Scotland Guided Tours & Trips
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10 best fully guided Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- West Highlands, Iona & The Jacobite Guided Rail Tour
- North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
- Orkney & The Far North
- Islay, Oban & the Whisky Coast – 4-Day Small-Group Tour
- Scottish Highlands Escape
- Discover Orkney Small-Group Tour – 3 Days
- A Scottish Journey
- Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days
- Western Isles & Orkney (Hotel) - 9 days
- North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney (Hotel) - 5 days
West Highlands, Iona & The Jacobite Guided Rail Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Iona in west Hebrides was so amazing. Just plain fantastic!”
Katherine, traveled in May
Scotland's hidden gems unfold with McKinlay Kidd's guides, from Kilmartin Glen's 350+ ancient monuments to Arduaine Gardens' rare flora. Sacred sites of Iona await your footsteps, while geometric Staffa Island beckons by boat. The legendary Jacobite steam train carries you across Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Duration 7 days Destinations Glasgow, Kilmartin, Oban, Isle of Mull, Isle of Iona, Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan, Mallaig Age Range Ages 18+ Operator McKinlay Kidd From
- NZ$6,302
North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was a great experience, with beautiful scenery and comfortable accommodations.”
Angela, traveled in March
Glencoe's historic valley and UNESCO-listed Orkney sites await your discovery. Wander through Skara Brae village, Maeshowe tomb, and Culloden Battlefield. Rest at selected guesthouses including Dalmore in Inverness and Bellavista in Kirkwall.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Callander, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Culloden Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $3,285
35% Off- NZ$2,135You save $1,150
Orkney & The Far North
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The history and scenery were amazing, the accommodation was comfortable with a large variety offered for breakfasts.”
Pam, traveled in August
Glen Coe's dramatic valleys and Orkney's ancient sites unfold before you. Rich commentary enhances visits to Culloden Battlefield and Skara Brae. Mini-coach travel with maximum 13 guests ensures intimate experiences.
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
35% Off- NZ$2,157
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Oban, Kilmartin, Bowmore, Islay Island, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Inveraray Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Click Tours From $4,016
36% Off- NZ$2,570You save $1,446
Scottish Highlands Escape
188 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This trip was wonderful! Yes we saw things, but this introduced us to the 'feel' of Ireland.”
Wayne, traveled in March
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, Culloden, Fort William, Oban, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glasgow Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Globus From
36% Off- NZ$1,910
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Stenness, St Margaret's Hope Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $2,041
36% Off- NZ$1,307You save $735
A Scottish Journey
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels where we stayed were 5* and the food was fabulous. The people on our tour were also a great bunch.”
tinamack6056gmailcom, traveled in May
Rich Scottish history comes alive at Culloden Battlefield, Crathes Castle, and Highland Folk Museum. Savor curated experiences including Inverness whisky tasting and Plockton harbor walks. Tour Stirling Castle's royal apartments with specialist commentary.
Duration 10 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, Plockton, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of IonaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Back-Roads Touring From
36% Off- NZ$7,509
Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery was spectacular and we were lucky to have perfect weather the whole trip.”
Brenda, traveled in May
Hidden Scottish treasures reveal themselves from Corrieshalloch Gorge to the Butt of Lewis. Rich commentary enhances visits to Calanais Stone Circle and Glencoe valley. All ferry crossings and admission to Arnol Blackhouse included.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Ullapool, Stornoway, Luskentyre, Portree, Isle of Skye, Ben Nevis, Glencoe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $3,955
25% Off- NZ$2,966You save $989
Scottish history springs to life from Trossachs National Park to the remote Orkney archipelago. Rich commentary illuminates Culloden Battlefield, St Magnus Cathedral, and the prehistoric standing stones at Stenness.
