Historical Tours & Trips in Scotland
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10 best Historical Scotland tour packages
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MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Grand Tour of Scotland – 14-Day Journey through History and Beauty (23 destinations)
- Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days
- Scotland's Far North - 10 days
- Scotland's Orkney Islands
- 4-Day Islay & the Whisky Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
- Hebridean Escape 3 Day Tour
- Scottish Dream - 9 Days/8 Nights
- Taste of Scotland - 6 Days/5 Nights
- Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days
- Western Isles & Orkney (Hotel) - 9 days
Duration 14 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Fife, Anstruther, Aberdeen, Glamis, Balmoral Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Loch NessSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Spirit Journeys Worldwide From
- US$5,033
Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“A lovely trip which is well organized. Enjoyed the companionship of the friendly tour mates 😊”
MUI, traveled in July
Scotland's rich past comes alive at Dunkeld Cathedral, 100AD Dun Carloway fort, and ancient Calanais Stone Circle. The traditional life unfolds at Arnol Blackhouse, while tales of the Glencoe massacre resonate through time. Historic fishing ports and crofting communities showcase local heritage.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Ullapool, Stornoway, Luskentyre, Portree, Isle of Skye, Ben Nevis, Glencoe Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $2,125
20% Off- US$1,700You save $425
Scotland's Far North - 10 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The places visited were special, especially the Orkneys and Western Hebrides islands which did not disappoint me.”
Elizabeth, traveled in August
The UNESCO-listed Skara Brae village and 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall stand as monuments to Scottish heritage. The ancient Dun Carloway fort and Calanais Standing Stones on Lewis tell tales of prehistoric times. Historic Glencoe valley holds stories of the 17th-century massacre.
Duration 10 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, John O'Groats, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Stornoway, LewisSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $3,855
20% Off- US$3,084You save $771
Scotland's Orkney Islands
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Lots to do and see and it was good to have some free time also. 5/5 for the tour experience in the Orkneys.”
Howard, traveled in May
The Neolithic village of Skara Brae predates both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. WWII history lives on at the Italian Chapel and Churchill Barriers at Scapa Flow, while St Magnus Cathedral and Ring of Brodgar standing stones reveal Orkney's ancient past.
Duration 5 days Destinations Inverness, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- US$1,995
4-Day Islay & the Whisky Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 4-Day Islay and the Whisky Coast Small Group Tour was completely enjoyed.”
Sheldon, traveled in October
The 1,500-year-old standing stones of Kilmartin Glen and Dunyvaig Castle ruins stand as silent witnesses to time. Historic distilleries like Laphroaig, established in 1815, maintain whisky traditions, while Bowmore preserves Islay's rich maritime heritage.
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Oban, Kilmartin, Bowmore, Islay Island, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Inveraray Age Range 18 to 95 year olds Operator Rabbie's Tours From
20% Off- US$1,035
Hebridean Escape 3 Day Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The car was in perfect condition. The tour very well organized!”
Luis, traveled in October
The ancient Callanish Standing Stones and Iron Age Carloway Broch showcase Scotland's prehistoric heritage. Traditional island life comes alive at Arnol Blackhouse, while the historic Butt of Lewis lighthouse and local Harris Tweed weavers demonstrate enduring cultural practices.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Ullapool, Stornoway, Callanish, Carloway, Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Eoropaidh, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve Age Range 3 to 99 year olds Operator Highland Experience Tours From
20% Off- US$642
Scottish Dream - 9 Days/8 Nights
225 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Enjoyed my trip, but going solo was rough as everyone had a partner or friend.”
Linda, traveled in June
Scotland's legendary sites unfold from Culloden Battlefield to Edinburgh Castle. The Queen Mother's childhood memories live on at Glamis Castle, while Blair Castle reveals its Atholl Highlanders legacy. Expert local guides lead walks along Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.
Duration 9 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Inveraray, Glencoe, Ballachulish, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Culloden, Pitlochry, St AndrewsSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CIE Tours From
20% Off- US$2,845
Taste of Scotland - 6 Days/5 Nights
60 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This itinerary covered almost all points we wanted to see in Scotland. I would have liked to have had some time to stop at Culloden.”
Chris, traveled in May
Glasgow's Kelvingrove Museum houses masterpieces by Rembrandt and Dali, highlighting Scotland's artistic legacy. The Crown Jewels gleam at Edinburgh Castle, while St Andrews preserves its historic golf links. Summer visitors witness the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.
Duration 6 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Nairn, St Andrews, Edinburgh Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator CIE Tours From $1,645
20% Off- US$1,316You save $329
Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were very clean and tidy with a good location to town.”
