Trip vs trip
Grand Taste of The Highlands, Northbound vs London to Edinburgh Explorer Tour
Two ways to do a similar journey. Every number below is from the operators' own published details, verified on the dates shown on each trip page.
| Grand Taste of The Highlands, Northbound Belmond | London to Edinburgh Explorer Tour Authentic Europe | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6 days | 8 days |
| From price | $24,573 | $1,385 |
| Price per day | $4,096 | $173 |
| Rail share | 100% | 38% |
| Pace | fast | relaxed |
| Comfort | luxury | |
| Guiding | Train Manager throughout, with local guides and hosts (including broadcaster Ghillie Basan) for excursions | Self-guided |
| Countries | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Named trains | Royal Scotsman | |
| Nights on board | yes | no |
Which one, honestly
- For value: London to Edinburgh Explorer Tour costs the least per day here: $173 against $4,096 (Grand Taste of The Highlands, Northbound).
- For time on the train: Grand Taste of The Highlands, Northbound spends the most of the trip on rails: 100% rail share, against 38% (London to Edinburgh Explorer Tour).
- For support level: Grand Taste of The Highlands, Northbound and London to Edinburgh Explorer Tour are escorted; London to Edinburgh Explorer Tour runs independently, so you set the daily plan.
- For pace: Grand Taste of The Highlands, Northbound runs fast; London to Edinburgh Explorer Tour runs relaxed.
Grand Taste of The Highlands, Northbound: worth knowing
- The evidence lists no current departure dates for this itinerary; confirm scheduling and availability directly with Belmond.
- On day 3 in Edinburgh, the guided lunch at Brasserie Prince has a free-time alternative, so part of that day is unguided if you choose it.
- The day 4 hike through Nevis Gorge is described as moderate-grade and calls for a reasonable level of fitness; the alternative Glenfinnan tour suits those who prefer less exertion.
London to Edinburgh Explorer Tour: worth knowing
- This is a self-guided trip: the evidence lists no guided tours or activities in any of the four cities.
- Optional extra nights are listed only for Edinburgh and London, not for York or Manchester.
- The evidence names a hotel with a location for Edinburgh (Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge) but lists Market Street Hotel and The Grand without stating which city each serves.