Hi all, I’m trying to find a reputable tour operator for a 6-7 day tour, focusing on the Highlands and Isle of Skye. We would almost prefer a private tour, due to uncertainty about Covid. This is for September 2021. Unfortunately, Ricks tours don’t have the same focus. We would greatly appreciate any suggestions on specific tour operators or experiences that you might have. Thank you very much !
Posted by
Washington DC
27047 posts
Rabbies tours draw lots of positive comments. They are small-group (van) tours. I don't know whether they do private tours or not. Rick mentions some other companies in his guidebook, I believe.
Although 6 or 7 days sounds like a lot of time, the weather in western Scotland is extremely iffy. Keep in mind that you could have a lot of activities rained out (or conducted in the rain if you are suitably attired), especially if you have a locked-in itinerary that doesn't allow flexibility to head east (often less wet) if the weather deteriorates.
The above comments are based on 8 days in Oban, Portree and Kyle of Lochalsh last year. There are quite a few folks on the forum who've spent a lot more time in Scotland than I have, plus one resident of Skye. I'm sure they can be more helpful.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
3815 posts
Try looking for tour guides on Toursbylocals.com. You can search by city and they give a description of their tours, with price, some are by day but they also have multiday tours. When you click on a tour, the guides info comes up, and if you scroll down, it lists other tours they give.
Posted by
Freedonia
14932 posts
Rabbies does private tours:
https://www.rabbies.com/en/info/private-tours/private-touring-group
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1110 posts
Hello.
As I live here on Skye I don't have the need for a tour operator to see the sights, however, the advice you've been given about Rabbies is sound. They are a very well regarded company operating tours across Scotland, including on Skye. Of the many companies operating mini bus tours of Skye, they are the only one (to my knowledge) who send their drivers back in the off season to help repair paths and fences eroded or damaged by tourism.
On Skye itself, Skye Jeep Tours are also highly recommended and I know that they tailor their tours to your specific requirements. I've had guests in my B&B who have taken tours with them and been very happy. They also cover the bits of the mainland nearest to Skye (Glenelg and around Eilean Donan Castle). They will also take you across to the island of Raasay if that's something you're interested in. They have both an old WW2 jeep (only used in favourable weather conditions) and another modern jeep.
I hope this helps.
Jacqui (Skyegirl)