Where are we? When will we stop for lunch? What’s that great big cow with horns doing in the middle of the road? Travelling to new places can prompt many questions. So, we’ve created this list of FAQs to help you out. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, you can contact our friendly team here.
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How does accommodation work on UK and Ireland tours?
Our tour collection is as wide as your curiosity, so the process of booking your accommodation may vary depending on your chosen tour.
*subject to availability
** If your tour overnights on Islay, your room needs to be paid before arrival. We’ll contact you to collect the payment on behalf of the accommodation provider.
*subject to availability
Prices quoted are based on bed and breakfast basis and are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc).
Approximate prices, per person per night
Sole Occupancy (ie 1 person per room)
Multiple Occupancy (ie 2+ person per room)
What are the different room types?
What should I expect from a B&B?
B&Bs are traditionally small family owned and run properties offering a handful of guest rooms. They are usually residential properties, so they tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20-30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants.
It’s unusual for a B&B to offer any additional services like concierge, porterage, evening meals or room-service. Wi-fi is usually, but not always available and it’s worth bearing in mind that access can be unreliable in more remote locations.
If you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
What should I expect from a Hotel?
Hotels vary in size but tend to be larger properties run by a team of staff. They usually have a relatively central location but may be up to a 20-30 minute walk from local facilities. They are often housed in traditional old buildings and bathrooms are always for private use and are typically en-suite.
The services and facilities offered by hotels varies considerably so you should make a special request at the time of booking if you expect anything specific such as concierge, porterage, bar, restaurant, room service etc. Wi-fi may only be available in communal areas and access can be unreliable in remote locations.
If you have difficulty with stairs, please let us know so that we can either book a ground floor room or a hotel with lift access, if available.
Will I be staying in the same property as the rest of the tour group?
We’ll try to ensure there’s another tour member staying alongside you, but this will depend on what others’ have requested and on what rooms are available. It’s common for the group to be spread between several different B&Bs and Hotels. If you and your travel party require multiple rooms we’ll try to accommodate you together in the same property, but we can’t always guarantee this. You might like to consider booking your own accommodation if you’re part of a larger party, to avoid disappointment.
What breakfast is included?
The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).
How do I get to/from my accommodation?
Your guide will drop you off at your accommodation after each touring day and collect the following morning. They’ll confirm the timings with you during the tour. You’ll need to make your own way to and from your accommodation in the evenings and should be prepared for a short walk (up to 30 minutes) to local pubs, restaurants, and facilities. You can book taxis locally if required.
How does the accommodation work?
We’ve hand-picked three and four star hotels in remote coastal villages, bustling towns, and mountain valleys. Your accommodation is included in the tour price; and when you book your trip, you can choose whether you want double rooms, twin rooms, or single rooms.
How does the accommodation pricing work?
The prices on our website is for all your tour's accommodation and for the tour itself. The figure is based on shared accommodation. When you're booking your tour and select a single room, there will be an additional cost added to the price.
I have more accommodation questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions about accommodation, feel free to call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, or email rooms@rabbies.com.
What are the accommodation cancellation terms?
If you’ve asked us to book accommodation for you, this is regarded as a confirmed accommodation booking. If you change your mind there is a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more details.
I think I’d prefer to book my own accommodation – what do I need to know?
Please just make sure your chosen accommodation is located within the specified overnight location. If it’s relatively central (~2km from the town centre), your driver-guide will be able to drop you off and collect you each day. If you’re unsure about the location or where you need to book, please check with us first. You should let us know the name and address of your accommodation provider(s) at the time of booking – or as soon as possible after booking by contacting rooms@rabbies.com.
I have more questions, who can help me?
Our dedicated accommodation team are on hand to assist with any further questions you may have. Call us on +44(0)131 226 3133 and press option ‘3’ - or email rooms@rabbies.com.
Where can I book my tour?
You can book a Rabbie’s tour online, by email, over the phone, and in various Tourist Information Centres and hotels.
Do you offer a deposit scheme to pay for a tour?
For our scheduled tours, full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your seat. We do not currently offer a deposit or installment payment option.
How can I book attractions for the tour?
You can book certain attractions before the tour departs. These prices are separate from the cost of the tour and can be added on during check-out. Please note some attractions can only be purchased while on tour.
