Frequently Asked Questions

A valid Canadian passport is required to visit the UK. No visa is required. However, if you are travelling on a passport issued by another country (although a resident in Canada), please check visa requirements with the embassy. We recommend that your passport be valid between 3 to 6 months following your return to Canada.

http://www.passport.gc.ca/info/

*IMPORTANT* ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): From January 8, 2025, UK law requires travellers who are entering or transiting through Great Britain to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling.

You can apply using the UK ETA app or online at GOV.UK. Applications should be submitted at least three days before travel. Most applicants will receive a decision within three working days, although some applications may take longer if additional checks are required.

Important Notice About ETA Applications: There are many websites that offer to help you apply for your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), but please be aware that some of them charge extra fees or may not be trustworthy. To ensure your application is secure and accurate, please use only the official website we provided. This is the safest and most reliable way to complete your ETA application. We are not liable for any additional fees you may incur if you choose to book your ETA through a source other than the official link provided above.

Scotland uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP)

Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance Tel: 999

These numbers are free of charge but should only be used in cases of genuine emergency. On answer, state which service you require, wait to be connected to that service, and then clearly state the location of where the assistance is required.

Scotland observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) Clocks are put forward 1 hour on the last Sunday in March and back 1 hour on the last Sunday in October.

Scotland has a mild but changeable climate, with cool summers and chilly winters. Rainfall is common throughout the year, and weather conditions can change quickly, sometimes bringing sunshine, showers and wind all in the same day. Summers are generally pleasant, with long daylight hours, while the Highlands tend to be cooler than the lowland areas.

Average Monthly Temperatures – Edinburgh

January 7°C

February 8°C

March 9°C

April 12°C

May 15°C

June 17°C

July 19°C

August 19°C

September 17°C

October 13°C

November 10°C

December 7°C

You’ll need to be adaptable. So go for layers that you can put on or take off as the temperature changes. Bring a sweater, even in summer; waterproofs to accompany all outdoor activities; sunglasses; comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella.

You can book online or by calling our reservations department directly at 1-866-907-8687 or by contacting your local travel agent. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express All prices are displayed and quoted in CAD unless stated otherwise.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Please speak with your travel agent or call one of our representatives, and we will be happy to arrange this for you.

Your travel documents will be sent by email approximately three weeks prior to departure. If you require your documents earlier, please provide at least one week’s notice.

Please read through all your paperwork to ensure that everything is correct.

In the event we cannot complete an activity due to unforeseen circumstances (Act of God), RIT will ensure a suitable alternative is added of equal or greater monetary value. Acts of God that can occur include, cancellations of visits or re-routing of tours due to inclement weather such as flooding (road closures etc.), high winds (ferry crossings delayed/ postponed, bridges closed) or icy / snowy road conditions. Other unforeseen circumstances that may occur that could affect aspects of the tour which are out of RIT’s control include strikes by workers, including public transport, visitor attractions and hotel employees. If RIT knows in advance of such circumstances, RIT will communicate with guests and update them on any changes to the itinerary. RIT will not offer any refunds as a result of an Act of God / unforeseen event and if you choose to cancel your tour, the regular cancellation policies will apply

Our buses are not wheelchair accessible, however we have large luggage compartments which will easily take a folding wheelchair or walking frame. Our staff are not able to offer physical assistance when boarding or disembarking from the buses at any point during the tour. Guests should be comfortable getting on and off the bus on their own or with the assistance of a travelling companion. If the person with accessibility needs does not have a travelling companion to assist them, we are unable to accommodate them on our tours.

Our tours often include short walks on uneven ground or cobblestones. Your trip may also visit historical sites with access restrictions. Everything is optional, so you’re welcome to do as much or as little as you please.

So, we can ensure you’re comfortable travelling with us, let us know about any special requirements or needs at the time of booking. It’s essential that you give us prior notice if you’re bringing a wheelchair (14kg/31lb max), a mobility aid, or need an accessible room.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation

A typical Bed & Breakfast (B&B) is a small, family-run accommodation offering a more personal and homely alternative to a hotel. They are often located in traditional houses, country homes or charming village properties, with a welcoming atmosphere and a freshly prepared Irish breakfast included in the stay, providing a wonderful opportunity to experience genuine Scottish hospitality.

Rooms are typically comfortable and simply furnished, with private ensuite bathrooms in most properties. Depending on the B&B, room types may include double, twin, single, triple and family rooms.

Room types available in B&B’s :

Double room – 1 double bed = sleeps 2 people

Twin room – 2 single beds = sleeps 2 people

Single room – 1 single bed = sleeps 1 person

Family room/ Triple Room – 1 double bed and 1 single bed = sleeps 3 people

Hotels in Scotland

Hotels in Scotland range from charming, independently owned properties to larger city hotels, country houses and luxury resorts. Most offer comfortable guest rooms with private ensuite bathrooms, daily housekeeping and facilities such as televisions, Wi-Fi and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Air conditioning is not as standard in Ireland as it is in many North American hotels. Many properties rely on natural ventilation.

Daily breakfast is included in all room rates (unless specified otherwise).

UK & Ireland Bed Sizes

Please note that bed sizes in the UK and Ireland differ from those commonly found in North America. Beds are generally narrower, so a UK/Ireland double bed is noticeably smaller than a North American Queen. For reference, approximate mattress dimensions are:

Twin rooms typically feature two separate single beds, which are narrower than standard North American beds. Please also be aware that bed dimensions can vary slightly between hotels and individual properties.

