Drams Scotland
Drams Scotland
5
Multi-day ToursCultural ToursDistillery ToursSightseeing ToursPrivate Tours
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Spend your precious time in Scotland doing exactly what you want to do, at a pace that suits you perfectly. We promise to listen carefully and work together to create a unique and unforgettable private tour of Scotland, designed just for you. Experience stunning highland scenery. The very best specialist whisky tours and tastings. Romantic castles. Fascinating history and culture. Based here in Scotland, our knowledge spans the length and breadth of the nation and is based on a decade's experience researching, exploring and enjoying our homeland with thousands of visitors from across the globe. Sit back, relax and enjoy every moment as we guide you on your bespoke day tour, or as-many-days-as-you-like tour of Scotland. We welcome small groups of up to 6 guests and our bespoke tours can depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Stirling areas.
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5.0
52 reviews
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Linda and Norm
Oromocto, Canada18 contributions
Nov 2019
Our trip to Scotland was the highlight of our travel adventures in 2019, Micheal and Ann Marie certainly made it an adventure to remember. From our first contact with Ann Marie we knew we were in good hands, we gave her a vague idea of what we were looking for and she came back with a great starting itinerary which we then elaborated on to include both mine and my husbands interests. She also suggested various accommodation choices for each place we staid with a variance in price to meet any budget, were extremely happy with our choices. This is highly recommended as a way to travel in Scotland and especially the islands. Having the ferries booked ahead meant we did not get stuck because the whisky trucks took up all the room.
Micheal was a knowledgable and patient tour guide, we would never have been able to enjoy our trip as much as we did without him. We made many stops during the travel day to interesting spots that we wouldn't have known about, this just added to our experience. A very safe driver it alone was worth it to have someone who knew how to drive on the right side of the car, on the left side of the road, at night, in strange territory. Of course he had been there before so no worries.
If you are going to Scotland and want a first rate trip you can't go wrong with the team of Ann Marie and Michael, let them do the ground work so you can enjoy your adventure.
Micheal was a knowledgable and patient tour guide, we would never have been able to enjoy our trip as much as we did without him. We made many stops during the travel day to interesting spots that we wouldn't have known about, this just added to our experience. A very safe driver it alone was worth it to have someone who knew how to drive on the right side of the car, on the left side of the road, at night, in strange territory. Of course he had been there before so no worries.
If you are going to Scotland and want a first rate trip you can't go wrong with the team of Ann Marie and Michael, let them do the ground work so you can enjoy your adventure.
Written 1 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.
Hi R8132ZRlindaw
We're so honoured to hear that your private tour of Scotland was the highlight of your 2019 travel adventures! We're absolutely delighted that you enjoyed your tour with us and it was our pleasure too, both to plan and to tour with you. Thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience touring the highlands and islands with us - we'd love to welcome you back again next time!
Thanks again & wishing you all the very best for 2020!
Kindest,
Ann Marie & Michael
Written 10 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jami A
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Family
We just got home from the best Scotland trip with Dram Scotland and I can’t recommend them enough! We took a family trip ( 3 adults and 2 teenagers) for a week. Ann Marie and Michael answered all our questions in planning our trip, crafted our tour specifically for our needs and planned outing and sightseeing that would be good for everyone- even our teenage boys! We went on hikes, toured castles, saw 5000 year old ruins, drank delicious whiskey and saw the beautiful, rugged natural countryside! Our hotel accommodations recommended by Ann Marie were perfect for us, and the restaurant reservations made by Michael gave us a great quality of flavors and variety of food found in Scotland! I can’t recommend Dram Scotland enough! If we go back to Scotland, I would only go with Dram Scotland!
Written 9 April 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.
mmwc
Oakville, Canada8 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
From my first email in January, 2023 to saying goodbye to Michael at the Glasgow Airport, we could not have had a more perfect adventure and that includes the weather! This was a surprise trip planned for my husband’s 80th birthday in March 2024. It included our adult son and daughter. We told my husband at Christmas about the trip and from then on it was countdown. We were with Michael from Tuesday to drop off Saturday for our Islay tour. Islay has been on my husband’s bucket list. What a trip, what memories, what an experience! My son and I are not single malt drinkers but that was not a problem. While the two scotch drinkers did tours and tastings at distilleries, Michael took us to other places. His knowledge of Scotland, whisky, and Islay history is amazing. He knew the best places for soup and a sandwich at lunch. I was in touch with Ann Marie, Michael’s wife, via email on a regular basis, and they made all the arrangements including lodging and dinner reservations, drawing on their intimate knowledge of the area. No question was too silly. Her suggestions and knowledge were also amazing. I truly left the trip up to them. And they did a wonderful job!
Written 24 March 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.
cmtn2010
Toronto, Canada11 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We went to Islay for 4 days in July, and can't thank Ann Marie and Michael enough for making it such a fantastic experience. Ann Marie took care of the planning beautifully, emailed us with all information that we needed and provided super suggestions around restaurants and hotels. Michael was super to travel with. He was a great combination of being organized and prompt while making us feel relaxed and comfortable. Islay was a huge surprise. We went primarily for the distilleries but couldn't get over the beauty and peacefulness of the island itself. We originally went with the intention of this being a one-time visit, but already are planning our return. When we originally requested the trip we had only wanted to go for two nights, but were thankfully guided to staying for three nights. If I was going again, I would make the time to spend at least four nights on the island to include a day trip to Jura as well.
We would not have had nearly as good of an experience had we done this trip on our own. Ann Marie and Michael's knowledge, experience and kindness made this an exceptional vacation.
We would not have had nearly as good of an experience had we done this trip on our own. Ann Marie and Michael's knowledge, experience and kindness made this an exceptional vacation.
Written 16 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.