How far in advance should I book?
We accept reservations up to the day of departure on most of our tours. But they sell out fast, so it’s best to book in advance. Please let us know if anyone in your group booked their tour separately, so we can get you on the same mini-coach.
What’s the maximum number of people I can book the tour for?
Twelve is the maximum number of people you can book a tour for. If you want to travel in a larger group, please have a look at our private tours section for further information and suggestions.
Are tours available all year round?
We operate tours all year round, however there are fewer choices and departures throughout the winter.
Can I bring my child/children on the tour?
We don’t carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours of UK & Ireland. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And 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. Unfortunately, we don't accept children on Europe tours in Switzerland and Italy.
Is there an age limit for your tours?
No. From five years’ young to over 100 years’ young, we take passengers of all ages. Get in touch If you wish to enquire about the physical demands of particular tours. Please note that the age limit for our Europe tours in Switzerland and Italy is 16+.
Do you offer concession prices?
Only children (between five and 15 years old) receive a concession price. There are no discounts for seniors or other concessions.
Do I need a visa or travel authorisation to go on a Rabbie’s tour?
This depends on your country of citizenship and where you’re visiting. You can find up-to-date and reliable information on the official tourism website of the counties you’re visiting, or from their embassy or consulate.
Remember, your tour may travel through multiple countries. Check your itinerary carefully and make sure you have any documentation required for each country. This may include authorisations for both visiting and transiting through a country (e.g. an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
for the UK and Northern Ireland). You may also need a multiple-entry visa if you’re entering a country more than once.
To find out whether you need a visa or other travel authorisation to travel within the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) visit gov.uk/check-uk-visa). To determine whether you need a visa to visit the Republic of Ireland, visit ireland.ie . And to find out about visas to Europe, visit europa.eu.
Visa applications take time, so organise this ahead of your departure date. Don’t forget to double-check your passport’s expiry date as well.
Will my passport be checked between borders?
Passports, visas and other documents aren’t usually checked when crossing between countries within the United Kingdom and Europe. However, it’s your responsibility to make sure you do have all the required documentation and permissions to cross borders, transit through, and visit each country on your itinerary.
What is guaranteed departure?
We’ll never cancel your tour because of minimum numbers. At times, we may need to cancel due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances which are outwith our control, or which might jeopardise your safety. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
Is there flexibility to change my tour?
You can transfer to another tour if there is availability, as long as the request to do so is outside the tour cancellation period. You must inform us by email. We won't charge a fee for this, but you will pay for any difference in price where the cost of the new tour is higher. Please note, any amends may affect your accommodation choices.
What are your cancellation policies?
Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked. Please see our terms and conditions for details. To cancel your booking, contact us as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.
What languages are your tours in?
All of our tours are conducted in clear spoken English.
Can I view my tour itinerary in a language other than English?
Our website pages are written in English. You can use Google Translate to assist with translation.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
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.
Should I take out travel insurance?
We always advise you to take out travel insurance.
How much luggage can I take with me?
Space on our mini-coaches is limited. Each passenger may bring one cabin style bag no larger than 22in x 17in x 10in, plus one additional small handbag for personal items, which can be taken on the mini‑coach with you.
Please ensure you can lift and carry your own luggage without assistance. Unfortunately we're not able to accommodate larger or heavier bags, please ensure you pack accordingly or store excess baggage prior to departure.
Do Rabbie’s provide luggage storage facilities for excess baggage?
Unfortunately, we do not have the facilities to store extra luggage for you. There are, however, several safe and secure luggage holding facilities close to our departure points. Please read our luggage storage guide.
What should I wear?
We like to give you plenty of opportunities to go on nature walks, so we recommend you bring comfortable waterproofs and footwear for your tour. Check out our Essential Packing List for more ideas on what to bring for a tour with us.
Do I need to bring my own lunch?
You don’t need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
What currency should I bring with me?
In the UK (Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland), the Pound Sterling is the currency. The Republic of Ireland and Italy accepts Euros. Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc.
Will most places accept card payment?
Some businesses in the small towns and villages may only take cash or not accept your card type. So, we advise you have cash on hand to avoid disappointment and inconvenience.
Do you offer hotel pickups?
We only pick up from the departure point stated on your confirmation email. This allows us to leave the city via the most direct route and reduce the pollution and carbon footprint of our tours.
