Private tour in Edinburgh Joao M

Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore Experience

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Joao M.

4.9

Guide rating

10

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 hrs

Avg. response time

I am an experienced guide living in Aberfoyle, in the heart of the Trossachs National Park and I offer tours all over Scotland. I drive a comfortable 9-seater Mercedes Vito. I offer day and multi-day tours, including cruise ship shore excursions from Greenock, Oban, Queensferry and Leith, in my comfortable Mercedes Benz (Vito), which can take up to 8 passengers and luggage. Whether you want me suggest one of my set itineraries or you want me to customize something specifically for you, I am your man! If you are not sure what you want, I can suggest an itinerary as a starting point and we'll take it from there. I can also customize a tour based on your interests or objectives, e.g. clan tours to trace your family ancestry. I am originally from Portugal, but have been a Scottish resident for 29 years, where I studied an MA in Medieval History at Glasgow University. I have a passion for history and nature, and I love sharing this with my guests. Being married to a herbalist, and living in the middle of the Trossachs forest, I have also developed a passion for Scottish nature and traditional folklore. Every day I am thankful for living in the most beautiful place in the world, and having the opportunity to raise my children here. I offer tours all year long, though the summer gets very busy, so best contact me with as much notice as possible! In my other life, I am a linguist, specializing in interpreting and translation, and I have interpreted for many world leaders and heads of state, such as King Charles III. I am also a professional percussionist with a BA(Hons) in Music, specializing in Taiko (Japanese percussion), and I have had the privilege to travel and perform all over the world. I have been a full-time driver-guide in Scotland since 2021, running my own company called E2G Tours Ltd. Please feel free to contact me should you wish to customize any of my tours - everything can be changed to match your wishes! Child seats available - always happy to accommodate families! I am also: - A member of SITOA - the Scottish Independent Tour Operators Association. - Insured to work as a driver-guide. - A certified First Aider.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Joao M.

Overview of your Edinburgh tour

This tour can start from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other locations upon request. I will pick you up and take you to the small village of Aberfoyle in the Trossachs - the Fairy Capital of Scotland, situated on the border to the Scottish Highlands! Here, I will introduce you to a local herbalist, who will take you on a foraging and folklore walk, where you will learn about the land, folklore, plants, their medicinal use throughout history and the traditional role of women healers. You then have a choice of activities: hike to ‘Doon Hill’ (famous fairy mound); a herbal crafting activity (DM me for suggestions, suitable for adults & kids); a visit to a local farm to sample artisanal ice cream; feeding Highland Cows; visit Doune Castle (famous for Outlander, Monty Python, Game of Thrones); Steamship Cruise; Inchmahome Priory – where Mary Queen of Scots sought refuge as a child. On the way back, we will stop at The Kelpies – 2 mythical Scottish creatures, and the tallest equine statues in the world.

Your Edinburgh tour itinerary

Aberfoyle Foraging in the Trossachs Doon Hill Achray Farm Highland Cows Doune Castle The Kelpies Customisable upon request

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Minivan

8-passenger people carrier (Mercedes Vito)

What's included
Private Guide
Other: Bottled water, Scottish snacks, herbal tastings
Private Transportation
What's not included
Tickets: Doune Castle (optional), Inchmahome Priory (optional)
Other: Food
Meeting location

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

- I will pick you up from your hotel or other holiday accommodation.

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
History
Hiking
Tour reference number
1445944
Languages
English
Portuguese
Spanish
Activity level
Moderate

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for those interested in Scottish folklore, herbalism, and history. It's ideal for travellers who want to explore the Fairy Capital of Scotland with a local expert, Joao M., and enjoy a personalized experience that includes foraging, folklore walks, and various activities like visiting Doune Castle or feeding Highland Cows. It's also suitable for families, as there are activities available for both adults and kids.

Can this private tour in Edinburgh be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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