Things to do in Argyll and Bute, Scotland: The Best Private Tours

January 18, 2022 Rebbecca Marino

Discover the best top things to do in Argyll and Bute, United Kingdom including The Celtic Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 to 8 People), Historical Tour and Seafood Experience , Half Day Private Hire, Full-Day Scotland Highlands and Lowlands Private Tour, West of Scotland Cultural Tour, Doon The Watter, Loch Ness Tour, Cruise excursion departing from Greenock Cruise terminal., Greenock Port Shore Excursion / Private Tour, The Inveraray Shore Experience - Private day tour (1 to 8 People).
Restaurants in Argyll and Bute

1. The Celtic Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 to 8 People)

Alba Experiences
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Travel through Scotland’s Celtic landscapes and follow in the footsteps of kings on this beautiful one-day tour. The Kilmartin Glen is famous for its stone circles, prehistoric rock carvings and ancient hill forts that was home to the earliest kings of Dal Riata. Highlights include - The Village of Luss. The views at the Rest and be Thankful. Rest stop at Inveraray. A visit to the Kilmartin Museum. Visit the Kilmartin standing stones. Walk in the footstep of Kings at Dunaad Hill Fort. Wonder in awe at the stunning Achnabreac rock carvings.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver/guide, Dram of whisky, Private tour, Snacks, Hotel pickup and drop off

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By terryw717

We had a holiday booked with another tour company that was to take us to the Isle of Skye from Glasgow. Through research we wanted to to see a bit more of Scotland whist we were there after that tour finished (we are from down south) and more than just Skye. We found Alba Experiences through Trip Adviser and were impressed with the previous reviews and also the tour and it’s description. This was “The Braveheart Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 to 8 People) Sunday 13th September 2020” Then with just two weeks to our original tour, the other company cancelled the holiday leaving us with just that one day tour with Alba Experiences. We had already our own flights booked plus the hotels for before and after it. As we were so impressed with Alba Experiences and how they communicated with us, we asked about them combining two tours that would have been for the same dates as the original and giving us one day for free time before the Braveheart Tour. This was the “Discover Inveraray And The Scottish Countryside” a tour from Glasgow to Oban and then the “Experience the Isle of Skye” a four day tour of Skye. Very bespoke for our needs. Luck was on our side and a bespoke tour was booked. Alba Experiences also recommended Hotels that we should book and additionally that if we wanted to eat out at night that we should also book them in advance as they were known to be booking fast. This proved invaluable. Day one (7th Sept) of the tour we met James McInlay, our tour guide and driver, and were so impressed with the cleanliness of his tour bus and the fact that he was ready well before our set meeting time, in fact every day James would be waiting for us with the tour bus clean again for the next days adventures. The following might sound like a list, but we packed so much in and I’m not sure if I am limited with this review. It was not a list, but a perfect guided tour of the areas we went to with history lessons and areas pointed out that we would surely missed if trying to do this ourselves. James delivered through professionalism and passion for his country and its history and beauty something more than we could have ever imagined. Our disappointment with the original tour by the other company being cancelled soon faded away and proved to be our win. Back to day one, we traveled from Bishopton towards Oban, taking in the beautiful town of Luss and it’s Parish Church where the only outdoor Viking Hogback stone is, Inveraray Castle and Jail, an area of ancient (4500 years old) rock art, the Nether Largie Standing Stones from 3200 years ago and the Kilmartin Grave Slabs. All this in one day. Day two (8th Sept) started with a visit to McCraigs Tower, then on to Castle Stalker, Glenfinan Monument and Viaduct (Harry Potter recent fame), Eilean Castle and Carbost Bridge. Day three (9th Sep) we went to the Kilted Rock, the area known as the Quiraing (possibly my favourite), Flora MacDonalds grave, Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle and back to our Hotel in Portree. Day four (10th Sept), Neist Point, Dunvegan Castle (you simply must go there), Fairy Pools (take hiking boots as it can sometimes get a bit wet but worth it). Day five (11th Sept), Carbost Bridge again with even better views, Urquart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, Invermoriston Bridge, Fort Augustus, Three Sisters Mountain range and back to Bishopton for the end of our bespoke tour. We were to have a Seaplane adventure the next day with another company, alas the weather had other ideas and it got understandably cancelled. Then on the 13th Sept we started the original tour we booked with Alba Experineces, to visit the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, ending with a stop at the Bannockburn Visitor Centre on the site of the decisive Bannockburn Battle. Alas, the visitor centre was closed and James had already made alternative arrangements and we visited Doune Castle (Monty Python fame), Rob Roy’s grave and the Falls of Falloch. These were so impressive from the rains over the previous days. James quickly got to know our likes and made slight adaptations to the tour, we were able to linger longer where we wanted, he found our passion for local food and took us to wonderful eateries. With out any doubt, we will return to see more, for there is more, and there is only one company that we would choose, Alba Experiences. I can not rate them high enough. I am limited to just 10 pictures, through James’s guidance with his professional photography skills I took many.

