & Dover Cliffs
One Day Trip Canterbury & Dover Cliffs
England
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tour to Cambridge from London
Tour to Cambridge from London
London
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Shakespeare's Stratford and Cotswolds
Shakespeare's Stratford and Cotswolds
England

Steve was a friendly and fun guy and we enjoyed our time with him.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Wells and Cheddar Gorge Trip from Bath
Private Wells and Cheddar Gorge Trip from Bath
Bath

We enjoyed the tour very much

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bridgerton Walking Tour
Bridgerton Walking Tour
England

Our guide from the city really knew his stuff about Bridgerton and covered a tremendous number of sites in just two hours. He was not excessively friendly.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Full Day Private Tour in Winchester
Full Day Private Tour in Winchester
England

Andy was a great guy with whom to spend a couple of days.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jurassic Coast
Jurassic Coast
England

Once again, Andy was a great companion and guide, but our feeling was that the sites within the range and itinerary of this tour were not as generally interesting as the rest of our tours.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tetiana Smal
Tetiana
Tetiana Smal
Local specialist in London | Replied on Apr 04, 2025
Dear Samuel, Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure working with you to bring your vision for this trip to life. From the very start, I could tell this journey was going to be something truly special, and I loved every step of the process—piecing together an itinerary that not only covered all your must-sees but also ensured a seamless and stress-free experience. Hearing that everything worked out so perfectly brings me so much joy! Your enthusiasm, curiosity,... Read more

Dear Samuel,

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was an absolute pleasure working with you to bring your vision for this trip to life. From the very start, I could tell this journey was going to be something truly special, and I loved every step of the process—piecing together an itinerary that not only covered all your must-sees but also ensured a seamless and stress-free experience.

Hearing that everything worked out so perfectly brings me so much joy! Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and sense of adventure made this such a rewarding trip to plan. I’m truly grateful to have been part of it and I hope our paths cross again for another incredible journey in the future!

Warmest regards,
Tetiana

We were delayed I getting our trip to Scotlan...
Scotland | Aug 6 - Aug 26, 2024

Marie
Marie D.
Canada | Reviewed on Aug 27, 2024
We were delayed I getting our trip to Scotland lined up but we lucked out with Tetiana as our advisor. She prepared an amazing trip for us. We experienced a few challenges - one of them a passport left in a hotel safe! We solved most of it ourselves but she followed up with both hotels for us. She chose great hotels for us. We stayed at the Virgin Hotel in Edinburgh, Kingsmills in Inverness, Clan MacDuff in Fort William, the Perle in Oban, Cameron House in Loch Lomond and The Address in... Read more

We were delayed I getting our trip to Scotland lined up but we lucked out with Tetiana as our advisor. She prepared an amazing trip for us. We experienced a few challenges - one of them a passport left in a hotel safe! We solved most of it ourselves but she followed up with both hotels for us. She chose great hotels for us. We stayed at the Virgin Hotel in Edinburgh, Kingsmills in Inverness, Clan MacDuff in Fort William, the Perle in Oban, Cameron House in Loch Lomond and The Address in Glasgow. We had great activities and tours. We had drivers pick us up and drive us around. We had 1 bus tour to isle of skye which was maybe too long of a day, mini bus tours and private tours. We also had walking tours and a food tour She endeavoured to ensure we saw and learned a lot. It happened a few times that we canceled some activities due to jet lag or exhaustion! The weather was quite cold and rainy but that is uncontrollable 😏. I was surprised at how far from city centres the Kingsmills and Clan MacDuff were. This ensures that we had to eat our evening meals at the hotel as it was a 20 pound round trip to go eat in a downtown restaurant. One of our hotels Cameron House was over the top luxury . I really enjoyed dealing with Tetiana and i would book another trip with KimKim. Everything went off without a hitch and all the events and pick ups happened without issues

Hotel Reviews
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Edinburgh

The rooms were great. The location central. We had breakfast included and the lack of heat in the breakfast offerings would be my only criticism Cold eggs, sausages and pancakes are not fun to eat.

Authenticity & Character
Right around the corner from Harry Potter alley and the coffee shop where JK Rowling wrote her books
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kingsmills Hotel
Inverness

Loved this hotel. The staff was extremely helpful. Hannah in particular was very helpful when someone in our group left a passport in the safe. Hannah wrapped it and couriered the package to our next hotel. Rooms were beautiful. Breakfast was great. Food was hot. The only drawback was distance from city centre. Cost 6-8 pounds each way to get a cab there. Consequently we ate half our suppers in the hotel restaurant

Authenticity & Character
Location
Beautiful grounds but farb
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clan Macduff Hotel
Fort William

