• Neil McDonald’s Megalithic Tours

    Friendly specialist tours to ancient, mystical and historical sites in Britain, Ireland, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and the Mediterranean Islands. ‘Touring for over 20 Years’

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  • Neil McDonald’s Megalithic Tours

    Friendly specialist tours to ancient, mystical and historical sites in Britain, Ireland, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and the Mediterranean Islands. ‘Touring for over 20 Years’

  • Neil McDonald’s Megalithic Tours

    Friendly specialist tours to ancient, mystical and historical sites in Britain, Ireland, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and the Mediterranean Islands. ‘Touring for over 20 Years’

  • Neil McDonald’s Megalithic Tours

    Friendly specialist tours to ancient, mystical and historical sites in Britain, Ireland, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and the Mediterranean Islands. ‘Touring for over 20 Years’

  • Neil McDonald’s Megalithic Tours

    Friendly specialist tours to ancient, mystical and historical sites in Britain, Ireland, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and the Mediterranean Islands. ‘Touring for over 20 Years’

  • Neil McDonald’s Megalithic Tours

    Friendly specialist tours to ancient, mystical and historical sites in Britain, Ireland, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and the Mediterranean Islands. ‘Touring for over 20 Years’

  • Neil McDonald’s Megalithic Tours

    Friendly specialist tours to ancient, mystical and historical sites in Britain, Ireland, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and the Mediterranean Islands. ‘Touring for over 20 Years’

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Megalithic Tours Timetable & Booking

About Neil

Neil has a great interest in our ancient and pre-history and has studied the subject for many years with a particular fascination with it’s more unexplained aspects.  For over twenty years, Neil has been leading groups of interested people on specialist tours of ancient, mystical and historical sites.  TV and radio appearances have included; BBC Radio 4’s ‘Excess Baggage’, Edge Media TV’s, ‘Now That’s Weird’, Glastonbury Radio’s ‘Mysterious West’ and BBC Radio Lancashire.  Neil also runs the yearly, ‘Mysterious Earth Conference’.

Megalithic Ancient Sites Tours

Our specialist ancient site tours visit the most popular ancient monuments and the smaller size of our groups means that we can also reach the more remote, little known mystical sites throughout Britain and Europe that Neil has discovered over many years. Our tours take in many time periods from the Neolithic, the Bronze Age to the Knights Templar and the Cathars.  If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Neil.

Megalithic Tours Timetable & Booking

Megalithic Tour Groups

Megalithic Tour groups are small, usually not more than six people, friendly and welcoming.  Quite a number come along on their own and others with friends or partners.  Many of our travelers enjoy the social side of the tours and value the opportunity to get to know like minded people during the day, over dinner or later in the bar.  Some like to keep their own counsel of course and that is respected, but many have made lasting friendships and come back many times.  One of our regular travellers recently told me that “We always have great fun, it’s like coming back to see old friends”.

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A Few Comments From Megalithic Travelers

I have just got back from my 5th Megalithic tour with Neil and yet again had a fantastic time.  I have loved every single trip I have been on. Whether its a day trip or for longer I have found them to be well planned,  informative and thought provoking. Each day is packed with a variety of visits to sites, some well known but also to other lesser known structures which are equally impressive.  Neil always plans in plenty of time for us to take in the atmosphere of the structures and appreciate the surroundings.  We have seen some spectacular places which have left a lasting impression.  Neil’s tours are always very enjoyable and I would highly recommend them.
Gill Swinden (Durham UK)

Neil is an excellent guide into the majesty and wonder of sacred sites. I travelled with Megalithic Tours to Orkney and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Neil planned the trip with precision, including all the well known sites of interest but also including the opportunity to travel to two other islands, Rousey and Hoy. We were also able to visit three excellent stone circles in Aberdeenshire on our return journey. Megalithic Tours provide a unique and personal service, highly recommended.

Pauline McDonald (Glastonbury)

“Neil McDonald’s Magical Megalithic Mystery Tour of Orkney was waiting to take us away. A fantastic initiation into the wonders and myths of Neolithic life and culture.

