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private tours of Scotland
Great views (despite the heavy rain) with interesting stories and history. We enjoyed the tour a lot. Janjala Chirakijja July 2010
Iain made our trip of a lifetime more spectacular than we ever imagined. His knowledge of history, customs and culture amazed us throughout our tour. Steve Heintz, Family and Friends June 2010
I have just had a glass of wine with Jim and Marie. I was not surprised at all how thrilled they were with the few days they spent with you. They were very, very pleased with everything, accommodation, guide, vehicle.. everything exceed their expectations. I am so happy I was able to book them with you.... Jim specifically made a point of saying he was certain you took them to places the tour buses would drive right by. They had a wonderful month away and every aspect of their holiday was wonderful but the time with Serenity tours was a highlight. Thanks, I look forward to working with you again. Heather Wilkinson, Uniglobe Instant June 2010
Andrea had recommended Serenity Tours run by Iain Stewart (www.serenityscotland.co.uk). We booked a tour through the highlands with them and it was excellent. Great driver and guide, his knowledge combined with his wonderful personality made for a very informative and fun tour. We ended up singing in Gaelic on the Isle of Skye! From Trip Advisor, Stephanie Airaga May 2010
We have filled out the evaluation but it doesn’t cover all the fun we had. How do you explain the dozens of versions of seafood chowder each one as different but as tasty as the others? The haunting fog and misty rain around the ring fort. Think how cold it was even with peat fires and woolen robes. No wonder there are so many mystical stories. The atmosphere is perfect. The cliffs on the western side are spectacular so wild and rugged. The ice age glaciers did a good job of scouring the country and not leaving much to exist on. It certainly brought home the human tragedy of the famines and removals.... I especially enjoyed the Heritage Center and the personalized tour of a peat bog and cottage along with the chickens as guides. Then there was the stray fiddler we found in the parking lot somewhere in Northern Ireland. The seas have such an impact on Ireland that I am really glad we opted for the coast route. We are so far from the ocean and I miss the atmosphere. Once again you have given us many happy memories to mull over and relate to life. Thank you. Gene and Marilyn Wade on Third Tour - April and May 2010
I can assure you that we were very happy those two days with you and we are sure to come again.Anne and Michael Bäumner, September 2009
I shall always remember this trip. We could not have done this on our own, by any means. You were WONDERFUL, to put up with five women for over a week...Every stop was unique and your insight for your country history marvelous. The Jorgenson Family, September 2009
It's been sometime since we returned from Scotland, and I've been remiss in not thanking you before now for all you did to make our trip there so wonderful. You truly are the premier tour guide in all of Scotland! Thanks so much for taking Rachel and I under your wing for our first four days. Traveling with you was so much fun, and you were a font of useful interesting information. Looking at our pictures taken on the beach at Morar and all the other places we visited brought back all the great memories we made over there. I sincerely appreciate all the help you gave me in planning the trip and guiding us around your beautiful country - Jim and Rachel Macpherson, May 2009
Quality of the Information Giving / Guiding (out of 10 /10 ) I wish I could give you a 12 here Iain; this was the best part of your service, your vast and detailed knowledge of Scotland's colorful history. You made the places we saw come alive for us; so much better than reading a guidebook. Your educational background is very well suited for you chosen career Bob, Bonnie and Emily Schulte, Nebraska April 2009
I felt very connected to you and your incredible energy - Thank you for everything - Michelle; Iain, your knowledge of Scotland is incredible, you're so much fun to travel with and I really wish you could have come with us to Glasgow. Miss you! You can smile with your eyes and I trust you, Your joy is refreshing. I hope I will see you again someday. Thank you so much for a mind blowing experience - Liz; I gained so much from knowing you , and I'll never forget the times you fearlessly led us through. Thank you forever - Anna; Thanks for the pie recommendations; Great touring and excellent commentary. Please thank Jeff; Iain, your passion and enthusiasm (and kindness) were so welcomed and appreciated! Thanks so much for sharing with us; You were a fantastic guide and to many of us became a friend. Please keep in touch; So full of knowledge and insight and comfort, I'll never forget you or the experiences I had thanks to you, never change, never forget; Made an Englishman love the Scots; Probably the most knowledgeable tour guide I have ever met. There was no question he would not know the answer to; You made the trip. It was fantastic to listen to everything you had to share, and your love of life and music and storytelling are truly a wonderful thing to experience; The ceilidh you organized was one of the best experiences of my life. You showed us a world and opened your heart up to us and for that I am forever grateful. You made the trip incredible. Thank you for being - you! A database of knowledge whom I can tell loves to learn and interact with from your environment. Dont stop! A great experience and fantastic tour guide; You have opened my world completely. I have seen my life grow and expand with you. Your conversations were stimulating and electrifying, feeding my heart full of this enchanting and humbling country. Standing on the banks of Loch Lomond I came to realise every reason why you siad you could never leave this country. Simply incredible.
