A Guide to our Private Tours Team

You know that excitement you get when you sit down to plan a holiday? An excitement that is often suddenly overcome with a sense of being overwhelmed. Where should we go? What should we see? Which airline do we use? How much luggage do I want to take? I have to make how many bookings? I have to drive on the other side of the road? Heaven forbid!

It can quickly get out of hand and take some of the joy out of travelling. 

It's for this reason that not only does Rabbie's Tours exist... but our Private Tours team exists. 

Sometimes the tour isn't quite what you're looking for, we understand that. Sometimes you have something so specific and special in mind that we couldn't possibly know... until we do. If you've ever contemplated a unique adventure but aren't sure where to begin, we have a team dedicated solely to helping that dream come to life.

Want to do a Harry Potter tour of the UK?

Want to go everywhere Shakespeare set one of his plays?

Want to visit every standing stone in Scotland?

Want to go wild swimming in lochs and hike in national parks?

The Private Tours team are eager to help make it happen. They'll do the hard work for you - the calls, the emails, the bookings, the organising. And even the transport and driving is sorted. Dreamed of staying overnight in castles all over Wales? They'll find the best ones. Want to 'distillery crawl' across Ireland without the hassle of dubbing someone the designated driver? That's what your driver-guide is for.

Basically, if it can be sorted, they'll handle it for you.

The team is passionate about their work. They love where we explore and they want to showcase as much of it as possible. And that got us thinking that we might like to know a bit more about... their dream private tour. So, without further ado, meet the Private Tours team.

Léa: Senior Private Tour Consultant

Léa has been working in the travel industry for around 6 years now. When asked for three words that describe her, she'd opt for: organised, curious, and Scotland-obsessed.

Her favourite place in the world is the Jura Mountains in France, which she describes as 'heaven on earth for a cross-country skier like me!'

Her latest travel itch is to visit Lauterbrunnen in the Swiss Alps, as it was Tolkien's inspiration behind Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings... needless to say, it's likely to be stunning! 

Are you part of any special interest/hobbies group that might translate to a tour?

I have quite varied interests but the ones that translate to travel the most are TV & film, literature, art museums, archaeology, and bird watching.

Tell us about your ideal private tour.

My ideal private tour would be a week on Shetland, split between time on mainland and time in the North Isles, preferably during the summer months to see all the birds! My bucket list for this trip is Sumburgh Head, Jarlshof, the Broch of Mousa, Eshaness Cliffs, Breckon Sands, and Hermaness National Nature Reserve.​​​​​​

Why do you want to go to these places? Is there any special reason/story behind your choices?

I went to Shetland for the first time at the start of March 2020, just before the world shut down. I had the best time ever! I'm fascinated by sea birds, and I saw so many when I was there even though it was only March, so I've been wanting to go back during the summer months ever since.

I've also been fascinated by archaeology since I was a child when I wanted to be Indiana Jones, and Shetland has so many incredible archaeological sites to explore.

Which part of your private tour are you most excited about and why?

Spending some quiet time somewhere this remote, and not planning too much to allow time for surprises! One of my favourite things to do when travelling in Scotland, and especially on the Scottish islands, is deciding to take a detour to travel to the end of a one-way road. Chances are you will end up on a beautiful beach with absolutely no one around, and Shetland has so many of these!

Rebecca: Private Tour Consultant

Five years on and Rebecca still loves working in travel. Calling from Dublin (her favourite place in the world), she now lives in Edinburgh. She's strong-minded, nerdy, and vibrant (her words), with that 'will become your best friend immediately' vibe the Irish seem to have going for them.

Are you part of any special interest/hobbies group that might translate to a tour?

Reading is probably my main hobby, always happy to get book related requests that are different from the usual Harry Potters/Outlander. 

Tell us about your ideal private tour.

A writers tour, in Ireland, would be amazing. But I suppose the ideal tour would be a foody one, particularly of Ireland. It could even tie in with writers and spots they're from or wrote about. I feel like food tours are not ones we get requests for often and both Ireland and Scotland have great local produce and food suppliers that could be explored.

For Ireland, I'd start in Dublin (so many literary stops here) and eat in some of the best places I remember going as a kid, as well as new ones I discover each time I go home. Traditional Irish food, incredible seafood and Saturday night fish and chips (always Leo Burdocks) are a must.

Continuing on, I'd stop in Bray, Wicklow to do the famous Bray to Greystones walk, which most people would usually end with a brunch in The Happy Pear. 

Driving through Wexford (sunny South East), you can overnight in Gorey and have a nice dinner in one of the town's many restaurants. For me, I'd probably go for Table Forty One or Raspberry.

