Scotland Tours & Trips
Lochs, castles, fairytale settings, and imposing mountains. That’s Scotland, all with a welcome that’s like nowhere else. Visit Edinburgh and take in the castle and Royal Mile, head to Glasgow and experience true local life. Sample whiskey in a Highland distillery, and look for Nessie at Loch Ness. Admire the majesty of Glen Coe and Loch Lomond. Are you brave enough to try haggis?
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- Choose from 250+ Scotland tours
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- J
Jason • traveled in June
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 - R
Richard • traveled in June
Mark was great, sorry I cannot provide a last name. An exceptional person really. Lots of commentary and we got the feeling that we were actually developing a friendship. He knows a lot about Scottish history and culture and it is clear that he is a big fan of it all. Great jokes too!
Orkney & The Far North - E
Erin • traveled in July
Craig is a fantastic, bonkers, mental and awesome tour guide. He definetly made the trip entertaining and educational. It was great fun! Thanks!
3 Day Loch Ness & Skye Magic
Table of contents
- The best Scotland tour packages
- 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
1,018 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Highly recommend this tour with Macbackpackers overall, combining a deep knowledge of history with excellent presentation.”
Alan, traveled in May
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$875
3 Day Isle of Skye
1,236 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From start to finish, Stewart brought the trip to life with his deep knowledge of Scottish history, folklore, and landscapes.”
Julia, traveled in March
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$426
Orkney & The Far North
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Perfect tour, accommodation, meals.”
Elena, traveled in July
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$2,235
2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well organized, we visited beautiful locations with interesting anecdotes.”
P.L., traveled in October
The Outlander trail leads from Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) to Culloden Battlefield. Rest at highly-rated Inverness B&Bs while exploring Highland Folk Museum and ancient Clava Cairns. Dramatic Glen Coe landscapes unfold with expert Highland Experience guides, rated 4.5/5.
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Doune, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden, Falkland, Culross Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours From
- NZ$530
Highlights of Scotland (13 destinations)
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Lovely tour, very committed guide.”
Magdalena, traveled in May
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$6,030
Isle Of Skye And The Highlands
235 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything from the ease of the booking process to the comprehensive itinery was great!”
Marree, traveled in January
Highland landscapes reveal their majesty over 3 days, from Stirling Castle to Skye's Old Man of Storr. The route includes Dundreggan Rewilding Centre's native forest restoration, Ben Nevis cruise, and stays at the welcoming Skye Inn in Portree. Professional guide and daily Scottish breakfasts included.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Spean Bridge, Fort Augustus, Kyle of Lochalsh, Portree, Storr Mountains, Kilt Rock, Dunvegan, ArmadaleSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Explorer Tours From
- NZ$865
Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The days were long and jam-packed with sights. I definitely got full value for my money.”
Patricia, traveled in August
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Orkney Islands, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, StromnessSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $4,417
45% Off- NZ$2,429You save $1,988
The NC500 winds 500 miles through Scotland's most dramatic landscapes. Historical Wardlaw Mausoleum, award-winning Dunnet Bay Distillery, and remote Balnakeil Bay beaches highlight the route. Traditional Scottish inns and guesthouses provide accommodation with daily breakfast.
Duration 8 days Destinations Inverness, Dornoch, John O'Groats, Durness, Ullapool, Applecross Age Range Ages 17+ Operator Spirit Journeys Worldwide From
45% Off- NZ$3,454
Scotland's Orkney Islands
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was excellent, providing loads of history. The accommodation was comfortable with a staff ready to meet traveller's needs.”
Patricia, traveled in September
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, Loch Ness, Thurso, Stromness, Kirkwall Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
45% Off- NZ$3,795
Walking Scotland’s Orkney Islands
33 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Explore! tour that we found through Tourradar was wonderful, and we saw all of the ancient Neolithic sites.”
Lawrence, traveled in June
Ancient Orkney Islands reveal their secrets through 7 days of coastal walks. The 5000-year-old Skara Brae village, Deerness Peninsula's clifftops, and Italian Chapel on Lambholm Island showcase island history. Daily walks span 9-12.5km with historic Kirkwall hotels providing rest.
Duration 7 days Destinations Inverness, Stromness, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Rousay Island Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From
45% Off- NZ$5,160
Most popular destinations in Scotland
Travel Scotland your way
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
Scotland tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Scotland travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Best time to visit Scotland
- 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 46 tours
- January 2026 popular 61 tours
- February 2026 60 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 92 tours
- April 2026 190 tours
- May 2026 popular 224 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 227 tours
- July 2026 222 tours
- August 2026 219 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
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.
- September 2026 popular 224 tours
- October 2026 186 tours
- November 2026 52 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 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 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 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
Joseph
Expert in Scotland at TourRadar
Joseph is one of our seasoned Scotland Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Scotland tours answered!
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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.