Our trip to the Shetlands was a “Bucket List” item and did not disappoint. It is a harsh but... read more
Our trip to the Shetlands was a “Bucket List” item and did not disappoint. It is a harsh but... read more
The Hebridean Explorer (John MacDonald) tour of the Scottish Highlands was the highlight of our... read more
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.
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!
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.
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!!!
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.
Having just returned from our 4th tour with The Hebridean Explorer, John Macdonald, we were once again thrilled with our 5 days in the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye. Scotland is simply stunning in September, with the golden light, the misty glens and rainbows that seemed to appear around each bend—more than a dozen during our stay. John not only knows and willingly shares the rich history of the highlands and islands but takes you to viewpoints only known by the locals, whether it is a pristine beach with turquoise waters, the tallest pre-Stonehenge standing stone in Scotland that we would have never found on our own, or even an early morning jaunt to a popular tourist site that is rarely frequented so early and thus gave us our own private space to take in the view. Our only complaint was that the time flew by and we parted with John wishing for more. However, we will return, and are already planning our next adventure, since The Hebridean Explorer tours define the best of Scotland, and John Macdonald himself is the ideal guide.