The remote, barren and beautiful island landscape was the perfect setting for the amazingly well-preserved remains of Iron Age forts, villages, stone circles and tombs.

Neil was our amiable host, expert guide, chauffeur and raconteur for an unforgettable and historic holiday.

For Neolithic novices such as ourselves it was a thrilling insight into a truly monumental and mist-shrouded part of mankind’s past.

We can’t recommend it highly enough.”
Tim and Linda (Ilkley)

My first tour with Neil and Megalithic Tours was in 2005 around North Wales and was a revelation, seeing so many historic sites for the first time, and all in two days. From that weekend onward I became an ardent fan of all things Megalithic.     I have been on fourteen tours with Neil since that first time and each one has been as fascinating at that first one, even when I am revisiting the same areas again. I have learnt so much and have thoroughly enjoyed being in the friendly and easy going atmosphere of like-minded people of all ages.

All of Neil’s tours whether they are the shorter one or two day events around Wales or England or the longer and more exotic trips abroad, are for me an opportunity both to renew old friendships and to meet and enjoy the company of new companions. An added bonus for me is that I have never felt out of place joining in on a Megalithic tour by myself as he seems always to attract friendly individuals and couples, and the small size of the group makes it possible to feel relaxed and at ease with everyone within minutes of climbing into his tour bus. Highly recommended!

Dr. Paul Entwistle (Liverpool, England)

The countryside of the South of France is magnificent, and Neil will guide you through the history of the land based on his years of research.  For me, Rennes-le-Château was the place that held the most interest because of its mystery – the village is surrounded by two spectacular mountain ranges that possess the kind of beauty that commands your attention and leaves you longing for more when you must pull yourself away.  Climbing to the top of Montségur and being in the place where the Cathars held their last stand was a profound experience.  There are many other treasures on the Cathar Country Tour, including the walled medieval Cité de Carcassonne, the towers of Château de Lastours, and Mirepoix.  Last and certainly not least, our home in Alet-les-Bains was the Hostellerie de l’Evêché, situated on a gorgeous campus of ancient trees and lovely flowers on the bank of the Aude river – breakfast and dinner were prepared and served with care and attention – the little town holds several points of interest, including the natural springs.  I highly recommend this tour and plan to go again.

Ellen McCurdy (Massachusetts, USA).

I have been on many of Neil’s tours over the past 10 years and I have to say they are always most enjoyable and informative. Neil is a great host, is marvelous company and his knowledge is formidable. The tours are always very well organised, well researched and great value for money. It’s wonderful to be able to enjoy a trip where everything is taken care of and you share the experience with friendly, like-minded people. I have made several personal friendships that have endured for years from people I have met on the tours. The atmosphere on the tours is always great and Neil always looks after you terrifically. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Whether you are an expert or enthusiast, Megalithic Tours will not disappoint.

Kevin Rowan-Drewitt (Blackpool, England)

In June 2015 we took two tours with Neil McDonald to northern and southern France. Both were marvelous. They both catered to our interest in archaeology and history and involved excellent experiences that emerged us in the culture of both these regions. The tour was well-paced yet thorough. We loved traveling with a small group and really getting to know our fellow travelers. We would highly recommend Neil McDonald’s tours and hope to join him for another trip soon

Barbara Crowe and Ross Whiteaker (Arizona, USA)

This is my second tour with Neil, and we just visited Ireland. The scenery and the archaeological sites were truly fascinating. I loved crawling into the tomb chambers at Newgrange and Loughcrewe. The groups are small enough to get off the beaten path for some places, and we sometimes were the only tourists at sites. Our group decided to drive to a place and found a nice little castle that was not on the itinerary, so that was an added bonus.

Joanne Kuzma (Erie, PA, USA)

I’m in my 12th year of joining Neil on his Tours. I can honestly say they are superb, I have been to some amazing places and seen some of the best sites and all with expert information provided by Neil. If you are a lone traveler do not worry as you are looked after so well and usually in the company of like minded folk.I would advise you to look at all the trips Megalithic Tours has to offer and you will not be disappointed.

