The Hebridean Explorer
The Hebridean Explorer
The Hebridean Explorer
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About
Private Tours around the Scottish Highlands and Hebrides with a local Highland guide. Explore stunning views, dramatic landscapes, ancient and medieval history, Scots Gaelic culture and Highland traditions. John Alasdair Macdonald, is a native of the Outer Hebrides and was raised in a Scots Gaelic speaking family. Getting "off the beaten track" and discovering the best of the region is always our aim on all our Highland and Hebridean tours.
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5.0
306 reviews
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306
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Mary S
14 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We have travelled the world, and this was one of the best trips I have ever taken – because the very north of Scotland is so magnificent, and because of John Macdonald, the Hebridean Explorer. John is a gifted guide, with broad in depth knowledge of the places he goes, passion, and the ability to relate. From the first email interaction he was prompt in response and upfront and informative. We were going at what normally would not be an optimal time to visit Orkney and the Shetland Isles, and John made sure we understood what we were getting into. From the clothes we would need, to hotel and restaurant recommendations (and reservations) he makes every step of the process easy. He was waiting to pick us up at the appointed time, and before we hit our first ferry I knew this would be a lifer trip. He is a quick study, so quickly senses what you'll like. He doesn't do a lot of drive bys, but rather chooses his stops with care. There is no rush like there can be with a tour with other people. You take your time, where you want to spend it. He adjusts his itinerary to the weather and the ferry schedule, with plenty of breaks for leg stretching, a cup of tea, or a toastie. I would have liked at least 1 more day in Unst, but didn't know that when we booked. John is a historian – and makes the neolithic ruins come alive. He not only knows so much, but conveys it in a charming way so you never feel like you are listening to a lecture. He is attentive to every need, always checking to make sure things are the way they are supposed to be. The trip wasn't cheap. But as in most things, you get what you pay for, and in the case of the Hebridean Explorer, the experience was priceless. I would travel again with John Macdonald in a heartbeat, and I hope to do so. I would love to experience the Outer Hebrides through his eyes and experience. There was no doubt as I looked at guide options that this was going to give me the kind of trip I wanted, and I was not disappointed. It exceeded my expectations. And if you decide to travel with John, say hello to him from Mary and Harry.
Written 23 April 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.
Ccoss
Aurora, OH47 contributions
Aug 2021
This was our fourth tour with John and it was our best yet. The history and beauty of Scotland is good for the soul and John is a masterclass guide who will help you understand and appreciate it all.
We toured Ruthven Barracks, Lewis, Harris, Tobermory, Iona, Glencoe, and the lands in between. All are incredible but there is a special magic to Iona and Glencoe. We never would have visited any of these places on our own. Even if we could have navigated all the ferry timings and somewhat remote locations, we could not have navigated the roads. Many are narrow, winding single track roads (which we would designate as bike paths in the US) involving numerous lay bys and tricky turns. John made it seem effortless. He knows the history of the sites you are seeing, the roads, ferry schedules, restroom stops, food stops, and best viewpoints/photo stops like the back of his hand. There is simply no substitute for his knowledge and the value it adds to the trip. The reason we keep booking again with John is his wealth of Scottish history knowledge (both from his phD matriculation and his local insight) and his genuine kindness. He truly loves his homeland and delights in sharing it with you. He also goes out of his way to make sure that you have an exceptional experience. And he has all the pandemic-era issues covered from hand sanitizer and wipes for each person in the car to making restaurant reservations under the requisite booking system which was in effect in August when we traveled.
Book with John and you won’t regret it!
We toured Ruthven Barracks, Lewis, Harris, Tobermory, Iona, Glencoe, and the lands in between. All are incredible but there is a special magic to Iona and Glencoe. We never would have visited any of these places on our own. Even if we could have navigated all the ferry timings and somewhat remote locations, we could not have navigated the roads. Many are narrow, winding single track roads (which we would designate as bike paths in the US) involving numerous lay bys and tricky turns. John made it seem effortless. He knows the history of the sites you are seeing, the roads, ferry schedules, restroom stops, food stops, and best viewpoints/photo stops like the back of his hand. There is simply no substitute for his knowledge and the value it adds to the trip. The reason we keep booking again with John is his wealth of Scottish history knowledge (both from his phD matriculation and his local insight) and his genuine kindness. He truly loves his homeland and delights in sharing it with you. He also goes out of his way to make sure that you have an exceptional experience. And he has all the pandemic-era issues covered from hand sanitizer and wipes for each person in the car to making restaurant reservations under the requisite booking system which was in effect in August when we traveled.
