Scotland Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Scotland tour packages
- What people love about Scotland Tours
- Most popular destinations in Scotland
- Travel Scotland your way
- Best tour companies for Scotland tours
- Best places to start your Scotland tour
- Discover Scotland tours for every budget
- Scotland tours for every type of 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
- What our customers ask about Scotland Tours & Trips
The best Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
1,017 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Have lived in Scotland for a while but energised to explore more after this trip!”
Kieran, traveled in September
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, Forth Bridge, Dunkeld, Loch Ness, Inverness, Torridon, Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, Portree, ArmadaleSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator MacBackpackers From
- NZ$873
3 Day Isle of Skye
1,236 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The atmosphere was incredible and I will 100% do it again!”
Francesca, traveled in August
Scottish icons await on this approx. $300 adventure. The mystical Isle of Skye opens up for 36 hours, offering swims in the Fairy Pools and hikes to the Old Man of Storr. MacBackpackers' exclusive hostel in Kyleakin provides the perfect Highland base.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Culloden, Loch Ness, Dornie, Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, Portree, UigSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator MacBackpackers From
- NZ$425
Orkney & The Far North
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was incredible. Left the tour teary as hated to leave all my new friends.”
Marilyn, traveled in September
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 All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours From
- NZ$2,229
Hebridean Escape 5-day Tour
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very comprehensive & enjoyable tour.”
Simon, traveled in September
Highland tales come alive from Edinburgh through Glen Coe to the Outer Hebrides. Expert guides narrate at Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns. Traditional B&Bs in Stornoway and Inverness serve as bases for exploring Harris Tweed weavers and pristine Luskentyre Beach.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Inverness, Ullapool, Isle of Lewis, Callanish, CarlowaySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours From
- NZ$2,056
Highlights of Scotland (26 destinations)
7 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
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, Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan, Isle of Skye, Mallaig, Kilt Rock, Dunvegan, Loch Ness, InvernessSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$5,760
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!
- Hebridean Escape 5-day Tour
The small size of the tour allowed the guide to be flexible and accommodate desires of the group, which was greatly appreciated. Fergus was friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, and a very nice way of telling stories that made them come alive. This made the tour overall even more enjoyable.
- 3 Day Loch Ness & Skye Magic
Craig is a fantastic, bonkers, mental and awesome tour guide. He definetly made the trip entertaining and educational. It was great fun! Thanks!
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
Travel Scotland your way
Take in the picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights on a guided Coach / Bus adventure of Scotland. There are 87 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.
Select from our extensive range of 256 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Scotland with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided toursOur Highland tours immerse you deeply in Scotland's cultural heritage, guiding you through centuries of fascinating history. The Orkney routes span an impressive 4,000 years, taking you from ancient Maeshowe burial chambers all the way to the poignant Italian Chapel, carefully crafted by WWII prisoners. Our expert guides Eddie and Graham consistently earn glowing feedback from travelers, as they bring historical sites to life with rich storytelling and detailed knowledge. Many itineraries blend Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile with Highland explorations, creating an engaging contrast between urban heritage and traditional village culture. The Isle of Skye plays a central role in these cultural journeys, where you'll discover clan legacies while traversing dramatic landscapes and exploring historic castles. These tours stand out for their seamless integration of major historical events with authentic local experiences - your day might begin at Culloden Battlefield, continue in a traditional Highland community, and conclude with Viking heritage exploration in the Orkneys. What our travelers value most is this thoughtful mix of expert-guided museum visits, exclusive castle access and genuine cultural encounters, like spending time with families whose roots in places like Elgol stretch back to the 1300s.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Scotland tours
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.
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 tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
214 tours in ScotlandOur Highland group tours through Scotland draw consistent enthusiasm, especially the immersive 5-day experiences that balance active exploration with social connections. Travelers tell us they love how we mix challenging hikes to formations like the Quiraing, cooling swims in Loch Ness, and fascinating clan histories shared by guides who make every story come alive. The 3-day Isle of Skye journeys suit those with tighter schedules - you'll explore Glencoe's ancient valleys, join the hunt for Nessie, and wander through Eilean Donan Castle while making new friends along the way. Our Highland guides Ruthie, Craig and also Neil get endless mentions for fostering genuine connections, helping solo travelers blend right into the Highland family atmosphere. The hostel stays naturally spark friendships, with guests sharing tales over whisky tastings and discovering hidden waterfalls together. These group experiences stand out because they weave together key Highland destinations, authentic Scottish culture, meaningful history at places like Culloden and shared meals of fresh seafood at local pubs in Kyleakin and also Fort William.
Small Group
44 tours in ScotlandHighland small-group tours reveal what matters most to our travelers, with guides like Ruthie, Craig and also Graham earning constant praise for weaving local stories into their deep historical knowledge. The Skye journeys balance guided exploration with authentic experiences, taking you hiking through the distinctive Quiraing formations, sharing clan tales at Culloden and gathering in traditional Highland pubs with fellow travelers. Many routes connect Edinburgh's rich heritage with Highland exploration, moving seamlessly from Royal Mile discoveries to peaceful forest paths in the Cairngorms. Orkney trips shine for their archaeological focus, where specialists guide you through ancient Neolithic settlements and Norse sites that shaped these islands. The small group format works particularly well because it adapts to individual interests - whether photographing Glencoe's dramatic valleys, capturing sunset light at castle ruins or meeting local producers for Highland tastings. Our guests often tell us how traveling in smaller numbers lets them discover hidden spots like Orkney's Italian Chapel or secluded Skye waterfalls that larger tours simply can't access.
