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
- Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days
- Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands
- North Coast & Islands
- North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
- Orkney & The Far North
- Hebridean Escape 3 Day Tour
- A Scottish Journey
- Scotland by Train
- Scotland's Far North - 10 days
West Highlands, Iona & The Jacobite Guided Rail Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Scotland never disappoints. We would highly recommend this group to everyone!”
Lynn, traveled in April
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
- NZ$5,880
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, StromnessSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator Click Tours From $4,170
36% Off- NZ$2,669You save $1,501
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 $7,435
10% Off- NZ$6,692You save $744
North Coast & Islands
3 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 $4,214
10% Off- NZ$3,793You save $421
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
Orkney & The Far North
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful itinerary, did not disappoint.”
Mitchell, traveled in June
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$1,926
Hebridean Escape 3 Day Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very comprehensive tour and fascinating history with stories to match!”
Janet, traveled in June
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$1,156
A Scottish Journey
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a wonderful trip. We wound up in the tail end of Helene, so couldn't visit Iona but had a very nice experience shopping/sightseeing in ToberMorey.”
Mary, traveled in September
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 up to 80 year olds Operator Back-Roads Touring From
15% Off- NZ$7,249
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 $6,079
20% Off- NZ$4,863You save $1,216
Scotland's Far North - 10 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The places visited were special, especially the Orkneys and Western Hebrides islands which did not disappoint me.”
Elizabeth, traveled in August
Scotland's wonders await from Neolithic Orkney to the Isle of Skye's Quiraing. Professional interpretation enriches visits to Arnol Blackhouse, Maeshowe tomb, and the Italian Chapel. All ferry crossings and road tolls included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, John O'Groats, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Ullapool, Stornoway, LewisSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From $7,155
15% Off- NZ$6,082You save $1,073
What people love about Fully Guided Tours in Scotland
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
When I signed up for this tour, I was at the very least sceptical…my cousins had already booked and I told myself “there is no way you’re going to the Highlands and Isle of Skye without me even if it has to be via an organised tour”. You can guess where this is going… There are multiple reasons for which this tour and the tour guides have only great reviews and I got a taste of each myself. We were about 14 people on our 5day tour, led by Neil – proper guide, proper Scotsman. With a bit of everything, for any taste and most ages, any background or interests, we did not get the chance to get bored. Though there was a degree of adventure and mystery at each step, Neil prepped us for every scenario, whilst allowing just the right degree of flexibility. The photos I took cannot do justice, particularly to the Isle of Skye, where I would have happily moved to if I did not have a mortgage in the Midlands. The accommodation and the morning departures were the only constraints defining the tour. Expect typical hostels, all with very friendly staff. Expect a professional tour guide, expert in multitasking (now where have you seen a tour guide educating, entertaining and driving at the same time?!) and with a great taste in music (may be biased here!). People that feel and breathe the places don’t come around often – take advantage of Neil’s local knowledge and you will make the most out of the tour. I have the bad habit of hanging on to the things I love, so you can bet I will be back, not just to the breath-taking Isle of Skye, but with the MacBackPackers too! Thank you guys for the memories I left with x
5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
- 3 Day Loch Ness & Skye Magic
Craig was AWESOME, like a walking Encyclopedia! And all the stories told with so much character and fun!! Thanks!!!!!
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."