Book with John and you won’t regret it!
Written 22 October 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.
Mary Kay O
18 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We just completed John Macdonald’s one-day Highland Explorer tour, and agree with the other excellent reviews. He was prompt, flexible, considerate, and a fountain of knowledge about the local area and its history. He was also a great driver, and we appreciated not having to drive on the other side of the road in unfamiliar territory. I would not hesitate to book another tour with him.
Written 6 January 2020
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.
Dean and Katy R
2 contributions
Sept 2022
My wife and I echo the previously-expressed sentiments that five stars are insufficient to rate the extraordinary excellence of our week with John. Indeed, on our flight back to North Carolina, my wife and I agreed that John is the best guide we have engaged to date anywhere in the world. His historical knowledge, geniality, and attention to detail all are first-rate, making for a wonderful, informative, and relaxing journey throughout Macdonald and Stewart lands of the Scottish Highlands and Inner Hebrides islands. (And because our trip required significant automobile travel, we add that John’s driving skills also are first-rate.)
If you book a tour with John, we encourage you to remember it is bespoke—John loved nothing more than to receive our requests for alterations of the default itinerary, which he then researched and fulfilled appropriately. We also encourage you to follow his suggestions regarding where and when to book lodging and dinners, as none of them steered us wrong. Because of John we had a memorable trip, and we cannot thank him enough.
If you book a tour with John, we encourage you to remember it is bespoke—John loved nothing more than to receive our requests for alterations of the default itinerary, which he then researched and fulfilled appropriately. We also encourage you to follow his suggestions regarding where and when to book lodging and dinners, as none of them steered us wrong. Because of John we had a memorable trip, and we cannot thank him enough.
Written 9 October 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.
Donna T
Springwater, Canada4 contributions
Jun 2022
You know you are having a great trip when at the end of each day you are summing up your experience as "perfect", though this word can be applied to everything from the very beginning with the online contact and subsequent planning and booking and the touring, to the final drop off. John's professionalism and natural warmth and humour combined to set a tone for us that made the exploration of so many wonderful sites and scenes in the Scottish Highlands, Orkney and Shetland a delight that we will always treasure. His attention to our particular needs for comfort, for alone time and for learning was exceptional. John's in-depth knowledge of his country and its history is remarkable; he made so much of his culture and the past come to life for us. This was a tour that surpassed expectation and one I did not want to end. Thank you John, for making this trip absolutely wonderful.
Written 17 June 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.
Catherine A
San Francisco, CA2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
An extraordinary 5-day experience exploring the stunning scenery of Scotland’s lochs, mountains & glens with fascinating & dramatic stories of history, dispelling myths of Highland Clan battles & folklore while highlighting the MacDonald & McLeod Clans!
Beginning with our initial tour inquiry to see if John MacDonald would consider doing a combined tour of Clans MacDonald and McLeod, John was a sheer delight to work with. He was extremely accommodating, including numerous modifications to the itinerary with spontaneous detours and stops that allowed us to connect with some off the beaten track areas of our family history. With connections to both Clans (though his expertise far exceeds just these), John’s extensive understanding of Clan history and folklore, as well as his thorough knowledge of the land itself, is profound. The depth of his insights added vivid color and fascinating depth to our experience.
Every day we explored in comfort and stress-free. John is extraordinarily sensitive to the well-being of his fellow travelers, accounting for necessary rest stops, food breaks, and incidental needs. He is an expert and mindful driver with whom we felt utterly at ease and free to enjoy the incredible beauty that he unfolded for us. He is engaging, has a fabulous sense of humor, and is endlessly entertaining, these characteristics being unusual in a man of such a modest nature.
Beginning with our initial tour inquiry to see if John MacDonald would consider doing a combined tour of Clans MacDonald and McLeod, John was a sheer delight to work with. He was extremely accommodating, including numerous modifications to the itinerary with spontaneous detours and stops that allowed us to connect with some off the beaten track areas of our family history. With connections to both Clans (though his expertise far exceeds just these), John’s extensive understanding of Clan history and folklore, as well as his thorough knowledge of the land itself, is profound. The depth of his insights added vivid color and fascinating depth to our experience.
