kja

No worries about safety as a solo female in any of these places.

Slovenia maybe. Combining it with Croatia with only one week is not something I would recommend. And trying to visit even a part of Croatia wouldn’t be my choice for a week either – IMO, too far to go to skip so very much. While I agree that a visit to the Plitvice Lakes National Park is well worthwhile, I, personally, would want to have at least one overnight in the area to take full advantage of the opportunity to see those magnificent lakes and waterfalls. Note that trying to visit the Plitvice Lakes without a car can get tricky. It is easy enough to get there by bus from Zagreb -- a city that I really enjoyed, BTW -- but buses passing through the park apparently don't always stop to pick anyone up, making departure a bit less certain than I (solo female traveler) would like. JMO.

From your interests, I think your idea of Scotland makes a lot of sense, but instead of flying to Orkney, I’d opt for the scenic rails through the Scottish mainland – Edinburgh north, then west, then south again, with a stop here or there. Just an idea.

bamafam

Wow, so many great ideas! I have a lot of thinking to do...this has been really helpful. Thank you all.

bilboburgler

never paid £300 return for that flight in my life. Last time £89 return.

Gardyloo

<i>never paid £300 return for that flight in my life. Last time £89 return.</i>

I just did a random check, not definitive. (I use ITA.) FlyBe hasn't released schedules for next June so I did a 30-day search with a 3-day stay-over for October for this year. Making it 7 days (which the OP doesn't have) dropped it thirty quid or so. Try it yourself - http://matrix.itasoftware.com/

bilboburgler

using logan air (same aircraft) knocking in between £90 and £120 one way, but that is only with three weeks notice. I normally buy 90 days out.

bamafam

Having thought, researched and played around with countless itinerary permutations, the winner is...Scotland! Thank you again to everyone for your tips and suggestions. Now I just need to decide how to divvy up the days. I'm sure I will be back for itinerary input down the road!

kja

Congratulations on reaching a decision! At this point, you might find it very helpful to consult some really good guidebooks (either by buying them -- well worth the investment, IME, or at your local library) -- perhaps the <i>Michelin Green Guide</i> (even though you aren't driving) and either the <i>Rough Guide</i> or <i>Lonely Planet</i>.

Enjoy your planning!

janisj

For Scotland -- look for "Scotland the Best" by Peter Irvine. It isn't a 'guidebook' as such, but more a gazetteer of everything Scotland.

The best pubs, best views, best castles, best distillery tours, best beaches, best walks, best waterfalls, best hotels, best just about every thing you can imagine.

VeshaliNarang

Rome is the beautiful place to explore you can enjoy Villa Ada, Grattachecca in San Giovanni,Casa del Jazz, PompiTiramisù.
If you can spare some time to explore some more destination in Italy like: Amalfi coast, Sicily,Venice and much more.

MRaiser

B&Bs in Scotland are very affordable. We eat our breakfast there and then visit a local grocery for some snack/picnic foods and never buy lunch. A collapsible cooler is always packed in the large outside pocket of my suitcase.

Dinner at an inn or pub...

MRaiser

or check trains from locations outside London where accomodations will be less expensive. Many day trips possible that way. We plan Dover on our next trip but Portsmouth is also a must do for us before long.

suze

Ah I see you already crossed it off a couple days ago, Santorini would definitely be my interest. But that's all about my own tastes. anyway have fun with your trip, and thanks now I want to go to Greece -lol! suze

PalenQ

http://findabunkhouse.com/

Bunkhouses are cheap rustic UK accommodations for ramblers (walkers) - some are accessible by public transit or close to it.

bamafam

Thanks again for all the tips.

PalenQ

Please do report back!

garethdavey2

You've got to look at Slovenia - https://goaskbecki.com/2016/09/14/15...isit-slovenia/

Some brilliant photos from Triglav and Bled! Slovenia was incredible!