I am planning on booking a tour of Scotland and Ireland for two weeks, but prior to the tour, would like to see northern England for a week by train and bus. I am traveling solo, and was thinking about flying to London, then taking the National Rail to York for 2-3 nights. Are there good day trips from York by bus? What other town(s) should be a priority by bus or train for 3-4 nights? Following my week in northern England, I was going to take the train to Edinburgh to start a tour of Scotland. Does anyone have any recommendations for a good, affordable tour company to see the highlights of Scotland and Ireland? Thank you!
Posted by
Yorkshire
1212 posts
There are very good weekly area rail pases ,check the national rail site
Posted by
London, UK
452 posts
for tour companies in Scotland try Rabbies. www.rabbies.com. I've never tried them myself but heard good reviews of them. They have one day tours out of Edinburgh and 3 day tours to Skye for instance. Also departures out of Glasgow. Hopefully someone will chime in with suggestions for Ireland.
Open jaw airline ticket into Manchester and out of Dublin would seem to make sense, although you don't say where you are starting from. You can easily book a short flight from Edinburgh to Dublin when you have a better idea of your itinerary.
Katy
Posted by
3122 posts
In the north of England continuing north from York I would recommend Durham -- a very charming town -- and, if you enjoy outdoor walking, the eastern Hadrian's Wall segment.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you everyone for your kind replies and feedback. I think now I will focus on York and Durham and do a day trip to Hadrian's Wall, then train to Edinburgh. I appreciate your comments, they have helped me.
Posted by
9 posts
I have been on a 5 day/4 night coach tour with National Holidays to the Highlands. They are extremely reasonably priced compared to anything I've seen in the states. They have various pick up locations and provide bed, breakfast, dinners, entertainment and excursions. Great trip! Another company is Highland Heritage. I have family members that speak highly of them.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you for the suggestion of tour companies, I am researching them right now. Much appreciated!