Scotland Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,566 reviews)- Choose from 200+ Scotland tours
- 7,600+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
Table of contents
- The best Scotland tour packages
- What people love about Scotland Tours
- Most popular destinations in Scotland
- Travel Scotland your way
- Top operators in Scotland
- Best places to start your Scotland tour
- Discover Scotland tours for every budget
- Scotland tours for every group
- Top Scotland travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Scotland
- Scotland travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Scotland travel experts
The best Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
985 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Salve for the soul! Neil is the champion of champions when it comes to guides.”
This award-winning Scottish adventure showcases Culloden Battlefield, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Swim in the wild waters of Loch Ness, wander the Quiraing on Skye, and join traditional ceilidh dances. Includes hostels in Inverness, Kyleakin and Oban.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Culloden, Loch Ness, Inverness, Torridon, Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, Portree, ArmadaleSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator MacBackpackers From
- US$467
3 Day Loch Ness & Skye Magic
321 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“So much packed into 3 days. Accommodation was good - even stayed in our own hostel/house on Skye.”
Harry, traveled in September 2024
The Highland magic unfolds on this 3-day tour for approx. $100 per day. Hike the Quiraing on Skye, capture the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and rest at the world's only hostel on Loch Ness's shores. Visits include Glencoe, Ben Nevis, and Doune Castle with expert guide commentary on clan history.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, The Hermitage National Forest, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park, Culloden, Loch Ness, Sligachan, Portree, Storr Mountains, Kilt RockSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Operated in English Operator MacBackpackers From
- US$301
Orkney & The Far North
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very informative and accommodating to all passengers' needs.”
Christopher, traveled in September 2023
This Scottish route leads from Edinburgh through Glen Coe to Orkney Islands. Marvel at Maeshowe chambered cairn, browse Kirkwall's craft shops, and tour Dunrobin Castle. Package includes 4 nights in quality B&Bs, with 2 nights each in Inverness and Kirkwall, plus Scottish breakfasts.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Inverness, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Stenness, Skara BraeSee all destinations Age Range 3 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Highland Experience Tours From
- US$1,168
Highlights of Scotland
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The country is beautiful, and the people are very friendly. We would go back to Scotland again and soon!”
Marilyn, traveled in July 2022
Mega Sale
The heart of Scotland beckons from Glasgow's vibrant streets to Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile. Ride the West Highland Line railway, visit Fort William near Ben Nevis, cruise Loch Ness, and tour Isle of Skye's Trotternish Peninsula. Includes 7 breakfasts and expert-led walking tours.
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Inverness, Edinburgh Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,990
10% Off- US$3,591You save $399
Scotland's Orkney Islands
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fabulous holiday with lovely walks, boat trips, and visits to historic places.”
Helen, traveled in July 2021
Mega Sale
Ancient history comes alive from Inverness to the Orkney archipelago. Step into Europe's best-preserved Neolithic village at Skara Brae, visit the Italian Chapel built by WWII prisoners, and take coastal walks on Hoy Island. Includes 4 nights in Kirkwall with local whisky tastings.
Duration 5 days Destinations Inverness, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operated in English Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,995
15% Off- US$1,696You save $299
What people love about Scotland Tours
- 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
Fantastic Tour! The Guide was great and his knowledge was amazing. This tour was great value for money! Thanks Neil and the MacBackpacker crew!
- 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!
- 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
I, and everyone else on the bus had a great time. A fantastic whistle stop tour of Scotland that I would recommend to anyone. Travelling with a small group on a mini coach and staying together in hostels means you can easily make friends with others on the bus so it turns into a social experience as well as a series of visits to tourist attractions. Our guide Graeme was fantastic and kept us entertained with stories and the history of the places we visited. I would say make sure that you are prepared for being outdoors in a country where the chances of it raining is high, i.e. sensible footwear and waterproofs will avoid your fun being dampened.
