International Travel Planning … on your own … without a net, Part 5
Posted in European Travel, Travel, Travel Planning | By Wolfstone | Tags: Travel, Travel Planning
Scotland: Fall 2009
Well, it’s time to firm up the itinerary. This is undoubtedly the most subjective part of the entire trip planning process.
I want to see Bagpipe Bands – you want to see the symphony…
I want to see where Ben Franklin lived in London – you want to see where Bono has breakfast!
(Actually, you’ll be waiting a long time because Bono lives in Ireland!) I want to rent a car and see the countryside – you want to rent a video and stay in your hotel room…
I want to see the locations where they filmed Harry Potter and Highlander – you have never seen a Harry Potter movie and think Highlander is an SUV!
So, what follows is what I would like to see. Heck, I didn’t even consult my wife on this! (Although I did throw in one night at the theatre in London for safety…)
So, here we go…
Last week I designed a package that would put us in:
• London – 1 Night
• Glasgow – 4 Nights
• Aviemore – 4 Nights
• Edinburgh – 4 Nights
I’m going to break it down into one week segments:
DAY 1
LEAVE FOR LONDON
DAY 2
LONDON
Arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick between 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM depending upon which flight I ultimately choose … (still looking at British Airways for that “country of origin” experience)
Heathrow or Gatwick Express train to downtown London (appox. 30 minutes)
RT Fare:£32 per person ($47.00)
www.heathrowexpress.com
www.gatwickexpress.com
Afternoon: Check into a hotel near Euston Station (trains leave directly for Glasgow)
Evening: West End Theatre
www.londontheatre.co.uk
DAY 3
LONDON
London Eye
The big fancy ferris wheel looking attraction across the river from central London
Approximately a 30 minute ride
£17.00 per person ($25.00) (not including Fast Track Tickets, or the 10% online discount)
www.londoneye.com
Within walking distance on the south side of the Thames:
Tate Modern
One of four Tate Galleries, this is the national gallery of Modern Art. Opened in 2000 in a no longer used power station across the river from central London.
And in a city of infamously high prices you can’t beat the admission charge …£0
(Special exhibits may charge an additional fee)
www.tate.org.uk/modern
Bus Tour
A bit of a toss up. There are two major competitors: The Original Tour & Big Bus Tours. Both are hop on hop off buses that travel around the city. Each company offers additional perks and discounts, so check out their websites, and, check out their routes.
Original Tour: £24 per person ($35.28)
Big Bus: £25 per person ($36.75)
www.theoriginaltour.com
www.bigbustours.com
Evening: Train to Glasgow from Euston Station
Virgin Trains operates an evening train leaving at 7:30 and arrives in Glasgow just after midnight. (First ScotRail also operates an overnight sleeper)
Virgin Train Rates -
£43.50 per person ($63.95) (Standard Class – Advanced Purchase)
£86.50 per person ($127.15) (First Class – Advanced Purchase)
www.virgintrains.co.uk
Late Night Check in at Glasgow hotel
DAY 4
GLASGOW
Walking
Central City
Local Bus Tour
A hop on hop off tour covering the north side of the River Clyde
£10.00 ($14.70) (valid for two consecutive days – other discount available)
www.citysightseeingglasgow.co.uk
The Burrell Collection (Art Museum)
Located in Pollock County Park south of the city it is necessary to take a bus or rail if you don’t have a car. This museum contains over 9000 works of art donated by Sir William Burrell in 1944.
As part of the Glasgow Museum Collections there is no charge for admission £0.00
www.glasgowmuseums.com
DAY 5
GLASGOW
Culzean Castle (Train & Bus)
This is the first out of town excursion. Culzean (Cull-ane) Castle near Maybole is set on over 600 acres of park land including gardens, fountains, caves, shops, dining and even limited luxury accommodations.
Unless you have a car it is necessary to take the train from Glasgow Central, then transfer to a local bus for the remaining four mile journey to the entrance of the park. (Be aware that there is a bit of a walk (1 mile downhill) from the front gate to the castle and visitor’s centre so time your trip accordingly to catch a returning bus to the train station).
£13.00 per person ($19.11) Castle and Country Park (not including the train and bus fares)
www.culzeanexperience.org
www.firstscotrail.com
www.stagecoachbus.com
DAY 6
GLASGOW
Isle of Arran (Train/Ferry)
This is the second out of town excursion that’s just a little more complicated. Below are the first of the day and last of the day opportunities to catch the train/ferry combo to Arran and back.
The Isle of Arran is known “Scotland in Miniature”. At only 25 miles long it contains both the Highlands and Lowlands of the Scottish mainland. Brodick Castle, several food producers such as Arran Fine Foods, even a whiskey distillery dot the small island.
OUTBOUND
Depart Glasgow: 8:33 AM
Depart Ardrossan: 9:45
Arrive Brodick: 10:40
INBOUND
Depart Brodick: 19:20
Arrive Ardrossan: 20:15
Arrive Glasgow: 21:27
That will give you about 6 hours on the island (similar to a cruise ship shore excursion)
Train Rate:
£14.30 per person $21.02
www.firstscotrail.co.uk
Ferry Rates:
£5.45 per person (no vehicle)
£40.00 Car
www.calmac.co.uk Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries
Next time I’ll add a car into the itinerary and head north into the highlands.
Tags: Travel, Travel Planning