27 Sep 2019
We were in Edinburgh last week for one day on a British Isles Cruise. We had prearranged for a private driving tour for the 6 people in our party prior to leaving. We were notified via email that our driver/guide Chris of Monarch Tours Viator Tour operated through local Monarch Tours) would be at the end of the pier just as we docked. A few days before arrival we again received this email assurance.
Chris could not have been nicer, more professional, or friendly. He was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to hear about any points of interest we'd like knitted into his ideas for a day in Edinburgh.
He took us to all the highlights that he felt we should see with commentary and explanations all along the way, answered questions in detail. One in our party wanted to find a St. Andrews golf shirt and Chris took the time to research this while we were in Edinburgh Castle with a castle dedicated guide. He went out of his way to accommodate our needs, was always very detailed about where he'd meet us if we were in a place that he did not come in to with us.
We were looking to have lunch in a typical put and he took us to one that was excellent and reasonable -- no tourist trap. He joined us and we thoroughly enjoyed his obvious enthusiasm for his country. He explained typical Scottish foods and we tried haggis there........ which he also explained just how it is made and how to enjoy it.
I could more about this excursion -- I would definitely book this rather than take a shore excursion through the ship with 40 people on a bus........ and for more money per person. This was so personal, it was just perfect.