best tour company scotland

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Scotland Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Scotland tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Scotland and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 183062 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Scotland travel companies & tour operators with 183062 reviews

MacBackpackers

• Excellent - 2,528 reviews for Scotland tours

Amazing tour! Fast paced and fun with incredible views of the highlands.

If you have limited time to explore Scotland and love the adventure and good vibes of backpacking, I 100% recommend traveling with MacBackpackers. I opted for the 3-day tour, and the experience exceeded all my expectations. The accommodations were cozy, with exceptional staff who organize unforgettable activities. The transportation was also very comfortable, punctual, and safe. I want to give a special thanks to Branka, our tour guide, who was amazing. Not only for her charisma and the passion she puts into her work but also for providing quality, entertaining content and making you feel Scotland like a local. I recommend it 100%! --------- Si dispones de poco tiempo para explorar Escocia y te encanta la aventura y la buena onda de los viajes mochileros, te recomiendo al 100% que viajes con MacBackpackers. Opté por el tour de 3 días y la experiencia superó todas mis expectativas. Los lugares para descansar son acogedores, con un personal excepcional que organiza actividades inolvidables. El transporte también fue muy cómodo, puntual y seguro. Quiero agradecer especialmente a Branka, nuestra guía turística, que fue increíble. No solo por su carisma y la pasión que pone en su trabajo, sino también por ofrecer un contenido de calidad, entretenido y hacerte sentir Escocia como un local. ¡Lo recomiendo al 100%!

Intrepid Premium

• Excellent - 320 reviews for Scotland tours
• This operator has no Scotland reviews

• Excellent - 74,884 reviews for Scotland tours

Great trip, good hotels and guiding and lovely food!

Was well organised and good.

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 626 reviews for Scotland tours

Wonderful trip. Saw a great variety of places.

Scotland was beautiful, the hotels and meals ....not so good. The coach and driver were excellent, while the tour director had exactly nothing to say while driving for hours thru magnificent landscapes. The Edinburgh hotel was passable, but was not in Edinburgh. The hotel in Glasboro was a Radison Blue, which was fine. the remaining hotels were awful. In one hotel we had a double bed, not a king, not a queen, but a double bed....really! In 2 hotels the fire alarms went off before 6AM in the morning. You had to react because these buildings were old and most may have lacked fire protection. The hotel breakfasts were generally awful, crowded, and long waits to get a coffee from the machine. The included dinners were terrible, the same menu night after night. One exception was the included dinner in Edinburgh, which was at a restaurant and was quality food and drink. everything after that was trash. breakfast on the last day in Glasgow was very nice, and what I would have expected from an upscale tour. One thing I thought was an insult, was the night spent on Skye. There was no included tour of Skye, so if you wanted to see anything other than the hotel, the only choice was an optional $29.00 bus ride for an hour or so. Bad weather forced the cancellation of the trip to Orkney...so we killed a day with a castle visit. Earlier this year we were on a Viking river cruise that missed a port for a mechanical reason. Before I got home, Viking sent me a $1000.00 credit for a future cruise. They know how to treat guests, Insight not so much. In summary, low end hotels that were in many cases dirty, and mediocre food, and a tour director that had nothing to say. that will be my first and last Insight tour.

Europamundo

• Good - 2,976 reviews for Scotland tours

Loved Jose and his team. They’re extremely professional and you cannot even begin to imagine how much fun you will have ❤️?

Everything came up roses! We , Neil and I, were very pleased with everything. We especially, loved our guide, Jose. He was very knowledgeable, very friendly, easy going, and was an excellent guide. Thank you.

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,082 reviews for Scotland tours

Tour guide and bus driver were both excellent. Starting hotel was terrible and no where near the main area of Edinburgh. Breakfast there was a granola bar, croissant in a plastic wrap, a yogurt, and a juice box. Our hotel room in Inverness had a leaky ceiling which we reported to the front desk right away. They said they sent maintenance to fix the issue, but that evening it was leaking again. G Adventures itinerary is not reflective of the actual tour and for many extra activities listed there was no time to do them even if we had wanted to. Isle of Skye was a real highlight along with Inverness. We only received our tour vouchers the night before we left Canada and we had to call to get it. We will not consider G Adventures for any of our future travel needs.

This was my second G Adventures tour and it proved to be as enjoyable as the first one, which was the main reason my wife and I booked it. The small size of the tour group and the variety of people made it all the better. The tour offered a good balance between structured visits of major attractions and free time to explore on our own. I would not hesitate to recommend a G Adventures tour to anyone seeking a guided travel experience in the company of other like-minded travelers.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,699 reviews for Scotland tours

Intrepid needs to tighten up this tour. Two free afternoons is too much when one has only three days on the island. Either make the tour two full days or two full days with one full day free to make plans to go to Hoy or Rousay. Give people guidance on what to do on the free day.

I recently traveled with a friend to Scotland. We included a week long tour with Intrepid, booked through Tour Radar. We paid a very healthy sum for the tour, $3,460 each. The description said the trip was appropriate for ages 15-99. It also described two nights in Portree on Isle of Skye with a private van tour on the full day on Isle of Sky. My friend and I chose this tour because of the time spent in Portree and on Isle of Skye, the small group size, and that if it was okay for ages 15-99 then I’d be fine six months post a major knee surgery. What wasn’t included in the description and what happened: -No where did it say that we’d be expected to walk/transport our luggage on foot from Points of transportation to our lodging ranging from 10-20 minutes. My 94 year old father-in-law lives with us and is able bodied, but there’s no way he could have done these distances While also carrying/pulling luggage. My 87 year old mother could not accomplish this either. I could do it with my recovering knee, but I was slower and it also used up some of the energy I needed for enjoying walking portions of the tour. I didn’t anticipate having to schlep my suitcase for 15 minutes at a time over uneven sidewalks, etc. I would have packed differently had I known or we would have looked for a different tour. -My friend and I still wonder why Fort Williams was included on the itinerary as a place to stay?
The only thing Intrepid provided was a walk to a castle that wasn’t open for visitors. The rest was on our own and there really wasn’t much happening other than a nice, little museum. We would have preferred more time on Isle of Skye. -We were notified prior to departure that our time on Isle of Skye would be at Kyleakin - not in Portree- and we’d have to arrange our own tour. Phone numbers were provided but no one on the tour had any luck booking anything prior to arriving, calls not returned, no availability, etc. So, 3-4 of our tour group spent 2 FULL hours or more on their phones while we were in Fort Williams trying to come up with some options for us. They pieced together a public bus ride to/from Kyleakin to Portree and a private taxi tour at our own expense! (After paying for it in the cost of our tour.) This should have been done by Intrepid!! Not once were we offered reimbursement. We didn’t have any time in Portree. We’d hoped to have lunch before our taxi tour, but all the restaurants were full. I found a to-go cup of tea and scone at a bike shop, then time in cue to use a bathroom. I’d looked forward to staying in Portree and had many places I had planned to walk to when not on the private van tour we were sold but didn’t get. Also, While staying in Kyleakin, the guest house did not provide a cooked breakfast, just light snacks in our rooms. Breakfast was provided, but we had to walk to/from the restaurant that was a mile each way. This used up time we could have been site seeing. Also, it would use up my knee energy for the days site-seeing. My friend went to breakfast but I skipped the walk to reserve my energy for site-seeing. Oh, and the whiskey tasting…we passed distilleries but we Were given a private lesson on tasting with our tour guide. While he did a fine job, the setting was not the same as a distillery setting. The room was bare, we used wine glasses, we were Supposed to take notes but no hard surfaces to write on, etc. Just wasn’t what any of us were expecting. I found Intrepid’s disregard for the changes and the misleading descriptions as to be very unprofessional. I use tours so that I don’t have to do all of the arranging. Why pay you if I’m going to have to do it myself? Next time I book a tour, I’ll be sure to avoid Intrepid. Many friends have asked about my trip. Unfortunately, the biggest disappointment was the tour. I’ve shared that multiple times now. I’m not the only member of the group that walked away Disappointed. We didn’t want to “blame” the tour guide, I don’t think he was responsible, he was just trying to keep us happy as he could sense how displeased we were. His answers too our questions were not satisfying at all. He seemed to be trying to cover for the company best he could.

Highland Experience Tours

• Excellent - 209 reviews for Scotland tours

Jamie was sensational

Wee Andy was a perfect host. He was personable,friendly and managed to learn all of our 11 names in minutes. He was very knowledgeable on the tour itinerary and showed a good sense of humour. We felt confident with him as a driver and tour leader as he was able to manage anything that was thrown at him, from itinerary changes due to storms as well as any accomodation issues. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and cannot fail it at any level. Well done Andy and experience tours!

Highland Explorer Tours

• Excellent - 384 reviews for Scotland tours

An amazing experience, beautiful landscape and polite and nice guides

It was an amazing tour with extraordinary guides!

Royal Irish Tours

• Excellent - 17 reviews for Scotland tours

The tour guide, Linda, was great as was the coach driver, Mike. The coach was very comfortable and the sites we visited were great. The tour was well organized and well executed. The meals were very good as well. The only thing making this “good” and not “excellent” is that I had to sleep on a pullout couch for three nights of the tour which much surprised me for something billed as a first class tour. So if you plan to go three to a room, be prepared for someone to be on a couch.

this guided tour was very good. we covered many places and did many activities. the guide was very good, always available, attentive and with a good knowledge. I recommend this tour

Indus Travels

• Excellent - 252 reviews for Scotland tours

Overall it was a very nice trip, I think it was well laid out for traveling

This trip was a wonderful experience! The accommodation with one exception was fantastic! The end stops each day were all very nice. I gave my okay rating because we gleaned more information from our evening hosts than we ever received from Tour Radar. Be aware that It will be very important for you to get your own tour books, figure out a route between stops and obtain all your maps as this information was never provided. The final hotel in Edinburgh where you have two nights, B+B Edinburgh does not have any place to park a car so you will have to pay 4.10 pounds per hour to park on the street. Totally unacceptable to book a hotel that does not have room for the car that is provided. This is a very busy schedule to complete in the time provided so if you get the chance to extend the trip by adding another day in Portee on Skye and perhaps finishing the trip in St. Andrews then returning the car to the import then spending some time in Edinburgh on your own at the end of the trip.

Rabbie's Tours

• Excellent - 672 reviews for Scotland tours

Excellent tour and fantastic guide James. Had quite a bit of fun and the relaxed atmosphere provided a chance for the tour group to get to know one another. Will definately book a Rabbie's tour again!!

Had an amazing time. Shout out to our driver Gail for her knowledge of Scottish history and her contagious love for the country. She went above and beyond for our small group.

• Excellent - 1,888 reviews for Scotland tours

I absolutely loved the Real Britain tour by Trafalgar! Our guide Paul was very friendly and knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour which made our time so enjoyable! Our driver Ian was also very good! I would definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants a well-rounded taste of England! I was very happy to see a bit of Scotland as well! The only thing I would ask is that Tour Radar would put more specific details about the tour on their site as it appears on Trafalgar’s website. I would have appreciated the list of the names of the hotels, optional experiences, and which particular meals were included etc. Having finished the tour, I know better where I would like to stay longer the next time I’m in England! I got to see so much amazing scenery in the countryside as we travelled and sights at the destinations we stopped. It was truly a wonderful and unforgettable experience!

天氣差，形响旅程，停留時間短，4間酒店地點不錯，可惜街道路燈暗，不方便外出又觀光，利物浦的酒店服務太差，蘇格蘭皇家酒店環境服務一流，

• Excellent - 13,420 reviews for Scotland tours

Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness and the Brough of Birsay were all priorities for me and I was very fortunate to be able to experience all three!

Walk to Skara Brave

Spirit Journeys Worldwide

• Excellent - 12 reviews for Scotland tours

Our tour guide, Ryan, was outstanding! He immediately put us at ease with his friendly and personable manner. His knowledge of the complicated roads and history of the areas we visited gave us the safety we needed to deeply enjoy the beautiful landscapes and fascinating history Scotland has. Thank you for the perfect vacation!

The Spirit of Outlander tour was great! This tour is geared for Outlander fans but you don't have to be a fan to enjoy all the locations visited. Our tour guide, Paul, was fantastic! His knowledge, enthusiasm, and professionalism was 5-star! It was very exciting to visit the filming sites of Outlander and to be walking in the footsteps of the actors! There were a variety of locations to visit daily from castles to churches and gardens. There were also unscheduled photo stops to capture the scenic beauty on the way to visiting various locations. My husband and I waited over 2 years to take this trip (due to Covid) and it was worth the wait! The hotels were top notch and the meals provided were good! A thoroughly exciting trip!

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The 22 Best Scotland Tours

Explore castles, lakes, national parks and more on these top-rated excursions.

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Edinburgh Castle is a featured stop on many of the best tours in Edinburgh.

From its castles to its history to its fabled food and drink, Scotland has a great variety of attractions to offer visitors. It can be difficult to see the country by yourself, so why not take a guided tour? Should you be staying in Edinburgh or Glasgow , you can make the most of your time with a half-day history or food tour of those cities. If you want to escape the bustle for a bit, sign up for a trip to the world-famous Scottish Highlands , which can be tricky to reach on your own without a car. Using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News determined that these are the best tours of Scotland. No matter which one you choose, or where you decide to go, each trip features a local guide eager to share their knowledge and love of Scotland.

SANDEMANs New Europe – Edinburgh Dark Side Tour

History buffs and thrill-seekers alike will enjoy this two-hour walking tour, which covers some of Edinburgh's most famous murders and mysteries. During the stroll, you'll hear tales about cannibals and vampires, body snatchers and witch burnings. You'll also visit Calton Cemetery and the Canongate Kirkyard, where caged-in graves still exist. Reviewers rave about the tour guides, who they describe as humorous, engaging and adept at storytelling. Travelers assure that though the subject matter is grim, the tour is not too scary. Tours are generally available each evening at 6:30 p.m.; they depart from High Street and finish on the Royal Mile . Tickets start at 16 pounds (around $20) for adults and 5 pounds (about $6) for kids ages 5 to 13; children 4 and younger can join for free. SANDEMANs New Europe also operates free walking tours that offers an overview Edinburgh's top attractions , as well as a "Harry Potter" tour, among others.

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City Sightseeing – Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing offers hop-on, hop-off bus tours of both Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Edinburgh route features 12 stops, including the Grassmarket, the National Museum of Scotland , John Knox House and the Palace of Holyroodhouse . Glasgow's route offers 21 stops, including the Glasgow Cathedral , the Riverside Museum and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum . Both tours permit passengers to explore the various destinations at their own pace and hop on a later bus to proceed to the next stop. Travelers find the tours convenient for taking in the popular spots in both cities. If you take the full loop without hopping off, the Edinburgh tour lasts approximately one hour; the buses run approximately every 30 minutes. The Glasgow tour is slightly longer at roughly 90 minutes; buses run every 15 minutes during summer, every 30 minutes in the spring and every 60 minutes in the fall and winter. Both tours provide recorded audio commentary in multiple languages. The Glasgow tour deploys live guides on select tours from March through October. Single-day tickets for both tours cost approximately $20. Two-day hop-on hop-off tickets are also available.

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Cruise Loch Ness – Daily Cruise

Cruise Loch Ness' Daily Cruise offers views of sights such as Loch Ness' sole island, Cherry Island, and Fort Augustus Abbey. Guides provide information regarding the environs and area history, and trip-takers typically find them friendly and entertaining. But the coastal scenery is the real reason for taking the boat ride and travelers find the natural surroundings strikingly beautiful. The 50-minute excursions depart from Fort Augustus, which is located on the southern end of Loch Ness. Tours are generally offered daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m., but additional times may be offered depending on the month. Tickets cost around 18 pounds (about $24) for adults and 11 pounds (roughly $14) for children 4 to 15. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board. Cruise Loch Ness also offers an hourlong evening cruise in the spring and summer.

Little Fish Tours – Old Town Tour

Little Fish Tours' walking excursion offers an overview of the city's architecture, history and folklore. Specific sights and topics may vary according to tour the guide's expertise, but usually include stops at the Mercat Cross, St. Giles' Cathedral , the Grassmarket, the National Museum of Scotland, the Greyfriars Bobby statue and the exterior of Edinburgh Castle . Guides are considered to be enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgeable about the city and its history. Tours, which depart from High Street, are offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and last two hours. Tickets start at 14 pounds (about $18) for adults and 9 pounds (around $12) for kids and teens ages 5 to 15; children 4 and younger can join for free. The company also operates tours of Edinburgh Castle and a whisky tasting.

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Visit the picturesque town of Portree during a visit to the Isle of Skye with WOW Scotland.

WOW Scotland – The Ultimate Isle of Skye Tour

This excursion from WOW Scotland departs Inverness for a daylong bus trip to the Isle of Skye . During the approximately 12-hour tour, you'll see everything from quaint towns to natural wonders, such as the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools, to castles like Eilean Donan . The views invariably win enthusiastic plaudits for their beauty, while guides earn high praise for their energy and storytelling abilities. Reviewers describe it as a great trip overall. Tours, which start at 8:15 a.m., are typically offered daily, though availability may vary by season. Tickets start at 84 pounds (around $104) per person. Note that the tour is not recommended for children 5 and younger. Want to see more of the Isle of Skye? Check out WOW Scotland's multiday tours.

Tennent's Brewery Tour

When it comes to adult beverages, Scotland may be best known for its whisky, but don't overlook its beer. Tennent's Brewery Tour takes visitors inside Tennent's Wellpark Brewery, one of the best-known beer-making facilities in Glasgow. Tours start at the Tennent's Story Heritage Centre, which chronicles the centurieslong history of Tennent's Lager (and which can be visited even if you don't take the full tour). The guided tour shows how the beer is made today. Tours end, appropriately enough, with a pint of beer. Brewery visitors typically enjoy learning the local lager's history and find the guides rather adept. The 90-minute tours are offered several times a day Wednesday through Sunday. Tickets start at 12.50 pounds (about $16) per adult ages 18 and older; kids and teens ages 12 to 17 can tour for 9 pounds (about $11). Tennent's also conducts a Tennent's Heritage Walking Tour of Glasgow, among others.

Heart of Scotland Tours – Loch Ness & The Highlands

Marvel at the photogenic scenery of Loch Ness and the Highlands on this 12-hour bus tour, which is capped at 12 participants and departs from Edinburgh. Highlights along the way include Cairngorms National Park , Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis and Glencoe . Though the majority of the tour takes place on the bus, you'll enjoy several short walks at various stops and have the option to hop aboard a boat for a cruise on Loch Ness. Tourgoers describe the scenery as breathtaking and the guides as friendly, knowledgeable and entertaining. Tickets start at 50 pounds (around $62) for adults and 47 pounds (about $59) seniors 60 years and older and children and teens ages 5 to 17. Heart of Scotland Tours operates a variety of daylong and multiday excursions across the United Kingdom to top sights like Alnwick Castle, St. Andrews and Inverness, among others.

The Ghost Bus Tours – Edinburgh

Hop aboard this black double-decker bus to hear spooky stories about Edinburgh. Actors serve as guides on this 75-minute ride through the city, offering commentary as you drive by top sights like Edinburgh Castle, the Greenmarket, the Royal Mile, New Town and more. Tour-takers enjoy their trips and typically find the haunted tales an equal blend of creepy and funny. Tours depart from the Lawnmarket every day at 6 and 7:30 p.m. with additional 9 p.m. rides on Friday and Saturday. Tickets cost approximately 18 pounds (approximately $22) per adult, with discounts for seniors, students and children. The Ghost Bus also haunts the streets of London and York, England.

The Wee Food Tour

For a taste of distinctive Scottish fare provided by local purveyors, take the Wee Food Tour in Glasgow. Along the way, you could sample cheese, chips and haggis, visiting a total of six different shops and restaurants. Food enthusiasts praise the guides as passionate and knowledgeable about the city and its cuisine. The tour departs Wednesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. from the entrance to the Buchanan Street underground station. It lasts approximately four hours, with about 1 1/2 miles of walking. Tour tickets cost approximately $110 and include food as well as water and soda; alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately where available. As an added bonus, the Wee Food Tour donates 5 pounds (around $6.50) from each tour to a local food bank. The company also offers private tours.

Courtesy of Timberbush Tours

Take a visit to Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery with Timberbush Tours on its Ultimate Whisky Experience.

Timberbush Tours – Ultimate Whisky Experience

Timberbush Tours' Ultimate Whisky Experience spotlights Scotland's best-known adult beverage. First, the tour departs from Edinburgh to Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery, where you'll participate in a two-hour whisky and chocolate tour. You'll stop in the village of Aberfeldy for lunch then travel to Glenturret Distillery – Scotland's oldest working distillery – for your second whisky tasting. After a stop at Doune Castle, the tour returns to Edinburgh. Along the way, drivers serve as guides and offer commentary, which tour-takers tend to enjoy. Tickets for the tour start at 45 pounds (roughly $56) for adults and 43 pounds (approximately $53) for children, seniors and students. Fees are higher in peak summer months. Note: Whisky tastings and tours at both distilleries as well as lunch are not included in the ticket price. Tours, which last about 10 hours, occur Tuesday and Saturday. Timberbush Tours also conducts other sightseeing excursions from Edinburgh, as well as those that depart from Glasgow and Iverness.

Loch Ness by Jacobite – Temptation Tour

In addition to a 30-minute lake cruise, this tour includes visits to Urquhart Castle. Audio guides on board the boat offer tales about the region and its legendary Loch Ness monster. Visitors describe the castle as particularly impressive and the tour price as quite reasonable. Tours depart from the Inverness city center, where you'll board a coach bus to the lake. Tickets cost approximately 37 pounds (about $46) for adults and 27.50 pounds (around $34) for children, which covers transportation, entrance to the castle and the boat ride. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase separately. Overall, the excursion, which starts at 10:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. daily, lasts three hours. If you're only interested in cruising the lake, the company also offers tours that skip the castle visit.

Walking Tours in Glasgow – City Center Tour

Participants on this tour regularly call guides enthusiastic and informative, making the experience fun for travelers of all ages. The approximately 90-minute excursion takes visitors to some of the most celebrated spots in Glasgow, including George Square (where tours commence), the Necropolis , Glasgow Green and the River Clyde. During the stroll, guides share background regarding the city's history and key figures, including its patron saint, St. Mungo. Tours operate daily at 10:30 a.m. According to reviewers, tickets are a bargain; they cost about 12 pounds (around $15) per person. Children 11 and younger can tag along for free. Walking Tours in Glasgow also offers tours with various themes, such as street art and whisky.

HAGGiS Adventures – Lochs, Castles and The Kelpies

The first stop on this distinctively Scottish tour is Balmaha. This village sits on the shores of Loch Lomond and grants tourgoers exceptional views of Ben Lomond – one of Scotland's most popular mountains ( munros). In the afternoon, the tour heads to Stirling Castle, a former royal residence and fortress. The final stop is The Kelpies, which are a pair of nearly 1,000-foot-tall metal horse heads inspired by folkloric creatures of the same name. HAGGiS Adventures tour guides, who provide commentary throughout the day, are regarded as both professional and informative. Outings run on Monday, Wednesday Friday and Sunday during peak season (June through August) and on Friday and Sunday throughout the rest of the year. They depart Edinburgh around 8:45 a.m. and return to the city approximately nine hours later. Prices vary by time of year, but start at $75 per adult. The fee does not include entrance to the castle. HAGGiS Adventures also operates other daylong and multiday excursions, including an "Outlander" tour.

Courtesy of Eat Walk Edinburgh

During Eat Walk Edinburgh's Old and New Town Tour, you'll taste not only Edinburgh's great food, but also its spirits.

Eat Walk Edinburgh – Old and New Town Tour

If you're craving haggis, wild boar sausage, black pudding, smoked salmon and Scottish cheeses, this approximately three-hour tour is for you. Eat Walk Edinburgh's Old and New Town food tour takes travelers through the city to sample all these delicacies along with tastings of whisky, gin, wine and beer. Both the food samples and the guides routinely win high marks from patrons. The tours are offered at 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday and also at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tours run at noon on Sunday. Tickets cost approximately 69 pounds (or around $85) and include all food and drink. Groups are limited to eight people, who can opt to use headphones to hear their guide as they walk at their own pace between stops, which is generally deemed a nice bonus feature. Eat Walk Edinburgh also operates a food tour that explores the lower half of the Royal Mile, known as the Canongate.

Rabbie's – Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands – 1 Day Tour from Glasgow

This daylong tour celebrates Scotland's natural beauty, with visits to mountains, valleys, moors, woods and lakes. During the nearly 12-hour trip, you'll see Loch Lomond, the Glencoe Valley, Urquhart Castle, Ben Nevis and more. Drivers of the 16-seat vehicles double as guides, and they are generally deemed quite knowledgeable and amusing. Excursions Depart Glasgow around 8 a.m. daily. Prices, which vary by season, start at 57 pounds (about $71) for adults and 54 pounds (around $67) for kids and teens ages 5 to 15. Children younger than 5 are not allowed to tour. Rabbie's also offers tours of the Scottish countryside departing from Glasgow, as well as trips that depart from Edinburgh.

The Potter Trail

The Potter Trail shows curious readers the locations said to have inspired the "Harry Potter" books. During the approximately 1.25-mile walk, you'll explore the real-life Diagon Alley, see the cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote the first novel in the series and more. Fans of the books find the guides exceptionally knowledge about the iconic series and its author. Even those not familiar with the "Harry Potter" tales find this tour an informative introduction to Edinburgh. The family-friendly tours are available twice daily at noon and 4 p.m. from April through August and at noon only from September through March. Excursions typically last up to 90 minutes. There's no charge for this walk, though the guides happily accept contributions. The Potter Trail also offers private, fee-based tours for groups.

The Hairy Coo – 1-Day Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Ben Nevis Tour

According to reviewers, this tour offers a convenient and enjoyable way to see some of Scotland's most famous natural wonders in a short amount of time. On the daylong bus tour, you'll visit Glencoe, Loch Ness and plenty of villages and towns tucked into the Highlands, such as Fort Augustus and Callander. Along the way, you'll pass iconic sights like Ben Nevis and Stirling Castle. Tours are offered daily and depart from the Lawnmarket at 8 a.m.; they return to Edinburgh around 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at 48 pounds (about $60) per adult ages 18 and older and 41 pounds (around $51) for kids and teens between the ages of 7 and 17. Note that tour prices do not cover the cost of any food or drink or the optional boat cruise on Loch Ness. If you're up for more exploration outside of Scotland, consider the company's daylong tour to Alnwick Castle and the Northumberland Coast.

Once Upon a Whisky Tours – Glasgow's West End Whisky Tour

Whisky lovers will enjoy this tour of Glasgow's West End, which stops at four bars for samples of four award-winning single malt Scotch whiskies. Along the way, guides impart little-known facts and surprising trivia about the renowned beverage. Tour-takers report learning a great deal about whisky, how it's made and how best to enjoy it. Tours are available Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4:30 to 7 p.m. It costs around 60 pounds (or about $74) to take the tour (nondrinkers will only be charged 30 pounds, or about $37); participants must be at least 18 years old. The price includes the whisky tastings but not food, which can be purchased separately at most of the establishments visited. Once Upon a Whisky also runs a whisky tour in Edinburgh.

Courtesy of Mercat Tours

Head beneath Edinburgh's streets with a trip from Mercat Tours.

Mercat Tours – Historic Underground

Mercat Tours' Historic Underground tours take patrons beneath Edinburgh and provide exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults, a system of caverns constructed in the 18th century. Guides explain how and why the vaults were built and how they came to be used. Reviewers say this walking tour offers an unusual perspective on the city and find the guides well-versed in Edinburgh's history. Tours, which last about 75 minutes, start at the Mercat Cross on High Street and conclude with a visit to the company's Discovery Room, which houses various artifacts as well as a model of the vaults. Tours depart three times daily at noon and 2 and 4 p.m. Tickets start at 20 pounds (about $25) for adults and 15 pounds (around $19) for children 5 to 15. Children younger than 5 may not tour. Mercat Tours also leads a number of other walks related to Edinburgh's history and lore, in addition to private tours.

Scotland's Wild Tours – Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Tour

Admire some of the country's most spectacular natural wonders on this eight-hour bus journey, which explores Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park – Scotland's first national park. Beyond viewing the mountains, valleys, lakes, waterfalls, flora and fauna from the seat of the bus, travelers also enjoy several hikes. Guides provide information regarding the geography, history and culture of the area, and they are generally regarded as both professional and personable by fellow travelers. The tour, which is limited to eight participants, is generally offered at 9 a.m. daily from April through October. Tickets cost approximately 59 pounds (about $73) for adults and 54 pounds (around $67) for children ages 12 to 15. Keep in mind, the minimum age to take the tour is 12. The tour departs from the village of Balloch, which sits about 20 miles northwest of Glasgow. The company also operates tours of Glencoe and the Highlands in addition to private tours.

Glasgow Gander Walking Tours

This walking tour of Glasgow leads participants to top destinations, such as Buchanan Street, the Glasgow City Chambers , Trades Hall, Merchant City, the Glasgow Cathedral and more. Travelers laud guides as highly entertaining and knowledgeable about the city's architecture, culture and history. Several reviewers also say this tour is a fantastic value. Tours depart from Royal Exchange Square near the Gallery of Modern Art (where the Duke of Wellington statue typically dons a traffic cone on its head) Wednesday through Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The approximately 1 1/2-mile jaunt usually last about three hours. Tickets cost 12 pounds (or about $15) per person.

City Explorers – Free Ghost Tour

Is Edinburgh haunted? Here's one way to find out. City Explorers' Free Ghost Tour explores the city's more fiendish history, as guides recount tales of infamous murders, witch trials, public executions and the like while traipsing through Old Town's cemeteries and dark alleyways. While some tour-takers say the expedition could be spookier, most agree that it is great fun and that the guides' storytelling is highly entertaining. The 90-minute walking tour takes place each evening at 7 p.m., starting outside the Copper Still bar. While there's no charge to take this tour, guides appreciate tips at the conclusion. City Explorers also offers a free tour of Edinburgh and a free "Harry Potter" tour, among others.

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Scotland Tours & Vacations

Misty highlands, sparkling lochs and rolling hills – there is a reason Scotland is known for its natural beauty. 

But it’s not all just deserted moors and moss-covered forests (although there are plenty of those too!), Scotland’s rich history and culture are also a big drawcard. From exploring the medieval city of Edinburgh , to the lively fun of a traditional pub where many a wee whisky can be enjoyed, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the hospitality of the local Scots beyond the clichés of kilts and bagpipes. Discovering areas like the enchanting Scottish Highlands , the modern hub of Glasgow and the wilderness of the Isle of Skye, all with the inside knowledge of a local leader is an entirely unique experience.

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Scotland's Orkney Islands

Uncovering Edinburgh’s unseen stories with Invisible Cities  

The world’s first rewilding centre in Scotland is tuning into nature’s healing instincts 

Visit the site of the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland  

England or Scotland? Which country should you visit next?

Scotland or Ireland: which country should you travel to next?

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Learn more about Scotland

Local culture.

Some might know the Scots, as they are fondly referred to, for their tartan kilts, bagpipe playing, whisky or delicious shortbread, but there is a lot more to this British nation than these clichés.  

The people of Scotland are a mixture of Scottish,  British  and several minority immigrant groups. Many of Scotland’s traditions have roots in Celtic heritage. A large portion of the population are Christian, with some Catholics and others who make up the Kirk, the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The Scottish are famous for their polite and friendly nature, stoic attitude and good sense of humor.

Soccer or football as it is known locally is a very popular sport, with rugby also being widely watched. For literature fans, the Harry Potter book series is deeply connected with the city of Edinburgh, as it was here that author JK Rowling lived when she wrote most of the books. You can visit the cafes where she wrote as well as see many of the places that inspired parts of her stories, including cemeteries and other buildings.

Geography and environment

Scotland is the most northern part of Great Britain and borders England. The low mountains of the highlands make up 60 per cent of Scotland’s land. Scotland’s flora is similar to most of northern Europe with forests, rugged coasts and moors. There are 62 different species of wild mammals in Scotland, common ones include: grouse, wild cats and off the coast there are many seabirds, seals and dolphins.

The climate of Scotland is classified as temperate, which means it has distinct seasonal changes and wider ranges of temperatures throughout the year. In winter, average temperatures are between five and seven degrees Celsius (41 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit) and in summer between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The western highlands experience a lot of rain throughout the year, but other areas of Scotland receive much less rain.

If you’re looking to buy authentic Scottish wares, there are options aplenty in the capital city of Edinburgh and other large cities like Glasgow.

If you are after something special, some Edinburgh Crystal, which is owned by Waterford Wedgewood makes an excellent luxury souvenir. Deck yourself out with a set of new drinking glasses, bowls or for something really different – a crystal bell.

If you’re after a gift or souvenir that is a little more edible, you can’t go past a bottle of authentic Scottish whisky. Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a popular choice and whether you’re a connoisseur or a total whisky novice, the local proprietors will love talking you through the different tipples – they are a passionate lot.

If you have family heritage in Scotland, it can be a fun exercise to hunt down your clan tartan. But even if you don’t have one, a woollen scarf, hat or if you’re feeling brave, a kilt, is a distinctly Scottish piece of attire to add to your wardrobe.

Festivals and events

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is on during August each year and is a massive global arts and cultural event. It takes places in over 300 venues around Edinburgh and includes a range of performances and experiences across theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events.

Hogmanay Street Party

Hogmanay is a traditional Scottish celebration that takes place over New Year’s. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party is a three-day festival that runs at various locations across the city. With multiple stages with entertainment set up, a torchlight procession and plenty of opportunities for a ‘wee dram’, tickets for this festival are highly sought after and can sell out months in advance.

Highland Games

The Highland Games are held in spring and summer and are one of Scotland’s most iconic events. There are many traditional athletic events like tug-of-war and caber toss, where competitors dress in traditional kilts and spectators enjoy all the social and cultural festivities that come with it, including traditional food, drinks and music.

The Glasgow Whisky Festival

If you’re heading to Glasgow as well as Edinburgh (and you should!) the Whisky Festival is a great time to go. A showcase of Scottish and specifically Glaswegian distillers is the focus, but there is also a celebration of international whisky too, with attendees from all over the world. It is Scotland’s national drink after all…

Scottish food

The Scottish food scene is garnering international attention thanks to Scotland's elite chefs like Gordon Ramsay (Scottish born, even if he did spend his schoolyears in England), Nick Nairn and Andrew Fairlie. These culinary wizards are taking the country's incredible natural produce – beef, venison and seafood – and bringing us a whole new era of more refined Scottish cuisine. However, if you’re looking for some traditional Scottish fare, here are some dishes you must try.

It might not sound very appealing but if you’re a meat eater, you might surprise yourself by enjoying haggis too. Haggis is made of sheep or calf offal, mixed with oatmeal and seasoning before being boiled in a bag (although traditionally it was boiled in the lining of an animal’s stomach). The overall effect is not dissimilar to a sausage with a grainier texture and is often served alongside a traditional roast dinner.

Scottish porridge

A traditional breakfast food, Scottish porridge differs slightly from the standard oatmeal you might be used to eating at home. It has been a population dish for centuries and traditionally should be eaten out of a wooden bowl, with everyone dipping their oats into a communal bowl of cream (for some reason you should also eat it standing up). The preparation is also quite unique – traditionally it should be stirred with a wooden rod called a spirtle and only ever stirred clockwise with your right hand, unless you want to incur the wrath of the devil. While you might put sugar on your porridge at home, in Scotland it’s served with a generous pinch of salt!

A traditional Scottish shortbread is a simple biscuit cake with only three ingredients. Butter, sugar and flour. Cover it in sugar and cut the cake into wedges while it’s still hot and it will cool into delicious, crumbly triangle-shaped biscuits. It’s all in the texture…

Scotch pies

A scotch pie is a meat pie, traditionally filled with mutton or other mincemeat. It is double crusted, single portion pie that is often enjoyed at soccer (football) games, which has earned it the nickname of ‘football pie’. The lid of the pie is slightly sunken from the crust, to allow space for condiments to be put on top.

Further reading

• Tam O’Shanter by Robert Burns

Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Stevenson

The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle by Hugh McDiarmid

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Dame Muriel Spark

Not While the Giro by James Kelman

Wire in the Blood by Val McDermid and Ian Rankin

Scotland travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?

Visa regulations are always subject to change, which is especially likely after Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), so it's essential to check before leaving home.

Citizens of EU countries, Australia, Canada and the United States have visa-free access to Scotland.

Is tipping customary in Scotland?

Tipping is customary in some situations in Scotland.

Restaurant bills usually include an option to add a gratuity. If this option isn’t present, it’s still common to tip about 10 per cent of the bill.

Tipping about 10 per cent is also standard in taxis. 

What is the internet access like in Scotland?

You will have reliable internet access while in Scotland’s major cities and towns. 

Can I use my cell phone while in Scotland?

You will have cell coverage across most of Scotland, except for some rural and remote areas.

R emember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your cell phone while traveling. 

What are the toilets like in Scotland?

Scotland has Western-style toilets.

What will it cost for a…?

• Cup of coffee = £2.5
• Pint of beer = £4
• Glass of wine = £4 - £5
• Pub lunch = £12 
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant = £30

Can I drink the water in Scotland?

Drinking tap water is safe in Scotland unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, we recommend avoiding buying bottled water and bring a refillable bottle or canteen with you. 

Are credit cards widely accepted in Scotland?

You will be able to use your credit card readily in Scotland, however it never hurts to carry a small amount of cash on you to make things simpler if you are splitting bills or just want a quick cup of coffee.

What is ATM access like in Scotland?

ATMs are referred to as cashpoints in Scotland and are commonly found.

You can use Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Cirrus, Plus and Maestro at most Scottish ATMs but you will also find international bank ATMs in major cities like Edinburgh and Scotland.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Scotland?

Please note, Scotland's public holidays may vary from year to year.

Is Scotland a safe destination for LGBTQI+ travelers?

Scotland is an open country and legalized same-sex marriage in 2014. Edinburgh and Glasgow in particular have small but flourishing gay communities. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex   or  Smartraveller  before you travel.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

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• Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Scotland 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Scotland. Below you will find 24 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Scotland offering in total 129 tours and holidays through-out Scotland. Combined they have received 27 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Scotland are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Adventure and sport & Wildlife, landscapes and nature.

• Tours in Scotland
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Best Time To Visit Scotland

24 Tour Operators in Scotland with 27 Reviews

G Adventures

• Address G Adventures Ltd, 60 Bastwick Street, London, England
• Response Rate 90%
• Response Time 2 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

• Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
• Response Rate 88%
• Response Time 3 hours

Walkers' Britain

• Address 1B Osiers Road, London, England
• Response Rate 83%
• Response Time 1 hour

Indus Travels

• Address 233, 11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, Canada
• Response Rate 98%

Back-Roads Touring

• Address 109 Power Road, Chiswik, London, England
• Response Rate 89%

Intrepid Travel

• Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia

Collette Tours

• Address 162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA
• Response Rate 84%

• Address 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, England

• Address 38-51 Bedford Way, London, England

Gray Line Scotland

• Address 81 Salamander Street , Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• Response Rate 50%

• Address Picquet House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, London, England

Highland Explorer Tours

• Address 60 High St, Edinburgh, Scotland

Insight Vacations

• Response Rate 86%

Brendan Vacations

• Address Brendan Vacations 801 E. Katella Avenue Anaheim, California 92805, California, USA

Scotland Tour Reviews

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Glen Rosa in Arran

© Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

The Best Tours of Scotland - Luxury & Scenic Tours

The best Scotland touring holidays are all about taking things at your own pace. We can't tell you what the best way to tour Scotland is because there are so many amazing choices! It's a good idea to explore some of the different types of Scotland tours that are out there, then settle in for a grand adventure.

On a tour of Scotland you’ll meet like-minded people, find hidden gems, and visit those Scottish places you’ve always wanted to see. Longer tours are a great way to travel sustainably, rather than experiencing the country at a glance, and scenic Scotland tours are a great way to get outdoors and explore our stunning landscapes.

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Driving & Public Transport Touring in Scotland

Whether you have your own car, hired vehicle or plan to take public transport around Scotland, there are plenty of touring options. 

Touring in a classic car

© VisitScotland / Kate Abbey

Explore Scotland

Enjoy special moments on the road. 

Itineraries

Tour Scotland with one of our bespoke itineraries - or simply use them for inspiration! 

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2-Day Kyle Line itinerary

Have a day out by rail and visit Plockton, Attadale and Inverness, following the Kyle Line.

Things to Do in and around Moray Speyside Itinerary

Discover wonderful things to do in Moray Speyside.

Glasgow 7 Day Itinerary

Get inspiration for a short break in and around Glasgow

5 Days in Scotland with an Electric Car

Are you an eco-conscious traveller?

Harry Potter Film and Book Locations Itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter with our 4-day itinerary travelling from Edinburgh to the Highlands.

Skye and Fort William by public transport

Follow a 4-day itinerary and see the Isle of Skye, Fort William, Oban and more using public transport.

A Scottish terrier being walked along a countryside path

Touring the Scottish Countryside

Make the most of the fresh air and savour the sights and sounds of Scotland.

Armchair Books, Edinburgh

Literary & Ancestry Touring

Scotland is full of fascinating literary tours for book lovers. You can also walk in the footsteps of your ancestors. 

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Scotland Tours

You're sipping a wee dram of smoky whisky as you gaze out over a glistening loch. You and your new friends compare the photos you took of the Highland Coos you just spotted in a heather-covered moor. And someone is daring you to try haggis for dinner tonight... This is Scotland. And you're on a Rabbie's tour. Maybe you’re on a 1 day tour out of Inverness, or perhaps you’ve decided to discover the Scottish islands on a 17-day’ adventure. The choice is yours. Which of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks call to you? Loch Ness and its enigmatic monster ? The endless epic views of the Highlands? The raw beauty and legends of Skye ? Let our driver-guides take you there and share stories that go deeper and connect you with the land you travel through, its history, music, and culture.

Explore Scotland Tours

Why you'll love Scotland

Epic tales and terrific traditions

Scotland is the birthplace of Sherlock Holmes, the television, and whisky. So, the culture is a mix of poetry, intellect, and fun. The locals also love showing visitors a good time. So don’t be surprised when you’re invited to a Highland dance or regaled with folk tales at the local pub.

Famed beauty

Scotland’s landscapes are more dramatic than a superhero movie, more beautiful than a three carat diamond, and older than any of your grandparents’ stories. From blonde beaches to serene mountains: you’ll discover the scenery lives up to its reputation.

A trove of secrets

It’s no secret Scotland has fascinating history. But what’s less known, is how much of it’s shrouded in mystery. There are unexplained standing stones, untranslatable hieroglyphics, and unbelievable myths. So, keep your eyes peeled, your mind open, and your imagination switched on.

Natural flavours

Everyone wants a slice of Scotland’s local larder. The seafood is exported to the best restaurants, Angus beef is enjoyed everywhere, and whisky is loved worldwide. And although these flavours travel far, there’s no place it tastes better than in Scotland.

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Explore all tours

The 7 Best Scotland Tours For Unforgettable Adventures That Are Achievable & Affordable

Posted on Last updated: October 13, 2023

Categories Tours , Scotland

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Welcome to Scotland, a country known for its untamed lands, historic forts, and lively traditions. Scotland, a country in the northern part of the United Kingdom, charms tourists with its majestic highlands, lovely lochs, and ancient cities.

Let’s explore the enthralling country of Scotland through the best Scotland tours, where the elements of history, pristine nature, and kind people come together.

In Scotland, multi-day tours are common and draw a sizable number of tourists each year. Scotland is the perfect location for immersive experiences because of its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and cultural heritage. The comfort of having transportation, lodging, and itinerary preparation taken care of on a multi-day tour frees travelers from the responsibility of having to plan everything themselves.

These best Scotland tours frequently visit well-known locations like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Loch Ness, the Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye, and the North Coast 500 route. They offer the chance to explore ancient castles, learn about Scottish folklore, take in stunning vistas, and become fully immersed in local music and culture.

Scotland offers multi-day trips to suit a variety of interests and tastes. Some excursions concentrate on a particular theme, such as whisky tasting, where visitors can tour renowned distilleries and see how whisky is produced.

Others emphasize outdoor activities, including excursions such as hiking, wildlife watching, and discovering isolated islands. Furthermore, Scotland’s small size, which enables visitors to enjoy a variety of sights in a relatively short amount of time, contributes to the appeal of multi-day excursions.

Multi-day excursions in Scotland provide a practical and immersive approach to discovering the nation’s stunning landscapes, extensive past, and dynamic culture. Whether it’s a picturesque Highland tour or a whisky-tasting excursion, these tours offer visitors a unique experience.

In conclusion, Scotland entices travelers with its stunning scenery, fascinating past, and lively culture. Scotland has something to offer any traveler, whether looking for natural beauty, cultural heritage, delicious foods, or outdoor experiences. A multi-day tour offers an outstanding chance to explore the nation’s riches and make lifelong memories, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor. Here are the top six best tours in Scotland.

Page Contents

5 Day Skye & Highland Fling

Country roads of scotland (classic, 9 days), highlights of scotland, scotland’s orkney islands, discover scotland (glasgow to edinburgh), best of scotland (winter, 7 days), treasures of scotland, macbackpackers.

Your five-day award-winning trip will involve castle storming, whisky drinking, ceilidh dancing, and monster hunting. Our guides will take you through the best of Scotland as you meander across the Highlands, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience.

The overnight stays include Inverness, two nights on the Isle of Skye, and either Oban (April to October) or Fort William (November to March). This tour starts and ends in Edinburgh. You have five days to discover the highlands of Scotland while also visiting 15 Scottish cities. An expert guide, transportation, and accommodation are included in the cost of this tour. Here is a look at your full itinerary. 

Day One: cross the iconic Forth Bridges before heading into the highlands. You have the option to swim in Loch Ness before heading into Inverness. 

Day Two: The voyage continues as we head west, crossing the Corrieshalloch Gorge and admiring Torridon’s breathtaking beauty and historic mountains before heading across the river to the Isle of Skye!

Day Three: A full day on Skye! Hike up to one of the island’s more distinctive rock formations. 

Day Four: Waving goodbye to Skye, we take the ferry off the island and visit the Glenfinnan viaduct, the Bonnie Prince Charlie monument, and  Glen Coe before heading to Oban.

Day Five: On our final day, we make our way through Argyll and into the Trossachs National Park. You’ll also visit  St. Conan’s Kirk. Kilchurn Castle (Summer months only). Callander, Doune Castle, Wallace Monument or. Bannockburn Battlefield. 

Spend five full days experiencing Scotland and its stunning highlands. You’ll witness firsthand the Scottish way of life and the intriguing wonders that make this place their home. This tour is offered by Macbackpacker a platinum tour operator. For almost 20 years, MacBackpackers has organized enjoyable, fully guided excursions around Scotland.

Their excursions provided a fun, interesting, and completely different perspective of Scotland and were designed for young travelers and backpackers between the ages of 18 and 39. As you travel along some of Scotland’s most picturesque routes, your guides, who are passionate about their country and its history, will introduce you to this wonderful nation while weaving together the rich tapestry of Scottish history and culture.

Overall you can expect to have a fantastic time as you tour Scotland. This tour has an overall rating of 4.8 stars and is remarked as one of the best tours of Scotland. 

Insight Vacations

Discover Glasgow’s opulent Georgian architecture, the Military Tattoo’s birthplace in Edinburgh, and the Isle of Skye, the most picturesque island in the Inner Hebrides, by taking a cruise. As you pass by Britain’s most northern point at John O’Groats and take a ferry to the Orkney Islands, join Local Experts on this great Gaelic tour.

On these serene isles, take advantage of a slower pace of life as you explore Skara Brae, a town that is 5,000 years old, and the enigmatic Ring of Brodgar. On this tour, visit the intriguing Heritage Museum or sip a small dram of whisky at the Old Pulteney Distillery in Wick. Take afternoon tea at Blair Castle, which has been the Atholl family’s ancestral home for more than seven centuries, after touring St. Andrews’ lovely cobbled alleys.

You’ll Begin your journey in Edinburgh and finish in Glasgow! Your 9-day tour takes you through Edinburgh, Scotland, and 8 other locations in Scotland. This tour also includes lodging in a hotel and a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and other amenities. Here is your full itinerary.

Day One: Arrive in Edinburgh.

Day Two: Take a day tour of the highlights of Edinburgh.

Day Three: To St. Andrews and the Highland Capital of Inverness

Day Four: Culloden, Loch Ness, and onto Thurso

Day Five:  A Day in the Orkney Islands

Day Six:  Over the Sea to Skye

Day Seven: Pass Through the Scottish Highlands to Glencoe Relaxed Start

Day Eight: Along the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow Relaxed Start

Day Nine: The Tour Ends Here. 

Explore Scotland’s true winding country roads on this detailed nine day across the country. You’ll meet friendly locals, learn about ancient Scottish traditions and immerse yourself in Scotland’s intense beauty. Insight Vacations operate this tour. Each moment is extraordinary when you travel with Insight Vacations. You’ll meet, feel, and taste a place in addition to seeing it.

Travel in style and stay in the best accommodations possible when you book with Insight Vacations. With real eating experiences that transport you to a location’s core, learn about new cultures and people with one of the best tour operators. Overall this tour has a high rating of 4.3 out of five stars, and it is considered one of the best in Scotland. 

G Adventures

For historians or perhaps those seeking to learn more about their Scottish ancestry, Scotland is an attractive destination thanks to its rich folklore and breathtaking landscapes.

This seven-day journey takes you to all the best cultural highlights, stopping at significant Jacobite sites like Culloden Moor in Inverness, charming locations like the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and giving you time to take in the country’s breathtaking natural beauty in Cairngorms National Park.

In between, you’ll have the chance to sample authentic Scottish cuisine and discover how whisky is manufactured through a tour and tasting excursion. It’s the finest way to simultaneously satisfy your inner whisky connoisseur and history buff.

Your tour starts in Edinburgh and ends in Glasgow. You have seven days to explore 4 destinations in Scotland. Accommodation, an expert guide, meals, and transportation are all included in this tour. Here is your full itinerary. 

Day One: Arrive in Edinburgh at any time.

Day Two: Enjoy an orientation walk of Edinburgh ending in the heart of the city

Day Three: This morning, opt to visit Cairngorms National Park and enjoy a CEO-led hike in Glenmore Forest, ending in Loch Morlich Beach. Or, consider a kayaking excursion or a visit to a reindeer farm with a ranger. After lunch, board a cruise toward Loch Ness.

Day Four: Discover the Isle of Skye with a scenic drive to the Isle, stopping at the Eilean Castle while en route for a snap of the old fortress. You’ll also visit Sligachan and Head north to visit Dunvegan Castle and its Gardens.

Day Five: Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by Harry Potter. Enjoy a forest walk in Ben Nevis, followed by a distillery tour and whisky tasting at Ben Nevis Distillery. Continue to explore Glencoe and learn about this key valley and its importance in Scotland’s history.

Day Six: Enjoy some free time to explore Glasgow. 

Day Seven: Departure at any time.

Spend a full week discovering the beauty of the Scottish highlands and the chance to discover the biggest cities within the country. With a good amount of free time to explore on your own accord and a mix of guided activities for you to choose from, you’ll have the best of both worlds and never be bored. G-Adventures officially operate this tour.

Discover new and exciting locations with G-Adventures! With a large selection of destinations and departure dates, many different trips are available to suit different tastes. Overall this Scottish highlights tour offered by G-Adventures can easily be considered one of the best tours in Scotland. 

Intrepid Travel

Off the northern coast of Scotland lie the Orkney Islands, which are full of secrets and history that can be explored by land and sea. Using Kirkwall as your base, spend five days exploring the best of the Orkney Islands, beginning in the highlands capital of Inverness.

Admire the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, which dates back to before Stonehenge, venture off the beaten path on a leisurely coastal stroll on Shapinsay Island, and round off your days with live music and whisky tastings at neighborhood pubs.

This period of European history has never been more alluring, thanks to a knowledgeable local leader and a group of learners who share your enthusiasm. This adventure starts and ends in Inverness. You’ll experience three Scottish cities over five days. Accommodation, transportation, excursions, meals, and an expert guide are all complimentary on this tour. Here is what the full itinerary for this tour would entail. 

Day One: Meet your tour guide, and then from here, take a train to Thurso, and on arrival, transfer to the nearby port of Scrabster to board a ferry over to Orkney. Then catch a local bus with your group to Kirkwall.

Day Two: Go on a walking tour of Kirkwall with free time in the afternoon.

Day Three: Head off with your travel crew in a private vehicle toward some of the islands’ most historic sites. Start by visiting the Italian chapel. Continue west to the prehistoric village of Skara Brae. Pop into an old schoolhouse building for a picnic lunch of local Orkney produce. 

Day Four: walk down to the harbor to board a ferry bound for the island of Shapinsay. Set off on a coastal walk past Balfour Castle and along the western coastline. Spend the afternoon at leisure. 

Day Five: make your way back to Inverness and depart anytime.

This year’s itinerary is brand-new and improved to give travelers the best possible experience, but please note there are a few things you need to know about this tour. You should bring fall or winter clothing from September through May, as it can get chilly in Scotland. It’s also important to note that the accommodation provided is shared and if you’d prefer private accommodation it is available but at an additional cost. 

This tour offers five days to truly discover the islands of Scotland. It is truly a gift to have the opportunity to make it out to the islands, as few tourists venture out that far. It is truly a remarkable experience you don’t want to miss. That makes this tour unique and one of the best in Scotland. 

Collette Tours

Scotland calls you in with its untamed, sea-sprayed islands and elegant, historically rich castles. At the farm-to-table restaurant of the National Piping Centre, you may learn how to play the bagpipes while having dinner. On a tour of a distillery, sample Scotch whiskey or Admire Isle of Skye’s breathtaking beauty.

Visit the renowned Loch Ness via boat. Explore Skara Brae, a historic site in the Orkney Islands. Contemplate Dunrobin Castle. Meet the sheepdogs of a local family by visiting their farm. Spend some time at leisure in the Victorian city of Pitlochry.

Discover Edinburgh, a majestic city. During an interactive cooking lesson, give Scottish cuisine a contemporary spin. Learn about the friendly sheepdogs, lush, rolling Highlands, and delicious Scotch whiskey of this region.

This tour starts in Glasgow and ends in Edinburgh. With this package, you’ll have 10 days to discover eleven different Scottish cities. Transportation, meals, excursions, an expert guide, and much more are included in the cost of the tour. Here is your full itinerary. 

Day One: Arrive in Scotland.

Day Two: visit the National Piping Centre. After a demonstration and lesson with a renowned piper, it’s your chance to give it a go! Then, join your fellow travelers for a lively welcome dinner at the Centre’s farm-to-table restaurant. 

Day Three:  travel to the Highlands, passing by the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond. This afternoon, stop by one of Scotland’s whisky distilleries. 

Day Four: Take a stunning drive along the “Road to the Isles” and over to the Isle of Skye. Visit Armadale Castle & Gardens* and the Museum of the Isles to learn about island life and the history of Skye. 

Day Five: Travel through the Great Glen for a Visit to the striking ruins of Urquhart Castle before enjoying a cruise on Loch Ness.

Day Six: visit the Orkney Islands as well as Skara Brae and discover the remains of a Neolithic village.

Day Seven:   visit Culloden Battlefield. You’ll also stop at the majestic Dunrobin Castle with free time in the afternoon.

Day Eight: visit a family-run farm set in the heart of the Highlands. Continue to the vibrant Victorian town of Pitlochry for some time at leisure. End your day in Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh.

Day Nine: Enjoy a free day in the capital of Scotland!

Day Ten: Departure at any time. 

Experience the true beauty of Scotland over ten days on this exciting tour! You’ll see the top tourist sites and a unique look into life in Scotland. Oh, and don’t worry, you will get to see lots of stunning castles!

Collette Tours offers this tour. Since 1918, Collette has established a name for itself as a travel agency that provides exceptional experiences, outstanding customer service, and a broad range of appeal. Benefits that elevate the guided travel experience are available when using Collette as your travel companion.

In addition to giving you better value for your money, their all-inclusive excursions guarantee that every component meets their high standards. Overall this tour operator is also considered “Gold” for its dedication to travelers. This can be said to be one of the best tours in Scotland. 

Trafalgar Tours

Discover the best of Scotland, from Glasgow’s unique alleys to Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy the romance and history of the Scottish Highlands and consider the enigmatic depths of Loch Ness before toasting the beautiful lochs, glens, and fabled locals of Bonnie, Scotland.

Start your journey in Edinburgh and finish in Glasgow. Beginning in Edinburgh, finishing in Glasgow! This tour includes a 7-day tour itinerary that visits Edinburgh, Scotland, and 7 other locations in Scotland. This tour package also includes hotel accommodations, a knowledgeable time, meals, transportation, and more. Here is a look at your full itinerary for this tour. 

Day One: Arrive at any time.

Day Two: Discover Enchanting Edinburgh

Day Three: Venture into the Scottish Highlands

Day Four: Explore Culloden, Loch Ness, and the Isle of Skye

Day Five: Journey to Thriving Glasgow

Day Six: Walk the Walls of Stirling Castle, Connect with Locals, Dive Into Culture

Day Seven: End in Glasgow. A full week to truly discover Scotland and all of its four corners. This tour is operated by Trafalgar Tours, known for its well-put-together European itineraries! 

For almost 70 years, Trafalgar has been handcrafting distinctive guided vacations. They were the first to introduce tourists to the local way of life, and they still do so today by offering carefully chosen insider experiences that bring destinations to life.

They open the way by featuring locals who share their lore, culture, and cuisine. Every year, Trafalgar introduces new travel options with more than 230 vacations in Europe, North, Central & South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

Select from 11 travel types designed to delight even the most experienced traveler. Therefore, Trafalgar offers the ideal selection of tours tailored to your preferences, whether you want to travel with your complete family or discover less-traveled locations in a small group. Overall, count this tour as one of the best in Scotland. 

Blue-Roads Touring

Scotland is home to a wide variety of beauties, including alluring lochs, eerie glens, and towering mountains. We’ll see some of the nation’s most breathtaking landscapes, intriguing tales, and enduring customs on this trip of the historic Borders and picturesque Central Belt, many of which may be discovered in less-traveled areas off the beaten path.

Are you willing to learn more about Scotland? You should take this journey. Starting and finishing in Edinburgh! You can take a 7-day travel package through Edinburgh, Scotland, and 5 other Scottish locations with the In-depth Cultural Tour Treasures of Scotland. Treasures of Scotland offers lodging, a knowledgeable guide, meals, transportation, and more. Here is your full itinerary for this tour. 

Day One: Meet in Bonnie, Scotland’s picturesque capital. 

Day Two: board the mini-coach and make your way to Doune. Travel through the spellbinding Sma’ Glen en route to Perthshire.

Day Three: set off to explore the vastness of the highlands with a kilted safari ranger with a visit to  the Red Deer Centre 

Day Four: Enjoy a whisky-tasting session to look forward to at the postcard-perfect Glengoyne Distillery. End the day along the western shore of Loch Lomond.

Day Five: take a day trip through the magnificent Glencoe Valley. Visit Glencoe Visitor Centre before returning to Luss. 

Day Six: round off your visit to Loch Lomond with a scenic loch cruise. Make a stop in New Lanark to discover the city. 

Day Seven: you will make a couple of historical stops before the tour ends then your tour will end.

Explore and get to know the true Scotland on this one-week tour. Experience the true Scottish culture and the beauty of Scotland’s nature on this tour. This tour offers a busy itinerary perfect for those looking to take the ultimate adventure. Your tour continues even on your departure day! 

Blue-Roads Touring offers this tour. Imagine a deeper-dived vacation that includes being taken off the beaten path to view each location through the eyes of the residents who call it home rather than just passing through famous landmarks and significant cities.

Blue-Roads has spent more than 30 years designing small group trips that expose you to real encounters and sights you’ll never forget, all while offering the convenience, security, and knowledge that come with a luxury mini-coach tour. This tour has an overall rating of 4,4 out of five stars and is considered one of the best tours of Scotland. 

In conclusion, Scotland is home to a fantastic selection of excursions highlighting the nation’s stunning natural surroundings, extensive history, and dynamic culture. These top six tours in Scotland offer remarkable encounters and a thorough immersion into this incredible nation. These itineraries provide something for every tourist, from the enchanting Scottish Highlands to the historic beauty of Edinburgh and the legendary attraction of Loch Ness. These tours are a terrific option for experiencing Scotland because of their expertly designed itineraries, expert guides, and stress-free approach. You are invited to begin a captivating journey of magnificent Scotland. Your Scottish experience is waiting for you! 

If none of these tours work for you in Scotland, please do not worry. There is a wide variety of tour options in the country, and we are confident that there will be something that fits your needs and interests.

Take a look at all the group tours in S c o t l a n d now , which you can sort by private or group, maximum sizing, budget, dates, and much (much more). The team at TourRadar is also always more than happy to answer any questions, provide further information or assist in any way in finding the perfect tour for you.

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7 Day Scotland Tour from Edinburgh to Glasgow

7 days, 1 country and 9 cities

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6 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

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Experience the Best of Scotland from Edinburgh Castle to the eclectic streets of Glasgow. Revel in the romance and history of the Scottish Highlands and contemplate the mysterious depths of Loch Ness, before toasting bonnie Scotland’s lochs, glens and legendary locals.

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7 days itinerary trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow visiting 1 country and 9 cities

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Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Edinburgh with a Local Specialist

Discover Glasgow and Stirling

Visit Edinburgh Castle, Pitlochry, the Isle of Skye, Glasgow Cathedral, Culloden Battlefield, Stirling Castle and a whisky distillery.

View the 18th green at St. Andrews, the Glenfinnan Monument, Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Necropolis and George Square in Glasgow

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

See Glencoe

Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Scotland plays host to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes and it is the perfect choice for your next vacation. With mythical attributes, legend, and history, you’re sure to find something magical on your Scotland tour. Whether you choose to explore the wild, yet beautiful Scottish Highlands or seek Nessie along the banks of Loch Ness, our escorted tours will take you on a journey we know you’ll love. 

Take a look at our  2024 Scotland Tours ,  our 2025 Scotland Tours , or book a  Custom Tour of Scotland   tailored to your vision of your perfect holiday . We have a great variety of vacation packages to choose from and our friendly team are more than happy to have a chat to help you decide which tour is right for you.

Travel with Confidence

Begin your trip of a lifetime..

With over 20 years experience, Best Scottish Tours is a family business with a real passion for Scotland.

Our aim is to guide you through this wonderful country and show you roads less travelled.

We keep your interests and budget in mind to ensure you enjoy an escorted vacation that suits you. Reach out to chat more about our Scottish tours and together we can build your perfect all inclusive vacation package.  We can collect you from anywhere in Scotland, usually Edinburgh or Glasgow, so all you need to worry about is having a wonderful holiday.

Safe Bubble Tours.

For any groups of two or more we offer private tours to enable you to enjoy Scotland within your family or friend bubble. We can pick you up from the airport and drop you off again in your own private vehicle, meaning that you don't have to worry about using shared transport. You will have your own personal driver/guide for the duration of your escorted tour and your private vehicle will be thoroughly cleansed with a fog machine before your tour. Your vehicle will also be cleansed each day prior to touring, as well as at each stop.

All accommodation, meals and attraction bookings are included in your vacation package. We will make sure you only stay, eat in, and visit high-quality, authentic properties and attractions throughout your tour of Scotland.

Let us take the hassle out of organising your vacation. Your safety is always, our top priority. 

Find your tour.

It’s not just about the scenery. Best Scottish Tours provide you with inclusive tour options. Our drivers and guides bring a wealth of knowledge and passion for Scotland. Our hand-picked accommodations ensure you get to see just how great Scottish hospitality is. Our comprehensive tours take you on a journey through all areas of Scotland: from the Highlands and Lowlands, the Western Isles of Skye, Harris, Lewis, Mull and Iona, the famous Malt Whisky regions of Strathspey and Islay, the scattered islands of Orkney, and the scenic North Coast 500.

Where would you go? What would you see?

Choose from one of our popular Scottish tours or design your own custom tour.

Whatever you decide, Best Scottish Tours will take you on your perfect Scottish adventure.

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12 Day Outer Hebrides, Neolithic Orkney & Highlands Tour

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Why choose best scottish tours.

Award-winning small group tours. Our standard tours have a maximum of 8 passengers per vehicle.

Tours ranging from 1 to 13 days.

Craft the journey that you want with a custom tour.

We include hand-picked accommodations as standard to ensure you get to see just how great Scottish hospitality is.

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We’ve spent over 20 years providing visitors with unique tours of this stunning country.

Latest Reviews

I had such a terrific time on the tour. I cannot believe how much I was able to see and experience, from the beautiful lochs and picturesque landscapes to the unique small towns all over the country. Some personal favourites include the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye, driving through the Applecross Peninsula, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and exploring Inverness... What really made the tour was our guide, Terry. Not only was he incredibly kind and fun to be around, he has such an immense wealth of knowledge. Terry is a natural storyteller; he spoke in a very engaging way about so many things, from history (neolithic, medieval, and modern) and culture to local trade and wildlife. He also made a huge effort to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and to show us some spectacular parts of the country we would never have known existed. He made the experience so special.

Our guide Alex, was wonderful, attentive, humorous, knowledgable, structured yet flexible and just a delight. The accommodations varied each time we changed, each was distinct in it's own way, but all were top notch. Our tour was filled with sights from the itinerary we were sent, and also with sights or attractions Alex thought we'd enjoy based on his experience of us. Again, all right on point. I had numerous very powerful, and at times emotional, learning experiences about my family of origin, a clan from Scotland - so much so that I bought a kilt and accessories, along with a scarf in our family tartan colors at Loch Carron Weavers as we were going to the Applecross Peninsula. The Western Highlands were magnificent, as were the castle tours and castle ruins we saw along the way. Thank you for a wonderful trip experience! It's obvious why you were voted the #1 Tour Company in Scotland last year. Well done!

My husband and I just completed our 8 day Best of Scotland Tour. Our guide, Tom, was outstanding! We couldn't have asked for a better guide to show us the beauty of Scotland!! Around every corner there was something beautiful or historical to see and learn about, or an experience to enjoy. Our accommodations and meals were all great and added local flavor to a trip we'll always remember.

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Walk the north west highlands and skye.

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The trip was truly the "best of Britain". Although we didn't stay in one place for very long, we visited so many different places, saw beautiful scenery, enjoyed th...

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Very busy. Wonderful sites.

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9 Best Scotland Small Group Tours You Need To Book

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Scotland | 8

Scotland is a dream destination for nature and adventure lovers. 

Castles nestle in rugged landscapes, mirror-like lochs contain mysteries of monsters within their bowels, islands have some of the most dramatic geological formations in the world, plus so much more waiting to be discovered.  

If you’ve never been to Scotland, it may be overwhelming trying to plan a trip with so much to see and do. Enter small group Scotland tours – the best, most flexible to book and hassle-free way to explore the country. 

The beauty of a small group tour is that you can stick to the main travel route or go as intrepid as you like. It just comes down to the one you choose. 

So, with so many tour options out there, which one should you pick? 

To make it easier, I’ve rounded up the best small-group tours of Scotland. I’ve chosen each one based on my own experience, the reviews, the company and of course, the itinerary. 

All tours featured are eco-certified which means they have a positive impact on the environment and help you travel sustainably too. It’s a win-win!

Quick answer: best Scotland small group tours 

Highlights of scotland , scotland’s orkney islands .

• Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands 
• St Andrews & Fife Fishing Village
• Outlander Day Tour 
• Rosslyn Chapel & Hadrian’s Wall
• Isle of Skye 3-Day Tour
• Lewis, Harris and the Outer Hebrides
• Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train 

Why book a small group tour of Scotland 

Scotland is well-known for its rugged scenery and jaw-dropping views around every corner. If you’re planning a trip, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and what you want to include in your itinerary. 

Tours do the hard work for you by fitting in all the best highlights that guarantee a rewarding trip. 

Plus, you don’t need to worry about the logistics of transport or hotel bookings either. This is vital at a time when travel is so precarious and restrictions change at a moment’s notice. 

The best tours are flexible and have less complicated moving parts, giving you peace of mind if you do have to postpone or cancel. 

What’s more, doing a group tour of Scotland is a great way to get a more in-depth understanding of the history and culture as they’re run by local guides. 

You’ll get insider information and recommendations. Plus, activities and experiences you might not have come across otherwise. 

You’ll also get a chance to meet like-minded people. Small group tours rarely go above a dozen people to keep them intimate and personalised. 

Who knows, you could be swapping stories with your new best friend over a dram in a cosy pub in Orkney!

Read More: 11 of the Best Responsible Tour Operators in the World

Best small group tours of Scotland 

Here’s a round-up of some of the best Scotland small group tours that highlight the very best of the country from its rugged highlands, remote islands, scenic castles, mysterious lochs, history, fishing villages and more. 

Whether you have a week or a day, there’s a tour to suit every schedule. 

• Length: 7 days
• Start & Finish: Edinburgh – Glasgow
• Highlights: Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness, Culloden Moor, Isle of Skye, Eileen Donan Castle, watching the Jacobite Steam Train cross Glenfinnan Viaduct. 

This Highlights of Scotland tour is exactly that, giving you a snapshot of the very best the country has to offer within a week. 

It starts in Edinburgh and you have the option to do guided or self-guided tours of the city before being whisked to Inverness in the heart of the highlands. 

From there, you’ll discover the mystery of “Nessie” on a boat cruise of Loch Ness and see Culloden Moor where the Jacobite Rising was defeated in 1746. 

Other exciting highlights of the tour include the Isle of Skye, the chance to see the famous Jacobite Steam Train cross Glenfinnan Viaduct and a whisky tasting at Ben Nevis Distillery before finishing in Glasgow, the cultural capital of Scotland. 

This guided tour is best for those who are short on time but want to see as many Scotland highlights as possible. You travel mainly by private vehicle with an average group of 12 people and a friendly local guide with you the whole way. 

I recommend this tour because it’s a great balance of comfort and adventure. You stay in cosy accommodation but you also get to explore the wilds of the Scottish Highlands through hikes, kayaking, cycling and even visiting a reindeer farm (all optional)! 

That’s exactly what the best Scottish tours should be like. 

Photo credit: Canva.com

• Length: 5 days 
• Start & Finish: Inverness
• Highlights: Neolithic town of Skara Brae, coastal walk on Shapinsay Island, live music and whisky tastings.

This five-star rated tour takes you up to the Orkney Islands on the northeastern coast of Scotland. 

Perfect for ancient history lovers, the tour starts in Inverness where you’ll meet your local guide before taking a scenic train journey to Thurso, transfer to the port of Scrabster and catch the ferry to Kirkwall in Orkney. 

Here, you’ll spend the next 4 days exploring the Neolithic Skara Brae, the historic Ring of Brodgar and 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral. You also have plenty of coastal sea walks, whisky tastings, live music and pubs galore against a wild, scenic backdrop. 

The maximum number of people on this tour is 12 and you get around using a mix of private and public transport. Your group leader stays with you for the duration of the trip too. 

I recommend this tour because it gives you the chance to explore lesser-travelled areas of Scotland. 

Although you’re with a group, you can easily split off and do your own thing too. Plus the use of public transport allows you to experience the local culture up close!

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

• Length: 12 hours approx.
• Start & Finish: Edinburgh
• Highlights: Loch Ness boat trip, Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park. 

If you’re looking for a small group tour of Scotland that covers the best of the highlands in a day then this one’s for you. 

During this one-day excursion, you’ll head straight up to Glencoe passing Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and Linlithgow Palace along the way.

You’ll then journey onwards to Fort William, soon reaching the shores of Loch Ness where you can take a boat cruise on the water. After lunch, it’s another drive to the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park before heading back to Edinburgh. 

The small group tour has a maximum of 16 travellers and transport is a comfy Mercedes minibus. Your driver guide will also give you some insightful commentary during your trip. 

My favourite thing about this tour is that even though it’s a busy schedule there are plenty of breaks along the way so you’re not constantly on the road. 

Departing from Edinburgh, it also brings some of the most remote Scottish landmarks within reach. Don’t just take my word for it, it’s highly rated too!

St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

Photo credit: Unsplash.com

• Length: 8.5 hours approx. 
• Highlights: The Forth Road Bridge, fishing villages of East Neuk, St Andrews, Falkland Palace and Gardens. 

If you like the idea of exploring more of the east coast (Scotland’s west coast already gets a LOT of love), then this St Andrews & Fishing Villages of Fife tour is the perfect option for you. 

The day trip starts by crossing over the famous Forth Bridge where you’ll get a chance to see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Forth Rail Bridge. 

Journey onwards to Fife, a peninsula bordered by the North Sea where you’ll stop to explore the traditional fishing village of Anstruther. 

Soon, you’ll arrive in St Andrews where you’ll have free time to enjoy its 1000 years of history and its accolade as the birthplace of golf! 

The last stop on the tour is Falkland Palace and Garden, a gorgeous fairytale palace that was once home to the Stewarts (Scottish Royal Family). Explore the palace or the town of Falkland, an Outlander filming location!

The tour has a maximum of 16 travellers and you travel in comfort in a Mercedes minibus. The tour guides are highly knowledgeable and the local area too. 

It’s a fantastic way to get a snapshot of Scotland’s east coast!

Discover more Edinburgh day trips here.

Outlander Day Tour from Glasgow or Edinburgh

• Length: 8-10 hours approx. 
• Start & Finish: Glasgow or Edinburgh depending on the option picked 
• Highlights: Filming locations from Outlander including Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Blackness Castle (Fort William), Culross (Crainsmuir) and Doune Castle (Castle Leoch). 

Are you an Outlander lover? If so, this tour is a must-do! 

Follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie on this full-day tour of all the major filming locations of this television series. 

The tour starts with a drive to Doune Castle which you might recognise as Castle Leoch and Winterfell from Game of Thrones (quite the film star!). 

Then you’ll journey to Falkland, the filming location for Inverness in the 1940s before arriving at Midhope Castle (Lallybroch).

Look out for the Royal Burgh of Culross too which was the filming location for Crainesmuir where Geillis Duncan lived. 

The last stop is the imposing Blackness Castle used in some of the scenes for Fort William and Wentworth. 

I recommend this five-star rated tour because it’s perfect for Outlander buffs but those who are keen to discover Scottish history and culture will love it too. 

Enjoy dramatic countryside views, a dram or two of whisky and a knowledgeable local guide giving you all the insider info on Outlander. 

This small group guided Scotland tour is a private minibus with max 8 people so it’s nice and intimate. You have the flexibility to start from either Glasgow or Edinburgh too. 

Editor’s tip: You can also do a two-day Outlander tour that covers the Clava Cairns (the inspiration behind Craigh na Dun) and Culloden Moor. Check it out here.

Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

• Length: 10.5 hours approx. 
• Highlights: Rosslyn Chapel (featured in the Da Vinci Code), Melrose Abbey, English border and Hadrian’s Wall. 

No trip to Scotland is complete without visiting the borders. This small group day tour takes you there and beyond to Northern England where you can walk part of the way along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hadrian’s Wall. 

Ideal for history lovers, this small group tour combines history with architectural intrigue against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish and English border. 

The first stop is the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel which gained international fame after featuring in The Da Vinci Code. 

Next, it’s a visit to the ruins of Melrose Abbey wherein lies the final resting place of King Robert the Bruce’s heart. Then it’s time to cross the English border to reach Housesteads Fort, the best-preserved section of Hadrian’s Wall which was built 1900 years ago by the Roman Empire. 

The last stop is Jedburgh, a pretty market town in the Scottish Borders as you head back north to Edinburgh. 

I recommend this tour because it’s got a bit of everything – including two countries! Although it’s a bestseller, tour groups are kept to 16 people max so you can make the most of your knowledgeable guide. 

Read More: No-Fly Holidays: The BEST Train from London to Edinburgh (Review)

Isle of Skye Small Group 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh

• Length: 3 days
• Highlights: Glencoe, 5 Sisters of Kintail, Eilean Donan Castle, Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. 

