Northern Scotland Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,619 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
Orkney, Skye, & The Far North
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very well organized and contained just what we were looking for. The overnight accommodations were anywhere from good to excellent.”
Barbara, traveled in September 2022
Northern Scotland's dramatic landscapes unfold from Inverness to Orkney's ancient sites. Dunrobin Castle, the Italian Chapel, and prehistoric Skara Brae village charm visitors, with quality B&B stays in historic towns.
Duration 8 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Kilmartin, Oban, Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Isle of Skye, Kilt Rock, Storr MountainsSee all destinations Age Range 3 to 99 year olds Operator Highland Experience Tours From
- US$1,958
Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The entire tour was more than I could hope for. The stops were all met with time to enjoy and she explained so much.”
Sally, traveled in May 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 Operator Highland Explorer Tours From
- US$2,045
Isle Of Skye And The Highlands
134 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Stunning scenery, we were lucky with weather.”
Janice, traveled in August 2024
The iconic sites of Northern Scotland unfold - from Stirling Castle to the Cuillin Mountains. The Skye Inn Portree welcomes guests exploring Eilean Donan Castle and Fort Augustus village. Glen Coe valleys, Rannoch Moor wilderness, and the UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge complete this Highland adventure. All transport and daily breakfasts included.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Spean Bridge, Fort Augustus, Kyle of Lochalsh, Portree, Storr Mountains, Kilt Rock, Dunvegan, ArmadaleSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 90 year olds Operator Highland Explorer Tours From
- US$505
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 Operator Royal Irish Tours From $2,284
10% Off- US$2,056You save $228
3-Day Orkney Explorer Small-Group Small-Group Tour from Inverness
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The music added to the adventure and cultural immersion of the Orkney Islands. The people were lovely and we met friends we hope to keep in touch with for more grand adventures.”
April, traveled in June 2024
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 Operator Rabbie's Tours From
10% Off- US$530
What people love about Northern Scotland Tours
- Orkney, Skye, & The Far North
The tour of Scotland was thoroughly enjoyable and provided many highlights. The guides went out of their way to provide relevant background information about all the areas we passed through and took every opportunity to find extra sites to visit. The guides maintained great rapport with all the participants and were very well organised.
- Scotland's Shetland Islands
This was a really enjoyable and comprehensive tour of Shetland, we had an amazing tour guide and had lots of good walking. A great mix of history, sightseeing, and culture.
My mother and I just finished this tour yesterday and it was fantastic. The office was easy to find on the Royal Mile, just around the corner from our hotel in Hunter Square. Our bus was brand new with USB chargers, comfortable seats and big, tinted windows to look out of easily. We struck gold on this tour with a great guide named Duncan. He knew Scotland like the back of his hand, and while he drove mindfully around the windy roads, he told us great stories, wild legends and lots of useful information about each area. There is a lot of driving on this tour but we had plenty of time at each stop to visit and eat. It is important to note that not all guests will stay at the same accommodations. Also, you may want to grab a booklet in the tour office so you can follow along with your tour. Duncan did a great job showing us where we had been and where we would go each day, but if you want a reference at night or during the day, grab a booklet. The Bed and Breakfasts we stayed at were simple but sweet and the food was delicious. The Outer Hebrides, from the Callanish Stones to the broch at Dun Carloway to the blackhouses and lighthouse at the butt of Lewis, will steal your hearts as they did ours. We learned a lot about our family history as well at Eilean Donan and Armadale castles. The final day of the tour was the cherry on top with a ride on the Jacobite train. We are sad the tour is over and I hope to be back with my husband for another tour with this company in August.
Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides
Travel Northern Scotland your way
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Northern Scotland. We have 20 adventures that vary from 3 days to 17 days. With the greatest number of departures in July, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Coach / Bus toursOur most popular Northern Scotland tours really capture what makes this region special. The Isle of Skye tours pack a lot into 4 days - you'll walk the raw landscapes of the Cuillin Hills and Trotternish Peninsula while picking up fascinating clan stories along the way. Our guides know how to bring Scottish history alive at spots like Eilean Donan Castle and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. If you've got 6 days, the Outer Hebrides tours dig deeper into island culture; you can wander among the ancient Callanish stones and watch Harris Tweed being woven right in front of you. The Shetland Islands offer something completely different - our groups often spot puffins at Hermaness Reserve and learn about the fishing traditions that shaped old Lerwick.
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 toursOur small-group journeys through the Scottish islands blend cultural depth with thoughtful exploration. The Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye reveal themselves over 6 enriching days, where travelers connect with Harris Tweed weavers in their personal workshops. In Orkney, our 3-day tours weave through 5,000 years of history, as guides share stories at Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and other ancient monuments. The Shetland experience combines rugged coastal walks with genuine local encounters, from evenings in Lerwick's traditional pubs to conversations with fishermen about their maritime heritage. What sets these tours apart, according to our travelers, is how the guides naturally integrate historical narratives, clan legends, and island folklore while exploring sites like the Callanish stones or walking through preserved blackhouse villages. With intimate groups of 8-16 people, there's always space for deeper discussions and personal connections to Highland culture.
See all In-depth Cultural tours
Top operators in Northern Scotland
Our travelers who've explored Scotland's most remote corners keep coming back with great feedback about these tour companies. Intrepid Travel really delivers on those Shetland Island trips - their guides know the islands inside out and mix up each day with local history, walks along the dramatic coastline and proper cultural experiences. You're not just seeing places; you're getting the full story of island life. Rabbies Tours has built quite a reputation on Skye and through the Highlands. They've found that sweet spot between covering the main sights and digging deeper into hidden spots. Their guides tell proper Highland tales, and they've picked some lovely places to stay overnight. If you're watching your budget, Haggis Adventures hits the mark. Their guides have this great way of turning Scottish history into entertaining stories, and they keep the atmosphere fun while showing you around. They're especially good with younger travelers, solo adventurers and anyone who likes to mix sightseeing with some good laughs. For something more upscale, Highland Experience Tours runs small group trips along the North Coast and Islands. They use comfortable vehicles, pick quality accommodations and their guides really know their history. You'll get all the famous spots but also those quiet moments in places most visitors miss - like sunrise at remote beaches or sunset visits to ancient stone circles.
- 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
- 19h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $288
- 4.5 (11,930 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
- 5h
- Response rate
- 92%
- Average price
- $592
- 4.5 (453 reviews)
"Everything from the ease of the booking process to the comprehensive itinery was great! Tour Radar demonstrated excellent customer care with regular updates, reminders and useful information. Would thoroughly recommend using them as I will be in the future.
- Tours
- 5 tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 9h
- 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
If you're looking for quick Northern Scotland trips, our 3-day tours focus on three distinct experiences. The Orkney Explorer gets into ancient history - our small groups can really dig into sites like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. Over on Isle of Skye, you'll mix hiking and photography at the Old Man of Storr with coastal wildlife spotting. Our guides bring local folklore to life, especially around Portree's harbor. There's also the classic Highland route through Glen Coe, along Loch Ness and into Inverness for the night. Our travelers tell us they love how the guided walks balance with free time to explore places like Fort Augustus independently.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Culloden, Inverness, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Portree, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan, Glencoe, Stirling
See all tours
Week-long tours give you proper time on the islands. One route winds through the Outer Hebrides, where you can watch Harris Tweed being woven and explore the ancient Callanish stones. Another combines Skye with Orkney's archaeology - our travelers often mention how good it is to properly explore Maeshowe tomb and Dunrobin Castle without rushing. A third option adds the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, bringing Highland culture together with massed pipes and drums. The longer stays mean you can really get to know places like Kirkwall or Iona, settling into local life at your own pace.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Glasgow, Kilmartin, Oban, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan, Mallaig
Ten days lets you properly experience the north. These routes join up the Highlands with Orkney and the Outer Hebrides - from Neolithic villages to modern crofting communities. Our guests love having time in places like Ullapool, where they might spot dolphins or hike up Claypool hill. You'll find plenty of walking, whether along Harris's dramatic coast or through historic Kirkwall. What makes it special is staying in small communities like Stornoway or Portree, trying fresh seafood and chatting with locals in traditional pubs.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
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.