Most popular destinations in Scotland
The Isle of Skye leads the way as our travelers' favorite spot in northern Scotland's wild terrain. Places like the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock pull in photographers and hiking enthusiasts, while local guides weave fascinating stories about clan histories and folklore that make these ancient sites come alive. The Highlands open up plenty of active possibilities - you can climb the peaks around Glen Coe or explore the historic Eilean Donan castle. If you push a bit further out, the Outer Hebrides offer some real treats: Luskentyre beach with its pure white sand and the extraordinary Callanish Standing Stones, where 5,000-year-old megaliths rise straight from the moorland. The sweet spot for visiting is May through September when the weather plays nice, though our photography buffs really love autumn's moody light and atmosphere. For wildlife watching, aim for April through October - that's when you've got the best chance of spotting red deer, golden eagles and other Highland creatures doing their thing.
See all Northern Scotland toursThe Scottish Highlands open up a world where misty peaks meet ancient mysteries, with the Isle of Skye's raw landscapes showing off jagged cliffs and moody valleys. Our travelers often mention how the old standing stones across the region get their minds wandering, and there's always that fun chance of spotting something unusual in Loch Ness's dark waters. The Outer Hebrides have really caught on with folks looking for the real deal - you'll find original blackhouses that tell the story of island life, see Harris Tweed being made right on traditional looms and walk on empty beaches where yours might be the first footprints of the day. When our customers talk about the Jacobite Steam Train journey, they usually say it's their best-ever rail experience, winding through deep glens and past quiet lochs. Spring visits in April and May hit that sweet spot of nice weather with fewer tourists, while August brings out purple heather that makes the hills look like they're painted. Winter brings its own rewards with snow-topped mountains and warm pub fires, though you'll want to plan around shorter days and check road conditions in the back country.
See all Scottish Highlands toursDiscover the Isle of Skye's stunning landscapes, from rugged cliffs to tranquil lochs. Stroll through charming villages, trek the unique Quiraing trails, or be awed by the towering Old Man of Storr. Savor fresh local seafood as you watch enchanting sunsets.
See all Isle Of Skye tours
More exciting destinations:
Travel Scotland your way
Take in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of Scotland. There are 74 vacation packages to choose from, that range in length from 2 days up to 17 days. The most popular month for these tours is June.
See all Coach / Bus toursPlanning a Scottish Highland trip? Our most popular tours run 3 to 5 days and our travelers really love them. The 5-day trips give you time to properly explore Skye - you'll see those unique rock formations and wander through hidden glens while guides share stories about Highland rebellions and local culture. People who've joined these tours tell us they particularly enjoy mixing up active days hiking dramatic cliffs with visits to historic places like Culloden. If you're tight on time, the 3-day option still packs in the essentials - Loch Ness, the moody valleys of Glencoe and also Eilean Donan Castle. What makes these trips work so well is how they combine outdoor exploration with real cultural depth - you might spend the morning looking for Nessie and the afternoon listening to fascinating clan stories from local guides who know their history inside out.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 209 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Scotland with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided toursChoose from over 119 cultural tours and explore historical sites, local traditions and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Scotland.
See all In-depth Cultural tours
More travel styles:
Top operators in Scotland
Looking at the Scottish tour operators, MacBackpackers stands out for genuine value and good vibes - their guides Graeme, Neil and Ruth really know how to make Scotland come alive without breaking the bank. Most of our travelers come back with great stories about learning Scottish history, hearing local folk tales and getting off the usual tourist track. Highland Experience offers some interesting themed tours, particularly for Outlander fans, but we've had feedback about the buses getting too full. What's marketed as a small-group experience sometimes ends up feeling more like a big coach tour, which isn't ideal when you're trying to reach those quiet Highland spots and small villages. Intrepid's "Highlights of Scotland" tour has potential - they've got the right ideas about where to go and what to see. But lately we've heard from customers about last-minute route changes and poor communication. When you're planning to explore remote Scottish locations, castles and also historic sites, you want to know exactly what's happening and when. For a proper Scottish experience, MacBackpackers seems to hit the sweet spot between cost, group size and authentic local knowledge. Their guides actually live and breathe Scottish culture, which makes a real difference when you're exploring the Highlands, islands and also ancient ruins.
