Exquisite Scotland Day Tours
Exquisite Scotland Day Tours
Exquisite Scotland Day Tours
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Exquisite Scotland Day Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
65 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
6
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
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Anja K
5 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We were with Key on the northern tour in Invergorden and since it was so beautiful, we booked a tour for the Orkney Islands at short notice.
We saw so many incredibly beautiful things in both places, apart from any tourism, it was just magical.
I can unreservedly recommend it to people who are genuinely interested in nature and culture in Scotland.
The Orkney Islands were for us on the Iceland/Scotland cruise, the absolute highlight we did not expect.
We saw so many incredibly beautiful things in both places, apart from any tourism, it was just magical.
I can unreservedly recommend it to people who are genuinely interested in nature and culture in Scotland.
The Orkney Islands were for us on the Iceland/Scotland cruise, the absolute highlight we did not expect.
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Written August 1, 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.
Coburger1975
Coburg, Germany256 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Before a cruise, we booked the West Tour with Key and had a wonderful day. We (a group of 8 people) were picked up at the harbor and Key told us everything we needed to know about the country and its people in perfect German and in a very charming way. The trip through nature, including the numerous stops - Key even organized a picnic on the beach for lunch - was really beautiful and very varied. Highly recommended.
Written October 26, 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.
Manuela W
11 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I was in Invergordon with the Vasco da Gama and booked a day tour with Key. We were a small group and were picked up at the port by Key. As the ship was in port for a long time, we were out from 9:00 a.m. to around 7:30 p.m. The western tour was planned, but due to the weather we ended up doing the northern tour. It was a beautiful tour in beautiful weather. We saw a lot (gorges, a distillery, Dunrobin Castle from the outside, an archaeological site, sea lions, deserted beaches, breathtaking nature...). We also had delicious fish and chips. Key told us a lot about Scotland and the area, all in German. I was and still am very impressed and would book a tour with Key again and again.
Written October 21, 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.
Angie
4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
It was a great tour. Since we have been there more often, we went to the west of Scotland for the first time. Key is great. We saw soooo much and got a lot of interesting information. At noon there was a picnic with a view. He brought everything.
If we are in Scotland again, gladly again with K. Thomson
If we are in Scotland again, gladly again with K. Thomson
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Written August 30, 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.
Patricia R
Clayton, CA48 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
My husband and I spent 5 days touring Inverness, Isle of Skye and the Highlands with K. He is a tremendous guide with exceptional knowledge of his country and its history. He picked us up promptly each morning with a terrific attitude and we were off on an adventure. He would stop any where we wished and if I threw in a new sight, he had no problems adjusting his schedule to accommodate my every whim. He has the energy of the Everyready rabbit. Each day we would stop at a local store and purchase bread, chesses, fruit and anything else we wished to have for a picnic lunch. At night he would drop us off at our hotel and tell us the best places to eat. Each day with him was 8-10 hours of touring and seeing sights the normal tours would not take you on. Like I said, he has a lot of energy and is a hiker, so if you have health issues, it may be hard to keep up with him. I have asthma and I am in my late 60's and I was able to keep up. He is not only knowledgeable but he is very entertaining. I highly recommend K to anyone who really wants to see hidden Scotland. I can't wait to go back and spend more time with him!
Written November 8, 2016
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.
Roam819147
11 contributions
Sep 2019
This outfit, Exquisite Scotland Day Tours, relies on emails. You don’t book via a website like you do with Tours By Locals, Viator and others. All emails go through one individual, and cars with drivers are arranged by this one person, K, who is also a driver/guide, but has other drivers he arranges to drive. We informed K that we needed an 8 passenger vehicle for three couples (so that there would be plenty of room). This Booking was done in January for a September tour, so there was ample time. He assured me by email that our tour was booked. We exchanged emails from time to time as the tour got closer about payment (it’s cash only), etc. The day before our ship ported in Invergordon, I emailed from the ship to make sure all was well. He responded that his planned driver was not available and he was going to assign to another. When we got to the car the next day this is what we got:
The car was a cramped 6 passenger, not 8 passenger as promised. He had added another couple to our already 3 couples, making it 4 couples, which doesn’t fit in a 6 passenger vehicle. The driver was a man who was dresses in sloppy clothes, Middle East accent and soft voice that couldn’t be heard in the noisy vehicle. Our third couple was late to arrive, and the driver was stubborn and would not accept that the added couple should not be in the car, and would not contact K to straighten things out. This one couple got left out, our friends, because the added couple would not demure. We were charged for an 8 passenger car when we only got 6, and K messed up putting strangers in our car who were seat hogs. This is three things done wrong by K who after the fact via email, would not accept any responsibility. Therefore, beware. We shared our experience with two tour guides we used in Edinburgh & La Havre that we booked through Tours By Locals, and they both said the guide was unprofessional. I would add less than honest. Lesson learned by us is always go through a known vendor such as TBL or Viator, whose drivers are screened and certified, and if not available use the ship Excursion. Exquisite was bad, bad, bad.