Honor Wearden (Darwen, England)

Neil’s Scottish Highlands and Islands Tour was just amazing. I was able to visit so many different stone circles and other structures. I was able to walk in and around them and spend time visiting the different sites was a real joy. Each site was better than the next and the islands each individual and different. Spending time at the Callanish stones was a real experience and I was able to walk and touch everything. This was a once in a lifetime tour and each day was filled with more beauty and history than the description can tell. Neil was wonderful in his knowledge and choices of sites to see. We traveled by minibus and boat so that was exciting and I had an opportunity to see several of the Scottish islands. You can’t find that itinerary put together anywhere else. Thank you Neil for a wonderful and memorable tour.

Patricia Wallenburg (New Jersey, US)

I have been on a number of Neil’s trips day tours, weekends and a seven-day tour.  They are well organised and well planned.  Neil is flexible and considers the needs of his fellow travellers.  He knows the areas well and can find the perfect little café for a snack and good restaurants for evening meals.  I have always found the tours attract like-minded people who are easy to be with, making it a trouble free experience for the single traveller.

Angela Hobbs (Preston, England)

I recently took two tours with Neil; Mystical Anglesey and Mystical Isle of Man, both were superb fun. Travelling with Neil in the minibus is a great way to get around the country and see all the sites, many of which I would probably have not found by myself. We got to explore the ancient hill forts, burial sites and standing stones, the whole experience was worth every penny and I look forward to my next trip with Megalithic Tours.

Deddie Elliott (London, England)

Whether you go on a day trip, a short break or longer European holiday, with Neil you can expect a hassle free experience of some of the most atmospheric, magical places on Earth. Add to that good company, food and hotels and you feel spoiled, as you should with such an experienced host.

Julia Pilkington (Barnoldswick, England)

My first tour with Neil was my first solo trip but it was the best thing I could have done as I have now been on many tours with him & seen so many wonderful places that you would not see on any ordinary holiday & also made many lovely friends. The tour that really stands out though is the Cathar Country tour which I have done four or five times now & would love to do yet again. L’Hostelerie de L’Eveché where we are based is such an enchanting place; from the first glimpse of it as you cross the little bridge over the Aude it seems to wrap itself around you with a warm, welcoming hug. Every day on this tour is magical & I’ve heard people say ‘I thought yesterday was fantastic but today has been even better !’.

Di Snelling (Weymouth, England)

A couple of weeks on from Neil’s tour of the megalithic sites in Western Scotland and I’m still buzzing with all the amazing things we saw and places we visited.  We covered large distances, but the tour is very well thought through and paced so that you feel each day is full with visiting both ancient sites and sites of historical or cultural interest, but with enough time to relax built in so as not to be overwhelmed by the traveling.

We began with the Twelve Apostles in Holywood before journeying to the beautiful carnival of megaliths on Machrie Moor and the astounding Valley of the Kings in Kilmartin Glenn. Callinish on the Isle of Skye was the icing on the cake – beautiful site with an amazing energy to it.  Amongst many, many other places we visited during the week were Burns house in Mauchline, (the home of the curling stone), ancient Brochs on both the Isle of Skye and on Lewis, the graves of the Templar Knights in Kilmartin, the home of the famous giant Angus MacAskill, the Eagle Stone in lovely Strathpeffer and of course Beauly Abbey.

I loved all the ferry journeys we did hopping and skipping between the mainland, Arran, Skye, Lewis and on our last day but one, Mull, Iona and Staffa.  The trip was certainly epic and there was a terrific camaraderie with Neil and the 7 of us who went on the tour – a motley bunch, but then the shared interest in a connection with our ancestors and the sheer mystery of the stones, was enough for any group to have enough in common for it to be a great and stimulating experience. And we had lots of fun, too, along the way.

