Guided tours Scotland

The Real Mary King's Close is a collection of alleys and underground dwellings that were in the heart of Old Town in the 17th century. They took the name of one of the daughters of the lawyer Alexander Close who owned several properties there. In the 18th century, they were partially demolished and buried during the construction of the City Chambers. It was from that moment, in the bowels of the city, that the maze entered into the darkest mysteries and legends of Edinburgh; and this, for 400 years. Archaeologists' research has made it possible to understand how some poor families have found refuge there in the face of the capital's overpopulation. It was also here that the plague patients were isolated so that they would die hidden from everyone. The evocation of the disease is then an opportunity to disentangle the true from the false and to fight many preconceived ideas. Ghost stories are legendary, such as that of a little girl named Annie who was seen by a medium and to whom many visitors still bring gifts today, or those of the many victims of the legendary murderers Burke and Hare, whom they reportedly hid before selling them to hospitals. Reopened to the public in 2003, The Real Mary King's Close lifts the veil on dark hours and cursed destinies, in a gloomy universe that does not leave anyone indifferent. The visit lasts one hour and makes sense thanks to actors in costumes for a successful immersion.

Nicolas Loisel, your French guide, fell in love with Scotland after a few trips and settled there 10 years ago. With E-City, he becomes your guide and driver (in electric Tesla) to discover, for half a day (for Edinburgh), a day or a whole stay, Scotland in a totally personalized way. It will take you to the most emblematic sites as well as to unsuspected and even more breathtaking sites! He will offer you unusual and original experiences, 100% tailor-made, for a unique stay.

A Frenchwoman living in Edinburgh after an instant love affair with the city, Sarah takes you on a guided tour of her beloved capital in French. It offers different tours, to be taken in private or public groups: "On the Tracks of Harry Potter in Edinburgh", "The must-see in Edinburgh", an aperitif-walk, a "Crimes and Punishment" tour and tailor-made tours, according to the participants' requests. She will also be happy to give you her good addresses to have a drink, eat well or discover the hidden jewels of the city.

Mercat Tours offers several different tours about the history and ghosts of the city. Coupled towers with the castle are possible. An option is available in French: "Fossoyeur d'Histoire". The ghost tour reputed to be the scariest in the city. It takes place entirely under the cobblestones of the old town. Within the dark and damp walls, one witnesses stories staged with a creepy realism. For a challenging exploration of the bowels of the old city, this is the place to be.

This is the classic tourist bus company of Glasgow. You can get on and off as much as you like along the 21 stops that cover all the important sites of the city. Count 1h20 for the complete circuit. Ideal when you have little time! The company offers several types of tours: the Music Tour which retraces the iconic musical places of the city, Pokémon Go Glasgow to go in search of Pokémon through the city. You also have the Isle of Bute Tour - to discover this sublime island -, as well as a tour of the Isle of Mull.

This is probably the best ghost tour available. Your guides will lead you through Old Town to tell you the most disturbing legends at nightfall. 4 tours take you into the bowels of the city, to the South Bridge underground: the Vaults tour (60 min), the Haunted vaults tour (60 min), the Ghost & torture tour (for private groups only) and the Terror Group (at 10pm, adults only). Here the worst atrocities took place, perpetrated by criminals and witches. Sensitive souls should not go!

All year round, the famous Loch Ness by Jacobite cruises organize trips on the loch between 1h and 6h30, from several departure points. The varied possibilities make the offer very complete and popular. Indeed, it is possible to walk along the Caledonian canal and the loch, with views of Urquhart Castle, to discover the superb Aldourie Castle (luxury establishment), the Bona lighthouse... Several cruises include entrance fees to paying sites. The boat is well equipped, with toilets on board and the possibility to buy food and drinks.

Since 1993, Rabbie's Tours has been offering ethical small group tours throughout Scotland. Driver-guides who know the stories, sights and secrets of the regions follow off-the-beaten-path itineraries created and tested by travel enthusiasts. This is an opportunity to support local communities. A wide range of options are available, from one-day to two-week adventures through distillery visits, castles or even private tailor-made itineraries. There are also tours of Edinburgh.

On one of the most beautiful railroads in the country, this superb locomotive train takes you back to the Victorian era, but also through some of Scotland's most beautiful landscapes, between Fort William and Mallaig. In season, there are two daily departures from Fort William, in the morning and afternoon, and two returns from Mallaig, in the afternoon and evening. For Harry Potter fans, this is the Hogwarts Express you see in the films. Contemporary Scotrail trains also take the same route several times a day.

