Northern Scotland Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,523 reviews)- Choose from 50+ Northern Scotland tours
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Table of contents
- The best Northern Scotland tour packages
- What people love about Northern Scotland Tours
- Travel Northern Scotland your way
- Top operators in Northern Scotland
- Discover Northern Scotland tours for every budget
- Northern Scotland tours for every group
- Top Northern Scotland travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Scotland
- Contact our Northern Scotland travel experts
The best Northern Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Scotland travel expert at TourRadar
4-day Isle of Skye and The Jacobite Steam Train
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We were impressed with how much we saw. The tour demonstrated great patience as a driver.”
Brian, traveled in July 2023
The mystical Scottish Highlands unfold on this 4-day adventure from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye. Rolling through Loch Lomond National Park and Glen Coe, guests ride the iconic Jacobite Steam Train across Glenfinnan Viaduct. Charming B&Bs in Fort Augustus and Skye serve as bases to witness the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula and Kilt Rock. Perfect for couples and solo travelers, with daily Scottish breakfasts and expert guides rated 5.0/5.0.
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Eilean Donan, Isle of Skye, Armadale, Mallaig, Glenfinnan, Fort WilliamSee all destinations Age Range 3 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Highland Experience Tours From
- US$968
Scotland's Shetland Islands
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I loved the experience, the sites and most of those on the tour. We enjoyed him very much.”
Margery, traveled in July 2024
The remote beauty of Northern Scotland stretches from Lerwick to Muckle Flugga lighthouse. Visitors immerse themselves in Shetland Museum & Archives, walk prehistoric Jarlshof ruins, and observe wildlife at Hermaness Nature Reserve. The package includes 5 nights in local guesthouses and traditional pub evenings.
Duration 6 days Destinations Aberdeen, Lerwick, Sumburgh, Muckle Flugga, Eshaness Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,355
15% Off- US$2,002You save $353
Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great tour, a beautiful part of the world, hope to return to see some more.”
Gail, traveled in July 2024
Northern Scotland's hidden gems await from Inverness to the remote Outer Hebrides. The historic Corrieshalloch Gorge, Harris Distillery tours, and ancient Dun Carloway Broch captivate visitors. Local life flourishes in Stornoway B&Bs while dolphins play near scenic ferry crossings.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Doune, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Ullapool, Stornoway, Lewis, CallanishSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Highland Explorer Tours From
15% Off- US$2,045
North Coast & Islands
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Spectacular scenery, interesting places and history.”
Richard, traveled in June 2024
The legendary NC500 route winds from Inverness to Stornoway, featuring Royal Dornoch Cathedral and UNESCO-listed Skara Brae in Orkney. This approx. $390 per day adventure includes stays at the Caladh Hotel, Harris Distillery tasting, and crystal-clear waters of Hargabost Beach. Perfect for ages 13+, featuring small-group touring in luxury mini-coaches with 5-star rated guides.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Dornoch, Wick, Orkney Islands, Durness, Ullapool, Stornoway, Lewis, Isle of HarrisSee all destinations Age Range 13 to 80 year olds Operated in English Operator Royal Irish Tours From $2,300
10% Off- US$2,070You save $230
3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Small-Group Tour from Inverness
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He had a lot of historical details and great stories that added to an exceptional experience.”
Scott, traveled in October 2023
The Orkney Islands reveal their treasures, from the prehistoric village of Skara Brae to Kirkwall's magnificent Viking Cathedral. Cozy B&Bs host guests for 2 nights while they visit Dunrobin Castle, the Italian Chapel, and ancient standing stones of Stenness. Comfortable 16-seat Mercedes mini-coaches transport visitors, with consistently high 4.9/5 guest ratings.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Stenness, St Margaret's Hope Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Rabbie's Tours From
10% Off- US$523
What people love about Northern Scotland Tours
- 4-day Isle of Skye and The Jacobite Steam Train
It’s totally different sightseeing from where I come from. Very interesting.
- 4-day Isle of Skye and The Jacobite Steam Train
Eddie the driver is enthusiastic and helpful. Since we are going through the Scottish land, it didn’t matter if he didn’t pronounce accurately! He tried taking us to places. However, the size of the bus seem to have him turned away! Re the coming Orkney tour on 8th July, please confirm if the driver means 2pm at the waiting room of Inverness train station. Marked ‘waiting room’ in blue. I have to be at the train station by 5.45pm on 14 July latest to catch the night train to London on 6.45pm
- 4-day Isle of Skye and The Jacobite Steam Train
For a short tour we were impressed with how much we saw. Alex was very good as a tour guide, and demonstrated great patience as a driver.
Travel Northern Scotland your way
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Northern Scotland. We have 19 adventures that vary from 3 days to 17 days. With the greatest number of departures in April, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Coach / Bus toursDiscover hidden gems and off-the-beaten paths with over 38 adventures available in Northern Scotland.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 64 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Northern Scotland with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided toursChoose from over 28 cultural tours and explore historical sites, local traditions and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Northern Scotland. Our cultural tours vary from 3 days to 16 days.
