North Coast Explorer Tours
North Coast Explorer Tours
North Coast Explorer Tours
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Premier chauffeured tours tailored just for you. Local knowledge gained from more than 20 years of North Highland exploration enables us to create a customised tour itinerary which provides unique, immersive and unrivalled experiences for our guests. This is not a tour bus full of strangers on a predefined route. This is travelling in comfort and style in our top of the range Land Rover enjoying an itinerary created exclusively for you. Relax and discover the best of what the North Highlands has to offer.
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5.0
34 reviews
Excellent
34
Very good
0
Average
0
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0
Terrible
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lesleyo209
4 contributions
Aug 2021
What a trip. From our initial conversation, the agenda was fine tuned to suit our interests and level of mobility. Sally-Anne behind the scenes did an excellent job of helping us sort accommodation for the tour (7 day tour) and kept us informed of any changes to the agenda. We felt completely safe due to Covid cleaning etc.
Robert was the most knowledgable tour guide, little snippets at every step of the journey brought the history of the highlands to life for us and the local culture.
As a driver, Robert was excellent we felt safe and comfortable in his abilities as demonstrated by his reversing along very narrow tracks when others struggled.
The places we went, the views we saw - stunning everyone of them.
Have told all our friends and hope to be able to return in the future and take another tour.
Robert was the most knowledgable tour guide, little snippets at every step of the journey brought the history of the highlands to life for us and the local culture.
As a driver, Robert was excellent we felt safe and comfortable in his abilities as demonstrated by his reversing along very narrow tracks when others struggled.
The places we went, the views we saw - stunning everyone of them.
Have told all our friends and hope to be able to return in the future and take another tour.
Written 27 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Leydon
Lambourn, UK11 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Robert picked us up at The Garvault Hotel and devoted 9.5 hours illuminating the Highlands interior for us. He had devised a figure of 8 route that showed us detailed sites related to the Highland clearances, where to pan for gold, spotting fantastic herds of Red Deer on normally inaccessible roads. We enjoyed lunch from a high point with fantastic views. What made it for us was Robert's fantastic knowledge of the area, its history, geology, nature & culture. All information was imparted in a relaxed, interactive style with plenty of humour and friendliness.
We all recommend Robert's tour as a fantastic experience that you will enjoy.
We all recommend Robert's tour as a fantastic experience that you will enjoy.
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Peter,
Didn't we have a great day? We seemed to cram so much in!
I think the highlights for all of you (and for me also) was discovering the huge herd of Red Deer. Using the 'Sky Explorer' we were able to get so incredibly close to them and enjoy following them for a mile or so. If only we could guarantee such an experience for all our guests!
For your info, the video is now on our website.
Thank you to all of you for choosing to tour with us,
All our best,
Robert & Sally-Ann
Written 11 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
aec484
Belmont, MA36 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We had an amazing holiday, thanks to Robert and Sally-Ann of North Coast Explorer tours. From our first email and phone call with them a few months before we went, they were kind and attendtive to every part of our trip. They tailored the itinerary to us and combined hiking, walking, sightseeing, food, everything. Sally-Ann did an amazing job helping us find perfect accommodations, sending us detailed information on each recommended lodging.
Robert picked us up in their very comfortable Land Rover and we spent an amazing 7 days touring along the North Coast 500 and saw many hidden gems. Robert knows so much about Scottish history, geology, food, fun - everything! Their love for Scotland shone through in every aspect of the trip. We are so grateful to them and would give them 10 stars if we could!
Robert picked us up in their very comfortable Land Rover and we spent an amazing 7 days touring along the North Coast 500 and saw many hidden gems. Robert knows so much about Scottish history, geology, food, fun - everything! Their love for Scotland shone through in every aspect of the trip. We are so grateful to them and would give them 10 stars if we could!
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this wonderful review Amy - we so enjoyed meeting you and Robert and are so glad that we allayed the concerns you had prior to your trip, especially over the infamous 'midges'! You were certainly blessed with the weather during your time with us which helped to keep them at bay - I can't say that we can promise 30 degrees for all our guests!
And our 'Apprentice Explorers' loved meeting you too! They love the opportunity for a day out and for anyone who loves dogs, like yourselves, we are happy to let them join join in the touring for a few hours.
Hold on to all those memories you made and perhaps we will see you again some day.