2. Historical Tour and Seafood Experience

VisitScotland Oban iCentre, Columba Buildings, 3 North Pier, Oban PA34 5QD, UK Charles Henry
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

This tour goes to places off the beaten tourist track and our knowledge guide provides a unique insight to local history the area and culture. The tour ends with a seafood experience where fresh seafood is served in an al fresco location. A brief talk will be given on the types of seafood local to the area how they are caught and how they are cooked.

Inclusions: At the end of the tour a seafood meal will be served and a description of local seafood how it’s caught and cooked, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions:

3. Half Day Private Hire

Holy Loch Marina, Rankin's Brae, Sandbank, Dunoon PA23 8FE, UK Wreckspeditions
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Being out on the water is the best way to experience a vast area as beautiful as the Clyde. Forget about all that goes on inland and immerse your senses while we whisk you around some incredible attractions like castles, lighthouses and sunken shipwrecks and at the same time get up close and personal with nature and keep your eyes peeled for porpoise, seals, sea eagles, otters and more. Nowhere else in this area offers such an extensive maritime tour, and can tailor the trip to suit your group’s needs. If you want to go slow, then we go slow. If you want to go fast, then yes, we will go fast! You tell us what you want and we will do everything in our power to make it happen. We hope to see you soon and welcome you aboard the Starfish Enterprise to enjoy all the Clyde has to offer!

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, Binoculars, Marine life identification cards

Exclusions: Currently we cannot offer full wet weather equipment so please bring your own., Snacks

Reviewed By Hezgem

Fantastic experience with our family out on the Holy Loch with Jason at the helm. Really exciting. Jason was great with the kids answering all of their questions. Can't wait to book a return visit.

4. Full-Day Scotland Highlands and Lowlands Private Tour

George Square, Glasgow, UK Santra Tours
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Scotland Tour covering main areas of Highlands and Lowlands, covering 300 miles. Traveling up and returning on two different routes capturing the best of scenic Scotland

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Private transportation, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages, Lunch, Soda/Pop, Gratuities

Reviewed By Sushil S

tour was very good , staff was very co operative , tour manager mr. Saif khan was very polite and cooperative . would love to take ur services again

5. West of Scotland Cultural Tour

Walter Scott Monument, 50 George Square, Glasgow G2 1EH George Square, Glasgow G2 1EH, UK Luxury S.E.A.T. Ltd
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy a cultural and historic tour of the West of Scotland. Our vehicles offer the very highest degree of luxury and comfort and our drivers are knowledgable, courteous and above all, passionate about our wonderful country. Why not indulge in a glass of some of our finest Whisky, whilst not having to worry about driving. Hear about the history of our Scottish Clans (could you even be related to any of them). As your tour is exclusively for you, why not stay longer at the places you really want to see, and spend your time as you wish to, not having to stick to the strict timelines of tours that cater for larger numbers. We are passionate about Scotland, and we want to pass that on to you, so that you will have a burning desire to re-visit and see more and more of our unique country and outstanding scenery.