In historic manor houses and castles, historic bedding can differ to the above listed. These bed frames may be historic and may be shorter and higher off the ground than usual.

If bed size is particularly important, we recommend confirming the specific configuration with us prior to travel.

Hotel Room Sizes in the UK & Ireland

Hotel rooms in the UK and Ireland can be smaller than those typically found in North America. Many hotels are housed in historic buildings, traditional townhouses, country manors and converted heritage properties, where the original architecture and room layouts naturally limit available space.

Even some luxury and four- or five-star properties may offer more compact bedrooms than guests are accustomed to in Canada or the United States. While rooms are generally well-appointed and comfortable, space for luggage and additional amenities may be more limited.

We encourage guests to keep this in mind when selecting their accommodation, particularly when sharing a room or travelling with larger suitcases.

Absolutely! Call one of our representatives, and we will be happy to make the arrangements for you.

Group sizes range from 26 to 34 passengers depending on the tour, with a maximum of 34 guests per departure.

RIT Vacations permits one large piece of luggage and one carry-on bag per person.

Most tours do have a washroom on board – please check with our team. Our tours also make frequent stops, so you are never longer than 1 or 2 hours without having a comfortable restroom break. Your driver/guide will inform you when the next stop will be.

Yes, transfers are included, but only if your flights align with our tour’s coach schedule. We strongly recommend checking our designated arrival and departure times before booking your airfare. If you are arriving or departing at an alternate time, please contact RIT Vacations to verify if we can still offer free transfers. Otherwise, you can purchase separate transfers through us or make independent arrangements to meet the group at the hotel.

In Scotland the general rule of thumb is: Bags are outside your room at 7:00am, breakfast between 7:30 – 8:30am and leave the hotel by 9:00am. The tour will make plenty of stops during the day for visits, lunch, photo stops and comfort stops. Arrival at the next hotel is usually between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.

All of our tours are leisurely-paced and provide plenty of stops so you are never on the coach for too long. For the most part, our tours will overnight at least 2 nights in each hotel.

We do incorporate some walking tours. These are leisurely-paced guided walks. If you feel you are not able to participate, you do not have to.

You will need money for lunch each day and some dinners where specified on the tour itinerary. Lunch costs an average of approximately £15 per day and dinner from £ 25 and up.

For larger purchases, we suggest using your credit card (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted) and/or using an ATM to avoid carrying a large amount of cash.

Tipping is at your discretion, as a recommendation, we suggest as follows:
• Tour Guide: £7 per person/ per day
• Driver: £5.00 per person/ per day
• Local sightseeing guides: £ 3.00 -£ 5.00 per person/per tour
• Driver/Guide: £7 per person/ per day

All of our tours are conducted in English.

The minimum age to travel on our coach tours is 7 years of age.

RIT Vacations permits one large piece of luggage and one carry-on bag per person.

The minimum age to travel on our small group tours is 7 years of age.

Maximum of 16 passengers per departure.

No, but you won’t be on board for long stretches without a break! The tour makes regular stops approximately every 1 to 2 hours. Your driver-guide will always announce upcoming stops ahead of time.

No, they are not. We recommend that you book a pre-night and post-night in the city the tour is departing from due to the early departure on the first day and late arrival on the last day of the tour.

You will need to budget for lunch and dinner on days when these meals are not included, as indicated in your tour itinerary. As a guide, allow approximately £15 per person for lunch and £25 or more for dinner.

For larger purchases, we suggest using your credit card (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted) and/or using an ATM to avoid carrying a large amount of cash.

Hot drinks can be taken onto the mini-coaches as long as they’re secured with a lid. Drink bottles are also allowed. Cold food can be taken onto the bus but always check the rules for eating on board with your driver-guide.

We don’t provide Wi-Fi on our mini-coaches. This is a chance for you to disconnect, unwind and take in the scenery. But don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for you to get your updates when you get to your hotel.

You’re restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person on a Rabbie’s small group tour.   This is a legal requirement in place for your safety. We can refuse to carry luggage over these limits, and there’s a possibility you may not be allowed onboard if you’ve not stored your excess baggage. There are, however, several safe and secure luggage holding facilities (for a fee) close to our departure points.

Children aged 5 and older are welcome on our tours! Please note that we cannot accommodate children under the age of 5, and all minors under 18 must travel with an accompanying adult.

If your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know in advance so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

The maximum number of passengers on a standard scheduled Rabbie’s Tours small-group tour is 16 people.

Unfortunately, there are no on-board toilet facilities. However, your driver-guide will make regular stops for comfort breaks along the way.

Is This Tour Right For You? Tour Activity Levels

To help you choose the trip that’s right for you, every tour includes a clearly marked activity level:

• Level 1 – Light Activity. Expect some stairs and walking during visits. Guests must be able to board and exit the coach without assistance. Walking for approximately up to 1 hour.
• Level 2 – Moderate Activity. Includes some walking tours. Please note some hotels and attractions may not have elevators. Guests should be comfortable climbing a full flight of stairs unassisted. Walking for approximately up to 2 hours.
• Level 3 – Active. Walking tours may take place on uneven surfaces. As with Level 2, elevators may not be available at hotels or attractions, and you’ll need to manage stairs unassisted—this may include stairs on ferries or at various sites. Walking for approximately up to 2-3 hours.
• Level 4 – Very Active. These tours are physically demanding, with extended walking over rugged terrain, longer touring days, and exposure to changing weather conditions, including wet grass, muddy paths, and high winds. Ferry crossings are common and may be rough, so travellers prone to seasickness should plan accordingly.