Thank you again, Sally-Ann
Written 28 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ron M
Iowa City, Iowa, United States6 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Our family has made many trips to different parts of the world, and we have learned that hiring a local guide can make our trips memorable. In August 2024 we made a family history trip to the highlands of Scotland. In 1813, my wife’s family was forced to leave their home in Scotland and emigrate to North America as part of the Highland Clearances. For this trip, we wanted to find and visit the small village where her family lived, and to learn more about how the Clearances came about and their impact on the people who were forced to leave. We didn’t want a “typical” tour. After searching online, we found that North Coast Explorer Tours had a “Highland Clearances Tour.” Six months before our trip we talked with Robert and Sally-Ann at North Coast Explorer Tours to share what we wanted to do in Scotland and learn how they might customize our experience. Robert and Sally-Ann designed a fantastic 4-day tour that exceeded our expectations in every way! As a team, they listened to all of our ideas and created the perfect 4-day experience. The amount of time they spent researching where our family was from and what they experienced was very evident. From the moment Robert picked us up at our hotel in Inverness until the last minute of our 4-day tour, Robert provided fantastic commentary about everything we saw. His knowledge of the history of the region, coupled with his fantastic storytelling and sense of humor, made the 4 days fly by. In the past few years, we have had great customized tours in Japan, Russia, Mexico, Germany, Czechia, and Ireland. Our time with North Coast Explorers, however, has been our best experience by far! If you are planning a trip to the Highlands of Scotland, make sure to have Sally-Ann and Robert create a customized experience for you...we can’t recommend them more highly!
Written 30 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a heartfelt review of your tour with us Ron - and one for which we are extremely grateful. It is reassuring to know that what we are doing is meeting our guests requirements (& more we hope!). Your request to follow the journey of Deanne's ancestors provided the ideal opportunity to dig a little deeper into our knowledge bank and provide the specific sites and experiences relevant to her relatives. Your tour was a delight to put together - and share - and we hope we provided many memorable moments which you, Deanne and Karyn can hold on to. Thank you for your high praise and recommendation.
Written 8 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon S
2 contributions
Aug 2021
Fabulous day tour with Rob. He has exceptional knowledge of the area & its history.
He takes you to places you didn’t even know were there & brings their history alive for you.
We learnt a lot whilst having a really fun time as Rob is great company.
We would highly recommend a tour with Rob to really get to know all that the Highlands have to offer.
He takes you to places you didn’t even know were there & brings their history alive for you.
We learnt a lot whilst having a really fun time as Rob is great company.
We would highly recommend a tour with Rob to really get to know all that the Highlands have to offer.
Written 20 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LosAngeles5967
California93 contributions
Aug 2022
We are back from Scotland, and we have the best memories of our 4 day tour of the North Coast 500 tour with Robert. We booked a tour with Robert and Sally-Ann for 4 days, and they helped us to plan a unique tour that was catered to our interest in castles, rugged terrain, and delicious food. We can not say enough wonderful things about Robert and Sally-Ann, this tour was absolutely the highlight of our 2 week trip to Scotland.
They recommended wonderful small hotels for us to stay at on the route, all were superb, and unique. Robert is a wonderful tour guide, able to weave history, cultural, current life in the Highlands, and is such a warm, smart, and kind person. At the end of our tour, we were sad to say good bye.
We had such a blast for four full days of touring, weaving through small roads ( he is the best driver btw, rest assure, and is a top conversationalist! ), seeing sheep, castles, turquoise beaches, and stopping for the best views along the route. He took his time driving, allowing us to stop along the way to take photos, breathe in the salt clean air, and even hike in the bogg.
One of my highlights of the trip was walking through the bogg, in the mud boots they brought for us, and then flying a drone over a waterfall. But that is just one favorite moment of many, each day was a favorite, as they were all unique.
The landscape of the NC500 is nothing short of magical. I'm looking at my photos and remembering this tour with a big smile.
Thank you Robert and Sally-Ann.
Anyone who is considering booking a tour, you should. It's so much better not to drive it, and just to sit back, and let Robert and Sally Ann take over, and show you the best of the best! They are expert planners, great communicators, and just wonderful people.
We'll be recommending them to our friends who travel to the Highlands.
They recommended wonderful small hotels for us to stay at on the route, all were superb, and unique. Robert is a wonderful tour guide, able to weave history, cultural, current life in the Highlands, and is such a warm, smart, and kind person. At the end of our tour, we were sad to say good bye.
We had such a blast for four full days of touring, weaving through small roads ( he is the best driver btw, rest assure, and is a top conversationalist! ), seeing sheep, castles, turquoise beaches, and stopping for the best views along the route. He took his time driving, allowing us to stop along the way to take photos, breathe in the salt clean air, and even hike in the bogg.
