Trip vs trip
Grand Western Scenic Wonders, 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 Western Scenic Wonders, Northbound Belmond | London to Edinburgh Explorer Tour Authentic Europe | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| From price | $33,321 | $1,385 |
| Price per day | $4,165 | $173 |
| Rail share | 100% | 38% |
| Pace | fast | relaxed |
| Comfort | luxury | |
| Guiding | Luxury escorted rail journey | 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 $4,165 (Grand Western Scenic Wonders, Northbound).
- For time on the train: Grand Western Scenic Wonders, Northbound spends the most of the trip on rails: 100% rail share, against 38% (London to Edinburgh Explorer Tour).
- For support level: Grand Western Scenic Wonders, 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 Western Scenic Wonders, Northbound runs fast; London to Edinburgh Explorer Tour runs relaxed.
Grand Western Scenic Wonders, Northbound: worth knowing
- The evidence lists no current departure dates for this itinerary; confirm scheduling and availability directly with Belmond.
- The day 6 hike through Nevis Gorge runs weather permitting, so it may not always be available.
- Day 5 in Edinburgh offers free time as an alternative to the guided lunch on board, so part of that day is unguided if you choose it.
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.