RS Best of Scotland Tour....Independently

I haven't been on the tour, but following a tour itinerary isn't a bad idea. Only keep in mind that a tour may be able to move faster because the guide has done all the logistics ahead of time. Driving on roads in the highlands is not too much of a challenge; I would just try to avoid being out there after dark, but in May that's very easy to do.

For other itineraries -- if only just to confirm that you're making the right choice in following in the footsteps of RS Best of -- take a look at the Secret Scotland website or https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/itineraries/

I have (more or less) followed some Rick Steves tour itineraries on my own over the years, although always modified to some extent for my own tastes (sometimes highly modified). It generally works fine, with a few caveats:

You won't be able to manage the same pace. On some days you will be able to, on others that could easily wear you out, make you miserable, or simply be impossible. You need to look at each day separately, and factor in that you will be less efficient (the tour driver knows the way, doesn't get lost, doesn't have to negotiate with your spouse, has a clear plan, etc.). OTOH you will have the freedom to skip things the tour does (if you can't/don't want to do them), and of course add your own. You need to be careful to be realistic with what you can accomplish in a day and still enjoy it (and stay married...).

The small hotels that the tours use are often booked up solid, a year in advance, by...you guessed it, a Rick Steves tour. This can wipe out a lot of the best lodging options (especially in small towns), so be more flexible and be prepared to cast a wider net when looking for accommodations.

More than once, I have found myself competing for space in a small town with a Rick Steves tour. They're pretty easy to spot wandering the streets and dining in the recommended restaurants...

My thanks to both of you. Good suggestions for me to consider. This will me our first European trip as a couple and I'm 74. We started this Europe thing in 2007 while watching a RS television program on Italy. at my 82 year-old mother-in-law's home. I'd never heard of Rick Steves, but she commented that she had always dreamed of going to Tuscany, but when she was younger had two many responsibilities and not enough money, and now she was too old. On the way home I concocted a scheme to take her to Italy, and a few months with the help of Rick's guide book, DVD and this forum I was able to pull it off. Twelve years later and two, two-week trips to the Scotland and England, Normandy and Provence and two with her to Hawaii she has decided to stop traveling....at 95 (she retired at 90 after playing the organ in her church for 60 years). Traveling with my MIL taught me to pace myself and only plan about 2/3 of each day, leaving time for the unexpected "back door", and to rest. I appreciate your pointing it our, though, because this whole area is all new to me. Only Rick's DVD so far. Thanks

Jim

When we were there a number of years ago, we had no trouble on any of the roads, and on that trip the rental car company gave us a mini-van sized vehicle. Our rough itinerary was Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Elgin, Portree and Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Oban, then over into England Harrogate, York, and back to Edinburgh. The only narrow road I recall was on the Isle of Skye. It was one lane, but had many pull outs so cars can pass.

You can follow the itinerary, but I have to tell you that you can't replicate some of the things that make a Rick Steves tour unique. I like independent travel and do so often. However, I also know that there are some elements of a tour that don't translate. I enjoy both ways of travel.

The group dynamics are a definite plus on a tour. Traveling with and sharing experiences with a friendly group of people is a different experience and surprisingly fun.

The smooth logistics and educational value of the guide can't be overstated. The guide brings so much to the tour in terms of education and experience.