Themed tours and activities 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.

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!

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.

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.

If you combine a taste for road trips with a taste for historical mysteries and want to get off the scenic trails, this route is for you. From Inverness (first spot: Knocknagael Boar Stone) to Golspie 85 km further on, you will meander through the countryside in search of 16 points of interest inviting you to discover pictorial vestiges, either in the middle of nature or in a museum, as in Portmahomack (at the Tabart Discovery Centre). The route is signposted, but GPS can be a good ally.

This lively and frightening visit to the city's basements is as much fun as it is thrilling thanks to eleven actors and numerous special effects. On the program: torture room, labyrinth, boat ride, staging and historical characters such as the cannibal Sawney Bean or the serial killers Burke and Hare. The tours leave every 10 minutes and last 80 minutes. Attention: children (under 15 years old) must be accompanied and the visit is not recommended for children under 8 years old. Special tours for an adult audience are also available.

For history lovers, the town of Lanark has created a history trail in the footsteps of the Scottish hero. You will walk in his footsteps and discover the church of St. Kentigerns: this is where William Wallace first saw Marion Cornelia Braidfute. You will then visit the church of St Nicholas, which holds the oldest bell in Europe, then the house where the couple lived (at the top of Castlegate), the remains of Lanark Castle, and the cave where he would have taken refuge.

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.

If you like to walk (just a little) and observe animals in their natural environment, this activity is for you. Wildlife is all around us when we walk in Scotland, but you still need to keep your eyes open for deer, squirrels and birds... And it's also about recognising and identifying the species of birds you hear or see. The 4-hour mini safari is perfect for families with children. Outings can also be done by the day.

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.

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.