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Oban, Isle of Mull, Glencoe, Fort William, Plockton, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, InvernessSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $7,945
25% Off- NZ$5,959You save $1,986
The Scottish odyssey begins at Edinburgh Bus Station. Visit 9 destinations including UNESCO-listed Skara Brae and Maeshowe's Viking ruins. Travel in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with included ferry crossings and 3-star hotel accommodations.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Callander, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Culloden Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $3,855
35% Off- NZ$2,506You save $1,349
What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Scotland
- Orkney & The Far North
The best tour I've ever been on. We saw everything on my wish list and then some. The guides were very knowledgeable. Accomadations were excellent. I especially enjoyed the B&B's as I have never stayed at one before.
- A Scottish Journey
It was a wonderful trip. Our bus driver, Steve was excellent. Tom McGiver, our tour guide gave us a full background of the history of Scotland. We wound up in the tail end of Helene, so couldn't visit Iona because ferries weren't running but had a very nice experience shopping/sightseeing in ToberMorey. Really had a good time!
- Scottish Highlands Escape
Excellent, excellent tour! Our tour guide, Marjorie and driver, Vincent were incredible. They were funny and had so much information to give. They kept everything on time and on track and made it a really memorable trip. The highlands are absolutely breathtaking. Only "complaint" is that the hotels we stayed in Inverness and one of the other small cities were really old and needed some makeovers. They were clean though and you can't expect modern hotels in these small cities. Everything else was great and would definitely do this excursion again.
What our customers ask about Scotland Guided Tours & Trips
What type of accommodations can I expect on a fully guided Scottish tour?
On fully guided Scottish tours accommodation options span from homey guesthouses to well-appointed 3-star hotels. Each property is picked for its prime location and local character. The Leonardo Hotel in Edinburgh sits steps from the Royal Mile while properties like the Dalmore Guest House in Inverness put you in the heart of the Highlands. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The Bellavista Guest House in Kirkwall offered stunning views and wonderful Scottish hospitality." Most properties serve full Scottish breakfasts and give easy access to nearby attractions.
How many hours per day does a typical fully guided Scotland tour involve?
Daily schedules run about 8-10 hours with activities starting at 8:30 AM and wrapping up between 5-7 PM. The Highland Trail tour sets out after breakfast at places like the Atholl Palace Hotel before a day of exploration. One TourRadar traveler noted "From early morning starts to evening excursions there is always something going on." The schedule includes regular stops at key sites like Glencoe and Loch Ness plus free evening time to explore cities like Inverness or Edinburgh.
What meals are typically included on fully guided Scotland tours?
Full Scottish breakfasts come standard at hotels like the Ballachulish Hotel or Atholl Palace. Select dinners featuring Scottish specialties are also included. The Highland Trail tour provides 12 breakfasts and 6 dinners during its 13-day journey. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The food was fabulous every meal was outstanding especially at manor houses." Lunch stops at local pubs and restaurants in places like Inverness or St Andrews are at your own expense.
What is the ideal time of year to take a fully guided tour in Scotland?
The best weather for Scottish tours falls between May and September with summer bringing up to 18 hours of daylight in Edinburgh. Highland Trail tours see peak bookings in July and August. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Tour was excellent and informative really enjoyed the cold weather. Some of those stops were magnificent." Spring and fall offer lighter crowds and better rates while still providing good conditions for castle visits and landscape viewing.
How large are typical fully guided tour groups in Scotland?
Group sizes range from 16 to 45 travelers. Companies like Rabbie's Tours use 16-seat Mercedes mini-coaches while larger operators such as CIE Tours accommodate up to 45 guests. One TourRadar traveler reported: "Just completed 14 day tour with 42 others on the 'Outlander' tour to the Scottish Highlands. The tour leader was excellent competent knowledgeable and unflappable." Smaller groups often allow more scheduling flexibility.
How do the guides enhance the Scottish travel experience?
Local guides bring Scotland's past into focus through historical context storytelling and practical knowledge. They handle the logistics of Highland routes ferry crossings to Skye and Lewis and share lesser-known facts about famous sites like Glencoe and Loch Ness. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "James was an exceptional guide who made Scotland's history come alive with his passionate storytelling and extensive knowledge especially around places like Culloden Battlefield and the Isle of Skye's dramatic landscapes."