Budget Tours to Scotland
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10 best Budget Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- 6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
- 5 Day Glasgow And Inverness Including Loch Ness
- Best of the North Coast 500 - 3 days
- Highland Fling
- Orkney Islands & The Northern Highlands
- Edinburgh for Hogmanay (NYE) (5 Days) (1 destination)
- Skye High
- Manchester to the Scottish Highlands - 4 days
- St Cuthbert's Way - 8 Days
- John Muir Way
Edinburgh and Inverness open their doors at approx. $230 per day, with 5 nights' accommodation and seamless transfers. Tours include Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and Inverness Cathedral, plus daily breakfast and 24/7 support.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $229 Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,446
5% Off- US$1,374You save $72
At $361 per day, including daily breakfast and comfortable stays at Radisson Blu Glasgow and Royal Highland Hotel Inverness. Price covers train travel between cities, private transfers, and a full-day Highlands expedition with monster-hunting at Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle visits.
Duration 5 days Destinations Glasgow, Inverness Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $360 Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,894
5% Off- US$1,800You save $94
The North Coast 500 awaits at approx. $290 per day, with breakfast and comfortable stays at The Arch Inn and Pentland Lodge. Marvel at Smoo Cave, Ardvreck Castle ruins, and Dunrobin Castle while following Scotland's most spectacular road trip with expert guides.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Applecross, Ullapool, Thurso, Dunrobin Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Price Per Day $217 Operator On The Go Tours From $765
15% Off- US$650You save $114
Highland Fling
644 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a well organized overview of the Scottish Highlands, capturing the highlights and offering a nice variety of activities.”
Marilyn, traveled in August
Scottish wonders unfold at approx. $180 per day, with hostel stays and all transport included. Take in 12 locations over 5 days, enjoying free walks and optional adventures like Loch Ness cruises ($32) and Jacobite Steam Train rides ($72).
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Doune, Glencoe, Oban, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Inverness, BeaulySee all destinations Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Price Per Day $140 Operator Haggis Adventures From $825
15% Off- US$701You save $123
Orkney's mysteries reveal themselves at approx. $240 per day, with B&B stays in Kirkwall and breakfasts. Uncover Skara Brae village, Standing Stones of Stenness, and Dunrobin Castle. Ferries, guides, and Kirkwall exploration included.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Kirkwall, Stenness, Skara Brae Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $167 Operator Highland Explorer Tours From $625
20% Off- US$500You save $125
Hogmanay festivities shine at approx. $200 per day, including 4 nights' hostel stays, daily breakfasts, and festival tickets. Join Edinburgh Castle tours, Winter Wonderland activities, and torch processions with expert guidance.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh Age Range up to 35 year olds Price Per Day $175 Operator Contiki From $1,029
15% Off- US$875You save $154
Skye High
672 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We saw the highlights in a short period without the stress of driving and couldn't be happier with the experience.”
Diane, traveled in June
Scottish magic unfolds at approx. $180 per day with hostel stays at Morag's Lodge, free walking tours in Portree, and highly-rated transport (4.8/5). Optional visits to Dunvegan Castle ($28) and local pub meals in Fort Augustus add flexibility.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Isle of Skye, Portree, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Fort AugustusSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Price Per Day $104 Operator Haggis Adventures From $369
15% Off- US$314You save $55
A Scottish odyssey at approx. $330 per day includes Loch Ness cruise and Stirling Castle entry. Rest in simple guesthouses with breakfast, travel in Mercedes mini-coaches, and roam freely in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Duration 4 days Destinations Manchester, Pooley Bridge, Glasgow, Luss, Oban, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan, Glencoe, KillinSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Price Per Day $265 Operator On The Go Tours From $1,245
15% Off- US$1,058You save $186
Scottish heritage comes alive at approx. $170 per day, including 7 breakfasts and luggage transfers. Relax at the Georgian Allerton House and Templehall Hotel. Wander through historic Melrose Abbey grounds and Cessford Castle ruins.
Duration 8 days Destinations Melrose, Jedburgh, Cessford, Morebattle, Kirk Yetholm, Wooler, Lowick, Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $157 Operator UTracks From $1,360
8% Off- US$1,258You save $102
Scottish coastal charm costs approx. $190 per day, covering 11 nights' accommodation, daily breakfasts, and luggage transfers. Stay in charming B&Bs like Port Seton's fisherman's house and visit John Muir's birthplace museum.
Duration 12 days Destinations Helensburgh, Balloch, Strathblane, Kilsyth, Falkirk, Linlithgow, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, Port Seton, North BerwickSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Price Per Day $191 Operator UTracks From
8% Off- US$2,290
What people love about Budget Tours in Scotland
- Highland Fling
It was very easy to be a part of the fun. Jaime was a great entertainer and always had a great attitude. The stops were filled with history, and Jaime was very knowledgeable. Good use of time and fun. Glad I booked this trip.
- Skye High
This tour was loads of fun, got to see allot within a short period of time. Great value for money.
- 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
It was GREAT!! It was a big experience with many very nice people and a fantastic guide :) Thank you!!!
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to Scotland
What's the average daily cost for a budget tour in Scotland?
Budget tours in Scotland cost between USD 88-242 per day with Isle of Skye tours at around USD 101 per day. MacBackpackers tours stand out for their value. A TourRadar traveler shared "This tour was incredible and such good value for money getting to experience all the stunning landscapes and history while staying at comfortable accommodations like Skye Backpackers in Kyleakin." The price covers basics like transport guide services and simple lodging that work well for travelers watching their spending.
When is the most affordable time to visit Scotland on a budget tour?
The lowest prices for Scotland tours run from November to March with the best deals in January and February. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in February and while the weather was chilly we got amazing deals on our tour and accommodation at Lochbuie Guesthouse." City tours in Edinburgh and Glasgow offer especially good value these months though some Highland sites may have restricted hours. For a balance of decent weather and prices look at March-April or October-November.
What are the best budget-friendly areas to explore in Scotland?
The Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye give travelers good value for their money. Budget travelers often base themselves in Fort Augustus Portree and Glencoe. One TourRadar traveler said: "Portree was perfect for budget travelers - plenty of affordable food options and the Skye Backpackers hostel nearby made it ideal as a base." Inverness also works well for saving money. From there you can visit Loch Ness and historical sites while staying at places like the Lochbuie Guesthouse.
How much should I budget for optional activities and entrance fees?
Set aside USD 15-30 for each activity on budget tours. Entry fees run USD 10-20 for popular spots like Eilean Donan Castle Dunrobin Castle and Highland Folk Museum. A helpful tip from a TourRadar traveler: "I spent around USD 100 total on attractions during my 3-day Isle of Skye tour including entry to Dunvegan Castle and some local museums." Many scenic stops like Glencoe and Loch Ness come at no extra cost.
How much spending money should I bring for a 3-day budget tour in Scotland?
Bring USD 200-300 extra for a 3-day tour. This covers about USD 30-40 daily for food USD 15-30 per activity plus some shopping money. A practical note from a TourRadar traveler: "I brought USD 250 for my 3-day Highland tour staying at Skye Backpackers which covered all my meals a few castle entries and some small souvenirs from Portree." Remember this doesn't include lodging if it's separate from your tour price.
What type of accommodation is typically provided on budget Scotland tours?
Budget tours use hostels B&Bs and guesthouses across Scotland. You might stay at Skye Backpackers hostel in Kyleakin or Oak Villa B&B in Inverness. A TourRadar traveler commented "The B&B accommodation in Inverness was fantastic - best hosts and the breakfast was amazing." Most places include breakfast and basic amenities. Nightly rates run USD 30-75 depending on location and time of year.