nicatnite

can anyone recommend the best area to visit in scotland for a first trip? i'm interested in seeing the historical side and castles. Also has anyone been on a tour of Scotland that they would recommend?

teacher33

When are you going? How long? Will you have a car? Give us a few clues and we could be more helpful.

nicatnite

we will be going for approximately nine days and will not have a car. there will be four of us traveling . we prefer a tour to do the transport and planned sightseeing and hotel stays for us. We plan to go either June or September next year.

janisj

OK - from your other thread we know you are 30-somethings. I really don't recommend a tour for a few of reasons

Most "adult" tours are geared to the 55+ age group, and really more 65+. Most budget tours are geared to 18-25 yo's. W/ the former you be the babies of the group, and w/ the latter you'll be the "old fogies".

Plus tours are not cheap. For a single they definitely can make economic sense. But multiplied by the 4 of you you'll be paying a fortune to have your bags in the corridor at 6:30 every moring and ride a coach all day.

Is there a reason you don't want to rent a car?

Anywhy there is no way we can answer the &quot;<i>best area to visit in scotland for a first trip?</i>&quot;. Scotland is a BIG place and it is totally covered w/ historical sites and amazing scenery. I suggest you click on DESTINATIONS above and get an idea of what Scotland has to offer and come back w/ a bit more focus.

Why did you pick Scotland? Are there any sites you have heard of and/or must visit? Anything to help us help you.

Traveling independently in Scotland could not be easier. But if you all decide a tour is the way to go - then I'd just go to Edinburgh, and then book a few day's coach tour that starts and ends in the city. You could do 3 days in Edinburgh followed by a 5 or 6 day coach tour. (But that definitely would not be my preference)

ShelliDawn

It's always a trade-off, seeing more places or seeing a place in more depth when one has limited time. Nine days is pretty limited. I prefer to see a place in more depth. I also like not having to be hauling my luggage around every other day.

So, my suggestion would be to pick a maximum of 2 bases and explore each for 4-5 days. Perhaps Edinburgh and Inverness?

Also, it would be really easy to spend the whole time in Edinburgh exploring the both the city and taking some day trips from there. A quick internet search will give you loads of ideas for day trips, both guided and on your own (via train/bus).

hannafonckers

If you are a Braveheart fan,you should check out William Wallace's memorial in Sterling...it's very cool...

plainenglish

Please don't do a tour. You absolutely don't need it. Good suggestions to do Edinburgh and Inverness. Stay four days in Edinburgh and then rent a car and drive up to Inverness. So much to see and explore.

sunsurfsand

I agree with the other posters about not doing a tour. I think you will feel stifled by a chaperone and at your age do not need &quot;looking after&quot;.
I think when you get there you will want to be free and easy and not restricted by a routine.
Up at 6:00 breakfast at 7:00 and on the road at 8:00 in an airconditioned coach you can't escape from.
Scotland is wild and wonderful and you will want to be &quot;free&quot; to enjoy it.