Young adults flock to our Highland hostel tours that blend active exploration with welcoming social scenes. Our travelers often tell us how much they enjoy mixing treks around the Trotternish Peninsula and Old Man of Storr, with nights sharing tales in rustic Highland pubs. The audio guides come in German, French, Italian, Spanish and also Portuguese, helping international guests connect deeply with their surroundings. Our smaller buses access hidden spots larger coaches can't reach, while guides share local folklore and games during scenic drives. A popular route links Loch Ness with the Isle of Skye, where you can add a journey on the Jacobite Steam Train - the actual Harry Potter train - as it winds through mountain passes. Solo travelers particularly value how hostel stays create natural spaces to connect with fellow explorers, though they suggest bringing your own breakfast supplies. From coastal trails and misty mountain photography to tales of Highland clan battles, these tours balance outdoor discoveries, cultural insights and genuine social connections.
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 Travelers63 tours
- Couples39 tours
- Seniors (50+)51 tours
Best time to visit Northern Scotland
- Spring 2025
Highland tours shine in spring with three excellent options that our regular travelers keep coming back to. The Isle of Skye experience combines photo stops at the Trotternish Peninsula, active walks in the Cuillin Hills, and the classic Jacobite Steam Train adds a dash of nostalgia to the experience. Guides adapt the routes to spring conditions, sharing local tales at places like Eilean Donan Castle. Shetland Island tours peak during springtime, where you'll walk coastal paths to spot puffins returning to Hermaness Nature Reserve, explore the ancient ruins of Jarlshof and also discover hidden prehistoric gems. The Northwest Highland walks offer plenty of variety this time of year - from challenging climbs up Cul Mor's sandstone peaks, to laid-back coastal strolls near Gairloch, where seals and dolphins often play in the waters. The intimate group sizes help visitors forge genuine connections with both the wild landscapes and local Highland communities they meet during their journey.
- 47 tours
- popular 50 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer brings out the best of our Northern Scotland tours, with the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides drawing steady praise from our guests. The 4-day Skye experience combines scenic walks through the Cuillin Hills, explorations of the Trotternish Peninsula and immersive cultural encounters, while the Jacobite Steam Train adds a nostalgic touch as it crosses the renowned viaduct. Travelers tell us they value how we balance guided discoveries with free time around spots like Portree Harbor. Our 6-day Outer Hebrides journey delves into authentic island life, putting you face-to-face with Harris Tweed weavers and giving you time to wander the ancient Callanish stones in the extended summer light. The guides earn particular praise for weaving together tales of clan history, geological insights and local folklore as they navigate the summer roads. Both destinations take full advantage of the long daylight hours, letting our groups fit in extra walks, photo stops and spontaneous wildlife watching - from clifftop seabird colonies to pods of coastal dolphins.
- 55 tours
- 58 tours
- popular 61 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn brings rich colors to the Highlands, and our 6-day Outer Hebrides and Skye tours take full advantage. With fewer visitors around, the islands feel peaceful and authentic. You'll have space to explore the Callanish stones properly and catch local Harris Tweed weavers working in their homes. The 3-day Orkney Explorer works well in fall too - our guide Helen gets great feedback for making island history come alive while handling the autumn conditions. Our travelers love mixing cozy nights in Kirkwall's pubs with days out at places like Skara Brae. The North Coast route fits perfectly in fall, with visits to Dunrobin Castle and cultural evenings in Stornoway, where traditional Gaelic music feels right at home in the season.
- popular 57 tours
- 42 tours
Contact our Northern Scotland travel experts
Joachim
Expert in Northern Scotland at TourRadar
Joachim 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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