Specializing in small-group tours, Rabbie’s offers a more intimate alternative to traditional escorted coach tours in Great Britain and Ireland.
“We consistently receive positive feedback from travel advisors on our flexible and authentic travel experiences in Ireland and the U.K.,” said Karin Gidlund, travel trade sales manager for Rabbie's Trail Burners Ltd. “Agents particularly like our package of guarantees: our tours never have more than 16 passengers; we offer a guaranteed experience or your money back; and once you've booked, you're guaranteed to travel.”
With the tagline “go beyond the guidebooks,” Rabbie’s also guarantees that every client has unique and authentic experiences, promising a combination of local stories and epic destinations that immerses clients in the culture of the places they visit.
On my three-day Isle of Arran Adventure, that promise was absolutely fulfilled.
It didn’t surprise me at all to learn that Arran is often called “Scotland in miniature,” because it offers examples of all the things travelers hope to experience on a Scottish vacation. Over the course of a few days, I saw spectacular highland and coastal landscapes; sampled locally made cheese, whiskey and beer; and visited two castles — including the ruins of Lochranza Castle dating back to the 13th century.
At the Isle of Arran Cheese Shop, owner Gordon Kinniburgh shared information about his cheese-making process. We also got the chance to taste his award-winning Arran Blue (named best Scottish cheese for the last two years at the World Cheese Awards) and several delicious flavored cheddars, including smoky garlic, cranberry and chili (which packs quite a punch). The shop is located in the same building that once served as the dairy for Brodick Castle, so Kinniburgh pointed out that he’s making cheese in the same space where cheese was made 200 years ago.
Another must-do activity when visiting Scotland is drinking Scottish whiskey. While I don’t consider myself a whiskey connoisseur, I still enjoyed learning about the history of the famous drink and about the distilling process from Gerard Tattersfield, visitor center manager for Isle of Arran Distillery. We received an equally fascinating beer education from Gerald Michaluk, managing director for Isle of Arran Brewery, who noted that ale has been brewed on Arran for more than 3,000 years. He also poured us generous samples of more than a dozen beers.
Because no trip to Scotland is complete without seeing at least one castle, our adventure in Arran included a visit to Brodick Castle, a Hamilton Clan castle since the 16th century that’s now maintained by the Scotland National Trust.
While traveling with Rabbie’s, the writer paid a visit to Brodick Castle.
Credit: 2019 Rabbie’s“Brodick Castle is a small castle on a small island,” said Susan Mills, head education guide for Brodick Castle. “But don’t let that fool you: It’s actually incredibly important in Scottish history.”
Built by Alexander III in about 1260, the castle was attacked several times over the next 400 years — including by Henry VIII in the 1550s — until it eventually came into the hands of Lord James Hamilton as part of the dowry from his bride Mary Stewart, the daughter of James II. According to Mills, by the 1700s, Brodick Castle was mainly used as a family estate and hunting lodge — which explains the 89 stag heads mounted in the Victorian front hall.
Brodick Castle also has a kid-friendly treasure hunt called “Follow the Dodo Trail” that leads to a silver Alice in Wonderland-inspired Dodo-shaped decanter. The decanter was commissioned by the 12th Duke of Hamilton; Mills told our group that it’s the only one ever made.
Gidlund noted that Rabbie’s guides consistently receive positive reviews from advisors and travelers alike, and after my tour, I can understand why. The guide at every stop was incredibly knowledgeable and welcoming. Plus, our charming driver-guide Pete Falconer provided interesting geographical and historical information throughout the tour, all while sharing hilarious personal anecdotes, a few little-known legends about Scottish kings and queens and, of course, a wee bit of lore.
“Rabbie’s says its driver-guides go that extra mile, but [Pete] went that extra 100 miles to make sure every detail was covered and we all — as a group and individuals — were making the most of every second,” said Michaela Cox, executive manager for Authentic Vacations.
Jeffrey Roy, vice president of marketing and sales for Eurobound, agreed.
“Our driver-guide was the real McCoy,” he said. “Local, fun, friendly, and most of all, on top of his game.”
Pete’s “game” was put to the test when Scotland’s unpredictable weather threatened to spoil our scheduled visit to the Machrie Moor Neolithic stone circles; however, Pete quickly adjusted the itinerary, and the result was a picture-perfect experience at Arran’s most famous archeological site.
Machrie Moor Stone Circles in Scotland
Credit: 2019 Rabbie’s“I've already lined up several clients to enjoy upcoming itineraries with Rabbie’s Tours, including my own parents, which I think says it all,” Cox said.
The Details
Rabbie’s
www.rabbies.com
