After having to cancel my 5-day tour of the Scottish Highlands (in 2024) due to Covid, I finally got to see the Highlands. I took a 9-day Rabbies tour that included Isle of Skye, Iona, Mull, and the Orkney Isles. It was actually two tours in one. Halfway through (in Inverness), we switched guides/drivers, said goodbye to some of our travel mates, and welcomed nine new people for the journey north.
First group with tour guide Dave (3rd from left, back)
We traveled in a passenger van that seated 16 people. The seats were narrow, but otherwise it was comfortable. The first group of travelers included 5 solo travelers, including myself, and people from Australia, China, and Germany, as well as the US, including those with diverse ethnic backgrounds such as Singapore, India, and China/Vietnam. The second group included eight Americans (from the South) who already knew each other, as well as a nice widow lady from New Zealand.
Second group with tour guide Andrew (R)
We had two good tour guides/drivers. The guide for the first half of the tour was Dave. I really liked him. He had a bold, assertive personality. He was an exceptional guide, really knew his history. Andrew was the guide for the second half of the tour. He was more soft spoken and low-key. In his spare time, Andrew liked to sit on the beach and do nothing. Dave liked to climb mountains. That sums up how different they were.
On the big ferry from Orkney