The car was a cramped 6 passenger, not 8 passenger as promised. He had added another couple to our already 3 couples, making it 4 couples, which doesn’t fit in a 6 passenger vehicle. The driver was a man who was dresses in sloppy clothes, Middle East accent and soft voice that couldn’t be heard in the noisy vehicle. Our third couple was late to arrive, and the driver was stubborn and would not accept that the added couple should not be in the car, and would not contact K to straighten things out. This one couple got left out, our friends, because the added couple would not demure. We were charged for an 8 passenger car when we only got 6, and K messed up putting strangers in our car who were seat hogs. This is three things done wrong by K who after the fact via email, would not accept any responsibility. Therefore, beware. We shared our experience with two tour guides we used in Edinburgh & La Havre that we booked through Tours By Locals, and they both said the guide was unprofessional. I would add less than honest. Lesson learned by us is always go through a known vendor such as TBL or Viator, whose drivers are screened and certified, and if not available use the ship Excursion. Exquisite was bad, bad, bad.
Written September 17, 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.
Terrie P
Dublin, Ireland24 contributions
Aug 2019
I booked 3 shore excursions with K. The booking experience was very good. K and I chatted on the phone a couple of times and emailed to finalize the arrangements. Day 1 was Glasgow and the Military Tattoo. K is a walking encyclopedia of information and willingly shares is knowledge. He is also very thrifty and works to maximize both the experience and the budget. His prices are extremely reasonable. We spent a great day seeing the sights that included the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel, Glasgow University, etc. We ate a lunch of delicious meat pies. I will say that time management was a bit lax as we ended up at the Tattoo with no time to grab a bite for supper. K did deliver us, give us great directions, and then managed to find us in the massive crowds after the Tattoo concluded. We were delivered to our ship in plenty of time! Days 2 and 3 (Invergordon and Edinburgh) were with a colleague of K’s, George (Great Highland Day Tours). We had a marvelous time with George. He was always cognizant of time and made certain that we were back to the ship in plenty of time. While in Edinburgh, we asked to visit St. Andrews Old Course. While we were at the Cathedral and walking through the town, George visited the golf course, just to make certain that my husband had the best experience possible! Thanks, George! Dave is still talking about his pic on THE bridge! All in all, 3 excellent days with Exquisite Scotland Tours.
Written August 23, 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.
worldtraveler4727
Wisconsin217 contributions
Aug 2019
You will NOT be disappointed booking K Thompson for all your tours in Scotland! He provides an incredible amount of information and variety of experiences for his clients. We rarely book ship-sponsored excursions. Why would you when you can contract an extremely knowledgeable private guide for a full day for a fraction of the cost of a ship's tour!
You will find K is a "thrifty Scot" who charges a very fair price and who will take you to lovely cost-efficient places for lunches.
You will be grateful for the recommendations he will make on what to see and where to go.
You will be amazed at the depth of his knowledge about all things and places in Scotland.
He is witty and very entertaining. He answers emails very promptly, and is very dependable. It is apparent he enjoys his job.
I cannot recommend K highly enough. We had two full day tours with him, easily filling the other 4 spaces with people on our Cruise Critic roll call, and we were all delighted with our two days.
(And yes, he now has a microphone in his van)
You will find K is a "thrifty Scot" who charges a very fair price and who will take you to lovely cost-efficient places for lunches.
You will be grateful for the recommendations he will make on what to see and where to go.
You will be amazed at the depth of his knowledge about all things and places in Scotland.
He is witty and very entertaining. He answers emails very promptly, and is very dependable. It is apparent he enjoys his job.
I cannot recommend K highly enough. We had two full day tours with him, easily filling the other 4 spaces with people on our Cruise Critic roll call, and we were all delighted with our two days.
(And yes, he now has a microphone in his van)
Written August 20, 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.