Thank you for the chance of a lifetime; Thank you so much for everything. This was such an incredible experience for me. I felt like I truly got to know and understand Scotland in a way few other visitors are able to. I can't thank you enough for putting together the ceilidh. It was sucha blast! I really appreciate your hard work, patience and passion. You made this travel memorable and completely priceless! - comments in full from undergraduate degree students from Franklin College, Lugano, March 2009
Further to our magical experience discovering the secrets of Scotland, I would like to thank you for being a great guide, with deep knowledge of the history of every rock in Scotland and the talent to transfer it with the most unique and pleasant approach - Margarita Vlami, Greece, February 2009
It was such a pleasure having you as our tour guide on the Serenity Scotland tour that I took with my mother and sisters. Scotland is such a beautiful country and I think we are all in agreement that we would like to come back soon for another visit (or visits)! We enjoyed ourselves immensely and had so much fun - I haven't laughed so much for a long time and it was fun having you relate some of the Scottish folklore and history of the different places we visited, and leading us in some of the Scottish songs, the ones that we were familiar with and teaching us new songs. The next time, we will be prepared to teach you a few more good old Canadian songs. I am amazed that we were able to see as much as we did in such a short time... We really appreciated Iain's extra effort in finding out the area of the birthplace of our Great Grandfather in Glasgow as well as taking us to the Abercrombie Cemetery where our Great Great Grandmother may have been laid to rest... This will surely be a trip that we will all remember and will pass along our experiences and anecdotes to our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren... ! The Pollard Family, Canada, October 2008
My wife and I did a four-day version of the whisky tour and I would say that this is without doubt one of the best experiences we had in travel. We took a route and accommodation recommended by Serenity, all being excellent value. Our guide throughout the tour was the owner of the agency, Iain, who had a deep knowledge on Scotland's history, culture and geography, which was way beyond the standards of the tourist industry. One cannot think of a better way to see Scotland and get understanding of its rich tradition. Teodor and Anna, Bulgaria, September 2008
Our holiday in Scotland was wonderful and the tour with you was without any doubt the best part of it. When we were back in Edinburgh we enjoyed it but it was not so exciting and relaxing as with you. The kids kept saying "we miss Iain" and the "mothers" were not saying it aloud but it was what we were thinking....Cinzia, Italia, July 2008
I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful tour of Scotland. Your knowledge of history and folklore made our trip extra special. Your kindness, thoughtfulness and good naturedness ensured that our trip was one of a lifetime........unless we come back for more! I have already sung your praises to several friends and would recommend your tours to anyone heading to Scotland. You're the best! Gail McGee, Canada, July 2008
Well, it's been over a week since we've all ventured back home. We're all feeling a "wee bit" in the dumps! What a let down after our incredible adventure. I want to take a few minutes to tell you how much fun we had. Thank you for all your patience, your amazing knowledge, and always going above and beyond the call of duty. You are absolutely the perfect person we were looking for, when we decided to "splurge" and hire a private guide. I know I can take the liberty and speak for us all, that was the best decision we made in planning our trip to Scotland! I can't thank you enough for providing us with one of the most (if not the most) memorable trips I've ever had. Not only did we have a blast, but learned so much about your beautiful country. You're the best! Marge and Bob Smith Severn, Maryland, June 2008
Handling of Booking (out of 10 / 10 ): I appreciate the way the booking is handled, the kind of information provided has give a good picture and helped us in prior preparations for travel. Welcome upon arrival (out of 10 / 10 ) : He was at the meeting point at the exact time specified to us and seen that we do not face any trouble in the new place in contacting him, what more do a stranger in new place expects? Courtesy of Driver/ Guide (out of 10 / 10 ) : Excellent! He has been a perfect representative of his country. Timekeeping of Driver/ Guide (out of 10 / 10 ): I doubt if we secure 5/10, if the same question on us is asked to Iain. But I rate it as 10/10 for him. Driving / Safety Aspect of Driver/ Guide (out of 10 /10): Excellent, never faced any sort of inconvenience. Quality of the Information Giving / Guiding(out of 10/10) : Superb! A one word feedback for this. Overall Communication Skills/ People Skills of Driver/ Guide (out of 10 / 10) : I never tested his grammar skills but if asked on the way he deals with people, communicate & explain things I cannot refrain from giving 10 out of 10. Cleanliness of Vehicle (out of 10 / 10 ): Very clean! Comfort of Vehicle (out of 10 / 10): Very good! Overall Accommodationif applicable (out