Next day, I'd head for Kinsale, which is locally known as one of Ireland's best stops for food. You can stop in Cork City, visit Blarney Castle, Midleton Distillery, or - if you have the whole day - a personal favourite, Fota Wildlife Park! For dinner, you have more than enough choice in the small and colourful town of Kinsale.

I would spend two nights in Kinsale, having a relaxing day the next day exploring and eating as much as I could!

Next, on to wondrous Ring of Kerry. Killarney is the ideal base for a few nights to explore this region, with loads of vibrant food spots and the opportunity to spend the day exploring the Ring of Kerry, going to Dingle for their famous Murphy's ice cream, or spending the day on a jaunting cart seeing Killarney National Park.

After Kerry, a quick stop in the lovely village of Adare on the way to County Clare. Ennis is the main city in the county, with plenty of things to see and do, but there are hidden gems in the small surfing town of Lahinch and in picturesque Doolin too. While in Clare, seeing the Cliffs of Moher is always a must, and I'd make sure to have time to sit and enjoy the view. 

Up to Galway next, an easy place to spend a couple of nights - make sure one of those nights you try The Dough Bros pizza! A great day trip from Galway is to one of the Aran Islands, Inis Mór, Inis Oírr, or Inis Meáin. Gorgeous landscape, friendly locals, and incredibly peaceful, they are all worth a visit!

Moving on then to Mayo, and I had the budget, an afternoon tea in Ashford Castle, even just to see the impressive grounds alone. Moving up to Sligo, a favourite of Yeats, and here I'd indulge in some of the best oysters around!

On the drive back to Dublin, I'd stop in Sean's Bar (Ireland's oldest pub) and Kilbeggan Distillery (Ireland's oldest distillery).

Why do you want to go to these places? Is there any special reason/story behind your choices?

For a literary tour, there is so much you can explore. Not just from Irish born writers, but places in Ireland that inspired literary greats. But there are so many writers with so many stories based in Ireland, it would be a shame not to see these places while you're here!

For a food themed tour, a few of the choices are nostalgic, a few are places real foodies would enjoy, regardless of the budget. Ireland has a great amount of high quality food and businesses, for any price point.

Which part of your private tour are you most excited about and why?

The eating, mostly! But having the opportunity to support local businesses in small towns. Ireland is full of these, each with their own story and character.  

Rachel: Private Tour Consultant

A decade - that's how long Rachel's been living and breathing travel. Edinburgh born and bred, Rachel brings her methoical, creative, and supportive personality to her role as a Private Tour Consultant.

Her favourite place in the world is Callandar, Scotland, but she's itching to visit New Zealand for a Lord of the Rings tour.

Are you part of any special interest/hobbies group that might translate to a tour?

I studied film and media at uni and particularly love the fantasy genre, so a lot of the tours I enjoy tend to include filming locations or have elements of mythology to them. I also love taking photos whilst I'm away so any tours which include great photo opportunities are a bonus!

Tell us about your ideal private tour.

There are so many places in Scotland that make you feel as though you have stepped in to a fantasy novel so I think my ideal trip would have to include places like: Fingal's Cave, Bow Fiddle Rock, Glencoe, Fairy Glen, The Mermaid of the North (Tain), Devil's Pulpit, and Dunnottar Castle. 

Why do you want to go to these places? Is there any special reason/story behind your choices?

I think growing up in Edinburgh, I really appreciate the trips where I can leave the city and immerse myself in nature and appreciate how beautiful and unique Scotland is in terms of its scenery and history. 

Which part of your private tour are you most excited about and why?

Fingal's Cave - it ticks all of the boxes for me!

Katharina: Private Tour Consultant

'Determined, crafty, and a fish-and-chips lover.' That's how Katharina would describe herself. Doesn't that sound like someone you want helping you plan your dream private tour? 

Her favourite place in the world is the window table in her hometown's cafe.

Are you part of any special interest/hobbies group that might translate to a tour?

I love to knit, and I'm a history nerd! You can get me hyped about any tour regarding basically any places with a long backstory! Highly recommend places like the Isle of Harris, if you're into your fabrics.

Tell us about your ideal private tour.

My ideal private tour takes me to the Islands, the more remote, the better. My ideal location is Shetland (going this year!) and the Uists, as I've not been there before. Ideally, it's a bit of everything - a bit of history, a bit "tourist-y must-see places" (they are must-see for a reason!), a bit of insider places. One thing that's most important to me is to take it slow, take time to actually see sights and not pack too much into each day. 

Why do you want to go to these places? Is there any special reason/story behind your choices?

I've always been a fan of the remote places - NC500, Orkney, Lewis and Harris, and so on. The Uists intrigue me, as not a lot of people seem to have them on their radar, and as we don't have any group tours going here either, it really is the perfect spot for a private tour. 

