Budget Tours to Scotland
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10 best Budget Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- 5-Day Edinburgh and Glasgow by Train
- Taste of Scotland - 4 Days (Small Group)
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
- Best of the North Coast 500 - 3 days
- Highland Fling
- Edinburgh for Hogmanay (NYE) (5 Days) (1 destination)
- Skye High
- Manchester to the Scottish Highlands - 4 days
- 5 Day Glasgow And Inverness Including Loch Ness
- 9 Day Scotland - Edinburgh, Glasgow And Inverness
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Glasgow Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $546 Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,872
5% Off- NZ$2,729You save $144
Duration 4 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Stirling, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $456 Operator Click Tours From $2,849
36% Off- NZ$1,823You save $1,026
Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
78 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The breathtaking views, learning Scottish phrases and gaining a better understanding history of Scotland made memorable trip.”
Marcia, traveled in September
The Scottish Highlands beckon at £88 per day with luxury Mercedes coach transport and expert guidance. Rest at accommodations ranging from £25 hostels to £75+ hotels in Portree. Stretch your legs at Lealt Falls and Old Man of Storr.
Duration 3 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort William, Portree, Isle of Skye, Dunvegan, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, LagganSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $180 Operator Timberbush Tours From
36% Off- NZ$539
The North Coast 500 awaits at approx. $290 per day, with breakfast and comfortable stays at The Arch Inn and Pentland Lodge. Marvel at Smoo Cave, Ardvreck Castle ruins, and Dunrobin Castle while following Scotland's most spectacular road trip with expert guides.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Applecross, Ullapool, Thurso, Dunrobin Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $346 Operator On The Go Tours From $1,385
25% Off- NZ$1,039You save $346
Highland Fling
649 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We visited so many beautiful places. The pace of the Highland fling tour was just right.”
Susan, traveled in May
Scottish wonders unfold at approx. $180 per day, with hostel stays and all transport included. Take in 12 locations over 5 days, enjoying free walks and optional adventures like Loch Ness cruises ($32) and Jacobite Steam Train rides ($72).
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Doune, Glencoe, Oban, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Inverness, BeaulySee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $225 Operator Haggis Adventures From
25% Off- NZ$1,125
Hogmanay festivities shine at approx. $200 per day, including 4 nights' hostel stays, daily breakfasts, and festival tickets. Join Edinburgh Castle tours, Winter Wonderland activities, and torch processions with expert guidance.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh Age Range Ages 18-35 Price Per Day $295 Operator Contiki From $1,735
15% Off- NZ$1,475You save $260
Skye High
673 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a fantastic way to see the highlands of Scotland and to experience skye for the first time!”
Andrew, traveled in February
Scottish magic unfolds at approx. $180 per day with hostel stays at Morag's Lodge, free walking tours in Portree, and highly-rated transport (4.8/5). Optional visits to Dunvegan Castle ($28) and local pub meals in Fort Augustus add flexibility.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Isle of Skye, Portree, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, Fort AugustusSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $203 Operator Haggis Adventures From
15% Off- NZ$609
A Scottish odyssey at approx. $330 per day includes Loch Ness cruise and Stirling Castle entry. Rest in simple guesthouses with breakfast, travel in Mercedes mini-coaches, and roam freely in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Duration 4 days Destinations Manchester, Pooley Bridge, Glasgow, Luss, Oban, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan, Glencoe, KillinSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $425 Operator On The Go Tours From $2,265
25% Off- NZ$1,699You save $566
At $361 per day, including daily breakfast and comfortable stays at Radisson Blu Glasgow and Royal Highland Hotel Inverness. Price covers train travel between cities, private transfers, and a full-day Highlands expedition with monster-hunting at Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle visits.
Duration 5 days Destinations Glasgow, Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $661 Operator STM Tours LLC From $3,481
5% Off- NZ$3,307You save $174
At $347 per day, includes 3-star accommodations at Old Waverley Hotel Edinburgh and Royal Highland Hotel Inverness. Features complimentary hop-on-hop-off tours, daily Scottish breakfasts, and included train travel between cities.