Jonathan B
Lacock, UK2 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
I cannot rave enough about the outstanding service from Ann Marie and the superb guiding by Michael, the husband and wife team behind Drams Scotland.
Ann Marie was consistently responsive and professional in the pre visit stage. Michael is friendly, easy to get along with and extremely knowledgeable about all the aspects of Scotland, not least of which Islay and all aspects of whisky. The tour planned by Ann Marie and Michael was outstanding - we fitted in all of the distilleries on our list, including superb tours and warehouse tastings at the best distilleries for those activities.
We are already planning our tip, and will definitely use Drams Scotland. I very strongly recommend this great family owned business for any kind of tour of Scotland, whisky focused or otherwise. Thanks Ann Marie and Michael for a fabulous visit.
Ann Marie was consistently responsive and professional in the pre visit stage. Michael is friendly, easy to get along with and extremely knowledgeable about all the aspects of Scotland, not least of which Islay and all aspects of whisky. The tour planned by Ann Marie and Michael was outstanding - we fitted in all of the distilleries on our list, including superb tours and warehouse tastings at the best distilleries for those activities.
We are already planning our tip, and will definitely use Drams Scotland. I very strongly recommend this great family owned business for any kind of tour of Scotland, whisky focused or otherwise. Thanks Ann Marie and Michael for a fabulous visit.
Written 16 September 2019
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 282JonathanB
You were wonderful guests and we're absolutely delighted that you enjoyed your Islay whisky tour with us.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience and we're very much looking forward to welcoming you back to Scotland for more whisky!
thanks again & kindest regards
Ann Marie & Michael
Written 20 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sharon J
1 contribution
Jan 2019 • Family
What a wonderful tour we had with Drams Scotland. 4 and 1/2 days through Speyside and the Highlands on a customised tour expertly arranged by Ann Marie. Michael, our wonderful tour guide, has a terrific knowledge of the history of the area and was great in recommending ways in which we could make the most of our limited time. Michael was also very open to catering to our individual needs. Although we barely scratched the surface of this beautiful country, we are looking forward to coming back again another time and doing another tour. Would highly recommend Drams Scotland to Family, Friends and all travelers who want to make the most of their time in Scotland.
Written 17 January 2019
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 Sharon J
We're so delighted that you enjoyed your private tour of Scotland with us! It was an absolute pleasure to create your tour and guide you around Scotland. Thanks for being such great guests and for taking the time to review your tour. We're looking forward to welcoming you back soon!
thanks again & kindest regards,
Michael & Ann Marie
Written 21 January 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Larry W
Suffolk, VA28 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
Our goal was to visit all the Islay Distilleries for tasting, see some sights on Islay and along the way there and back in 4 days. Michael and Ann Marie did a great job organizing the tour, advising on accommodations, and incorporating everything we wanted....including advising us on trade-offs that were necessary. I would strongly recommend touring with Drams Scotland. We've used a good many private guides and Michael is equal to the best.
Written 28 July 2018
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 lwbandit
It was a pleasure to take you on a private tour to the distilleries of Islay. We're delighted that you enjoyed your time with us and that you would recommend us so strongly.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us and we'd love to welcome you back.
Kindest regards,
Michael
Written 1 August 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joanne R
Fort Lauderdale, FL4 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Ann Marie and Michael offered the perfect experience for a guided whisky tour. Great organization, recommendations, excellent narrative and a relaxed experience overall. My husband and I took a five day guided tour of Campbeltown, Islay and Jura which was far beyond our expectations. Michael knows where to go for the best tastings and provides a first class tour without overdoing it. Our trip was the perfect way to celebrate my husband's "big" birthday. I could not recommend them more and would definitely use them again if we return to Scotland. Thank you for making our trip so memorable.
Written 19 July 2017
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 welltravelled joanne,
I'm delighted that you and your husband enjoyed his "big birthday" trip. It was our absolute pleasure to plan your tour and guide you both to the whisky distilleries of Campbeltown, Islay and Jura - and I'd love to see you both again, if you should return to Scotland.
Thank you for being such great guests, and for taking the time to share your experience.
Kindest regards
Michael
Written 23 July 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dianels2017
Boston, MA24 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Do not look any further for the perfect private tour company for experiencing Scotland. Ann Marie and Michael Neilson will provide you with the best customized and informed trip of your dreams. My daughter and I have just arrived home from 4 days going from Edinburgh to St. Andrews to Pitlochry, Inverness, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Fort William, Glen Coe and Stirling, and yes a bit of scotch tasting too. It was beautiful, stunning and filled with history we did not know. We are planning our next visit already.
Written 11 July 2017
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 dianels2017,
We're so delighted that you enjoyed yourselves and it was a real pleasure to guide you round Scotland. Thanks so much for choosing us, and for taking the time to share your experience. Looking forward to seeing you again for the next visit!
Kindest regards,
Michael
Written 14 July 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joann M
Kanata, Ontario, Canada8 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
Drams Scotland - Ann Marie and Michael created an ancestral tour based on a genealogical report on my husband's grandmother's family. They suggested a lovely tour and great B & Bs and hotels to stay at while touring. Michael was very kind and accommodating to us stopping in additional places of interest. He is very knowledgeable (but not boring) about Scotland's history, culture, economy, sports etc. We all enjoyed ourselves and had a memorable time visiting a cemetery where family were buried. He broke up the history with a trip to the beach north of Aberdeen. I have and will recommend Drams Scotland to friends and family.
Written 20 June 2017
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 Joann
Thank you - we're delighted that you enjoyed your ancestry tour with us.
I it was our pleasure and privilege to plan this tour for you and your family, and I thoroughly enjoyed your company as we explored your Aberdeenshire roots.
Thanks so much for choosing to tour with us and for sharing your experience :)
Kindest regards
Michael
Written 21 June 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience