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Welcome to Tauck’s Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow Forum - Find the answers to your trip questions, answer questions posted by fellow travelers, plus share your Tauck experiences and stories. Stop by often and join in on the discussions.
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Hello! I was hoping someone from the recent trip would post what they thought about it! My husband and I were considering the trip in 2021 but wanted some feedback from travelers first. Thanks in advance!
We just came back from this trip. We did the one that started in Edinburgh & ended in Glasgow. Loved it. I had only one complaint, that we did not have enough time in Shetland but that might be changed by 2021. If you have not been to Edinburgh before, I highly suggest a couple of extra days there, so much to see. Great museums and houses. Le Champlain is great, smooth sailing, fabulous service and good food. We did the 2 room Prestige suite. I think one "regular" room would have felt a little crowded altho they all have outdoor verandas and small sitting areas. It was great to have the 2 bathrooms when we had early morning departures.
My advice is JUST DO IT!!!
Any specific questions, please ask.
I was so lucky to be on the very first Scottish Island sailing! This was the eastbound, Glasgow to Edinburgh, trip beginning May 3rd. It was incredible - cannot recommend it highly enough. Seeing the islands I'd read about over the years was amazing. While some passengers focused on the Outlander locations, we focused on the neolithic ruins found throughout the islands. Stone monuments 2,000 - 3,000 years old. Coming from a neighborhood where 50 year old houses are routinely bulldozed, seeing stones planted in the eart hso many years ago was awe inspiring. Stonehenge was the culmination of a culture that started in the Orkney Islands that worked its way south over a milleneium. Wish we had spent 2-3 days in the Orkneys. I know there is more there that we didn't see. And I second scubawife's suggestion of an extra day in the Shetlands. Just to relax and take in the slower pace. Iona, at the begining of our cruise, is very small. But you can't miss it because of its historical significance. Skye was a personal revelation, as it turns out a relative came from there. Lewis Isle is a demonstrtion of the harsh conditions under absentee landowners. (There is also a Lewis Island trilogy for the readers out there.) This cruise is worth waiting for. I actually wouldn't mind taking it again. Really enjoyed it.
my husband and I will going this year in May. What were the temps like? Warm lined raincoat enough?
It’s a lovely time to visit Scotland. The weather will be cool in the mornings and evenings but there is always a chance of unusual very warm weather in May. Yes, take a rain coat, but it doesn’t always rain!
I sailed on Le Champlain when it was brand new. The bathroom is very small. If someone is in the shower and the other is at the sink, you are stuck in the shower, no room to get out.
Just booked May 29, 2021 cruise Eastbound. Thanks for all the recommendations. Will be following to see any more great recommendations.
I am booked for Sept 2023 Eastbound. Going solo...anyone else. It is sold out, no surprise!
Anyone going in May of 23?
We are booked for the May 2023 West bound sailing.
Look forward to your comments. I am on the September 2023 sailing!
Sam, you might want to start new threads, you've reactivated some really old ones lately. You'll find many of the original or early posters are no longer active on the forums.
I found some great "rain pants" at The North Face store in a mall. 89.00 but had 25% off. Better than some I have seen for 130.00!! More tailored, I don't look like I am wearing a pup tent!
Curious as to why you think you need waterproof pants on this trip? I did this trip and it was no different than any other cruise. Antarctica - absolutely, you need waterproof pants. This trip, unless you are doing side trips that weren't offered when I did this ( May 2019), there was no need for waterproof pants. .
Good to be prepared. They are good when it is very windy, which by September it is likely to be like that.
Many reviews and blogs recommended them and they are light enough to pack, so better safe than soaking:)
Just finished this trip. Some highs and lows. Kimpton hotels not up to the quality of other Tauck hotels I’ve stayed in- but that may be a reflection of the choices available. The ship was lovely - attentive staff. Only minor disappointment was the Blue Eye was only open for a very limited time. Reception & dinner on the Britannia was quite special. Holyrood House was closed as a member of the Royal family was there. Roslyn Chapel is interesting as a substitute. Sadly it was pouring when we went to Edinburgh Castle which is more of a fortress- our local guide left us in our own with no entrance to the inside! Conversely we had some great local guides on the islands. The herd of Shetland ponies was adorable. The standing stones were mystical. Expected to see Hobbits at the Blackhouse Village! The Italian Chapel. Be warned though most of the island excursions required bus rides- some up to an hour in length. (And two ports required tenders) Scotland countryside was beautiful. I’m very glad I went, but to be honest it’ isn’t one of my favorite Tauck trips. (And I’ve done 19) Be happy to answer any specific questions.
We have been on a couple of ships that have the Blue Eye including Le Champlain. They open late, drinks are not free and more importantly you don’t see anything through the windows. For us, a total waste of money
We were very disappointed by the Blue Eye experience (different tour). Even with the required reservation, it was still crowded, loud and we saw nothing but murky water. Perhaps viewing is better depending on the body of water you are sailing on.
We took tis trip last May. We also had the substitute for Holyrood House and did Roslyn Chapel. We were a bit disappointed but Roslyn Chapel turned out to be quite interesting.
We had the opportunity to have a tour of the Blue Eye. We were docked so not to much to see thru the eye.
There are few places in the world where you will see anything through the likes of a Blue Eye, especially if the ship is underway. It would be different if you were going slow or just drifting in very shallow water with just a few feet between you and a coral reef in someplace like the Red Sea that has incredibly clear water. It isn't Sea View!
That is one reason submarines don't have viewing ports or headlights, except in the heads! 
This was the same explanation given by our wonderful cruise director at the Venice and Dalmatian Coast cruise orientation.
If you go at night, it will be completely dark; but again, not every one goes on all the excursions during the day.
They need to find something to do in the middle of the night.There is always some one with insomnia due to inactivity during the day.
Staring at that green opening for fifteen minutes in an enclosed space! It looks like torture.
I cannot believe people actually went to that! I was told by Nick: "Sign up Early!"
Kimpton Hotels not up to standard?
I've done Holyrood twice with Tauck and Roslynn once on our own. Definitely liked Roslynn better. But then I've seen my fair share of palaces and I loved the Davinci Code.
Yup!!
When filming the movie they had to use CGI to get rid of the scaffolding. When we went in 2013 it was the first time in 14 years there was no scaffolding. Now they are working on nearby Rosslyn Castle which was a B&B when we were there.