Private / Personalized
29 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.
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.
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.
Demographics
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 Travelers230 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples211 tours All tours for Couples
- Young Adults (18 - 39)12 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)141 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family176 tours All tours for Family
Best time to visit Scotland
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn exploration in Scotland hits a sweet spot with photographers and culture enthusiasts joining our Highland tours. The routes gain an extra atmospheric touch as mists wrap the Glencoe peaks, and the crowds thin considerably at spots like Eilean Donan Castle. Our 5-day excursions blend active hikes to Skye's distinct formations with relaxed evenings in local pubs, creating an ideal balance after full days outdoors. The shorter 3-day trips fit in Loch Ness, Glen Coe and also the ancient battlefields while capturing autumn's moody light. Guides add rich layers of insight during this season, sharing clan histories while leading walks through quiet glens where red deer often roam. The railway rides through the Highlands become especially enchanting - you'll pass golden birch forests in Cairngorms National Park, and catch that famous steam train crossing the viaduct with minimal tourist crowds. These autumn tours stand out by weaving together outdoor discovery and cultural immersion - your mornings might be spent capturing misty mountain scenes, before shifting to an afternoon learning whisky craft at a Highland distillery.
- November 2025 popular 53 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.
- December 2025 55 tours
- January 2026 62 tours
- February 2026 popular 65 tours
- Spring 2026
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 2026 91 tours
- April 2026 167 tours
- May 2026 popular 198 tours
- Summer 2026
Scotland's summer touring season comes alive with extended daylight, making it perfect for Highland wandering and hopping between islands. Our 5-day Isle of Skye tours get constant praise from visitors, who take full advantage of summer weather for treks to the Quiraing, and gentle walks around the Fairy Pools. Many guests mix Edinburgh's cultural heritage with Highland exploration - starting on the Royal Mile before heading north to discover Culloden Battlefield and ancient Clava Cairns. The backpacker tours work especially well in summer, with our travelers loving their dips in Loch Ness (if they're feeling bold), walks to secluded waterfalls, and nights trading stories in cozy Highland pubs. Guides like Graeme, Neil and also Ruth get mentioned often for weaving historical knowledge with local tales while guiding groups to distinctive geological formations. Up in Orkney, the long summer light lets visitors make the most of archaeological treasures like Skara Brae and the Italian Chapel, with time left to catch sunset views along the rugged coast. Our summer groups often mention the natural friendships that form while they photograph Highland cattle, sample whisky at small distilleries, and wander through historic glens where clan conflicts shaped Scotland's past.
- June 2026 popular 202 tours
- July 2026 194 tours
- August 2026 192 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 2025/2026 (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 2025/2026?
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 2025/2026
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
Rufus
Expert in Scotland at TourRadar
Rufus is one of our seasoned Scotland Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Scotland tours answered!
- Choose from 243+ Scotland tours
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Scotland Tours & Trips
What kind of cultural experiences can visitors have in Scotland?
You can really get into Scotland's culture through some amazing hands-on experiences. There's whisky tasting at Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown which is just one of over 50 distilleries packed into the Speyside region. Near Loch Lomond you can learn to make traditional haggis during demonstrations that are part of this great 8-day self-drive culinary tour. The Highland games are absolutely incredible with traditional sports and music and places like Carrbridge really bring it to life with their Scottish Chainsaw Carving Competition and World Porridge Making Championship.
Where can I find Scotland's best natural areas and how do I get to them?
The Cairngorms National Park is absolutely stunning and getting there is pretty straightforward by train from Edinburgh or Inverness you can explore it on tours like the Speyside and Moray cycling holiday. The Isle of Skye's rugged landscape is amazing and you can get there by ferry from Mallaig on the 3-day tour or drive across the Skye Bridge. The West Highland Way is this incredible long-distance trail that you can pick up from Glasgow or Fort William it's featured in the Classic Walks tour. And if you want total freedom the North Coast 500 scenic route is perfect for self-drive tours letting you explore at your own pace.
What are some of Scotland's hidden gems that tourists often miss?
The Orkney islands are incredible with all their Viking history and ancient sites like Skara Brae you can catch a ferry from Gills Bay and really explore it on the 3-day Far North tour. The Isle of Mull is perfect if you're into wildlife especially for spotting white-tailed eagles just hop on a ferry from Oban it's actually part of this amazing 14-day Scottish Islands Grand Tour. The North West Highlands are just breathtaking with dramatic mountains and lochs best explored on self-drive tours especially that stretch from Durness to Ullapool on the NC500 route.
How do you get around Scotland and what's the best way to travel?
The train network connects all the major spots like Edinburgh Glasgow and Inverness with some really scenic routes including the West Highland Line which features in the Highlights of Scotland tour. Coach tours are great for seeing multiple places they handle all the logistics and planning like in the 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling. If you want independence hiring a car is perfect for exploring especially for routes like the North Coast 500. The ferry system links the mainland to all the islands Skye Orkney Mull they all have different schedules depending when you're traveling and where you're heading like the Gills Bay to Orkney crossing.
What local food should I try in Scotland and where can I find it?
Scottish food is incredible you've got to try haggis the national dish served with neeps and tatties that's mashed turnips and potatoes you'll find it in traditional pubs and it's featured in the 8-day culinary tour. The seafood is amazing especially in coastal towns like Ullapool where you'll get fresh salmon and langoustines. Don't miss cullen skink it's this really rich smoked haddock soup that's famous in the northeast. Fish and chips are a must-try basically everywhere and when you're touring through Perth make sure to try some proper Scottish shortbread with your afternoon tea it's part of the Highlands & Islands tour.