Loved this hotel. Mrs MacDuff welcomed us to her hotel and she was very helpful in helping us contact the previous hotel to arrange the retrieval of a passport left in the safe 😉. This was very clean and you felt very welcome here. The only drawback was distance from city centre! To keep breakfast hot, you got your fruit and pastries from a buffet then they cooked your eggs

Authenticity & Character
Location
View of the Loch right across the road
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Address
Glasgow

We went to this hotel as part of an organized tour and arrived at 9 am. Giving my name, they had my reservation. So I left my luggage and went off to a walking tour that was planned. My first clue that there would be a problem was when I asked for direction to Prince Square. Although this is a renowned shopping and dining spot and located 4 blocks away, no one knew anything 🤔 when we came back at 3:30, our reservation was not available! It took an hour to find it and get us our keys. The girl who finally found our reservation was very nice and helpful. We were promised that our luggage would be brought right up. Went for dinner and a walk and at 8 pm still no luggage. The next day after we came back from a big sightseeing day, our card keys for both rooms were non working. Had to come back down to reception and get our room key cards re-activated! The rooms were fine but there are fire doors and steps that you have to lift your luggage up. Although included in our pricing, breakfast was very average with many empty baskets even though we were 15 minutes after opening. Never touched the hot breakfasts as they looked unappetizing. The bar area in the lobby was nice and we did have some libations there. The staff there were pleasant. The hotel does have a great location although I would not stay there again. When I tried to check out at 5 am for an airport run, there again, the staff were confused as their update happens at 5:30 am. I think they might need help with their processing of check ins and outs.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Central
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perle
Oban

I loved this hotel! Our room was quite large and we had a bay window which overlooked the harbour. The room was well appointed and the bed was super comfortable. Breakfast was included in our pricing and they had a lovely food selection. In addition to that, they cooked your hot dishes individually. In order to perform this wonderful feat of a hot breakfast, they asked you to make a reservation in a 15 minute slot so they could be timely in their service. We had a long day of going over to Mull and came back late so ate in the hotel dining room. Had the best salmon ever. My companions also enjoyed their meals Loved thus hotel

Authenticity & Character
It was a beautiful older building and the inside was decorated beautifully
Location
Right on the harbour
Staff
Everyone was welcoming. This is the hotel to which our lost passport was delivered to and they were so gracious
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds and bathrooms
Cameron house

This was over the top luxury. When we were dropped off here, I wondered if someone had made a mistake ??? Beautifully renovated , reminded me a bit of the Banff Springs hotel in Canada The rooms were gorgeous The only drawback to this hotel would be location and pricing. You are stuck in the middle of nowhere and therefore obliged to eat there. Two restaurants with food that is acceptable but not worth the exorbitant pricing. Paid an obscene amount of money for a small portion of lukewarm pasta with a few pieces of pancetta , cheese and blah seasoning. The following night we ate at the Grill and it was also exorbitantly expensive. Each entree was 40 some pounds ! My husband had the lamb and he had 3 small finger shaped pieces of lamb and a few veggies We had to order sides which 7 pounds each. The breakfast was exceptional. But if you do not have it included in your room rate, it costs 36 pounds Staying here was an experience! Everyone of the staff that we dealt with was exceptionally helpful and welcoming

Authenticity & Character
Looks like a castle
Location
Beautiful location but way too remote
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms and bathrooms were beautiful
Activity Reviews
Private Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh
Private Transfer from Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Our driver had to wait for us as two of us had luggage that took 40 minutes to arrive! Then we had to walk a fair distance to where his car was parked

Quality of Experience
Very friendly and helpful - we actually re-hired him a few days later to drive us back to airport to get rental car
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Private Tour
Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Private Tour
Edinburgh

We had a great guide and he took us on a very informative walk through downtown Edinburgh He knew so much. My sons are big Harry Potter fans and Greyfriar cemetery was eye opening Our guide was very nice, and we liked him a lot. We could understand his Scottish accent. However he could benefit from an upgrade in his attire. He was very scruffy looking. I am not criticizing but I know some clients would be put off by his look

Quality of Experience
Knowledge shared by guide
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledge
Rosslyn Chapel & Glenkinchie Distillery Private Tour
Rosslyn Chapel & Glenkinchie Distillery Private Tour
Edinburgh

I reviewed the distillery tour on google already. Our guide Rafa was wonderful. He picked us up at our hotel and we drove out to Roslyn Chapel This is the chapel of Da Vinci Code. Very interesting and great to be there. We had time for a quick walk around the grounds Then our guide drove us to see another castle before our scotch tasting tour. We still had major jet lag but thoroughly enjoyed this great day. Bonus that I ran into an acquaintance from my home city in the parking lot of the chapel.