- 5.0 (2,786 Scotland reviews)
"Amazing memorable experience, made all the better by Neil and his Amazing knowledge of Skye!
- Tours
- 3 Scotland tours
- Age range
- 18 to 39 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 12h
- Response rate
- 100%
- Average price
- $134
- 4.5 (11,926 Scotland 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
- 4 Scotland tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 7h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $472
- 4.5 (252 Scotland reviews)
"My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this, our first-ever bus tour. Our guide Chloe provided lots of historical, geographic, and cultural information through running commentary during our drives and at each of our stops. Her delivery was delightful and spirited, and she responded to our many questions with enthusiasm. At times the road noise made hearing her difficult, but Chloe turned up the volume when we let her know. We are in our 70's and were concerned about slowing the group down, but Chloe was able to accommodate me without impairing the others. The accommodations were quite comfortable and the breakfast yummy. We plan to take another tour soon.
- Tours
- 12 Scotland tours
- Age range
- 3 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- In-depth Cultural
- Response time
- 21h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $265
Best places to start your Scotland tour
Most of our Scotland tours kick off from Edinburgh - 59 travelers chose the capital as their starting point last year. Glasgow sent off 17 groups and Inverness launched another 15 tours into the Highlands. Since these trips tend to fill quickly, we've found booking around 150 days ahead helps you get the dates you want. The sweet spot for reliable weather runs May through September, though April and October are clever picks if you want smaller crowds and better deals. Spring in Glen Coe and Skye brings out incredible wildflowers that our guides love showing off. Summer evenings give photographers that perfect golden light for landscape shots, while autumn mists create these moody castle photos our travelers keep sharing.
Discover Scotland tours for every budget
For travelers watching their budget, our backpacker tours through the Highlands consistently earn great feedback. The 3-day Isle of Skye trips let you pack in Loch Ness, Glencoe and key Highland spots without breaking the bank. Our travelers particularly love the social atmosphere at the hostels and the entertaining stories from guides like Ruthie, Craig and Neil. The 5-day Highland Fling adds extra time to really dig into Skye's landscape - you'll hike to unique rock formations and get deeper into Scotland's independence history. What makes these tours work so well is how they mix must-see spots with local culture and good craic in the evenings. One of our recent customers mentioned loving "the mystique and lore of Scotland" while another noted how the guide's local knowledge helped them find the best spots for photos, food and authentic Highland experiences.
Our luxury Scotland tours focus on those special experiences you won't find elsewhere. The North Coast & Islands journey takes you through Scotland's remote corners, where you'll stay in historic hotels along the way. There's a pretty amazing falconry show at Dunrobin Castle and you'll sail out to the Orkneys too. Train lovers get a real treat on our Highland rail tour - you'll ride the steam train that Harry Potter fans know well and stop for private tastings at northern whisky distilleries. What sets these tours apart is the little extras, like having your own expert guide at Inverness museums and getting special access to historic sites that aren't usually open to visitors.
Scotland budget tours- Scotland luxury tours
Scotland tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
207 tours in ScotlandExplore Scotland on a pre-planned itinerary and meet like-minded travelers
Small Group
48 tours in ScotlandVisit Scotland with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
26 tours in ScotlandFor travelers seeking a more personalized experience, our private Scottish tours offer complete flexibility. You might choose to explore Edinburgh's Royal Mile with your own guide before heading into the Highlands at your own pace. These tours often include special touches like cooking classes where you'll work with traditional Scottish ingredients in premier culinary schools. One particularly good option takes you through the Highlands over 10 days, mixing guided castle visits with free time to explore on your own. Our private tour customers often mention how much they appreciate being able to linger at favorite spots or adjust the schedule based on their interests and energy levels.
