What they're sayin...
"The planning, layout, time balance, and quality of all the activities/services associated with this tour were excellent. For me, the most important factor in choosing Traceless Tours was the music; I am a long-time Celtic music enthusiast and expected to be hard to please. However, the artists engaged for concerts on the tour exceeded my expectations, including an icon of Scottish music: Archie Fisher.
Perhaps as important, the overall “spirit” of this tour is noteworthy -- which can be attributed to Raven Sinclaire, our tour leader. This intangible factor resulted in connection, camaraderie, friendship among the tour group, and there were several “kismet-like” moments along the way. In fact, the thing that stands out most to me about this tour is the genuine care, attention, leadership, and integrity of Raven. Highly recommended tour."
-Danny Ford
Music Tour of Scotland
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"Our tour of musical Scotland with Traceless Tours was an unforgettable experience. Our native Scot expert on history and literature, James Barrowman, provided deeper insight when we visited traditional tourist spots around Edinburgh, Inverness and Pitlochry, and provided personal stories in that wonderful Scottish accent. Although days were relaxed – never leaving before 9 am – we managed to visit historical sites, enjoy free time, and explore. Each day concluded with outstanding traditional music, either private concerts with world-class musicians or pub / folk club music curated to ensure the best experience. Chuck Brodsky has years of experience leading small group tours in Ireland, and as in our experience with those tours, the participants on this tour have became close and real (not just facebook!) friends. Logistics were professionally handled by Raven, who kept us entertained with quick fun facts and unexpected experiences. Her knowledge and perspective about the ancient spiritual sites helped make the trip unique and inspirational."
-Beth & Dennis Griffith
Music Tour of Scotland
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"Our tour was a perfect mix of planning and spontaneity. Visiting the Isle of Skye has been a longtime dream and it was everything. However, I couldn't have known that I would fall in love with every single place we visited. Thanks to Raven for an unforgettable experience!"
-Callie Wilson
Sacred Sites of Scotland
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"The diversity of Scotland and the Scottish people was on full display from the big cities of Edinburgh and Inverness to the small towns and historical sites in the countryside. A true appreciation of the uniqueness of Scotland, its history and its people was gained on this tour with Raven and Steve and Tom Kimmel."
-Barry Aycock
Music Tour of Scotland
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"James was a very caring, knowledgeable and excellent tour guide. Glenn was the best bus driver I have had on any trip. The various music showed so much of the traditions and culture. The castles and chapels were beautiful. The individuals sharing history and the culture were excellent. I couldnt imagine a better 10 days in Scotland."
-Patrick Schibi
Music Tour of Scotland
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"Thank you for the perfectly planned and executed trip! There was the right amount of free time balanced with structured activities. It is surprising how you can take a bunch of strangers on a road trip through the magical, beautiful country of Scotland and they end up being amazing friends and having heartfelt moments together. It wasn't just a trip or vacation, it was truly a life experience."
-Karen Brennan
Music Tour of Scotland
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"This trip was deeply restorative body, mind and spirit. It was delightful to show up knowing the details were already taken care of so I could fully relax into the beauty and joy of Scotland. I appreciate the sense of humor and fun along the way and the opportunity to meet locals in each place who shared their expertise and knowledge whether it was history, music, or culture. What fun to start out a trip as a group of strangers and become a merry band of travelers by the end!"
-Brittney Marie Stauffer
Sacred Scotland Tour
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"Each day unfolded with planned visits to expertly-chosen sites, plenty of walking and listening, and a bit of free time to unwind. But the days were also sprinkled with surprises and fun interactions with other tour participants, local guides, and musicians. There was so much to marvel over- a fiddle tune played under a bridge, a ruined castle covered in moss, a walled garden, a mysterious carved chapel, a tombstone with a familiar name, an ancient hollow tree, a shepherd’s whistle and a dance of dogs and sheep, pipers piping as a river flowed past… We will be savoring these memories for a long time!”
-Ruth & Mike Beeston
Music Tour of Scotland
"This is a wonderful tour: beautiful scenery, great authentic Scottish music from different genres, delicious meals, cool accommodations, nice mix of free time and tour activities, very comfortable coach. Bravo, Traceless Tours!"
-Ryan Bond
Music Tour of Scotland
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"What a great tour! Music, history and fabulous scenery all provided with top notch care and professionalism. Hard to imagine it could have been better."
-Jim Kirk
Music Tour of Scotland
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"I loved many things - the music, the camaraderie, the relaxed nature, staying 3 nights at one place instead of moving all the time, the history/culture information by James, and our fabulous group of travelers and leader!!"
-Mabelle Kirk
Music Tour of Scotland
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"This trip to Scotland was one we had waited on for 2 long years. We were so excited to get to finally take the trip and all our expectations were exceeded! Each location provided a sampling of Scottish culture that was unique and just absolutely wonderful! If you want to explore the culture of Scotland through music, food, place and people I would strongly recommend Traceless Tours."
-Laurel Nagy Stanek
Music Tour of Scotland
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"Truly the trip of a lifetime, executed effortlessly with such love and care. I will think of it again and again and dream of returning on a future tour with you."
-Samantha Conway
Sacred Scotland Tour
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"The Scotland tour with Traceless Tours, led by Raven and Chuck, was absolutely fantastic! This trip exceeded my expectations in every way -- accommodations, meals, music, sightseeing, and activities were great. As a single woman traveling alone, this tour was the best way to see Scotland. I felt safe and included. This tour has the right balance of sightseeing, activities, and music, mixed in with time to explore the surrounding areas, restaurants, and pubs on your own, should you choose to do so. I am looking forward to experiencing another trip with Traceless Tours and Chuck Brodsky. Thank you Raven, Chuck, and James, for the experience of a lifetime!"