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $637 Operator STM Tours LLC From $6,031
5% Off- NZ$5,729You save $302
What people love about Budget Tours in Scotland
- Highland Fling
This tour was the highlight of my European trip. Our tour guide was a real gem and would go out of his way for us. Greg would pull over in the middle of nowhere o we could have a picture with deer. This tour had everything, ghost stories, mountain climbing, castles and some of the best scenic views in the world. The accommodation is all taken care of in fanatic locations and many meals provided and nightly entertainment. The Haggis tour HQ in Edinburgh has some of the nicest and most helpful people that will work wonders and help you in any situation. This tour is incredible and I would recommend this to everyone that wants to skip the Contiki and get to know the real Scotland.
- Skye High
Great time in the Highlands. Everything was well organized. It was great to learn about Scottish culture, history and music!! Amazing places and views. Thanks Mahri.
- 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
It was amazing! I would take a tour with MacBackpackers any day. Our tour guide is the greatest driver and story teller I've seen (it's a shame I don't remember her name. But it's the girl who likes to dye her her with cool colors). It was super well planned. Time management was impecable, the choosing of the places we went was spectacular and also the recommendations of where to eat, shop etc.
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to Scotland
What's the average daily cost for a budget tour in Scotland?
Budget tours in Scotland cost between USD 88-242 per day with Isle of Skye tours at around USD 101 per day. MacBackpackers tours stand out for their value. A TourRadar traveler shared "This tour was incredible and such good value for money getting to experience all the stunning landscapes and history while staying at comfortable accommodations like Skye Backpackers in Kyleakin." The price covers basics like transport guide services and simple lodging that work well for travelers watching their spending.
When is the most affordable time to visit Scotland on a budget tour?
The lowest prices for Scotland tours run from November to March with the best deals in January and February. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in February and while the weather was chilly we got amazing deals on our tour and accommodation at Lochbuie Guesthouse." City tours in Edinburgh and Glasgow offer especially good value these months though some Highland sites may have restricted hours. For a balance of decent weather and prices look at March-April or October-November.
What are the best budget-friendly areas to explore in Scotland?
The Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye give travelers good value for their money. Budget travelers often base themselves in Fort Augustus Portree and Glencoe. One TourRadar traveler said: "Portree was perfect for budget travelers - plenty of affordable food options and the Skye Backpackers hostel nearby made it ideal as a base." Inverness also works well for saving money. From there you can visit Loch Ness and historical sites while staying at places like the Lochbuie Guesthouse.
How much should I budget for optional activities and entrance fees?
Set aside USD 15-30 for each activity on budget tours. Entry fees run USD 10-20 for popular spots like Eilean Donan Castle Dunrobin Castle and Highland Folk Museum. A helpful tip from a TourRadar traveler: "I spent around USD 100 total on attractions during my 3-day Isle of Skye tour including entry to Dunvegan Castle and some local museums." Many scenic stops like Glencoe and Loch Ness come at no extra cost.
How much spending money should I bring for a 3-day budget tour in Scotland?
Bring USD 200-300 extra for a 3-day tour. This covers about USD 30-40 daily for food USD 15-30 per activity plus some shopping money. A practical note from a TourRadar traveler: "I brought USD 250 for my 3-day Highland tour staying at Skye Backpackers which covered all my meals a few castle entries and some small souvenirs from Portree." Remember this doesn't include lodging if it's separate from your tour price.
What type of accommodation is typically provided on budget Scotland tours?
Budget tours use hostels B&Bs and guesthouses across Scotland. You might stay at Skye Backpackers hostel in Kyleakin or Oak Villa B&B in Inverness. A TourRadar traveler commented "The B&B accommodation in Inverness was fantastic - best hosts and the breakfast was amazing." Most places include breakfast and basic amenities. Nightly rates run USD 30-75 depending on location and time of year.