Top Scotland travel itineraries to fit your plans
Week-long Scottish journeys often combine train travel with guided experiences, giving you a unique perspective on the country. You might start in Edinburgh before taking scenic rail routes through the Cairngorms National Park, stopping for guided walks among ancient pine forests. Some tours include the famous Jacobite Steam Train to Mallaig - a spectacular journey over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Our travelers particularly enjoy the mix of city exploration in Glasgow and Inverness with remote Highland experiences. Many tours include whisky tastings at places like Ben Nevis Distillery, visits to historic battlefields and also chances to spot wildlife in national parks.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Glasgow, Kilmartin, Oban, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan, Mallaig
See all tours
Ten-day Scottish explorations really dig into the country's distant past and wild landscapes. These tours often venture to the Orkney Islands, where you'll find Neolithic villages older than the pyramids at Skara Brae. Several routes include time in the Cairngorms for hiking and wildlife watching, followed by stays in remote fishing villages like Ullapool. The Isle of Skye features prominently - you'll have time for proper hikes to the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr. Our customers particularly value the chance to visit Harris and Lewis, where they experience traditional island life, see ancient stone circles and visit remote beaches. These longer trips also include time in Edinburgh and Inverness, balancing city culture with Highland wilderness.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Inveraray, Glencoe, Ballachulish, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Culloden, Pitlochry, St Andrews, Edinburgh
See all tours
Two-week Scottish journeys offer our most complete exploration of the islands and Highlands. These tours typically include extended stays on Skye, Mull, Harris and also the Orkneys. Our travelers get to experience traditional crofting life, visit prehistoric sites, and explore remote coastal villages. Many tours include time on Iona, the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, plus chances to spot eagles on Mull. The longer duration means you'll really get to know places like Kirkwall in the Orkneys, where you can visit the 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral and explore Norse heritage sites. These tours excel at mixing active walks along dramatic coastlines with cultural experiences like Harris Tweed weaving demonstrations and visits to whisky distilleries.
Don't miss out on visiting:
Glasgow, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Inveraray
See all toursDemographics
Solo travelers keep telling us how much they enjoy our backpacker-style Highland tours - they're perfect for meeting other independent explorers while keeping costs reasonable. The 3-day and 5-day Isle of Skye trips are particularly good for solo guests; you'll share hostel rooms with other travelers and find yourself making friends over whisky tastings and Highland walks. Our guides like Ruth and Neil get lots of praise from solo guests for creating this great social atmosphere where everyone feels included. One recent traveler mentioned how traveling alone turned into this wonderful group experience, complete with hikes to hidden waterfalls and evenings sharing stories in local pubs.
For couples looking to explore Scotland together, we've found our premium tours hit just the right balance of comfort and adventure. These journeys include special touches like staying in historic hotels and enjoying private whisky tastings at Glengoyne Distillery. The Highland rail tours are particularly romantic - you'll take the famous Jacobite steam train together past mountains and lochs, then ferry across to Skye for boat trips where you might spot dolphins. Couples often tell us they love how these tours mix guided experiences with free time to explore on their own, especially in places like Inverness where you can stroll along the River Ness or find cozy spots for dinner.
Young adults consistently rate our MacBackpacker tours as their favorites in Scotland - they're active, social and really get into the heart of Highland culture. The 5-day Skye adventures are particularly popular; you'll hike to places like the Quiraing and Fairy Pools, swim in Loch Ness (if you're brave enough) and hear fascinating stories about clan battles. Our travelers tell us they love how the guides mix in local folklore with proper history, and the hostels create this great atmosphere where everyone hangs out together after busy days exploring. The 3-day tours work well too if you're short on time - you'll still get all those essential Highland experiences and meet plenty of like-minded travelers.