Which part of your private tour are you most excited about and why?

I'm going to be a bit stereotypical and say: the beaches and the slower way of life! Everything seems to be moving so fast these days, that a mix of sightseeing and beach-days sounds like absolute heaven to me.

John: Private Tour Consultant

John is brand new to the travel industry and is thrilled to be here! He is a passionate and adventerous traveller and his favourite place in the world (so far) is the Isle of Eriskay - "good weather or bad, it's heaven."

If you're a history buff, John is your guy. He's passionate about learning and has a keen interest in the Wars of Independence and the Jacobite Uprising.

His latest travel itch is to visit Iceland and climb some volcanoes... let's just hope they're feeling sleepy that day!

Are you part of any special interest/hobbies group that might translate to a tour?

I’m a music and history lover, so I would love to book a tour around this. Whether you’re interested in traditional Scottish music and want to join a Ceilidh or if you want to visit some iconic venues while in our cities, I always have recommendations. Equally with history, I’m always keen on arranging tours with some stops at battlegrounds – Bannockburn and Killiecrankie are personal favourites!

Tell us about your ideal private tour.

My ideal private tour would be around the Outer Hebrides – starting in Benbecula walking along the white sand and clear blue-sea beaches, working your way down to Eriskay before getting the boat to Barra. Lots of whisky and food in-between!  

Why do you want to go to these places? Is there any special reason/story behind your choices?

I spent a lot of time here when I was younger, thanks to my sister teaching on the island – nowhere I’ve been to since compares to this time, nowhere’s as peaceful and beautiful! 

Which part of your private tour are you most excited about and why?

Either of sitting in Eriskay with a dram, or the ferry over to Uist – hopefully see some dolphins!

Nicole: Private Tours Administrative Assistant

New to the industry, Nicole brings plenty of passion to her role in building private tours for travellers. Her favourite place in the world is Scotland and is endlessly in awe of its beauty. 

She is passionate about whisky and solo travel, so if either of those sound up your alley, Nicole is your go-to for planning an adventure in Scotland, Ireland or Europe!

Are you part of any special interest/hobbies group that might translate to a tour?

While I have many interests, the ones that pertain to travel, especially travel in Scotland, are whisky, history, and TV/films. I also love to read, which is something I tend to do a lot of while on my solo travels.

Tell us about your ideal private tour.

My ideal private tour would consist of whisky, history, and castles. It would also be a mixture of some new places as well as places I've been previously, as I would be taking my parents along with me and I'd want to share these amazing parts of Scotland with them. 
 
I'd start by either heading to Dunkeld (stopping at Aran Bakery - it's delicious - and doing a wee walk at The Hermitage) or I'd head to Balmoral Castle and explore the grounds with a stroll to Prince Alberts Cairn. I would stay in Grantown-on-Spey, as it is in the heart of the Cairngorms while also being central to Inverness and some great Speyside distilleries. I'd then spend a day visiting Culloden, Clava Cairns, and Tomatin Distillery (I would do the Taste of Tomatin tour, as I have attended many distillery tours, and this so far has been my favourite). Another day I'd spend hiking in the Cairngorms. I'd then dedicate a day to the Speyside whisky region, visiting Aberlour and Balvenie Distilleries, along with a stop at the Speyside Cooperage (the only working cooperage in the UK). For my final day, I'd head over to Stonehaven and walk along the coast to Dunnottar castle, then go for another dram (or three) at Fettercairn Distillery. I'd then drive through Falkland (a wonderfully quaint village and Outlander filming location) on my way back to Edinburgh. 

Why do you want to go to these places? Is there any special reason/story behind your choices?

As I've mentioned, I am interested in history (especially Scottish history) and I am quite the whisky fan. These two interests I've gotten from my dad and is something we bond over. So, I guess the main reason I've chosen these spots are because I would want to experience/share them with my dad. 

Which part of your private tour are you most excited about and why?

The Speyside Cooperage and the walk along the coast to Dunnottar Castle! The Speyside Cooperage is a place I have yet to visit, and it's on the top of my list. It is such an integral part in the whisky making process and being able to experience the art of coopering would be very cool and give you more appreciation for the whisky process. The walk along the coast to Dunnottar Castle was a recent solo day trip I did and it is so peaceful and beautiful. The castle is perched on these high cliffs, right over the North Sea, and it is just something you have to experience! 

Robyn: Private Tour Consultant

Robyn has a passion for cute towns, and lesser-known palaces and castles that will fill up your camera quickly. Not to mention, if you have any interest in textiles, art or gardens, Robyn will be your new best friend! 

Her favourite place in the world is Berlin - but a close second is experiencing the thrill of a concert of her favourite artists. 

