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.
Inverness, Scotland
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Catherine A
San Francisco, CA1 contribution
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.
Stacey R
2 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.
jamacdee
Boston, MA2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
When I was contemplating a trip to the Hebrides, I came across John’s website and was blown away by the many glowing reviews of his tours. On the basis of those reviews, I signed up for a Clan Macdonald tour of the Inner Hebrides with John, and I can now attest that all those positive reviews are spot on! John is a superb tour guide – affable, down-to-earth, deeply knowledgeable (about clans, Scottish history and Gaelic culture) and incredibly attentive to travel logistics to make the touring process as smooth as possible. From the planning stages of the trip to the hour-by-hour adjustments during the tour to respond to weather, ferry delays or tourist bottlenecks, John was always looking to maximize the benefits and minimize the stress of travel. Others have noted John’s excellent driving skills, which I completely endorse. Many of the roads in the Highlands and Islands are single lane, and they require constant attention as well as knowledge of the unique rules of the road. John is a master in handling these, with the result that his guests are entirely free to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and listen to John’s informative narrative about what they are seeing. An equal challenge can come from the ferries, which are essential for travel among the islands and which can be delayed or cancelled even in summer. John monitors the status of the ferries so that he can adjust the itinerary at a moment’s notice. In short, he is a master of logistics so his guests can ignore them! For those with a particular interest in Macdonald/Clan Donald history, it is impossible to imagine a better tour guide to take you to the sites related to that storied Clan. From John’s superb walking tour of the Culloden battlefield, to ancient castles off the beaten path, to the intricate relationships between and within the clans, and the stories about fascinating individuals that he has unearthed in his PhD research, John’s knowledge adds immeasurably to the experience. It is no wonder that John has so many repeat guests. I hope to be one of them!
Written 17 July 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.
Carol R
4 contributions
Jun 2023
I traveled with John MacDonald, the Hebridean Explorer, along with a friend for a 9 day tour of the Hebrides, Orkneys, and Shetland Islands. John is and excellent and intelligent guide who really cares about taking care of his clients.
He also is very interesting to talk with when exploring the areas he knows. I would,highly recommend him.
He also is very interesting to talk with when exploring the areas he knows. I would,highly recommend him.
Written 23 June 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.
Marilyn D
3 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
John was an absolutely fabulous guide. His knowledge, enthusiasm and wonderful sense of humor made our times together a joy. We feel that we learned so much about the archaeology as well as the culture of the islands. John’s recommendation for places to stay and eat were invaluable, and we had some amazing meals. As a woman of a certain age I was particularly impressed with his knowledge of toilets! He always let me know when the next one would be and he even had a rating system! We can’t sing his praises enough. He has spoiled us for any other guides and we hope to do another tour with him.
Marilyn and Shawn
Marilyn and Shawn
Written 2 June 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.
Mary S
2 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.
Jim C
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Couples
This was a sixth trip to Scotland with John. Our seventh is already planned for next year. My wife and I approach travel the same way. We both love history. As John is just finishing his PhD in Scottish history, there is no one more qualified. But, what we love most is when we ask him a question he does not know the answer to, he tells us just that. Yet by the next morning when we get into the car, he gives us the answer. Because he spent the night researching it for us. Who could possibly ask for anything more from a guide!
Written 23 March 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, OH41 contributions
May 2022
I’ve said it numerous times before in my reviews of John but it remains true on each new trip with him - John is a master class guide in a land that is good for the soul. We traveled with John to Shetland in May 2022 (yes, this review is late). It was our 5th trip with John but our first trip to Shetland. My husband had to twist my arm to take this trip because I get seasick in a bathtub. I am so glad he did. Shetland is worth the looong ferry ride (Did I mention it is long?). Words don’t adequately describe Shetland - it has an almost mystical feel (as much of Scotland does for me). Admittedly, we initially booked because of the “Shetland” TV show and while we enjoyed seeing Jimmy Perez’s house along with other shooting locations, Shetland is so much more than that. So much more. Our trip coincided with an abundance of Puffins and baby lambs, both of which are delightful. And the shades of blue in Shetland are stunning. So soothing. True to form, John has Shetland down to a science. Every nook, cranny, comfort stop and every amazing viewpoint and historical site in between. It ended up being a bucket list trip that I didn’t know was on my list. And John was the best as always. Again I am a broken record but the reason we keep booking 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.
Written 14 March 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.
Andrea S
Washington19 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
Our Tour with John was an experience no one should miss! His Tour exceeded our expectations. My husband wasn't really on board when I suggested taking a trip to Scotland. John quickly changed his mind. He can't stop raving about our wonderful guide and how beautiful Scotland is. John's wonderful personality and infectious laugh were so warm and inviting. His vast knowledge of the Highlands and it's Isles made it a perfect trip. I had so many questions and he patiently answered them all. We visited so many fabulous spots of unexpected beauty, that will remain with us the rest of our lives.
John was prepared and setup for any and every scenario. He was prompt and flexable.
Scotland is wonderful don't miss out on it our John MacDonald!!!
John was prepared and setup for any and every scenario. He was prompt and flexable.
Scotland is wonderful don't miss out on it our John MacDonald!!!
Written 23 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.
Dean and Katy R
1 contribution
Sep 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.
rushville
Gadsden, AL8 contributions
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!
rushville
Gadsden, AL8 contributions
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
Terry B
Brisbane, Australia14 contributions
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?
hebexplorer
Inverness, UK
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).
Ashish S
Ghaziabad, India
What are the best places in Inverness for value street food
hebexplorer
Inverness, UK
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.
Ashish S
Ghaziabad, India
Travelling this June with family to Inverness.please guide me through for best tours with britrail pass
hebexplorer
Inverness, UK
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.
Bobblehat123
Reigate, UK75 contributions
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.
hebexplorer
Inverness, UK
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
Judy F
Oklahoma City, OK19 contributions
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?
hebexplorer
Inverness, UK
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
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 ??
hebexplorer
Inverness, UK
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