Edinburgh priorities with only 3 nights (2 1/2 days)

Tough call!!! I’m a big fan of Rabbies and have taken many of their tours. But for such a short stay I would probably take a short day trip by train to see Dunbar or North Berwick to see the coast and sea birds. That doesn’t have to be booked ahead of time so you can decide once there. But maybe you’ll see alot of the coast in Ireland and the Highlands would be something different.

Good luck deciding. No wrong choice here.

Do you anticipate returning to see more of Scotland in the foreseeable future? If so, staying put in Edinburgh sounds fine. There’s no shortage of sights to see and history to explore there.

If not, I think a day trip to the Highlands might be worth it. I suggest one like the West Highlands, Lochs & Castles tour, which includes some marvelous sights without making you spend endless hours in the van.

The Highlands are quite some distance from Edinburgh (somewhat closer to Glasgow), so it's not an even swap. You'd be giving up a full day in Edinburgh in exchange for X hours sitting in a van and considerably less than a full day in the Highlands--plus the cost of the tour. It might still be worth it to you, but there's a lot to see in Edinburgh.

I personally would just stay in Edinburgh- there is so much to do there, even with 2.5 days you will have to prioritise. The Highlands are far and you will spend much of that day sitting on bus (tho admittedly going thru very nice scenery).

Just stay in Edinburgh. It’s a great city with lots to see. You could spend one entire day just on the royal mile, starting at the castle, then wandering down to Holyrood, stopping at many places along the way. Then there are many other museums and sights to visit after that. My last visit I was there for six days with two day trips to other places, but the four whole days in the city still weren’t enough. You never know how long you will want to linger in a museum or castle until you get there, and you don’t want to rush a visit you are enjoying because you have a list of other places you want to visit, and too little time.

Unsure if giving up 1 full day for the Highlands is worth 1 full day in Edinburgh.

It isn’t.

You're comparing apples to oranges.

There's more than enough to see in and around Edinburgh to fill more than 2½ days.

Do you see a return to Scotland in your future to really explore the country? If not, maybe the West Highlands tour would be worthwhile for you. Just understand that about half of your tour day is on the minibus, although you will have some spectacular scenery.

Maybe you'll need a city break after 2 weeks in Ireland. How are you getting around in Ireland? If using public transportation or motorcoach tour you may be tired of bus time.

I really want to thank everyone that took the time to reply and give advice. You helped me decide to stay in Edinburgh with the limited amount of time we have.

THANK YOU!!