Scotland Guided Tours & Trips
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10 best fully guided Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands
- North Coast & Islands
- North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
- West Highlands, Iona & The Jacobite Guided Rail Tour
- Orkney & The Far North
- Hebridean Escape 3 Day Tour
- Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days
- Highlights of Scotland
- Scotland by Train
- Western Isles & Orkney (Hotel) - 9 days
Scottish heritage comes alive at Edinburgh Castle, Rosslyn Chapel, and Stirling Castle. Savor expert-led whisky tasting at Royal Lochnagar Distillery and guided visits to Balmoral Estate. Carefully curated tours of the Highland Games Museum and Scottish Crannog Centre included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunblane, Stirling, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park Age Range 16 to 80 year olds Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From $6,773
8% Off- NZ$6,225You save $548
North Coast & Islands
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loaded with historical information, funny stories, and witty antidotes, the tour was terrific.”
Nina, traveled in May
Scotland's finest attractions unfold over 6 days, from Inverness's Victorian Market to Orkney's ancient Ring of Brodgar. Walking tours, falconry shows at Dunrobin Castle, and cultural performances create unforgettable memories.
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 $3,997
10% Off- NZ$3,597You save $400
North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
2 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 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $3,275
15% Off- NZ$2,784You save $491
West Highlands, Iona & The Jacobite Guided Rail Tour
3 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 18 to 85 year olds Operator McKinlay Kidd From
15% Off- NZ$5,817
Orkney & The Far North
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very informative and accommodating to all passengers' needs.”
Christopher, traveled in September
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 3 to 99 year olds Operator Highland Experience Tours From
15% Off- NZ$1,905
Hebridean Escape 3 Day Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was the most wonderful tour ever. He was exceptional and even when I return to Scotland, i fear no one will never match up to his standards.”
Heather, traveled in August
The Hebrides reveal their secrets on this Scottish tour from Inverness. Marvel at Callanish Standing Stones, Carloway Broch, and traditional weaving demonstrations, while enjoying B&B stays in Stornoway and Mercedes minibus comfort.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Ullapool, Stornoway, Callanish, Carloway, Luskentyre, Isle of Harris, Eoropaidh, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve Age Range 3 to 99 year olds Operator Highland Experience Tours From
15% Off- NZ$1,143
Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were very clean and tidy with a good location to town.”
Victoria, traveled in September
Scotland's story unfolds through local expertise at every stop. Detailed commentary accompanies visits to Arnol Blackhouse, Calanais Stone Circle, and Scone Palace throughout this comprehensive tour.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Ullapool, Stornoway, Inverness, Loch Ness, Cairngorms National Park Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $3,315
15% Off- NZ$2,818You save $497
Highlights of Scotland
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The memories though will last a lifetime and if you?re lucky like me and my group, you?ll also make lasting connections with likeminded people!”
Julia, traveled in May
Scotland's treasures await, from Edinburgh's Royal Mile to Glencoe's valleys. Culloden Battlefield, Loch Ness cruises, Urquhart Castle ruins, and Ben Nevis whisky tasting unfold in intimate small groups.
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Fort William, Glasgow Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $4,159
15% Off- NZ$3,535You save $624
Scotland by Train
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Really knows his stuff, makes it very interesting.”
Gerald, traveled in May
Private tours of Edinburgh Castle, Inverness Museum, and Glasgow's heritage reveal Scotland's character. Cairngorms National Park walks, whisky tasting at Glengoyne Distillery, and boat trips with local Skye families create lasting memories.
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glencoe, Isle of Skye, Plockton, Inverness, Aviemore Age Range 25 to 99 year olds Operator Culture Trip From $5,699
20% Off- NZ$4,559You save $1,140
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 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $8,285
15% Off- NZ$7,042You save $1,243
What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Scotland
- Taste of Scotland - 5 Days/4 Nights
Exceeded my expectations, above and beyond what I was expecting.
Great tour, Liam was great and the other people who were on the bus were lovely and we all got along great.
3-Day Lewis, Harris and the Outer Hebrides Small-Group Tour from Inverness
The tour guide Andrew was so knowledgeable !! He took care of us and made sure everyone was comfortable at all times! The coach driver Karen was a fantastic driver with a great sense of humor! The two were perfectly paired! Enjoyed the hotels and meals immensely! The rooms were all great and hotel on Isle of Skye was in the best location overlooking the water...fabulous tour!!! Would have liked one night in Edinburg.
Loch Ness, the Jacobite and Skye Guided Rail Tour
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."