Quality of Experience
Just being in n these amazing locations
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very informative and keen on us having a great time
Transport
Car was comfortable and safe driving
Private Glasgow Essentials Tour
Private Glasgow Essentials Tour
Glasgow

We did the food tour and it finished quite late then had trouble checking in. We regretfully cancelled this tour It probably would have been great but better if it had been scheduled the next morning

Quality of Experience
Another day
Transport
This was not a poor tour but had no way of exiting Should have a non applicable choice
The Vaults Tour
The Vaults Tour
Edinburgh

The day we did this tour, it was pouring rain in Edinburgh and we had to walk a few blocks to reach the entrance to the vaults. Upon entry, it was dark, cold and damp. The stairs are very uneven. Few handrails and it is downright spooky to be down there. Very interesting but scary our guide was great and very knowledgeable. We were a group of 4 and although my sons and I loved it, my husband did not.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was great. Although as we walked to the entrance in the pouring rain, he was walking a bit fast and we almost lost half the group
Transport
Our own feet
The Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness
The Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness
Inverness

This was very interesting but too long of a day We drove over 300 miles in a day long activity in a bus. We stopped at Eileen Donnan Castle for bladder and picture stop. Then we drove all the way to Portree on the isle of Skye. Had 45 minutes there. Our driver had encouraged us to order our lunches so he would get them for us to eat on the bus after Portree. There was no cruise ship there that day so we could have skipped the lunches and had more time in Portree! Seems to me that cruise ship stops are easy to plan around Trying to eat a lunch on a bus could have been avoided We drove up to Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr Had the chance to get out and take pictures. Scenery was amazing. Then we set out to go to Fairy Pools. I think it is ridiculous to take a huge bus up that terrible road Single lane with passing places. No shoulders and huge ditches filled with mud on either side of the road. A few caravans went in the ditch leading to huge backlogs of cars. Then we get up to this desolate spot with cold gale force winds and we are told we have 90 minutes there. Adding this part of the trip to an already too long day is ridiculous. I enjoyed being at the Isle of skye but I think this tour should be re-designed I would not recommend it as it is overly long

Quality of Experience
Shorten day
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Andrew was our guide. He was knowledgeable but he continually complained about tourists which is ridiculous when he earns his living from us! At the end of a 12 hour day listening to him it was a relief to get off the bus.
Transport
The bus was comfortable.
Private Transfer from Edinburgh Hotel to EDI Airport
Private Transfer from Edinburgh Hotel to EDI Airport
Scotland

Pick up at 5 am went well

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Cruise
Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Cruise
Inverness

This was a great excursion. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. We were dropped off at a ferry with tickets in hand The Loch Ness cruise was great but quite chilly and windy. We approached Urquart Castle from the water and that approach was impressive. We could have used extra time at the castle. Never saw the film that was recommended 😢. Felt rushed with the castle visit

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Glen Affric, Culloden, and Clava Cairns Tour
Explore Glen Affric, Culloden, and Clava Cairns Tour
Inverness

This was quite a long day. We started at Clava Cairns. Our guide did not really tell us anything - we just read the signs and took pictures. We then made our way to Culloden We had some time to go through the museum which was very well done. Our museum tickets were included in our excursion. My brother tour guide walked them through the Culloden fields with a history lesson on the battle. We were just left on our own. Then we drove to this spot to see highland cows - felt a bit like Mexico where tour guides take you to weird places and they get kickbacks for taking tourists there. We stopped in at a cute village called Buliey for lunch and visit. In the afternoon we drove up to Glen Affric which was a nature preserve. Beautiful scenery. There were two walks to choose We chose the River walk Cautionary tale. In order to avoid a big mud puddle on the path, I stepped off onto the grass which ended up being a bog. My leg sank into the bog to mid thigh. Luckily my travel companions were able to haul me out. But I was muddy wet and my rain boots were full of mud and moss. I come from the prairies of Canada and have no concept of bogs! I felt the guide should have warned us to keep on the trail since he continually bragged about going there often

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Small van. Better than a large bus
Local specialist: Tetiana Smal
Tetiana
Tetiana Smal
Local specialist in London | Replied on Sep 10, 2024
Dear Marie, Thank you so much for your kind and detailed feedback! I’m thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience, despite a few challenges along the way. It was a pleasure to arrange your trip and to know that you enjoyed the variety of activities. I’m incredibly grateful for your comments regarding the hotels. Your insights are very valuable and will certainly be helpful for other travelers. Thank you for your kind words about my service. It was truly a pleasure working... Read more

Dear Marie,

Thank you so much for your kind and detailed feedback! I’m thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience, despite a few challenges along the way. It was a pleasure to arrange your trip and to know that you enjoyed the variety of activities.

I’m incredibly grateful for your comments regarding the hotels. Your insights are very valuable and will certainly be helpful for other travelers.

Thank you for your kind words about my service. It was truly a pleasure working with you, and I would be delighted to help plan any future trips you might have. I look forward to the possibility of working together again.

Warmest regards,
Tetiana