7 days in Scotland by Train, Coach or Mini-bus?
Jan 16th, 2023, 08:37 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
7 days in Scotland by Train, Coach or Mini-bus?
We are a couple in our early 70's from the USA looking to travel to Scotland for 7 or 8 days in August, September or October. We don't particularly want to drive on the left side or figure out where to stay every night. What are some pro and con advice tips on train travel vs coach travel vs mini-bus travel? We want some guidance on which would be easiest as far as walking to points of interest. We are not foodies or nightlife enthusiasts but do like touring distilleries, photographing landscapes and seeing historical places.. Are breakfasts included in hotel accommodations? Do coach tours include hotels and evening meals? What are some good tour brands? Should the trip include the Highlands? Should there be 2 days each in Edinburgh and Glasgow? Has someone out there had this same type of trip in mind and came away well satisfied? Thanks for any comments.
Jan 16th, 2023, 02:56 PM
#3
August presents logistical problems. Because of all the Edinburgh festivals and Tattoo the city is totally slammed . . . think New Orleans at Mardi Gras except more so and it last pretty much the whole month. It is great if the Fringe/Festivals/Tattoo is your reason for visiting, but a total hassle if you just want to 'see' Edinburgh.
So Mid September would be a much easier (and MUCH cheaper) time to visit. October is OK too but the likelihood of better weather would be in September
The vast majority of hotels and B&Bs are on a bed & Breakfast basis (less so in central city hotels in Glasgow and Edinburgh). I personally wouldn't want 'dinner included' except in really rural areas with no other options but the dining room in your accommodations.
• Trains . . . there is limited rail service except to the cities (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, etc)
• Coaches . . . The narrow winding roads in the rural areas aren't great for the big coach tours.
• Small group tours in a mini van. This is a much better choice for touring in the countryside. Check out this company -- small groups, very long established company, great customer service. https://www.rabbies.com/en
You don't need a tour in Edinburgh but any of Rabbie's day trips or multi-day tours would be good combined with a few days on your own in the city.
So Mid September would be a much easier (and MUCH cheaper) time to visit. October is OK too but the likelihood of better weather would be in September
The vast majority of hotels and B&Bs are on a bed & Breakfast basis (less so in central city hotels in Glasgow and Edinburgh). I personally wouldn't want 'dinner included' except in really rural areas with no other options but the dining room in your accommodations.
• Trains . . . there is limited rail service except to the cities (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, etc)
• Coaches . . . The narrow winding roads in the rural areas aren't great for the big coach tours.
• Small group tours in a mini van. This is a much better choice for touring in the countryside. Check out this company -- small groups, very long established company, great customer service. https://www.rabbies.com/en
You don't need a tour in Edinburgh but any of Rabbie's day trips or multi-day tours would be good combined with a few days on your own in the city.
