Trip Includes
- Access to the historic Edinburgh Castle.
- A flexible hop-on, hop-off bus tour to explore Edinburgh at your own pace.
- One night’s accommodation in a centrally located 3-star hotel, with breakfast provided.
- A return rail journey in standard class, featuring comfortable, reserved seats.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi available onboard your train.
- A helpful information pack to guide your explorations.
Not Included
- Meals, with the exception of breakfast at your hotel on Day 2.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off services.
- The services of a dedicated tour guide.
Day 1: Journey to Edinburgh
Your train is scheduled to depart from London King’s Cross at 7:00 AM, with an anticipated arrival in Edinburgh at 11:20 AM.
Day 2: Return to London
On your return journey, the train is expected to depart from Edinburgh at 5:30 PM, arriving back at London King’s Cross at 10:09 PM.
Please note that train times are subject to change due to operational requirements.
Your electronic tickets and vouchers for this tour will be sent to you by email one week before your scheduled departure date. If you book within one week of travel, these documents will be emailed within 24 hours of your booking.
It is recommended that you arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled train departure time.
Overnight Accommodation:
The prices provided for accommodation are per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room. If you are traveling alone, a single occupancy price will apply.
Tour Guidance:
This tour is unescorted, meaning you will have the freedom to explore independently.
Train Seating:
While every effort will be made to fulfill any requests for specific seating on the train, this cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in my booking?
For specific inclusions and exclusions, you should check the page for your chosen tour or contact us. Generally, gratuities for your guide and driver are not included but are at your discretion.
Can I change my booking?
You can usually amend your booking free of charge, subject to availability, in line with the tour operator’s Amendments & Cancellations policy (found in their Booking Conditions). However, be aware that some Rail Tours and Attractions may be non-refundable and non-changeable.
Do I need to print my e-ticket?
For tours and experiences, you generally don’t need to print your e-ticket, but you should bring an electronic copy with you. For attractions, you will typically need a printed copy of your ticket to gain admission.
Preparing for Your Tour
What should I bring with me?
You should bring:
- Your ticket (either an e-ticket or a printed ticket; printed is required for attractions).
- For tours or experiences, you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch and a cold drink. Hot food and hot drinks are usually not allowed onboard the coach.
- An umbrella or waterproofs in case of wet weather.
- Instructions on how to get to your departure point.
- Spare change if you wish to tip your guide or driver.
- For Paris Rail Tours, you must bring your Passport and Visa (if applicable).
- If you’ve booked a Rail Tour, bring your train tickets and attraction tickets, which are typically sent to you in advance.
Where is the departure point?
Most full-day coach tours depart from Victoria Coach Station, but other departure points are also used. Always check your confirmation for full details or contact the tour operator.
What time should I arrive?
- Coach Tours: Arrive 30 minutes before departure for boarding.
- Small-Group Experiences: Arrive 30 minutes before departure for boarding.
- Walking Tours: Arrive 15 minutes before departure for boarding.
- Rail Tours: Arrive in plenty of time for departure, generally at least 30 minutes prior. For Eurostar, you must arrive at the meeting time stated in your confirmation.
What is the finish point?
Most coach tours typically finish at Victoria Train Station, but other locations are also used. Check your confirmation for full details or contact the tour operator.
My booking includes food and I have an allergy, what should I do?
You should call or email the tour operator at least 72 hours in advance of your booking to inform them of any dietary requirements. While they will do everything possible to accommodate your needs, they cannot always guarantee this when working with third-party providers.
What happens if I’m running late?
- Coach Tours: Coaches must depart on time for the enjoyment of other passengers and to avoid penalties. For most tours, there’s no opportunity to join at a later point.
- Walking Tours: If the guide can be notified in advance, they might wait a couple of minutes before departing. If the tour has already started, it won’t be possible to join.
- Rail Tours:
- For Bicester Village, Warwick, and Oxford Tours: Train tickets are usually fully flexible, allowing you to board the next available service.
- For all other UK Tour destinations and Paris Tours: Train tickets are typically non-exchangeable and non-refundable, and cannot be used on any other service.
- Private Chauffeured Experiences: As this is a private experience, the driver and guide are at your disposal, but you should inform them if you are running late. Note that the experience length cannot be extended due to a late start.
- Attractions: If you have booked a time slot, call the operator to see what can be done. If there’s no time slot booked, you can generally turn up at the attraction when you wish (subject to opening times).
Are there toilets on board the coach or train?
For coach tours, most coaches have toilets on board, though this cannot be guaranteed. For small group experiences, vehicles typically do not have on-board toilets, but regular stops are made.
Is food permitted on the coach?
You are generally welcome to bring and eat snacks or a packed lunch on the coach. However, for health, safety, and hygiene reasons, hot drinks, hot food, ice cream, and any foods with a strong odor are usually not permitted.
Can I reserve a specific seat on the coach or train?
Seat reservations are generally not taken on coaches. The front 8 seats are often reserved for people with disabilities, and guides also need to sit at the front to access the microphone.
Can I leave part way through a tour?
You can leave a tour or experience partway through. Please inform your guide so they don’t wait for you. Be aware that the order of a tour or experience cannot be guaranteed, so if you plan to leave at a particular destination, you may forgo any remaining stops.
I’ve booked a Rail Tour; can I return on an earlier or later train?
Unfortunately, the tickets purchased are usually non-changeable and non-refundable. If you wish to return at a later or earlier time, it’s suggested to inquire at the station ticket office; however, any change may be subject to an additional fee. For Warwick, Bicester & Oxford Tours, an open return journey is often purchased, allowing you to return whenever you like.
Can I bring luggage with me?
As long as you can lift your luggage into the under-coach compartments, you are generally welcome to bring it along. Always bring all valuable items with you when leaving the coach.
Can I bring a wheelchair?
Most vehicles can accommodate guests with foldable wheelchairs, provided they can transfer from their wheelchairs to the designated seats unaided or with assistance from a carer or relative. For guests traveling with wheelchair-bound needs or mobility scooters, it’s crucial to contact the operator at least seven days before travel to ensure a suitable vehicle can be arranged or that the scooter can be stored in the luggage compartment. Note that tour staff cannot assist with boarding and wheeling due to health and safety regulations; your carer or relative must help. Also, some tours involve intense walking and may not be recommended for people with limited mobility.
What should I do if I left one of my personal items on the coach?
You should email reservations@evanevanstours.co.uk with a detailed description of the item(s) you lost, including your name on the booking and reference number. Their team will investigate and get back to you if your item is found.