-Sherry Lowe
Music Tour of Scotland
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"Raven’s meticulous planning, kind and professional approach to our group’s needs and attention to details made for a lovely, life changing tour. I had a wonderful Scotland experience, made many new friends, heard incredible music and would highly recommend Traceless Tours to anyone!"
-Marsha M. Carnahan
Music Tour of Scotland
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"Raven's love and enthusiasm for her ancestral country, is engaging and contagious, as is her sparkling and kind personality. Her positive attitude set an energy and intention that was instrumental, I believe, in bringing the group together in mutual respect, enjoyment, and ease. The logistics of the trip went very smoothly. In spite of not really being "tour people," my husband I really enjoyed this one, especially as we were taken to places off the beaten path that we might never have discovered on our own...places of breathtaking natural and historical beauty and sacredness."
-Melinda Allen
Music Tour of Scotland
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"Wow, what a great tour. We saw many different historical sites during the day and heard great music at night. The music was a good mix of types and locations, sometimes a private session and sometimes in a bar. Although you couldn't always tell, Raven, the tour director, was always working hard to assure that everything was working well and everyone was very satisfied. We also had a great tour group, that although from different parts of North America, shared in the enjoyment of the tour and each other."
-Chuck Barksdale
Music Tour of Scotland
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"The Sacred Scotland tour was inspiring & life changing. We saw so many magical things that it’s difficult to pick a favorite, or a favorite place, but I especially loved the Isle of Skye. I hadn’t expected the private concerts to be so much fun, but I was impressed by all the musicians who played with pure joy from their hearts & shared their love of music."
-Cheryl Collins
Sacred Scotland Tour
"If you are interested in the history, music, and culture of Scotland, Raven Sinclaire's Traceless Tours experience is for you. Live music, castles, kirkyards, battlefields, poetic walks, cathedrals, great food, unique accommodations (and did I mention LIVE music) fill every day. This is not a tour, it is a pilgrimage!"
- Dean Hallmark
Music Tour of Scotland
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"I went on the inaugural Scotland Music Tour with Traceless Tours, and I am so glad that I did!
The music was just fantastic, the accommodations and their locations were gorgeous, and the
thoughtfully curated selection of activites and excursions was great fun and covered both
sightseeing and culture in good and plentiful measure.
When there was a hiccup with a hotel charge (not in any way the fault of Traceless), I felt
like Raven was with me at every step until it was resolved. The depth of experience both Raven & Chuck bring to these tours let me feel so fully taken care of that I could just focus on taking it all in and having the best possible time. The personal touch they both provide is as responsive as you need without crowding at all. It's a beautful balance.
Our historian and guide, James, was wonderful in his knowledge and attitude, friendly and of
the most cheerful disposition, and kept me hanging on every word of his stories and anecdotes.
I heartily recommend Traceless Tours to anyone who wants to visit Scotland and experience it
with a uniquely distinctive local cutural and historical flavor. I look very much forward to my
next time!"
- Eric R. Bassey
Music Tour of Scotland
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"Our experience with Traceless Tours exceeded all of our expectations. The personal attention and the detailed planning made our Scotland experience magical. From the top of the ancient volcano housing Edinburgh Castle to the bottom of my soup bowl of cullen skink, the trip was filled with history, culture, music, and unexpected new friendships.
I really valued the intimate size of our touring group and the personal attention we received from our two guides - Raven & James! We were like a happy family traveling together. We'll look forward to another travel adventure with Traceless Tours!"
-Shannon Herin
Music Tour of Scotland
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"I have never traveled with a tour group before, but Raven and Tom held such beautiful space for us all to feel welcome and included in this group of 24. It was a busy 10 days, but all 24 of us became fast friends and made memories that will last a lifetime."
-Danielle Adams
Music Tour of Scotland
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"This was my first tour, my traveling partner cancelled a few days before the tour, I was completely "undone" about all of it, contemplated not going...the travel, the group of strangers all of it was so overwhelming. There were no strangers after 24 hours. Raven has a way about her that most people do not have. Her spirit, her joy, her knowledge and the absolute love she brings to the table cannot be measured. The beauty and history of Scotland came alive with her as our fearless leader. If you have the opportunity to take a Traceless Tour, you should."
-Robin Beresford Rucker
Music Tour of Scotland
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"I loved the land of Scotland, the sweeping vistas, the warmth of the people, the rough and tumble language, the scones, the heart moving sound of the pipes and heart wrenching stories of the past. I loved the camaraderie of my fellow travelers, their kindness and generosity and openness to each other. I loved the brisk, clean air, the cloudy, threatening skies and even the constant chill. There was a palpable feeling of being alive."
-Patty Smythe
Music Tour of Scotland
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"Traceless Tours took a group of 20 individuals and turned them into friends. The sites we visited, the music, the food, the accommodations, the companionship - all amazing! Thank you, Raven!"
-Donna Barksdale
Music Tour of Scotland
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"Raven Sinclair's Traceless music tour in Scotland, with North Carolina singer-songwriter Jonathan Byrd, was excellent. The frequent concerts and talks given to our small group by outstanding traditional musicians as we progressed through cities and towns gave us a well-rounded experience of stories and styles, instruments, and culture. Our hosts, tour guide, and driver also kept us well entertained and informed, and we appreciated frequent opportunities to explore on our own with their guidance. The accommodations and meals were all top-notch. This was a wonderful way to get to know the people and places of Scotland, past and present."
-Deborah Amaral
Music Tour of Scotland