Booking TOurs in Edinburgh

I don't know how early they get sold out, but if you only have two days in Scotland do you really want to spend one of them on a bus? Okay, I admit I think that day trips the highlands are like day trips to Niagara Falls from NYCtwo hours of site seeing for ten hours of time on a bus. :( There is so much to see in Edinburgh and the immediate area, why spend all those hours on the bus? But, to each his own. If you want to know some things to see in Edinburgh and in the immediate area that will give you a really good introduction to Scotland where you don't have to spend hours and hours on a bus, let me know. Pam PS Don't get me wrong, the highlands are spectacular, but a Rabbie's tour is skimming the surface. Why not plan on another trip to Scotland. : )

Hi Pinkshoes!
I agree with Pam above. There is a lot to do in Edinburgh in 2 days. If that's all you have, then I would skip the Rabbie's Tours. I have taken 2 one-day Rabbie's Tours. Really enjoyed them. But, we were in Scotland for 2 weeks. Alnwick Castle Tour in Scottish Borders area was sold-out. Other Rabbie's Tours were only half full. The coach holds a maximum of 16 people. You could book a Rabbie's Tour just a few days in advance and probably not have a problem getting onboard. Even the morning of. The office is located directly across from Starbuck's on Royal Mile. (Bridge Street) Edinburgh Sights: Castle, Holyrood Palace, St. Giles, Britannia, Art Museum, plenty to see and do in 2 days.

Thanks both of you. I was considering a day trip because I wasnt sure if Edinburgh had enough sights to see for 2 days.
Other than the castle/Royal Mile/Arthur's seat, what else is relevant? Would rather explore the city than take a hectic day trip - so any offbeat/interesting suggestions are appreciated

Thanks both of you. I was considering a day trip because I wasnt sure if Edinburgh had enough sights to see for 2 days.
Other than the castle/Royal Mile/Arthur's seat, what else is relevant? Would rather explore the city than take a hectic day trip - so any offbeat/interesting suggestions are appreciated /quote] what else is there? what else do you want to do/see? have you used google? if not, try googling "things to do and see in Edinburgh" and see what floats your boat. fyi, i took an all day tour up to Loch Ness. It stopped at a couple places on the way there too. if you dont know whats in Edinburgh, why not let us know what you like so we can make suggestions. as far as (afa) how far out to book a tour? look at it this way. How close do you want to play with the schedule and NOT get the tour? If the tour is one or the major thing im going to do, then i book ASAP. If not, i will skip the tour and probably the city. happy trails.

If you run out of things to do in Edinburgh itself, which I think is unlikely, a better day trip would be to visit Stirling, particularly if you like history and castles. You can take the train. This is an outstanding castle and of course, this is where Wallace defeated Edward and just to the East is where Bruce defeated his son Edward II. The Geography is very interesting to history/battle buffs. But, if you just wanted to some beautiful countryside, take the train to Dunkeld and go for a hike. The hills are beautiful and the town of Dunkeld has a small cathedral and some restored old houses. Have lunch at the Taybank. You could also walk in Birnam Wood along the Tay. Nice old Wade Bridge as well. Catch the train back to Edinburgh. But in truth, I think you'll find plenty to do in Edinburgh. Tell me about your interests and I can make some recommendations.