Colleen
3 contributions
Jun 2019 • Friends
Our large group enjoyed a wonderful, informative and fun very long day trip to Skye. We were picked up and dropped off at our doorstep near Beauly, enjoyed a delicious picnic on the way and were regaled with all sorts of historical information and stories during the ride. K and Avril were accommodating, informative and easy-going. K’s ability to communicate in a variety of languages was an added bonus for our international group! They filled the day chock full of beautiful sights! Worth every penny - an unforgettable day! I highly recommend!
Written June 19, 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.
Mark W
Albany, NY60 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
I totally agree with all the superlatives in the earlier reviews.....just to add....
K was recommended by a friend who travels a LOT. My friend was part of a large tour group off a cruise ship last year. When he gives a positive travel recommendation, I know I can be sure of his recommendation.
I looked at the Exquisite Scotland WEB sight and wrote K an e-mail. He replied and offered to call me in the States to discuss what I wanted to do in Scotland. He called, and we spoke for about one hour. As Dianne and I were staying in Edinburgh and wanted to see the Highlands, K suggested we take a train from Edinburgh to Inverness where he would meet us. Because of the various train fares, he offered to purchase the train tickets for us (at the lowest possible cost) Great I said, but how would we get the tickets? OOOO,,, his daughter is a student in Edinburgh and she'd bring the tickets to the apartment we had rented (see my review of Lawnmarket Apartment). I mentioned that I usually rent a cell phone when I travel abroad and he said he could purchase an inexpensive one for much less... and have it delivered with the train tickets.
During the phone conversation, we decided on a two day excursion through the Highlands... we'd take the first (6:30 AM) train to Inverness on Monday, tour the Highlands, stay overnight on the Isle of Skye, tour Skye, return to Inverness, and take 7:00 PM Tuesday train from Inverness back to Edinburgh. K said he'd arrange for a B&B on Skye.
There were just the 3 of us in K's van. Our time did not have just a perfect "commercial" tour feeling. It felt like we were with a distant relative from another country who could not do enough to show us a great time. Just a totally amazing experience, from first contact, K made making travel arrangements, and touring,a total pleasure!
K was recommended by a friend who travels a LOT. My friend was part of a large tour group off a cruise ship last year. When he gives a positive travel recommendation, I know I can be sure of his recommendation.
I looked at the Exquisite Scotland WEB sight and wrote K an e-mail. He replied and offered to call me in the States to discuss what I wanted to do in Scotland. He called, and we spoke for about one hour. As Dianne and I were staying in Edinburgh and wanted to see the Highlands, K suggested we take a train from Edinburgh to Inverness where he would meet us. Because of the various train fares, he offered to purchase the train tickets for us (at the lowest possible cost) Great I said, but how would we get the tickets? OOOO,,, his daughter is a student in Edinburgh and she'd bring the tickets to the apartment we had rented (see my review of Lawnmarket Apartment). I mentioned that I usually rent a cell phone when I travel abroad and he said he could purchase an inexpensive one for much less... and have it delivered with the train tickets.
During the phone conversation, we decided on a two day excursion through the Highlands... we'd take the first (6:30 AM) train to Inverness on Monday, tour the Highlands, stay overnight on the Isle of Skye, tour Skye, return to Inverness, and take 7:00 PM Tuesday train from Inverness back to Edinburgh. K said he'd arrange for a B&B on Skye.
There were just the 3 of us in K's van. Our time did not have just a perfect "commercial" tour feeling. It felt like we were with a distant relative from another country who could not do enough to show us a great time. Just a totally amazing experience, from first contact, K made making travel arrangements, and touring,a total pleasure!
Written May 20, 2013
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.
This email address is now shut down. What is your current email please?
Written September 18, 2019
That email is current. I’ve recently communicated with K using that email address. K.calanasithe at gmail
Written November 10, 2019
Hallo, ich bin am 04.05. auf Invergordon. Es wird hier immer wieder der Name Key erwähnt der Ausflüge organisiert. Wie erreicht man den Key? Freue mich auf kurzfristige Rückmeldungen. Gruß Kiki
Written March 22, 2019
Where to buy kilts (For boys) in Scotland?
Written June 28, 2018
Hello..we are taking a cruise that covers England, France, SCotland in July..and someone keeps asking.."WHERE can I buy kilts (for gifts for my boys)..in Scotland? We will see the ports of Inverness..( Loch Ness), Glasgow,(Greenock Invergordon,EDINBURGH( S. Queensferry..) Any ideas gratefully recieved..;)
Written June 28, 2018
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