worldtraveller555

hi,

I am looking to book a tour in Scotland and Ireland (leaving from Edinburg) in June. Does anyone have any suggestions re. sites, and tours? I am looking to do a castle and countryside tour and I want to say in higher end accommodations. I would also like have a semi-private or private escorted tour, or rent a car or travel by train (i.e. no big tour companies). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

BigRuss

First post, talking tours on this board, broad inquiry = TROLL.

worldtraveller555

Huh? *sigh* how unhelpful. Is there some better board to post this on?

janisj

Nope -- this is the right forum. Not quite sure what BigRuss is on about since your post doesn't look 'trollish' to me.

But really --most Fodorites are independent travelers. Especially in easy to visit places like Scotland and Ireland. Is there are reason you think a tour is necessary? Especially since you mention driving or trains are possible.

If you can drive or take a train -- why would you need a tour?

worldtraveller555

Well I am not sure if we should take a tour or drive or train - I want to make sure our trip is relaxing. I have traveled to many places but have never driven around by myself as most countries I have visited were not easy to drive around in. I am also new to Fodor so had no idea Fodorists prefer to travel independently....

Anyway was just looking for some suggestions re. travel itineraries and if we should book a tour or travel by train or car. I have never been to Scotland or Ireland before. Sounds to me driving is a great option.

historytraveler

For tours, try CIE and Discover Europe. I'm not sure about higer end accommodations as that can be fairly relative. Some better options might be <I>The Royal Scotsman </I> a luxury train tour through Scotland or a cruise via <I> The Majestic Line </I>, or try Scotland Calling for a more personal land tour.

www.scotlandcalling.com

www.themajesticline.co.uk

latedaytraveler

Worldtraveller555, glad you are still with us. Your query was a bit confusing but I am sure that you are not a troll! Be aware that the word "tour" sends some folks on this board into apoplexy! Good luck....

historytraveler

Sorry I submitted too soon. I'm not sure if CIE does small group tours. However, Discover Europe does (have small group tours). Here is their website.

www.discovereuropeltd.com

janisj

I'd start by doing a search (the advance search option works great - be sure to click the 'Search full topic and replies' box) There are hundreds of threads about driving itineraries, rail trips, and, yes, even group tours in Scotland and Ireland.

After you read a few of those you'll have a better idea which mode of travel appeals most, and what's doable vs. impractical during a short visit.

worldtraveller555

Has anyone ever heard of this company? They offer self-guided tours and they set up all accommodations for you!

http://www.clansandcastles.com/

worldtraveller555

hi everyone - thanks for your feedback. We have decided to rent a car and travel on our own. We are going to stay in Edinborough and Inverness in Scotland and use those as our bases for traveling. We are then going to fly to Dublin and spend a few days in Kilkenny and Limerick before heading back home. So excited! If anyone knows any good sights and pubs in those areas please let me know!

annw

Hello WT, you are in for a real treat with your travel plans. I love Ireland and Scotland and we've had some great times there. Edinburgh is a rich, glowering, wonderful city--when are you going? We went independently the last time but a "Scot expert" travel agent helped us plan. We went to Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Inverness, and came back down and toured the Borders region which was lovely (Sir Walter Scott's home was worth seeing). But one of our most enjoyable stops was in Pitlochry, a smallish town with good train access (though we drove, we took the train to Glasgow for a day). Nearby was the smallest distillery in Scotland, Edradour, and Blair Atoll. We also toured Glamis Castle. Though we had a car with our family of 4 on that trip, when I've gone alone I've taken the trains as I don't do the left-drive. But on the driving trip we stopped at Loch Ness and Urquart Castle on the way back from Inverness.

With Ireland, personally I would try for the west and Galway instead of Limerick but it depends on what you are looking for. Be sure to take in some Traditional music (very available in the west but also in Dublin of course) and BTW Galway is a 3 hour train ride straight across the country. It really depends on what you are interested in.

historytraveler

I think you'll have a great time doing it on your own. I'll come back later and mention some possible sites to visit, if someone doesn't beat me to it.

sheila

Generally, you will find the advice from here is not to stay IN Inverness, which is worth a visit but not a hotel room.

High End accommodation in that are leads to the automatic conclusion of Culloden House.

Other places to consider- The Dower House at Muir of Ord, Tulloch Castle at Dingwall- but only if you get one of the refurbished rooms.

I don't know what the base is to be for, but if the focus is West Coast, you could look at the Inverlochy in Fort William instead

Attnymom

We loved Inverlochy Castle in Fort William. We took the train from Edinburgh (through Glasgow) and while the journey was long, the scenery was breathtaking. There is not much to do in Fort William, but the castle and surrounding areas are absolutely beautiful. The staff (especially Sandy) couldn't have been nicer or more helpful. Our stay was very relaxing and the food was delicious - there is a Michelin starred chef on the premises. We had a wonderful time just exploring the grounds and nearby scenery. I highly recommend including Inverlochy Castle in your itinerary.

p.s. To prepare for your trip to Scotland check out "The Monarch of the Glen" BBC television series. You might be able to check them out from your local library. We were hooked from the first episode!

annw

If you do go to Galway look at the Great Southern hotel.

annw

I take it back; it's gone downhill apparently.

Consider checking out Tripadvisor.com for reviews on your hotel prospects.

Evagem94

My husband and I spent one night in Inverness about 3 1/2 years ago at the end of a private tour. We had time at the end of the tour before our bus back to Edinburgh and our guide recommended Black Friars Pub. We only had about an hour but this pub was a highlight for us. Food was good and there were some very friendly locals in for a pint that stopped to chat and even put on a show by singing some gaelic tunes.

worldtraveller555

Wow thanks for all the input! We booked a room at this hotel www.loch-ness-lodge.com/ near Iverness (not directly in Iverness), but perhaps we will check out Fort Williams instead! We just wanted a base to explore the west coast highlands.

janisj

Oh -- Loch Ness Lodge is wonderful. That is what we meant by not staying IN Inverness. We all thought you meant you wanted to stay in the city and that is what folks were warning about. This isn't in Inverness and is lovely.

And Loch Ness Lodge would be <u>much</u> nicer than staying IN Ft William.