Are you part of any special interest/hobbies group that might translate to a tour?

I am big into my art and design, not to mention I've recently gotten really into gardening! I would adore the opportunity to arrange something for the horticulturist or artists amongst us who want to see what the UK and Ireland have to offer.

Tell us about your ideal private tour.

My ideal tour would focus on some of the breathtaking palaces, gardens and scenery Scotland has to offer, along with some artist-themed visits. Some key locations and experiences would be visiting The Hill House, built and designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh; a wander through the orchard at Falkland Palace; going to Dunrobin Castle, which resembles a French chateau; and a lunch on the banks of a loch.  

Why do you want to go to these places? Is there any special reason/story behind your choices?

I am always fascinated by art and architecture and love to admire the beauty of great works! While there is so much on offer in Scotland that makes it hard to choose, these are just a couple of my favourite locations.

Which part of your private tour are you most excited about and why?

A good lunch on the banks of a loch, accompanied by a locally-brewed beer. Can’t be off exploring with an empty stomach and thirst, and what a more enjoyable way to fix that than in some beautiful scenery!

Kayla: Private Tours Administrative Assistant

Kayla describes herself as adventurous, gentle, and detail-orientated... so, if any of these words resonate with you - Kayla would love to help organise your ideal tour! She is passionate about wildlife, mountains, cliffs, and national parks, and would love to help you discover the best of them.

Are you part of any special interest/hobbies group that might translate to a tour?  

I am a writer, mostly of non-fiction which means I am fascinated by history, but I love any literature! I also grew up in the middle of nowhere, so I find peace in nature and love to plan my own adventures around that.

Tell us briefly about your ideal private tour.  

My ideal private tour is a long one, exploring both England and Scotland. It would start in London, visiting iconic locations like Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswolds Villages and Oxford over the first few days. From there I would travel to Stratford-Upon-Avon, before spending a couple more days throughout the Peak District and Lake District.  

Then I’d go up to Scotland, travelling to Edinburgh via the historic Hadrian’s Wall. I think there should be at least one free day in Edinburgh, to get some time away from driving. Then I would visit Stirling Castle and spend the next days travelling through the West Highlands to Oban, Glencoe and Fort William. The tour would conclude in Inverness, with stops at Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield to wrap it up.

Why do you want to go to these places? Is there any special reason/story behind your choices?  

I planned my trip based on what I’d want to share with my friends or family members if they were to visit. Being from Canada, travelling overseas could be a once in a lifetime vacation for them so this trip would cover a lot of ground. Both England and Scotland have so much to offer with unique historical sights, nature, cute villages. Of course you can’t see it all, but I tried to pick a good mixture!

Which part of your private tour are you most excited about and why?  

I will never stop being amazed by how much history there is in the UK, so places like Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall and Culloden excite me. But ultimately, I think the West Highlands is my favourite spot because I am in love with the mountains. 

Louise: Private Tours Assistant Manager

And last but not least: Louise is the team's assistant manager with over ten years in the industry. She's a passionate and chatty individual, someone you'd want around helping to plan your private tour!

Her latest travel itch is to visit the pyramids in Egypt.

Are you part of any special interest/hobbies group that might translate to a tour?

I am a bowler, which would never feature in a tour. But Scotland is one of the top countries in the world in this sport! However, I do have a love of photography and architecture. You will always find me snapping away when I am out and about, not just on tour but in everyday life. I am also a big lover of water. Living by the coast my whole life has definitely influenced where I travel to. All of my own holidays are by water!

Tell us about your ideal private tour.

My ideal private tour would take me somewhere new. Somewhere I cant get to on my own as I don't drive. I always seek out places that I have never been to. Ideally, I would like a tour that includes the coast, caves to explore, beautiful buildings, and if there is a chance to sample the local tipple then I am happy. At the moment I would really like to explore the coasts and valleys of Wales. I visited the north in February and it has given me an itch that I want to scratch again!

Why do you want to go to these places? Is there any special reason/story behind your choices?

Why Wales - well, why not! It's a beautiful country with a great history behind it. It also has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe and I love a good castle. Specifically ones that are ruined, so that you can let your imagine re-create it. Wales also has some of the most beautiful coasts in all of the UK and as mentioned above I do like water. Plus I like to know it all, so from a work perspective this will help enhance my knowledge.

Which part of your private tour are you most excited about and why?

I would look forward to the coasts the most. I grew up by the sea and since losing both my parents it makes me feel closer to them.

If that didn't get your own private-tour-creative-juices flowing, then we don't know what will! Admit it, we've all got that ideal trip in mind. If it happens to involve England, Wales, Ireland, or Scotland... why not see if we can help? Read more about what we offer for Private Tours and get in touch with the team.