Where do your tours leave from?
We have various departure points across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Click on this link for more specific information.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, our tours can’t wait for you if you’re late.
What documentation should I bring with me to check in for my tour?
After you book a trip with us, we send you a confirmation email. Please take an electronic version of this to your departure point.
Are there toilets at your departure points?
Most of our departure points are located at public transport stations and hotels which have toilets. If you want more information, please contact the station directly.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don’t recommend bringing a car to your departure point. Trust us, it’s usually harder to find parking spaces than just hopping on a bus.
What happens if I am late or miss my tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
How big are your mini-coaches?
Our mini-coaches comfortably seat 16 passengers.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Seats can't be pre-booked and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis when boarding the mini-coach
Are there toilets on your mini-coach?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but your driver-guide will make regular comfort breaks.
Can I take food or drinks onto the mini-coach?
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.
Is there free WiFi on your mini-coaches?
We don’t provide WiFi 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.
Are there charging ports on your mini-coaches?
We recommend charging all of your devices in advance as charging points cannot be guaranteed.
Do your driver-guides use microphones?
Yes, you can hear your driver-guide loud and clear from anywhere on the bus.
What are the guides like?
We regularly receive positive feedback about our Driver Guides - they make Rabbie's tours extra special because of who they are. No two Driver Guides are the same and so no two tours will be the same. Our Guides contribute their knowledge and experience and listen to what you want to know in order to make your tour as personal as possible.
Some Driver Guides love to tell tales of ancient myths as if they lived it themselves, others know the rock types and age of every mountain, and every one of them wants to make you love their country as much as they do!
They keep you entertained on the journey with music and stories and give you plenty of free time to explore the beautiful locations your own way.
How much time will I have off the bus?
We believe the best way to enjoy your trip is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Are entry expenses included in my tour price?
No. Entry expenses are not included in the tour price. However, you can pre-pay for certain attractions before you go during check-out. Other attractions can only be purchased on the day. Most locations accept both cash and card. Many of the places we take you to also offer a discount for Rabbie's travellers. Some entry tickets to attractions on our Europe tours in Italy and Switzerland are included in the price. Please have a look at the itineraries for more details.
Can I opt out of activities or visiting certain sites?
You don’t have to participate in all the activities or pay to enter all the sites visited on your tour. This means if you want to skip a castle and read your book by a mountain view, you can.
Can I smoke during the tour?
Smoking is permitted only in designated areas and must comply with local laws, including UK and EU regulations. Please be considerate of fellow passengers and avoid smoking in shared spaces or near entrances.
Most accommodations have a strict no-smoking policy inside rooms and common areas. If you require smoking facilities, we recommend checking directly with the accommodation provider before your stay.
Will I have mobile reception everywhere I go on my tour?
Our driver-guides like to take you off the beaten track so you can experience the remote locations many tour companies cannot access. So, naturally, you may not have mobile reception in some of the places you visit.
Will there be wifi at the overnight accommodation?
Due to the remote nature of many of our overnight says, it's common for venues to have limited or no internet availability for guests.
Where can I eat while on tour?
Options for dining vary depending on the locations you are visiting. If you are interested in having a sit down meal in the evenings we would highly recommend you book a table in advance.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let’s be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky wee bonus. But it’s up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
Where can I share photos of my trip?
We love to see what you’ve been up to on our tours! You can share photos of your adventures on Instagram by using the hashtag #rabbiestours. Not on Instagram? You can also email us your photos to marketing@rabbies.com.
How can I provide feedback?
We always welcome feedback on our tours. You can contact us directly via phone +44(0) 131 226 3133 or email feedback@rabbies.com if you wish to discuss your experience or suggest improvements. You can also leave a review on TripAdvisor or Google Reviews or fill in a survey we send to you after your tour.
What happens to Lost Property?
We have limited storage and can only hold unclaimed items for two weeks, after which time they will be donated or disposed of. Perishable items will be disposed of immediately. Items may be stored in different locations, so please contact us at tours@rabbies.com to report your lost property in the first instance. The more details you share about the item and when/where it was lost, the better. If we find anything matching your description, we will be in touch to let you know how it can be reclaimed. You will need to cover postage and handling fees if you are unable to collect the item in person.