Colin Hambrook (Brighton, England)

This is to thank you for what was the best holiday of my quite long life. the Cathar Country was even more magical than I expected – an earthly paradise – and the power of the landscape geometer was palpable. Your knowledge and sensitive appreciation of the history of the area brought its mystery, wonder and grief vividly to life. Your easy-going buoyancy and willingness to divert from the schedule – whether to pick up magic stones or raid a car boot sale – made the trip a friendly, relaxed adventure.

you seem to attract interesting people, too. setting out alone, I was delighted to find myself in such a friendly, like-minded group. Some of my most precious memories will be those evenings sitting with wine under the old trees, watching dusk settle over the abbey ruins and discussing the mysteries of the area and life in general. The accommodation and food were superb too – amazing at the price. I look forward to going on another expedition next year.

Lindsey Campbell. MA Oxon (Killin, Scotland)

I’ve been on several tours with Neil and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. They are very well planned and organised without feeling rigid and with enough flexibility  to allow everyone enough time at each site to explore either together in a group or alone.  Although Neil is very knowledgeable  about ancient history and many related subjects, he does not give commentaries at the sites, so that it’s possible to get a feel for each site and explore at your own pace without being distracted by a guided tour. Often discussion takes place over a good meal or a glass or two of wine in the evening. The groups are so small that it feels like going on holiday with friends, without having to do any of the work!

Helen Johnson (Leicester England)

We recently participated in our first Megalithic Tour with Neil to western Scotland, the highlands and the Isles of Arran, Skye and Lewis.  What a delight being able to see the beauty of the country as a relaxed passenger that traveled from the English borders to Ullapool with the very safe Neil at the wheel.

Our original impetus for this tour was seeing the most well known Callanish Standing Stones on Lewis, but that turned out to be just one of the many amazing sites that we visited.  Ancient mysteries are Neil’s passion and he has done his homework to seek little visited places.  Often we were the only people, in fact at one of the Callanish sites (and there are many, some still unexcavated) it was the cows that were our only companions.

Neil does not lead a “tour” of the site; the group does not gather around to hear an explanation.  He is well researched on what you are seeing and will share his knowledge if asked, but prefers that each person experience the stones in their own way.  It was always interesting to hear the reactions of others, especially those sensitive to energy.  We were a fun, companionable group but had the evenings free.  Sometimes people came together for dinner, but there was never any pressure to be always part of the group.  We traveled as a couple, but it was a very easy experience for those that traveled on their own.  If you are exploring the Megalithic Tours site, chances are you are a perfect fit for one of Neil’s groups.

How meaningful was our experience and would we recommend a tour with Neil…that we normally do not travel on organized tours but have rebooked for next year’s Cathar Country Tour says it all!

Cheryl Sinning and David Malmberg  (Minnesota, USA)

Thank you for being a great guide, we really loved the mix of larger well known sites, with the smaller intriguing and more atmospheric ones,  Also enjoyed not being rushed and being able to stop at random, interesting places.  Very much looking forward to future trips with you and will be recommending your trips to our friends.

Yvonne Stubbington & Julia Ziomek (Chester, England)

Lisa and Jack independently traveled with Neil McDonald’s Megalithic Tours to the Orkneys and Shetland Islands in September 2015. Both had recently lost their spouses, tragically and early, and both Lisa and Jack had been prevailed upon by their friends to get out of the house and get away before they perished with their grief.  Somehow magically these mystical islands and the grace of the ancient gods brought these two grieving people together, and carefully tentatively they talked, eventually talking for hours on end.  The final day of the tour, during an eclipse of the moon, somehow culminated at Roslyn Chapel to forge a bond that was to carry Lisa and Jack through the days and weeks and months while Lisa was back home in Yorkshire and Jack was back home in Australia.  Jack proposed on Valentine’s Day and they were married in Australia on 31st August – less than a year since they met and thousands of miles from the magical romantic mystical Orkney Islands that brought them together!  Thank you Neil McDonald!

Lisa and Jack Taylor (Brisbane Australia)