See all In-depth Cultural tours
Top operators in Northern Scotland
- 4.5 (252 reviews)
"Scotland was an experience of a lifetime made possible by a enjoyable planned tour with and experienced tour guide
- Tours
- 6 tours
- Age range
- 3 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 21h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $283
- 4.5 (11,924 reviews)
"0verrall, the itinerary was excellent, providing loads of history. It would have been a great addition to include some folk or Gaelic music...a pub experience. One four star restaurant would be sufficient. The accomodation was comfortable with a staff ready to meet traveller's needs.
- Tours
- 2 tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 8h
- Response rate
- 92%
- Average price
- $592
- 4.5 (452 reviews)
"Winter conditions restricted some activities, but otherwise a good trip.
- Tours
- 5 tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 10h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $338
Discover Northern Scotland tours for every budget
Our budget travelers really like the multi-day Isle of Skye tours with hostel stays. You'll walk the Trotternish peninsula and get great shots of the Old Man of Storr while guides share Highland stories that bring each location to life. French and German speakers appreciate having audio guides in their languages. The smaller buses can squeeze into hidden spots that big coaches miss, which adds to the experience. The hostels create this nice social vibe - travelers often share dinner and swap stories, though packing your own breakfast is a good idea. On Highland Hopper routes, you'll stop at Loch Ness and can add a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train (the real Hogwarts Express from Harry Potter) for an extra fee.
The North Coast & Islands luxury tour really delivers with quality hotels like Glen Mhor in Inverness and Mackays in Wick. Each evening brings Scottish entertainment and authentic Gaelic performances. At Dunrobin Castle, you'll explore the grounds and watch expert falconers work with their birds in the formal gardens. Our travelers often mention how much they enjoy the included dinners featuring local Scottish dishes. Over in Orkney, you get proper time to take in Skara Brae - it's amazing to walk through a 5,000-year-old settlement at your own pace. The ferries often come with bonus dolphin sightings, and the coach sections through the Highlands are smooth and comfortable.
Northern Scotland budget tours
Northern Scotland tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
66 tours in Northern ScotlandExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern Scotland. We have 66 adventures that vary from 3 days to 17 days. With the greatest number of departures in August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
15 tours in Northern ScotlandVisit Northern Scotland with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Top Northern Scotland travel itineraries to fit your plans
Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Culloden, Inverness, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Portree, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan, Glencoe, Stirling
See all tours
Glasgow, Kilmartin, Oban, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan, Mallaig
Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Oban, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Staffa, Glencoe, Fort William, Plockton, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Stromness, Ullapool
Demographics
Our small-group Highland tours hit the sweet spot for solo travelers, mixing active walks with genuine cultural experiences. Up in the Shetlands, you'll find yourself walking coastal paths to spot puffins at Hermaness and sharing stories over dinner in Lerwick's local pubs. The guides know when to lead and when to step back, giving you space to explore town independently. The North West Highlands walking routes let you set your own tempo - trails around Ullapool Hill and Stac Pollaidh offer solid views without getting too technical. Portree on Skye works really well as a base; the harbor town has loads of friendly spots where you can grab dinner and mix with locals.
The 3-6 day Highland routes consistently work well for couples, offering a good mix of landscapes, history and comfortable places to stay. Skye is a particular favorite - you can walk together along the Trotternish Ridge then settle in for a whisky tasting in Portree. Our travelers often mention how much they value having both guided activities and free time to wander. The Outer Hebrides trips are perfect for pairs wanting to really understand island life; you'll meet Harris Tweed weavers, walk empty beaches and stay in carefully picked B&Bs. The small group size means you can really chat with your guide about Highland clans, geology, wildlife and also local culture.
Our senior travelers really value tours that balance cultural discovery with manageable walks. The Shetland Islands routes get great feedback for mixing history at sites like Jarlshof with gentle coastal walks where you'll spot plenty of wildlife. Guides are always ready to suggest alternative paths when needed. In the North West Highlands, you can choose between shorter walks around Ullapool harbor or more challenging trails near Gairloch. Orkney is another solid choice; you can explore ancient sites like Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar at your own speed and return each evening to the same comfortable hotel in Kirkwall.
- Solo Travelers62 tours
- Couples38 tours
- Seniors (50+)50 tours
Best time to visit Northern Scotland
- Spring 2025
- 48 tours
- popular 52 tours
- Summer 2025
- 59 tours
- 58 tours
- popular 61 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
- popular 57 tours
- 42 tours
Contact our Northern Scotland travel experts
Kate
Expert in Northern Scotland at TourRadar
Kate is one of our seasoned Northern Scotland Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Scotland tours answered!
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