One of my highlights of the trip was walking through the bogg, in the mud boots they brought for us, and then flying a drone over a waterfall. But that is just one favorite moment of many, each day was a favorite, as they were all unique.
The landscape of the NC500 is nothing short of magical. I'm looking at my photos and remembering this tour with a big smile.
Thank you Robert and Sally-Ann.
Anyone who is considering booking a tour, you should. It's so much better not to drive it, and just to sit back, and let Robert and Sally Ann take over, and show you the best of the best! They are expert planners, great communicators, and just wonderful people.
We'll be recommending them to our friends who travel to the Highlands.
Written 21 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so pleased that your North Highlands' trip met your expectations - and more! It is always our aim to provide exactly what our guests want, hence the bespoke nature of our tours but it is equally rewarding to hear that we have indeed met those requirements and provided a highlight within any trip, be it a single day tour or as in your case 4 days. We certainly packed a lot in but we too enjoyed seeing you 'enjoy' the use of our 'mud boots'. 'Squelching' has never been such fun! We hope you have plenty of photos and soundbites to provide happy memories for a long time to come.
Written 12 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicholas M
3 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
From the moment I made an enquiry to finalising and going on the trip, North Coast Explorer was very professional. Their attention to detail and proactive communication was reassuring. The husband and wife team is complimentary of each other and reassuring all the way with Sally-Ann on the administration side and Robert on the tour side. Robert is a moving encyclopaedia on the NC500 and a joyful company to be with on the trip. North Coast Explorer has created memories for life. I cannot recommend them enough. Keep up the good work!
Written 12 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Your words and your review are so very much appreciated, Nicholas. Thank you! Your time with Robert was also joyful for him as the smiles and enthusiasm from you both helped to make the days easy! We hope we have introduced you to an area that will remain special to you both and that if you return and are passing our way, you pop in and say hello.
Written 23 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tania B
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
My husband and I had an amazing 4 days touring with Robert. Everything was taken care of and we could just relax and enjoy the experience. The tour was tailored to our specific interests. Sally and Robert went above and beyond.
The hi-lights included exploring my husbands family history ,the effort these guys put in to made us feel like we were back with our ancestors. Awesome scenery and wildlife surprises.
Robert who knows the the area perfectly, also scotlands history and places to go in northern Scotland , the trip was worth every cent .
The hi-lights included exploring my husbands family history ,the effort these guys put in to made us feel like we were back with our ancestors. Awesome scenery and wildlife surprises.
Robert who knows the the area perfectly, also scotlands history and places to go in northern Scotland , the trip was worth every cent .
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tania, despite our delayed response to your lovely review of your tour with us, we really appreciate you having taken the time to provide it. I think you know that Robert had so much fun when he was out with you both and your enthusiasm for all you saw and experienced still stays with us. We hope you've had a good summer this year but that your memories from your trip to the far north of Scotland still hold firm!
Written 23 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
madeleine u
11 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
If you want a full appreciation of the Scottish Highlands, look no further than the extremely knowledgeable and passionate husband and wife team of NCE, Robert and Sally-Ann. We knew we wanted a tour rather than driving ourselves so we could learn the history, observe local crafts and absorb the scenery. We did extensive research of our options and NCE stood out as the best. The private tour offers flexibility and can be tailored to your interests. Robert is an excellent driver and has a commanding knowledge of the area. While Robert took us to a few of the popular locations, we spent most of the week in areas not frequented by tour groups - lovely waterfall hikes, magnificent gardens, secluded beaches and ancient churches. We booked last minute and Sally-Ann was invaluable in suggesting accommodations all of which were wonderful. A truly memorable trip. And highly recommend NCE.
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review Madeleine. It was a delight to have you both touring with us and we are glad we could make this part of your longer trip, stress free and effortless. We hope your ongoing travels have been just as enjoyable and thank you for entrusting part of your travelling time to the North Highlands - and North Coast Explorer Tours!
Written 12 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thomas A
1 contribution
Apr 2023
Our tour was totally awesome!! They asked us what kinds of things we wanted to see and they packed a lot into the 6 days!! Robert was extremely knowledgeable about Scottish history and it was very evident how much he loves his country. He took the time to be aware of our needs and to be sure he was doing what we wanted. I highly recommend Robert and Sally-Ann James!!
Written 10 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
'Awesome' is such a great word and we are so pleased that our tour met this fantastic response, so thank you for your comments and this review Thomas. Our aim is always to provide what suits our guests in terms of interests, needs and preference, so we are happy to know that you thought we achieved this. And we hope your tour has provided some lasting memories to savour. Thank you again!
Written 17 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience