Northern Scotland Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(8,837 reviews)- Choose from 50+ Northern Scotland tours
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Table of contents
- The best Northern Scotland tour packages
- What people love about Northern Scotland Tours
- Travel Northern Scotland your way
- Best tour companies for Northern Scotland tours
- Popular Northern Scotland Cruise Ships
- Discover Northern Scotland tours for every budget
- Northern Scotland tours for every type of group
- Top Northern Scotland travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Scotland
- Contact our Northern Scotland travel experts
- What our customers ask about Northern Scotland Tours & Trips
The best Northern Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Scotland travel expert at TourRadar
Ultimate Skye Experience
47 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our accommodations in Inverness, The Gluenuig House, were wonderful. The morning breakfasts provided plenty of satisfying options for everyone.”
Stewart, traveled in April
Inverness B&Bs provide comfort while visiting iconic Highland landmarks. The 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness cruises past Urquhart Castle ruins, and Culloden Battlefield tell their tales. Dramatic landscapes at Kilt Rock and Old Man of Storr complete the experience.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort William, Inverness, Eilean Donan, Portree, Kilt Rock, Isle of Skye, Loch NessSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours From
- NZ$915
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, Ullapool, Achmelvich, Lochinver, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, Torridon, ApplecrossSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $3,763
36% Off- NZ$2,408You save $1,355
4-day Isle of Skye and The Jacobite Steam Train
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The historical connection to each place we visited, which Bobby gave us, as well as the geological significance, made every place so much more interesting.”
Ian, traveled in June
The mystical Scottish Highlands unfold on this 4-day adventure from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye. Rolling through Loch Lomond National Park and Glen Coe, guests ride the iconic Jacobite Steam Train across Glenfinnan Viaduct. Charming B&Bs in Fort Augustus and Skye serve as bases to witness the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula and Kilt Rock. Perfect for couples and solo travelers, with daily Scottish breakfasts and expert guides rated 5.0/5.0.
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Eilean Donan, Isle of Skye, Armadale, Mallaig, Glenfinnan, Fort WilliamSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours From
36% Off- NZ$1,807
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, Ullapool, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Carloway, Isle of Harris, Luskentyre, Isle of SkyeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $5,068
36% Off- NZ$3,243You save $1,824
Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh - 5 days
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“There is nothing to complain about and I would recommend the trip.”
Gerry, traveled in June
Northern Scotland's finest sights include Loch Ness, Cairngorms National Park, and palm-lined shores of Plockton. Hiking The Quiraing on Skye, visiting historic Eilean Donan Castle, and learning the tragic history of Glencoe fill your days. Charming guesthouses provide comfort while traveling via air-conditioned mini-coach.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, Ullapool, Achmelvich, Lochinver, Applecross, Plockton, Isle of SkyeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $2,895
25% Off- NZ$2,171You save $724
What people love about Northern Scotland Tours
A very lovely tour and guide. I thoroughly enjoyed Aileen's stories and music as we travelled through the highlands and Isle of Skye. The accommodation was great, the transport was great quality and the tour destinations were lovely. It was a great tour and I highly recommend Highland Experience Tours.
Ultimate Skye Experience
- 4-day Isle of Skye and The Jacobite Steam Train
It’s totally different sightseeing from where I come from. Very interesting.
- 4-Day Isle of Skye & West Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
Spent an excellent four days with Peter out tour guide. He was knowledgeable, personable and experienced. He went out of his way to provide photo stops and information about what the group wanted to see and do. His knowledge of history was brilliant. He wove our tour together with appropriate historical stories, myths and legends. As an older, less agile member of the group, he provided practical assistance whenever necessary. An excellent tour guide!
Travel Northern Scotland your way
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Northern Scotland. We have 19 adventures that vary from 3 days to 17 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Our most popular Northern Scotland tours really capture what makes this region special. The Isle of Skye tours pack a lot into 4 days - you'll walk the raw landscapes of the Cuillin Hills and Trotternish Peninsula while picking up fascinating clan stories along the way. Our guides know how to bring Scottish history alive at spots like Eilean Donan Castle and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. If you've got 6 days, the Outer Hebrides tours dig deeper into island culture; you can wander among the ancient Callanish stones and watch Harris Tweed being woven right in front of you. The Shetland Islands offer something completely different - our groups often spot puffins at Hermaness Reserve and learn about the fishing traditions that shaped old Lerwick.
Select from our extensive range of 72 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Northern Scotland with our expert guides leading the way.
Our small-group journeys through the Scottish islands blend cultural depth with thoughtful exploration. The Outer Hebrides and Isle of Skye reveal themselves over 6 enriching days, where travelers connect with Harris Tweed weavers in their personal workshops. In Orkney, our 3-day tours weave through 5,000 years of history, as guides share stories at Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and other ancient monuments. The Shetland experience combines rugged coastal walks with genuine local encounters, from evenings in Lerwick's traditional pubs to conversations with fishermen about their maritime heritage. What sets these tours apart, according to our travelers, is how the guides naturally integrate historical narratives, clan legends, and island folklore while exploring sites like the Callanish stones or walking through preserved blackhouse villages. With intimate groups of 8-16 people, there's always space for deeper discussions and personal connections to Highland culture.
Best tour companies for Northern Scotland tours
Our travelers who've explored Scotland's most remote corners keep coming back with great feedback about these tour companies. Intrepid Travel really delivers on those Shetland Island trips - their guides know the islands inside out and mix up each day with local history, walks along the dramatic coastline and proper cultural experiences. You're not just seeing places; you're getting the full story of island life. Rabbies Tours has built quite a reputation on Skye and through the Highlands. They've found that sweet spot between covering the main sights and digging deeper into hidden spots. Their guides tell proper Highland tales, and they've picked some lovely places to stay overnight. If you're watching your budget, Haggis Adventures hits the mark. Their guides have this great way of turning Scottish history into entertaining stories, and they keep the atmosphere fun while showing you around. They're especially good with younger travelers, solo adventurers and anyone who likes to mix sightseeing with some good laughs. For something more upscale, Highland Experience Tours runs small group trips along the North Coast and Islands. They use comfortable vehicles, pick quality accommodations and their guides really know their history. You'll get all the famous spots but also those quiet moments in places most visitors miss - like sunrise at remote beaches or sunset visits to ancient stone circles.
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Popular Northern Scotland Cruise Ships
Discover Northern Scotland tours for every budget
Our budget travelers really like the multi-day Isle of Skye tours with hostel stays. You'll walk the Trotternish peninsula and get great shots of the Old Man of Storr while guides share Highland stories that bring each location to life. French and German speakers appreciate having audio guides in their languages. The smaller buses can squeeze into hidden spots that big coaches miss, which adds to the experience. The hostels create this nice social vibe - travelers often share dinner and swap stories, though packing your own breakfast is a good idea. On Highland Hopper routes, you'll stop at Loch Ness and can add a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train (the real Hogwarts Express from Harry Potter) for an extra fee.
The North Coast & Islands luxury tour really delivers with quality hotels like Glen Mhor in Inverness and Mackays in Wick. Each evening brings Scottish entertainment and authentic Gaelic performances. At Dunrobin Castle, you'll explore the grounds and watch expert falconers work with their birds in the formal gardens. Our travelers often mention how much they enjoy the included dinners featuring local Scottish dishes. Over in Orkney, you get proper time to take in Skara Brae - it's amazing to walk through a 5,000-year-old settlement at your own pace. The ferries often come with bonus dolphin sightings, and the coach sections through the Highlands are smooth and comfortable.
Northern Scotland budget tours
Northern Scotland tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
73 tours in Northern ScotlandExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Northern Scotland. We have 73 adventures that vary from 3 days to 17 days. With the greatest number of departures in September, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
12 tours in Northern ScotlandOur Northern Scotland small-group tours consistently draw praise for striking the right balance of personal attention and local immersion. The Shetland Islands route takes you along coastal paths to see puffins at Hermaness Reserve, before joining locals for a pint in Lerwick's welcoming pubs. Up in the Northwest Highlands, we mix challenging summit hikes of peaks like Cul Mor with easier 3-4 hour coastal walks near Gairloch, where seals and dolphins often make an appearance. The Orkney experience weaves between historic treasures like the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, while leaving time to watch seabirds swooping along Westray's cliffs - you'll spot puffins here from April through August, and often in large numbers. Our small groups adapt easily to Scottish weather shifts and varying fitness levels, whether that means conquering the 950-meter climb up Bruach na Frithe in Skye's rugged Cuillin Hills, or taking a gentler path around Ullapool Harbor. What sets these tours apart is our guides' deep understanding of Highland geology, wildlife and also local heritage, helping visitors connect meaningfully with both the dramatic landscapes and their rich stories.
Top Northern Scotland travel itineraries to fit your plans
If you're looking for quick Northern Scotland trips, our 3-day tours focus on three distinct experiences. The Orkney Explorer gets into ancient history - our small groups can really dig into sites like Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar. Over on Isle of Skye, you'll mix hiking and photography at the Old Man of Storr with coastal wildlife spotting. Our guides bring local folklore to life, especially around Portree's harbor. There's also the classic Highland route through Glen Coe, along Loch Ness and into Inverness for the night. Our travelers tell us they love how the guided walks balance with free time to explore places like Fort Augustus independently.
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Week-long tours give you proper time on the islands. One route winds through the Outer Hebrides, where you can watch Harris Tweed being woven and explore the ancient Callanish stones. Another combines Skye with Orkney's archaeology - our travelers often mention how good it is to properly explore Maeshowe tomb and Dunrobin Castle without rushing. A third option adds the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, bringing Highland culture together with massed pipes and drums. The longer stays mean you can really get to know places like Kirkwall or Iona, settling into local life at your own pace.
Ten days lets you properly experience the north. These routes join up the Highlands with Orkney and the Outer Hebrides - from Neolithic villages to modern crofting communities. Our guests love having time in places like Ullapool, where they might spot dolphins or hike up Claypool hill. You'll find plenty of walking, whether along Harris's dramatic coast or through historic Kirkwall. What makes it special is staying in small communities like Stornoway or Portree, trying fresh seafood and chatting with locals in traditional pubs.
Demographics
Our small-group Highland tours hit the sweet spot for solo travelers, mixing active walks with genuine cultural experiences. Up in the Shetlands, you'll find yourself walking coastal paths to spot puffins at Hermaness and sharing stories over dinner in Lerwick's local pubs. The guides know when to lead and when to step back, giving you space to explore town independently. The North West Highlands walking routes let you set your own tempo - trails around Ullapool Hill and Stac Pollaidh offer solid views without getting too technical. Portree on Skye works really well as a base; the harbor town has loads of friendly spots where you can grab dinner and mix with locals.
The 3-6 day Highland routes consistently work well for couples, offering a good mix of landscapes, history and comfortable places to stay. Skye is a particular favorite - you can walk together along the Trotternish Ridge then settle in for a whisky tasting in Portree. Our travelers often mention how much they value having both guided activities and free time to wander. The Outer Hebrides trips are perfect for pairs wanting to really understand island life; you'll meet Harris Tweed weavers, walk empty beaches and stay in carefully picked B&Bs. The small group size means you can really chat with your guide about Highland clans, geology, wildlife and also local culture.
Young adults flock to our Highland hostel tours that blend active exploration with welcoming social scenes. Our travelers often tell us how much they enjoy mixing treks around the Trotternish Peninsula and Old Man of Storr, with nights sharing tales in rustic Highland pubs. The audio guides come in German, French, Italian, Spanish and also Portuguese, helping international guests connect deeply with their surroundings. Our smaller buses access hidden spots larger coaches can't reach, while guides share local folklore and games during scenic drives. A popular route links Loch Ness with the Isle of Skye, where you can add a journey on the Jacobite Steam Train - the actual Harry Potter train - as it winds through mountain passes. Solo travelers particularly value how hostel stays create natural spaces to connect with fellow explorers, though they suggest bringing your own breakfast supplies. From coastal trails and misty mountain photography to tales of Highland clan battles, these tours balance outdoor discoveries, cultural insights and genuine social connections.
Our senior travelers really value tours that balance cultural discovery with manageable walks. The Shetland Islands routes get great feedback for mixing history at sites like Jarlshof with gentle coastal walks where you'll spot plenty of wildlife. Guides are always ready to suggest alternative paths when needed. In the North West Highlands, you can choose between shorter walks around Ullapool harbor or more challenging trails near Gairloch. Orkney is another solid choice; you can explore ancient sites like Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar at your own speed and return each evening to the same comfortable hotel in Kirkwall.
- Solo Travelers65 tours
- Couples39 tours
- Seniors (50+)52 tours
Best time to visit Northern Scotland
- Summer 2025
Summer brings out the best of our Northern Scotland tours, with the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides drawing steady praise from our guests. The 4-day Skye experience combines scenic walks through the Cuillin Hills, explorations of the Trotternish Peninsula and immersive cultural encounters, while the Jacobite Steam Train adds a nostalgic touch as it crosses the renowned viaduct. Travelers tell us they value how we balance guided discoveries with free time around spots like Portree Harbor. Our 6-day Outer Hebrides journey delves into authentic island life, putting you face-to-face with Harris Tweed weavers and giving you time to wander the ancient Callanish stones in the extended summer light. The guides earn particular praise for weaving together tales of clan history, geological insights and local folklore as they navigate the summer roads. Both destinations take full advantage of the long daylight hours, letting our groups fit in extra walks, photo stops and spontaneous wildlife watching - from clifftop seabird colonies to pods of coastal dolphins.
- popular 36 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn brings rich colors to the Highlands, and our 6-day Outer Hebrides and Skye tours take full advantage. With fewer visitors around, the islands feel peaceful and authentic. You'll have space to explore the Callanish stones properly and catch local Harris Tweed weavers working in their homes. The 3-day Orkney Explorer works well in fall too - our guide Helen gets great feedback for making island history come alive while handling the autumn conditions. Our travelers love mixing cozy nights in Kirkwall's pubs with days out at places like Skara Brae. The North Coast route fits perfectly in fall, with visits to Dunrobin Castle and cultural evenings in Stornoway, where traditional Gaelic music feels right at home in the season.
- popular 46 tours
- 46 tours
- Spring 2026
Highland tours shine in spring with three excellent options that our regular travelers keep coming back to. The Isle of Skye experience combines photo stops at the Trotternish Peninsula, active walks in the Cuillin Hills, and the classic Jacobite Steam Train adds a dash of nostalgia to the experience. Guides adapt the routes to spring conditions, sharing local tales at places like Eilean Donan Castle. Shetland Island tours peak during springtime, where you'll walk coastal paths to spot puffins returning to Hermaness Nature Reserve, explore the ancient ruins of Jarlshof and also discover hidden prehistoric gems. The Northwest Highland walks offer plenty of variety this time of year - from challenging climbs up Cul Mor's sandstone peaks, to laid-back coastal strolls near Gairloch, where seals and dolphins often play in the waters. The intimate group sizes help visitors forge genuine connections with both the wild landscapes and local Highland communities they meet during their journey.
- 35 tours
- popular 41 tours
Contact our Northern Scotland travel experts
Rufus
Expert in Northern Scotland at TourRadar
Rufus is one of our seasoned Northern Scotland Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Scotland tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Northern Scotland Tours & Trips
I'm looking for off-the-beaten-path routes in Northern Scotland - what hidden gems should I check out?
The North Coast 500 is absolutely stunning it winds along the rugged northern coastline and takes you through these charming fishing villages and past dramatic cliffs. There's also amazing Neolithic sites on Orkney. Lots of our TourRadar guests love doing self-drive tours like the NC500 Road Trip because you can really take your time discover things spontaneously and get a real feel for local life. You'll get to stop at places like Glen Ord and Dunnet Bay distilleries where the whisky and gin tasting is definitely worth your while.
What are some incredible places worth visiting beyond Loch Ness and Skye that tourists might not know about?
The Assynt region is just breathtaking with its diverse plants and these incredible mountains shaped by ancient glaciers. Try hiking up Cul Mor for some amazing panoramic views or tackle Stac Pollaidh it's a pretty manageable climb with unforgettable views. The Isle of Iona is another special spot - it's actually the birthplace of Celtic Christianity and where Scottish kings were buried. You can explore Iona Abbey and really soak in the island's peaceful atmosphere on The Scottish Isles - Highlights of the Hebrides tour.
How should I get around Northern Scotland to really experience both the main spots and remote areas?
There's actually lots of great ways to explore. The ScotRail trains especially the West Highland Line give you these incredible views through the dramatic Highland landscapes. If you want total freedom grab a rental car - it's perfect for doing routes like the North Coast 500 at your own pace. Coach tours are brilliant too if you'd rather not drive they'll take you to multiple spots hassle-free like on the Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides tour. For a really rich experience mix it up - maybe take the ferry to Skye then hop on the Jacobite Steam Train (that's the actual Hogwarts Express!) on the 4-day Isle of Skye and Jacobite Steam Train tour.
How can visitors really experience authentic Scottish culture and where should they go for this?
You'll find genuine Scottish experiences all over the Highlands. Visit working distilleries like Glen Ord or Harris where you can see traditional whisky-making up close and sample some amazing spirits. Near Loch Lomond you can watch these incredible sheepdog demonstrations at family farms that'll show you real Scottish rural life. Head to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis for authentic Gaelic culture with traditional music and fascinating historical spots like the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village which shows you how island life was back in the 1600s. The locals are super welcoming in Highland villages you'll find traditional music in cozy pubs and plenty of chances to chat with residents. The 6-Day Outer Hebrides & Skye Adventure Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh lets you experience all this Gaelic culture firsthand including that visit to the Blackhouse Village.