If you’re keen to see the highlights of Scotland but you don’t have a whole week to spare, this 3-day tour is a great choice. It gives you a snapshot of the highlands and islands. 

On the first day, you’ll go on a detour through the highlands to the Isle of Skye – passing Doune Castle, Glencoe and Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis (Scotland’s highest peak). 

Then it’s a truly breathtaking drive ahead as you take the ‘road to the isles’ through the 5 Sisters of Kintail (my nose was practically glued to the window in awe!). 

The second day is all about Skye – as it should be! There’s some flexibility here but the Trotternish Peninsula is not to be missed. 

Home of the Quiraing, a famous landslide, it’s a jaw-dropping sight. Neist Point and the Old Man of Storr are worth seeing too. Make the most of your private vehicle because you won’t be able to see it all on foot!

On the third day, you’ll head back to the mainland to Loch Ness for lunch, and pass Loch Laggan, Dalwhinnie and Blair Castle before returning to Edinburgh. 

If you want to make the most of your time in Scotland but you only have a few days I highly recommend doing this tour. 

You get to see the very best of the Highlands and Skye. It’s just 16 people max so you don’t feel too crowded either. What’s more, the tour is operated by Rabbies, one of the best Scottish tour companies to book. 

Editor’s tip: If you would rather keep the tour to one day instead of three, this one is a great alternative.

Lewis, Harris, and Outer Hebrides Tour from Inverness

• Highlights: Ferry to the Isle of Lewis, Callanish Standing Stones, white sand beaches of Luskentyre on the Isle of Harris. 

Did you know Scotland is home to some of the best beaches in Europe? I’m talking soft white sand and striped turquoise waters that would almost make you think you’ve stumbled across a portal to the Caribbean. The only giveaway is the lack of palm trees… and the weather. 

If you’re keen to see the beauty of these beaches first-hand, this 3-day island hopping tour in the Outer Hebrides is a must! 

Starting from Inverness, you’ll head to Ullapool where you’ll catch the ferry to Stornoway on Lewis. Look out for dolphins and whales!  

On day two, you’ll venture to Harris with its striking mountains and unspoilt beaches. The one you’ve been waiting for is Luskentyre Beach which looks like the Caribbean on a good day. 

On day three, the tour will take you to the Lewis parish of Uig, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where Vikings settled more than 800 years ago. Then you’ll visit the Callanish Standing Stones, 5000-year-old megaliths that are said to be once giants. 

With just 16 people maximum, this tour offers an amazing way to explore some of Scotland’s most remote and breathtaking islands on the west coast. It’s ideal for those who love wildlife, rugged isles, ancient history and beaches!

Find out more about how to get to Invernes s by road, rail or air.

Isle of Skye & Jacobite Steam Train 3-Day Highland Tour

• Highlights: Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, riding on the Jacobite Steam Train (from May – October) and Culloden Moor. 

If riding the Jacobite Steam Train is on your Scotland bucket list then this tour is a must. Similar to the other 3-day tour above, it focuses on the key highlights of the Highlands and Isle of Skye. 

The main difference is the third day. Instead of driving from Skye back to the mainland, you go down to the south of the island and take a short ferry ride to the fishing village of Mallaig (look out for dolphins on your way. One loved following our ferry!). 

From Mallaig, you have the option to ride the Jacobite Steam Train to Fort William and enjoy spectacular views as the train crosses Glenfinnan Viaduct (if you want a photo op, sit or stand on the right – trust me!). The train slows down over the viaduct so you can soak it all in. 

Once you arrive in Fort William , you follow the spectacular rugged route south through Glencoe and Rannoch Moor before reaching Edinburgh in the early evening. 

This tour is perfect for those who want to get all the highlights of Scotland – including the steam train – in just three days. 

Just make sure to book it between May and October otherwise the steam train is unavailable. It’s also important to book it in advance as tickets for the steam train sell out quickly!

Editor’s tip: Prefer to do Skye in a day? Do this tour instead!

What about self-guided tours? 

Want to have the structure and ease of a tour with the flexibility of travelling solo? I recommend Byway Travel. 

The travel company specialises in building bespoke no-fly travel itineraries based on your interests and budget. 

Although it’s a self-guided trip, Byway is with you every step of the way via Whatsapp and handles all the logistics so you can enjoy the travel part. It’s a great alternative to doing a guided tour of Scotland!

Looking for more Scotland travel tips? These articles can help!

• 10 Days in the Scottish Highlands: The Ultimate Itinerary
• How To Get To Glenfinnan Viaduct From Fort William (A Complete Guide For 2024)
• An Epic Rewilding Experience in Scotland with SCOTLAND: The Big Picture
• 15 Most Unique Eco-Friendly Getaways in Scotland
• Top 3 Reasons to Add Islay to Your Scotland Itinerary
• 20 Best Things To Do On The Isle Of Mull
• 12 BEST Day Hikes In Scotland You Need To Experience
• The Best Time To Visit The Isle Of Skye For The Perfect Trip

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This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

Such a thorough and helpful overview! Which ones to choose? They all look so great. I would probably start with the Outer Hebrides tour having read and really enjoyed Peter May’s Lewis Trilogy

Thank you! The Outer Hebrides tour is a great choice!

Great selection of tours! I would pick the ones visiting Isle of Skye, and Jacobite train, and would be nice to go on Outlander tour too.

Thank you! All good choices 🙂

Scotland might be my favorite country so all of these tours look amazing! I never got the chance to visit any of the islands so I’d love to go on the Orkney and Isle of Skye tours! As a solo traveler, tours are a great way to meet people and not feel alone.

I agree! Plus transport and accommodation sorted. Definitely worth heading back to see the islands!

Really useful, I don’t drive which restricts some of the places I can visit in Scotland. Will have to keep some of these in mind next time I’m up there 🙂

Me too! Yes, do.

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Last Updated on 15/04/2024

THE 10 BEST Scotland Private Tours

Private tours in scotland.

• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Private Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour

2. Loch Ness,cawdor castle,inverness,Culloden battlefield,& more from invergordon

3. Private Tour of Highlands, Oban, Glencoe, Lochs & Castles from Glasgow

4. Isle of Skye Private Tour from Portree

5. 3 Hours Private City Glasgow Walking Tour

6. Loch Ness,Culloden Battlefield,Cawdor Castle & Much More From Inverness City

7. 2 Hour Holyrood Palace Private Walking Tour

8. Scotland Lochs & Glens Day Tour

9. Private Tour to Loch Ness Culloden Battlefield Clava and Cawdor

10. Private St Andrews, Dunfermline and Fife Day Tour from Edinburgh

11. Luxury Private Tour of The Highlands & Loch Ness from Edinburgh

12. Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick

13. Isle of Skye Full Day Private Tour from Inverness

14. Private Bespoke Skye Tour

15. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Edinburgh Private Tour

16. Isle of Skye: From Portree to Fairy Pools & Sligachan Old Bridge

17. Private St. Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Walking Tour

18. Private Tour of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

19. Coastal Charms: St Andrews & Kingdom of Fife Private Day Trip

20. Edinburgh Castle Inside Out: Private Tour With Locals

21. Isle of Skye Tour From Inverness

22. 3-Hour Private Edinburgh Castle Tour

23. Edinburgh City Tour (Half Day)

24. Private Central Highlands Driving Tour

25. Invergordon Shore Excursions: Loch Ness, Culloden, Cawdor & More

26. Speyside Whisky Tour

27. Full-Day Private Guided Shennachies Road to Isles and Skye Tour

28. Edinburgh Private Tour with a Local Guide, Highlights & Hidden Gems

29. Private Glencoe Driving Tour from Edinburgh

30. Edinburgh Castle to Arthur's Seat Tour: Private & Custom

What travelers are saying.

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Escorted and Package Tours in Scotland

Escorted tours are structured group tours, with a group leader. The price usually includes everything from airfare to hotels, meals, tours, admission costs, and local transportation.

Abercrombie & Kent (tel. 800/554-7016; www.abercrombiekent.com ) offers extremely upscale escorted tours that are loaded with luxury. They're the best in the business.

Other contenders in the upscale package-tour business include Maupintour (tel. 800/255-4266; www.maupintour.com ) and Tauck World Discovery (tel. 800/810-8020;   www.tauck.co.uk ).

But not all escorted tours are so pricey. Older British folks make up a large portion of the clientele of one of the United Kingdom's largest tour operators, Wallace Arnold Worldchoice (tel. 0845/365-6747; www.waworldchoice.com ). Most of the company's tours last between 5 and 10 days, include lodgings (at solid but not particularly extravagant hotels) and most meals, and are reasonably priced.

U.S.-based Trafalgar Tours (tel. 866/544-4434; www.trafalgartours.com ) offers more affordable packages with lodgings in unpretentious but comfortable hotels. It's one of Europe's largest tour operators. Their 8-day "Best of Scotland 2010" tour costs $1,535, with some allencompassing introductory tours to Scotland; and Maupintour ( www.maupintour.com ; tel.  800-255-4266 in the U.S.), with tours of Edinburgh and Glasgow and day trips from each.

One of Trafalgar's leading competitors, known for roughly equivalent moderately priced tours through Britain, is Globus & Cosmos Tours (tel. 866/755-8581; www.globusandcosmos.com ).

You can sip your way through the landscapes with Whisky Tours Scotland ( www.whisky-tours-scotland.com ) or Distillery Destinations ( www.whisky-tours.com ; tel.  0141/429-0762 ). McKinlay Kidd ( www.mckinlaykidd.com ; tel.  0866/922-8538 ) leads a whisky explorer tour and also puts together self-guided trips to the Hebrides, Orkney, and other islands and mainland regions. McLean Scotland ( www.mcleanscotland.com ; tel.  01738/560-435 ) does small-scale whisky tours as well as driving circuits of castles and other scenic high points.

At Solway Tours ( www.solwaytours.co.uk ; tel.  07789/794-142 or 07809/239-696), the personable and well-informed Mark Turner and Lesley Watson lead personalized historic and ancestral trips of one to several days or a week, and will help clients trace their Scottish roots. Afternoon Tea Tour ( www.afternoonteatours.co.uk ; tel.  07873/211-856 ) accompanies a look around Edinburgh with tea at a country house hotel and does highly personalized, individual tours to the Isle of Skye, the Highlands, and other Scottish regions.

Despite the fact that escorted tours require big deposits and predetermine hotels, restaurants, and itineraries, many people derive security and peace of mind from the structure they offer. Escorted tours -- whether they're navigated by bus, motorcoach, train, or boat -- let travelers sit back and enjoy the trip without having to drive or worry about details. They take you to the maximum number of sights in the minimum amount of time with the least amount of hassle. They're particularly convenient for people with limited mobility, and they can be a great way to make new friends.

On the downside, you'll have little opportunity for serendipitous interactions with locals. The tours can be jam-packed with activities, leaving little room for individual sightseeing, whim, or adventure -- plus they often focus on the heavily touristed sites, so you miss out on many a lesser known gem.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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