Inclusions: Private transportation, WiFi on board, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Attractions that require an entrance fee must be met by the clients who wish to enter the attraction

Reviewed By willm491

We used Luxury SEAT for a very early morning airport transport. They are prompt friendly and highly professional. It was also great to see that they operate with a complete COVID free environment with their service and we were safely isolated from Paul our driver. Lots of space for passengers and luggage. We will be using them again

6. Doon The Watter

Holy Loch Marina, The Marina Holy Loch, Sandbank, Dunoon PA23 8QB, UK Wreckspeditions
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Relive days gone by with stories and images of Paddlesteamers and Clyde puffers that visited the piers dotted along Dunoon’s beautiful coastline. A great tour for photography with stunning views and the possibility of spotting wildlife. Highlights: Chance of spotting porpoise and seals Gantocks lighthouse Holy Loch piers Dunoon pier West bay

Inclusions: Lifejackets, Wildlife identification cards, Binoculars

Exclusions: Wet Weather Clothing. We kindly ask that you bring your own, Thank you

Reviewed By Hezgem

Fantastic experience with our family out on the Holy Loch with Jason at the helm. Really exciting. Jason was great with the kids answering all of their questions. Can't wait to book a return visit.

7. Loch Ness Tour

Saint Andrew Square, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2, UK LinkTours
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1 reviews

An unforgettable experience with spectacular scenery. The tour drives through the Cairngorm and Trossachs national parks, and along the edge of Rannoch Moor, one of Europe’s last wildernesses. We pass the particularly awesome mountains Ben Nevis and Buachaille Etive Mor, the infamous Glencoe as well as 5 of Scotland amazing lochs. Perhaps with a bit of 'Nessie' spotting along the way! Our Driver Guide's great personal knowledge of Scotland helps guests have an amazing tour.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Scottish biscuits, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bluetooth Connection to in-car audio system. USB Phone charging points

Exclusions:

8. Cruise excursion departing from Greenock Cruise terminal.

Clansman Tours

Private tours with educated and informative drivers who will entertain all our guests. Private use of our luxury mini coach.

Inclusions: Complimentary tea/ coffee and home baking on all 1 day tours

Exclusions: Entrance fees to attractions

9. Greenock Port Shore Excursion / Private Tour

Cruise Terminal - Passenger Entrance, 1 Patrick St, Greenock PA16 8UT, UK Ecotour Scotland

This is a fully customisable private tour for up to 6 people. You will be picked up and dropped off at your ship, in an air conditioned Mercedes Benz MPV with leather seats and privacy glass. 3rd Party activities can be arranged and booked on your behalf to ensure you make the most of your visit.

Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch, Dinner

Reviewed By TNT393

Luke picked up myself and 2 friends on time in a clean lovely van stocked with delicious snacks (fresh fruit, chips, crackers, cookies) looking dapper with a fabulous red beard and traditional kilt! He knows how to read his audience, giving great information at the right moments, leaving the group to enjoy the scenery at our own pace, and joining in for a laugh. The opportunity to see unique smaller sites without the hassle of a bus and a big group is invaluable. The selection of stops and the absolutely fantastic setting for lunch at the Kingshouse Hotel were varied, classy, and gorgeous. This was the absolutely highlight of our overall wonderful jaunt to Scotland. Thank you Luke!!

10. The Inveraray Shore Experience - Private day tour (1 to 8 People)

Cruise Terminal, 2 Campbell St, Greenock PA16 8BW, UK Alba Experiences

Journey through the Scottish countryside and discover our rugged glens, brilliant mountain scenery and historic Scottish castles. We will visit the famous Inveraray castle which is the seat of the Campbell clan, and then take a short walk over to the 19th century jail where you will experience what real life was like for real men, women and children who were tried and locked up.

Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, A dram of whisky, Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation

Exclusions: Lunch, Visitor attractions.

Reviewed By terryw717

We had a holiday booked with another tour company that was to take us to the Isle of Skye from Glasgow. Through research we wanted to to see a bit more of Scotland whist we were there after that tour finished (we are from down south) and more than just Skye. We found Alba Experiences through Trip Adviser and were impressed with the previous reviews and also the tour and it’s description. This was “The Braveheart Experience - Private 1 day tour (1 to 8 People) Sunday 13th September 2020” Then with just two weeks to our original tour, the other company cancelled the holiday leaving us with just that one day tour with Alba Experiences. We had already our own flights booked plus the hotels for before and after it. As we were so impressed with Alba Experiences and how they communicated with us, we asked about them combining two tours that would have been for the same dates as the original and giving us one day for free time before the Braveheart Tour. This was the “Discover Inveraray And The Scottish Countryside” a tour from Glasgow to Oban and then the “Experience the Isle of Skye” a four day tour of Skye. Very bespoke for our needs. Luck was on our side and a bespoke tour was booked. Alba Experiences also recommended Hotels that we should book and additionally that if we wanted to eat out at night that we should also book them in advance as they were known to be booking fast. This proved invaluable. Day one (7th Sept) of the tour we met James McInlay, our tour guide and driver, and were so impressed with the cleanliness of his tour bus and the fact that he was ready well before our set meeting time, in fact every day James would be waiting for us with the tour bus clean again for the next days adventures. The following might sound like a list, but we packed so much in and I’m not sure if I am limited with this review. It was not a list, but a perfect guided tour of the areas we went to with history lessons and areas pointed out that we would surely missed if trying to do this ourselves. James delivered through professionalism and passion for his country and its history and beauty something more than we could have ever imagined. Our disappointment with the original tour by the other company being cancelled soon faded away and proved to be our win. Back to day one, we traveled from Bishopton towards Oban, taking in the beautiful town of Luss and it’s Parish Church where the only outdoor Viking Hogback stone is, Inveraray Castle and Jail, an area of ancient (4500 years old) rock art, the Nether Largie Standing Stones from 3200 years ago and the Kilmartin Grave Slabs. All this in one day. Day two (8th Sept) started with a visit to McCraigs Tower, then on to Castle Stalker, Glenfinan Monument and Viaduct (Harry Potter recent fame), Eilean Castle and Carbost Bridge. Day three (9th Sep) we went to the Kilted Rock, the area known as the Quiraing (possibly my favourite), Flora MacDonalds grave, Fairy Pools at Glen Brittle and back to our Hotel in Portree. Day four (10th Sept), Neist Point, Dunvegan Castle (you simply must go there), Fairy Pools (take hiking boots as it can sometimes get a bit wet but worth it). Day five (11th Sept), Carbost Bridge again with even better views, Urquart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness, Invermoriston Bridge, Fort Augustus, Three Sisters Mountain range and back to Bishopton for the end of our bespoke tour. We were to have a Seaplane adventure the next day with another company, alas the weather had other ideas and it got understandably cancelled. Then on the 13th Sept we started the original tour we booked with Alba Experineces, to visit the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, ending with a stop at the Bannockburn Visitor Centre on the site of the decisive Bannockburn Battle. Alas, the visitor centre was closed and James had already made alternative arrangements and we visited Doune Castle (Monty Python fame), Rob Roy’s grave and the Falls of Falloch. These were so impressive from the rains over the previous days. James quickly got to know our likes and made slight adaptations to the tour, we were able to linger longer where we wanted, he found our passion for local food and took us to wonderful eateries. With out any doubt, we will return to see more, for there is more, and there is only one company that we would choose, Alba Experiences. I can not rate them high enough. I am limited to just 10 pictures, through James’s guidance with his professional photography skills I took many.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.