Our senior travelers particularly enjoy the carefully paced Highland tours that combine comfort with cultural depth. The 8-day Orkney journeys get excellent feedback - you'll explore Neolithic villages, visit the Italian Chapel and also take in the Highland scenery without feeling rushed. Another popular option includes train travel through Scotland, which lets you enjoy the landscapes in comfort while making stops at key historic sites. Our guides like Eddie and Graham receive special praise from senior guests for their knowledge and considerate approach. These tours include proper hotels rather than hostels and build in free time to explore at your own pace, which our older travelers really appreciate.
Families exploring Scotland consistently tell us they love our Highland tours that blend active exploration with historic stories. Our most recommended Highland route lets you discover Cairngorms National Park and search for Nessie at Loch Ness - our guides are brilliant at making these moments fun for all ages. The Urquhart Castle visit works particularly well for families since kids can climb the towers while parents take in the loch views. Another favorite includes special stops at Inverness where families get free evenings to explore at their own pace. We find parents appreciate the well-planned schedules that mix guided activities with downtime for everyone to recharge.
- Solo Travelers216 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples121 tours All tours for Couples
- Young Adults (18 - 39)14 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)141 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family174 tours All tours for Family
Best time to visit Scotland
- Spring 2025
Spring tours really shine in Scotland as the Highlands come alive with wildflowers and migrating birds. Our guide Ruthie gets especially excited about showing travelers the fairy pools on Skye this time of year, when the waterfalls are full from winter melt. Several routes combine Edinburgh's cultural highlights with Highland adventures - you might start with a Royal Mile walk then head north for Culloden Battlefield and also Clava Cairns. The Outlander-themed tours work particularly well in spring, as you can visit filming locations like Doune Castle and the Highland Folk Museum without summer crowds. Our travelers often mention loving the mix of history and outdoor activities, plus spring offers better value and more availability at traditional Highland accommodations.
- March 2025 88 tours
- April 2025 164 tours
- May 2025 popular 189 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer offers longer days to go exploring. Tour the Isle of Skye or play golf at St. Andrews. Don't miss the vibrant Edinburgh Festival in August for arts and culture.
- June 2025 195 tours
- July 2025 popular 197 tours
- August 2025 194 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn colors Scotland in stunning hues. It’s perfect for scenic drives through Glencoe and attending the Braemar Gathering. Cooler, shorter days mean fewer crowds.
- September 2025 popular 194 tours
- October 2025 152 tours
- November 2025 49 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Our Highland winter tours capture Scotland at its most dramatic. The Skye journey really comes into its own in January - photographers in our groups love how the mist wraps around the mountains. We've designed shorter Highland routes that mix Loch Ness, Glencoe and Eilean Donan Castle with relaxed evenings getting warm in local pubs. If you prefer more comfort when it's cold outside, our premium winter options include train rides through the snow-covered peaks and proper whisky experiences at Highland distilleries. The Orkney Islands tour up north is a favourite - you might see the Northern Lights while exploring old sites like Skara Brae and also the Italian Chapel.
- January 2025 52 tours
- February 2025 popular 60 tours
- December 2025 41 tours
Scotland travel guides - curated by our experts
Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
Get inspired by Scotland while learning everything you need to know to travel this Highland nation like a pro. Learn the basics, discover the highlights and more.
Best 7 Day Scotland Itineraries 2025 (with Reviews)
Planning to spend 7 days in Scotland? Discover itinerary inspiration to help make your trip-planning a breeze with TourRadar!
What is the best time to visit Scotland in 2025?
Explore when to visit Scotland to experience its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. Learn about the best time for adventure, sightseeing, and local events.
Weather in Scotland in 2025
Unfold the mystery of weather in Scotland with TourRadar. Discover the unique appeal of each season, the regional weather variations, and the best time to explore this beautiful country. Embark on an unforgettable journey today!
Contact our Scotland travel experts
Marianne
Expert in Scotland at TourRadar
Marianne is one of our seasoned Scotland Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Scotland tours answered!
- Choose from 236+ Scotland tours
- 7,640 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
- 24/7 customer support
Call us
+1 844 311 8331