I'm in the early stages of planning for a late spring trip that would include 8 to 9 nights in Scotland in-between England and Ireland. My husband and I (active seniors) will definitely not be renting a car. We plan to use train/bus and supplement with guided day trips such as those offered by Rabbies. I'm trying to decide between the following two scenarios, but if anyone has an even better option, please suggest it. This is a first trip, and we are interested in history, natural beauty, local culture and cuisine.
Option 1:
Arriving by train from York:
Edinburgh - 3 nights
Train to Inverness, stay 4 nights (1 day to explore local, 2 days for Rabbie day tours)
return to Edinburgh - 1 night
Fly from Edinburgh to Dublin
My main concern with this option is having to backtrack to Edinburgh and a 1 night stay (usually prefer to stay at least 3 nights in a location)
Option 2:
Arriving by train from York:
Edinburgh - 3 nights
Train to Inverness, stay 3 nights (1 day to explore, 1 day for Rabbie day tour)
Train to Glasgow, stay 3 nights (1 day to explore, 1 day for Rabbie day tour)
Fly from Glasgow to Dublin
This option adds 1 more night over Option 1, which means I'd have to shorten a different location by 1 day (currently have London 6 nights, York 3 nights before Scotland and Galway 4 nights, Dublin 4 nights after)
I'd appreciate any helpful advice.
Thank you!