Every day we explored in comfort and stress-free. John is extraordinarily sensitive to the well-being of his fellow travelers, accounting for necessary rest stops, food breaks, and incidental needs. He is an expert and mindful driver with whom we felt utterly at ease and free to enjoy the incredible beauty that he unfolded for us. He is engaging, has a fabulous sense of humor, and is endlessly entertaining, these characteristics being unusual in a man of such a modest nature.
Written 8 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.
Sharley
19 contributions
Jun 2022
For the second time, my friends and I enjoyed the scenery of Scotland through the eyes of John Macdonald. John's scholarly knowledge of Scottish history, traditions, customs, geography, and facts v. myths mixed with his concern for our comforts and whims allowed us to truly enjoy our journey through Orkney and Shetland. Our tour was optimized for adventure and comfort. A lesser guide or bus group would not be able to provide the flexibility and tailored experience created by The Hebridean Explorer!
Written 10 July 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.
Stacey R
12 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We recently went on a 5 day Shetland tour with John. We could not have asked for a better way to celebrate a milestone birthday and anniversary. John was extremely responsive from the very first inquiry into the trip until we parted ways at the end of the tour. He provided detailed information and answered all of our questions in a timely and helpful manner.
John was an outstanding travel guide. He was easy to engage in conversation, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Scotland history and geography, and an overall humorous and laid back guide. He made the history come alive! John made sure everything was planned out each day, explained the plan in detail, and was also flexible in modifying plans as needed. His vehicle was very comfortable and his driving was excellent. especially as I am prone to car sickness. We were never far from a food or bathroom stop if needed. This was truly a stress-free vacation, as the only thing we needed to do was show up each morning. We even enjoyed the overnight ferry experience! John made sure we were always comfortable and enjoying the journey.
Throughout the journey we learned so many interesting details about Scotland and we fell in love with Shetland. The landscapes are breathtaking, we truly felt like we were on the edge of the world. We appreciated that there were very few tourists there, so we could enjoy the peacefulness that Shetland brings. Spotting one of the last puffins of the season was a real treat!
We highly recommend booking a tour with John for a stress-free, fun, beautiful, and interesting trip to Scotland! We look forward to doing another one with John in the future.
John was an outstanding travel guide. He was easy to engage in conversation, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Scotland history and geography, and an overall humorous and laid back guide. He made the history come alive! John made sure everything was planned out each day, explained the plan in detail, and was also flexible in modifying plans as needed. His vehicle was very comfortable and his driving was excellent. especially as I am prone to car sickness. We were never far from a food or bathroom stop if needed. This was truly a stress-free vacation, as the only thing we needed to do was show up each morning. We even enjoyed the overnight ferry experience! John made sure we were always comfortable and enjoying the journey.
Throughout the journey we learned so many interesting details about Scotland and we fell in love with Shetland. The landscapes are breathtaking, we truly felt like we were on the edge of the world. We appreciated that there were very few tourists there, so we could enjoy the peacefulness that Shetland brings. Spotting one of the last puffins of the season was a real treat!
We highly recommend booking a tour with John for a stress-free, fun, beautiful, and interesting trip to Scotland! We look forward to doing another one with John in the future.
Written 16 August 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.
DoodleNTonks
Fairfax, VA8 contributions
Oct 2021
Every day was our favorite on our tour through Orkney and Shetland!! John Macdonald is an incredibly gifted guide - his mastery of Scottish history ensured we learned wonderful stories and facts at each and every stop throughout the tour. From sharing his childhood peat farming experiences, discussing the creation and possible meanings of all of the standing stone locations we visited, delivering us to fantastic local cafes and restaurants, to savvy tips for making the most comfortable overnight ferry trips, you can do no better than to tour with The Hebridean Explorer. We had traveled to Scotland for our son's wedding in Inverness prior to our tour, and although it was the off-season with all it's wind, rain, and chill, John's mastery of everything logistical ensured we were always comfortable and looked after. John's expertise and professionalism is top notch, but in addition, he is a genuine, kind person. It's a bit daunting to think about spending 6 days in a car with a stranger, but within the first hour we were fully at ease with John and that ease never left us. Go, go to Shetland! Go, go to Orkney! And go, go with The Hebridean Explorer!!
Written 9 November 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.
Jennifer B
1 contribution
May 2024 • Friends
John was the perfect guide! Before the tour began, he made sure we had the information we needed to book hotels, ferry accommodations and restaurants in the Orkney and Shetland Islands. He was very helpful in making arrangements where we were unsure of what was needed. At the beginning of the tour my friend and I told him what we were interested in seeing. For me geology and archeology for my friend sweeping landscapes and local wildlife.