of 10 / ): It was our own arrangement and hence not going to comment on this! Suitability of the Itinerary to your interests / needs (out of 10 / 10) This requires special mentioning, we being strangers to that place never knew what we want to visit to. Credit goes to Iain in planning and organising the tour in such a good way. I simply will recommend anyone saying "know nothing about Scotland, get in touch with Iain, he will take care of everything!".Most Outstanding Place / Event : It varied from one person to other in our group, to name a few: CIA-AIG trekking, Aonach Mor, Loch Ness boat ride... Least Outstanding Place / Event : Very difficult to mention in such a beautiful country, sorry! Value for Money of Tour: (out of 10 / 10 ) I am writing these review comments 1 month after returning from tour but I haven't lost any of the memories and I am sure I can cherish those memories for a very long time. To a new place when you go for a tour if you can relish memories and recollect those fun times for a long time, can I not say the tour is worth for money? Ramappa Penukonda, UK/ India, April 2008
Thank you Iain for taking my request on short notice and in the wintertime. Scotland was exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries and the tour locations were exactly what I needed to experience. From the holy wells, to the standing stones and stone circles, the souterraines and wee hill climbing, not to forget Dunsinane and Birnam Hill and the last standing oak of Birnam forest and the ancient Yew tree... the mighty river Tay, Dunkeld, and Weem, very hard to imagine we did all these things in three days... and the list is not complete for all that we did and saw. I look forward to our next tour... more Perthshire and new adventures in Argyll. And, of course, thank you for the craic and friendship - Carl Pritchett, Texas, January 2008
Thank you for such an entertaining, thorough tour of our roots. You were the perfect guide: charismatic, informative, funny, relaxed. You were so engaged, and so enthusiastic that we learn about our heritage. Also, it was very thoughtful of you to research our family name ahead of time. My mom and I talk about that trip often; it was a wonderful memory for us both. :) Thank you again! - Cambria Minott, California, December 2007
Quality of the Information Giving / Guiding (out of 10 / 100) That's right; 100. Iain seems to be equal parts historian and folklorist and showman. He used those skills in storytelling that helped make the sites and the landscape come to life. He provided depth and background that helped to dispel myths and to reveal little-known facts. My family is Scottish by descent and the background Iain provided really made our trip very memorable and enjoyable, Kevin McDonald and family, California, August 2007
Overall Satisfaction with the Package: (out of 10 /10) Excellent job with the quick turnaround and multifaceted itinerary; and a great job adjusting on the fly. [You are] very knowledgeable and you were continually researching things to meet our needs. The trip ranks as the top trip we have taken, J and G, California, July 2007
Piilani, Faye, and Robert, and I have traveled a great deal of the world together. We have done our travel in small groups, and for the most part been well escorted. But, our time with you folks was an exception, or best said EXCEPTIONAL. I`m turning your feedback form over to Piilani to complete. I say 10s all the way. lets see what she can add to assist in making it even better. Once again thanks again for all you shared with us. Bob Mason, Washington, September 2006
Iain, you do a great job. You're very friendly but also professional. Your knowledge is amazing! Also, you're very observant and caring about the comfort and interests of your customers. It makes it easy to go someplace in particular or to say we may not be interested in something you suggest. Sheri Gurney, New Jersey, July 2006
I feel funny writing so many 10s because I am usually very critical. However this was absolutely one of the best trips I have ever taken, and we travel quite a bit. Please feel free to give my email address to anyone who needs a personal recommendation. I would be happy to comply. Thanks for the great trip. Sandy Detwiler, North Carolina March 2005
The trip was the experience of a lifetime which wouldn't have been possible without your expertise. Katy and Bob and the Clan Anderson/Carniaux July 2005
Posted on the Rick Steves website: Custom Tours in Scotland: For a custom tour in Scotland I highly recommend Iain Stewart. So many interesting sights such as early Christian crosses and standing stones are not marked by any sign. It really helps to have a true local guide. Beth &Bert Collier, Lusby, MD USA July 2005
Iain, you were awesome! You made history come alive. You made us think. You went the extra mile in many situations. Best of all you made us laugh! You are a renaissance man. with a wide knowledge base and varied interests. Your personality enabled you to relate to each one of us. We will never forget you or Scotland . Deepak June 2004
You stopped when we showed interest, stopped for photos, dog trials, stone circles, incredible views. WONDERFUL. We saw everything we wanted and more. Jeannine July 2004
Iain, of all our guides (on the UK trip), you were the only one with whom we ALL felt comfortable. Elizabeth Reitz June 2004