Victoria, traveled in September
The ancient Dun Carloway Fort, Calanais Stone Circle, and traditional blackhouses showcase Scotland's heritage. Dunkeld Cathedral stands as a testament to time, while crofting communities and Harris Tweed maintain cultural traditions.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Ullapool, Stornoway, Inverness, Loch Ness, Cairngorms National Park Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $1,795
20% Off- US$1,436You save $359
The 1692 Glencoe Massacre site bears witness to Scotland's dramatic past. Viking ruins at Maeshowe and ancient burial grounds of Scottish kings on Iona tell tales of power. The 5,000-year-old Skara Brae village and Culloden battlefield museum preserve crucial moments in history.
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Oban, Isle of Mull, Glencoe, Fort William, Plockton, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, InvernessSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $4,475
20% Off- US$3,580You save $895
What people love about Historical Tours in Scotland
- Scotland's Orkney Islands
Intrepid needs to tighten up this tour. Two free afternoons is too much when one has only three days on the island. Either make the tour two full days or two full days with one full day free to make plans to go to Hoy or Rousay. Give people guidance on what to do on the free day.
- 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
I had the most amazing time in Scotland with MacBackpaskers - thank you!! Our guide Graeme was excellent - entertaining, informative and always trying to make our tour as fun as possible. His local knowledge of the best places to go and try for food, photos and an overall taste of the Highlands was second to none. The whole group also loved listening to his countless Highlands history stories/legends and appreciated our surroundings all the more for it! I would HIGHLY recommend MacBackpackers to everyone!
- 3 Day Loch Ness & Skye Magic
We had Craig as our guide and he was fantastic! Absolutely bonkers :] The tour really was excellent, got to see the beautiful Scottish highlands and Skye, learned a lot, and heard tons of great stories. Now I really want to go back and visit Scotland again!
What our customers ask about Historical Tours & Trips in Scotland
What are the must-see historical sites on a tour of Scotland?
Scotland's key historical attractions span centuries of rich history. Edinburgh Castle stands at the top with its Crown Jewels while Culloden Battlefield near Inverness tells the story of the 1746 Jacobite Rising. The 13th century Eilean Donan Castle offers classic Highland architecture and the ancient standing stones at Calanais reveal prehistoric Scotland. The New Lanark mill village shows a different side of Scottish history through its industrial heritage. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Visiting Culloden was incredibly moving - our guide brought the tragic history to life in a way I'll never forget." Most historical tours cover 3-4 major sites with stays at historic properties like the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry.
When is the best time to visit Scotland for historical tours?
July through September provides the most reliable weather for exploring Scotland's historical sites. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August creates a special backdrop for visits to Edinburgh Castle. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The Edinburgh Military Tattoo was absolutely spectacular with the castle as a backdrop - it really brought Scotland's military history to life." Book rooms at historic properties like the Atholl Palace Hotel early for these popular months when good weather makes castle walks and battlefield visits more enjoyable.
How physically demanding are historical tours in Scotland?
Most tours require moderate walking on uneven ground including cobblestone streets castle stairs and battlefield paths. Edinburgh tours typically include 3 hours of walking with breaks on hilly terrain. Isle of Skye visits offer optional hikes of 3-5 km. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Though some castle stairs were steep our guide Gavin paced things perfectly and there were always alternatives for those wanting lighter activity." Comfortable bases like the Dunroamin in Stornoway help balance active days. Average fitness levels suffice but good walking shoes are essential.
What types of accommodation can I expect on a Historical tour of Scotland?
Scotland's historical tours blend modern comfort with traditional charm. Options range from the 3-star Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket to heritage properties like the Dunroamin B&B in Stornoway. City stays often use hotels like the Malmaison Edinburgh City while Highland visits feature traditional spots like The Balmoral Arms near Cairngorms National Park. A TourRadar traveler noted "The accommodations were very clean and tidy with good locations to town." Most itineraries mix contemporary and historical lodging styles.
What historical regions of Scotland are typically covered in these tours?
Tours connect Scotland's key historical areas from Edinburgh's Royal Mile to Inverness the Highland capital. The route usually includes the Isle of Skye with its clan heritage Culloden's battlefield region and Iona's religious history. Visits typically cover Oban's maritime past Glencoe's dramatic story and Stirling's role in Scottish independence. The ancient Pictish territories around Cairngorms also feature prominently. As one TourRadar traveler shared "Every region offered unique historical perspectives and fascinating stories of Scotland's past."
What historical battlefields can I visit in Scotland?
Scotland's battlefield tours center on Culloden near Inverness site of the decisive 1746 Jacobite Rising battle and Glencoe where the infamous 1692 massacre took place. The nearby Clava Cairns burial grounds made famous by Outlander add prehistoric context. The Pentahotel Inverness serves as a convenient base for battlefield visits. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Visiting Culloden was incredibly moving. Our guide brought the history to life with detailed accounts of the battle and its significance to Scottish history."