John made sure we were never at anytime bored. He always had some location to visit that was historically interesting or beautiful.
All of his recommendations were spot on. We trusted him implicitly with our 6 day tour.
He was knowledgeable, funny and invested that we had a wonderful time. If I could give him 10 stars I would!
If you are going to choose a private tour, The Hebridean Explorer is the one to choose!
John made sure we were never at anytime bored. He always had some location to visit that was historically interesting or beautiful.
All of his recommendations were spot on. We trusted him implicitly with our 6 day tour.
He was knowledgeable, funny and invested that we had a wonderful time. If I could give him 10 stars I would!
If you are going to choose a private tour, The Hebridean Explorer is the one to choose!
Written 23 May 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.
My friend and I are visiting Inverness area late Oct 2017. My clan ancestry is MacLeod, Isle of Lewis, her family is McFaul/MacPhail...any info on that name. Her info is they came from Inverness area. Thank you, your tours sound awesome!
Written 19 August 2017
Do you have any thoughts/info on the car rental facilities Inverness City center, reputable/reliable? We're mainly riding the rail while in Scotland, but wanting a car for a couple days while in Inverness
Written 7 September 2017
We had a delightful three days on Skye a few years ago staying at Spoons. We are considering seeing other Isles from Iona to the Shetlands. Are there any tours you have connections with or could recommend?
Written 5 June 2016
hebexplorer
Inverness, United Kingdom
Hi Terry,
There are some great islands to visit - the Isle of Mull and the on to Iona are a wonderful tour and can be done quite easily from Oban. Further North, then I would recommend the Orkney Isles - as well as being stunning, they are a Neolithic paradise full of so much history. They can be reached with tour from Inverness (there are one day trips but to really enjoy the islands you should consider a 3 day tour).
Written 7 June 2016
Ashish S
Ghaziabad, India
What are the best places in Inverness for value street food
Written 24 March 2016
hebexplorer
Inverness, United Kingdom
Lots of great places to eat in Inverness - if you like a traditional pub atmosphere then I would recommend The Castle Tavern at the top of Castle Street.
Written 24 March 2016
Ashish S
Ghaziabad, India
Travelling this June with family to Inverness.please guide me through for best tours with britrail pass
Written 24 March 2016
hebexplorer
Inverness, United Kingdom
There is the main trainline up to Inverness and then you have a Northern spur that takes you near to top of Scotland (Thurso) while you have a western spur that takes you over to Kyle of Lochalsh next to the Isle of Skye.
Written 24 March 2016
Hi, My husband and I are coming your way around the 19th March 2016 for a few days. We visited the Highlands last year and drove over to Skye (we are staying near Beauly ), it is my husbands birthday and I wanted to arrange a tour for him, encompassing something unusual en route where he could relax on the driving front for a day....I very much like the look of Eileen Donan Castle, and he would like a distillery tour (last year they were closed when we came), I'd actually like some ideas If you have any, we are in our 50's so I wasn't looking for a huge itinerary just a day to remember, could you help?! Thankyou. Louise.
Written 6 February 2016
hebexplorer
Inverness, United Kingdom
So sorry, only just noticed your query. I hope you had a great time in the Highlands. Again apologies for missing you query and not replying in time.
Cheers
John
The Hebridean Explorer
Written 24 March 2016
I see that you don't do cruise passengers from Inverness? We are two couples arriving on the Silhouette on Aug. 15th and will be in dock from 8 AM - 6 PM. Do you do tours from Inverness and do you have availability?
Written 20 November 2015
hebexplorer
Inverness, United Kingdom
Sorry for the late reply - unfortunately I am already booked for a private tour on the 15th August. If you cannot find another local guide in advance, there is normally quite a few local taxi tours at the port when you come off the ship that should be able to take you on a tour around the area.
Cheers,
The Hebridean Explorer
Written 23 November 2015
two of us will be in port(Celebrity Silouette) on 7/20/15, docking 1 pm and back on board by 7:30 pm....any suggestions ??
Written 17 June 2015
hebexplorer
Inverness, United Kingdom
Hi,
Sorry but I am already booked on the 20th July for a tour. If you cannot find another local guide in advance, there is normally quite a few local taxi tours at the port when you come of the ship that should be able to take you on an afternoon tour around the area.
Cheers,
The Hebridean Explorer
Written 17 June 2015
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