Edinburgh's celebrity does not rest solely on its ghosts, but fortunately also on its illustrious writers! Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson are evoked with humour and panache by Clart and McBrain, a duo of actors who take up the role. They walk you between the houses, courtyards and pubs where these personalities lived, got drunk and wrote their prose. Please note: the tour includes a pub crawl, minors (under 18 years old) are not allowed and the price of consumption is extra.

Bella Jane Boat Trips and its AquaXplore cruises offer sea trips departing from Elgol in high season. The offer is very varied and includes short crossings to Loch Coruisk and Les Cuillin, as well as trips of a few hours or a day to Soay Island and the Small Islands. You should see many marine animals, including seals, and breathtaking scenery. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate or fruit juice are available during the trip. Tours are for a maximum of 40 people.

Island Encounters organises day island wildlife safaris, with Craignure Pier as a meeting point. An alternative location can be arranged if required. Birds of prey, seals and deer are just a few examples of the varied wildlife on the trip. The price includes food and, of course, transport, which is by 8-seater minibus. Tailor-made private visits are also possible, to discover sites or observe specific wildlife areas.

Peter Hall knows his island like the back of his hand and shares his vast knowledge with visitors. He offers day trips from the Craignure ferry terminal or, exceptionally, from the Tobermory ferry terminal. The meeting point is set around 10-10.30 am, before starting the exploration of Mull and its animal population. Sea lions, seals, eagles, deer, dolphins, birds and raptors of all kinds are often present and food and transport are included. Visits are for a maximum of 4 people.

Bird lovers will turn to this organization that offers walks to meet the white-tailed eagles and other birds of prey on the island. The walks are led by knowledgeable rangers in partnership with the Forestry Commission and the RSPB. Events can take place throughout Mull and are advertised on the website. Reservations are compulsory and the starting point of the tour is communicated at that time. Walking shoes, binoculars if possible, and waterproof clothing are recommended.

Whether you are interested in marine wildlife, the scenery of Skye, or a cruise to Rum and Canna, Misty Isle Boat Trips has something for you. Each outing includes a trip through the beautiful Loch Coruisk, in the heart of the Cuillin, and simple shuttles are also available. There are several durations to choose from, depending on your time and budget. Chances are you'll see basking sharks, dolphins, killer whales and rorquals. In the summer, it is even possible to observe puffins, as they nest on Canna Island.

In partnership with the Forestry Commission, Alex organizes safari trips in his 4×4 which can accommodate up to 16 people. Excursions are made from Brodick, either to the forest - wildlife observation with binoculars, passage by Glenashdale Falls, discovery of a cairn of more than 5,000 years... - or towards the coast with emblematic sites such as the Devil's Punchbowl, the Witches' Step or Arran's " Big Five ". Outings including distilleries (Lagg Distillery and Lochranza Distillery) are also on the program.

As well as Orkney crossings and guided day trips, John O'Groats Ferries organises Wildlife Cruises to see the huge and beautiful coastline of the surrounding area up close. Many marine animals will meet your path and you will approach the gigantic Stacks of Duncansby. The day tours also allow you to visit Orkney and its heritage, with bus transport between the different sites. It is also possible to simply take the ferry, without a guided tour.

Cruise Loch Ness embarks its clients for several types of cruises, the main one lasts 1 hour to the south of the loch, to explore its beauty and track down Nessie. Indeed, the boat is equipped with a high-end sonar that broadcasts live images of the bottom of the loch: if the monster is around, no doubt you will surprise it! Other outings in the evening or to Uquhart Castle are also organised. The boat is equipped with toilets. Snacks are available. Good to know: when you book online, you get a 10% discount.

Loch Ness Cruises takes you for an hour on the waters of the mysterious loch in search of the very discreet monster. What's the name of the boat? The Nessie Hunter! Quite a program... The ride on the water goes to the deepest point of the loch, where it is most likely that the monster has found refuge. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the magnificent Urquhart castle. Commentary is available in 20 languages (including French) on the history of the Nessie phenomenon and departures are every hour except at 1pm.

The very popular Highland Safaris offer to take you to meet the local fauna and flora, through its superb landscapes, in the forest, on Loch Tay or in the mountains. We embark on a 4×4, on a mountain bike or on a boat, to be told about the region by those who really know it. A red deer center allows you to observe deer up close, as well as feed and pet them in a dedicated area, but also to get acquainted with the center's barn owl. A café on site offers good snacks.