I want to take a RS tour to the Scotland Highlands. I am an active 70 yr. old and this is my first trip on my own. What would be the best tour to take as a novice?
Posted by
Atlanta
4825 posts
The best one will be the longest one (13 days) if you have the time. With air fares being what they are, you'll get more "bang for your buck" if you can stay as long as possible. With a shorter tour you'll just be getting in the swing of things before it's over. You'll be surprised at how quickly the time flies. We've been to Scotland several times (a couple on RS tours) and they were both great! You'll not go wrong regardless.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8372 posts
Rick Steves has two different tours focusing on Scotland.
1. Heart of Scotland
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/england-scotland/heart-scotland
2. Best of Scotland
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/england-scotland/scotland
You can compare these two tours for itinerary and price. I would go for the Best of Scotland tour (13 days) if this will work for you and I would encourage you to pay for the single supplement as well. I have traveled as a solo traveler on two RS tours and have two more coming up. The group has always been pretty congenial and I enjoyed traveling with such a friendly group. I like learning about the places we go from the tour guides and have had some unique experiences.
That said, having a place that was "my own" at the end of the day was always worth it so I always go for the single supplement.
I think you would enjoy the tour and find that although it is your first trip on your own, you will do great!
Posted by
Atlanta
2469 posts
I would go for the 13 day Scotland tour, I will confirm what TC and Carol have said that the time will fly by and you will see much more than the 8 day tour. I can attest to what fun the tours are because I have been on 8 so far! I will be taking my 9th tour next April. I’m also an active senior, exercise regularly and definitely find the tours to be doable. Also, I purchase the single supplement- I need the quiet time to recharge.
Go for it! You will enjoy it.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
I want to schedule the 13 day tour in April. There are 3 tours to choose from, and I'm sure they are all terrific, but which one would provide the best opportunity to see any events/festivals along the way. Any information or personal experience would be most helpful and appreciciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8372 posts
Here are some dates that you may want to keep in mind.
April 9th is Easter Sunday. This may impact what the tour is able to do on and around those dates.
April 17th- If I read the school holiday schedule for Scotland correctly, this is the day that students return to school.
I don't know if the April 18th tour would give you more festivals, but it might give you less competition for sightseeing as families with students would be back in school.