Absolute Escapes Traveller Reviews

I booked a tour for my mother (age 77) and me for a tour with Absolute Escapes around Scotland. The day before we were to leave on a bus trip, we accidentally learned our baggage allowance is 15kg. ??? I searched all of the travel information, packing instructions, etc. and there was no mention os a 15kg baggage allowance. Turns out the Absolute Escapes had sub-contracted our bus tour to another tour operator and Absolute Escapes had NO IDEA that this tour operator had this policy. I spent most of my day trying to figure this out. It was stressful, unnecessary, and a very bad start to our trip. AE did offer to pay for our dinner that evening and they paid a portion of our meal. The other problem was on the Isle of Skye where we were somehow placed in a B&B that was at least 20 minutes walk from any restaurant. After a long day of touring and walking, we go to our B&B in the middle of nowhere (outside Portree) around 6pm and the bus operator was nice enough to come and pick us up. We got to Portree and walked around a long time before finding a tiny table from a nice lady who felt sorry for us. After dinner, we called several taxi companies to take us back to our B&B who said they were already too busy. We finally found a taxi and decided we would not take the chance the next night. On night 2 in Portree, we sat in our room and ate cheese and crackers because we didn't want to risk getting stuck in Portree. It was not a nice experience. Absolute Escapes took no responsibility for this. It was my fault because I had told them my mother didn't need a wheelchair or walker, so they assumed she'd be more than happy to walk in the cold dark Scottish night along a main road filled with traffic.

IN this case I'm giving this rating of POOR to Absolute Escapes for the two very large mishaps that occurred with our trip. We walked to some others along the way who had booked driving trips with Absolute Escapes and they seemed happy. I would NEVER recommend someone book anything other than driving trips with them. They are inexperienced (or not very smart) when it comes to setting up non-self-driving tours.

We enjoyed a fantastic 8-day self-guided walking tour along the Fife Coastal Path. As our first introduction to Scotland, this was a wonderful way to slow down and get to know a corner of this beautiful country. The scenery was varied and lovely, and because we were setting the pace, we had lots of opportunity to chat with people we met along the route, and to experience the communities we were travelling through. Each day our luggage was moved for us to a different B&B, and each night we were welcomed at our new accommodation. We were extremely happy with all the B&Bs, which always offered a warm welcome, very comfortable room, and full breakfast the next morning to start us off on the next day of walking. This trip left us looking forward to our next self-guided walking tour!

We chose Absolute Escapes because of their experience offering tours along the Fife Coastal Path, and because the reviews we read were very good, and we were not disappointed! We found them very efficient and easy to deal with. They were quick to respond when we had questions or asked for further details about attractions along our route, and the whole booking and payment process was straightforward and efficient. We were very happy with the range of accommodation booked for us along the route, and found the maps and other information provided to be just what we needed. We would not hesitate to book another holiday with Absolute Escapes, or to recommend them to other travellers.

We rented a car through our tour company and they arranged all of the lodging, mostly at B&Bs per our request. We are 2 senior ladies who are very particular and wanted to tour on our own so this was perfect for us. We started out visiting a friend who lives on Arran Island and then to Glasgow, Ft. Williams, Inverness, Banchory, Stirling, and then Edinburgh. Our total number of days was 15. We toured the castles and other sights that we were most interested in. We were thoroughly delighted with everything.

Charlotte with Absolute Escapes was very helpful and thorough with details. She tailor made our adventure to ensure we did what we wanted.

Four of us from the US traveled to the Scottish Highlands to walk the Great Glen Way in early October. The landscape was absolutely beautiful, the walking was peaceful and invigorating, and we enjoyed the trip immensely. Over seven days of walking we had two with sunshine, even the wind and rain made the trip memorable.

Absolute Espaces provided excellent service in securing accommodations, walking notes/guides and transferring our luggage, and the logistics all went off without the slightest hitch. Fantastic. They were excellent communicators and as someone booking from the US, payment was easy to handle too. We loved them.

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7 day trip, walking the West Highland Way..

Great communication all the way through the booking process. When it appeared I might have a scheduling issue due to a family emergency, they immediately got back to me. All of the logistics of the trip performed as expected. All my luggage was in the right place at the right time for each nights accommodation. Accommodations selections were very good. Absolute Escapes provided a personalized approach to setting up my Holiday and I felt like a valued customer from the beginning to the end.

We spent 6 days hiking along the Great Glen Way in Scotland. From Fort William to Inverness. Three close child hood friends celebrating our fiftieth birthdays. (We have known each other since 1975). It was our first time in Scotland and were amazed by the majestic scenery of the Lochs and Hills. It was without doubt A once in a lifetime experience in the highlands.

Tour operator was very helpful in booking the guest houses along the way and supplying information regarding the route and transferring the baggage from one guest house to the other. As the whole trip was well planned and without any problems, I can't say much else

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3 senior Canadian women on a road trip through western Scotland. Rental car troubles day 1 and 2, but the wonderful Scottish people we met helped all along. Great unique B&Bs with lovely hosts and enormous breakfasts. Detailed instructions and suggestions for places to go and to eat. Immediate help when ferries were cancelled due to high winds. We always felt that someone was there to help out when needed.

Pre-planning went smoothly, any changes we wanted were done. During the trip there was always support.

We had an amazing vacation in Scotland! Thank you! It was perfect. What a beautiful country and friendly people. The castles were great, the driving went well, the directions and suggestions regarding activities and restaurants perfect. Absolute Escapes did a great job arranging everything and there we had no problems with any of the arrangements.

They arranged a castle to castle tour with 4-5 star accommodations in castle hotels and then a driving route through Scotland. They provided a detailed itinerary for everyday that gave us our choice of activities from hiking, sightseeing,historical sites, museums etc and provided suggestions for excellent restaurants.

we rented a vehicle as organized by Absolute Escapes and drove nearly 1000 miles around Scotland, staying in B&B's organized by Absolute Escapes.

Megan. our contact person at Absolute Escapes, was wonderful. She answered all of our questions plesantly and efficiently and gave good advice that helped immensely with the planning. I would recommend her services to anyone going to Scotland or the UK.

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186 + miles of pure walking bliss from Amroth to St Dogmaels. Even a few days of bad weather could not dampen our enjoyment of this wonderful place.

This was our third walking trip booked with Absolute Escapes. The accommodations were outstanding as well as the luggage transfers and information pack. The communication with this company is always very prompt and friendly.