Scotland Tours & Trip Packages

Scotland Tours & Trips

327 Scotland trips. Tours from 111 tour companies. 1,343 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.

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Shetland Islands
Wild Scotland - M/V Greg Mortimer
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bar, Britain, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, The Isle of Skye

Highlights

  • Photograph - some of the world's largest sea bird colonies
  • Incredible birdlife - including puffins
  • Discover picturesque villages and medieval hamlets - on some of Scotland's least-visited islands
  • Sail - with otters and seals
  • Explore by Zodiac - with whales and dolphins swimming alongside you
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Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Everything about Orkney was fabulous; the distant windswept land was serene and beautiful. The group leader was very knowledgeable, experienced, and approachable; the unique history, geology, and characteristics of the islands were conveyed to us."

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Stepping Stones in the Atlantic: The Hebrides, Faroes, Shetland & Orkney Islands
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Edinburgh, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands

Highlights

  • Navigate to some of the most beautiful, isolated islands in the Atlantic including St. Kilda and the Faroe Islands.
  • Interact with the 60 or so residents of Fair Isle, the most remote inhabited island in the United Kingdom.
  • Discover Orkney’s remarkable prehistoric sites including two ceremonial stone circles and a well-preserved village.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Because I have Stage 4 cancer, I chose to spend the extra money for trip insurance in case my cancer recurred. When a scan showed that it had, I cancelled my trip. I sent to them the medical documents from the Mayo Clinic confirming my new diagnosis. They sent me an email telling me my oncologist needed to fill in a form. I asked my oncologist to do that and I submitted it by fax on April 6th. When I didn’t hear anything, I sent them more medical documentation and asked them to please push forward my refund as I have travel expenses from a clinical trial coming up. Several days later I received an email that they needed further documentation from my doctor. How much more documentation do you need than the patient has stage 4 metastatic cancer and is starting a clinical trial??? This is heartless to me. Please don’t plan to travel through Road Scholar if you’re medically vulnerable!!"

Trip dates & details
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Voyages to Antiquity: Iceland and the Islands of the North
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Edinburgh, Gloucester, Shetland Islands, Westminster Abbey

Highlights

  • Experience the otherworldly landscapes of Iceland, and the ancient 1000-year-old Viking Parliament in the majestic Thingvellir National Park
  • Explore the domineering Edinburgh Castle and stroll the historic Royal Mile in Scotland
  • Learn about London’s turbulent past and modern development at the Museum of London, Galleries of Modern London and the Tower of London

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"Because I have Stage 4 cancer, I chose to spend the extra money for trip insurance in case my cancer recurred. When a scan showed that it had, I cancelled my trip. I sent to them the medical documents from the Mayo Clinic confirming my new diagnosis. They sent me an email telling me my oncologist needed to fill in a form. I asked my oncologist to do that and I submitted it by fax on April 6th. When I didn’t hear anything, I sent them more medical documentation and asked them to please push forward my refund as I have travel expenses from a clinical trial coming up. Several days later I received an email that they needed further documentation from my doctor. How much more documentation do you need than the patient has stage 4 metastatic cancer and is starting a clinical trial??? This is heartless to me. Please don’t plan to travel through Road Scholar if you’re medically vulnerable!!"

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Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow - Westbound 2021
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4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands

Highlights

  • There’s no better way to explore all the natural and cultural riches that Scotland and its islands have to offer – from treasured tartans and traditions of the clans
  • to the wonders of single malt whiskies at a distillery in the Highlands to the distinctive folkways of the captivating Scottish Isles...Our 11-day trip includes a 7-night cruise aboard the luxury small shipLe Dumont d'Urville
  • plus a choice of hotel stays in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Cruise to the celebrated Orkney and Shetland Islands
  • and the more remote isles of Mull
  • Skye and Lewis; explore eclectic Edinburgh
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Themes

Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
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Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow - Eastbound 2021
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4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands

Highlights

  • There’s no better way to explore all the natural and cultural riches that Scotland and its islands have to offer – from treasured tartans and traditions of the clans
  • to the wonders of single malt whiskies at a distillery in the Highlands to the distinctive folkways of the captivating Scottish Isles...Our 11-day trip including a 7-night cruise aboard the luxury small ship Le Jacques Cartier
  • plus a choice of hotel stays in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Cruise to the celebrated Orkney and Shetland islands
  • and the more remote isles of Mull
  • Skye and Lewis; explore eclectic Edinburgh
Show more

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
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Scottish Highlands & Islands
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Edinburgh, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, The Isle of Skye

Highlights

  • Seebeautiful architecture, engrossing cultures and an extensive heritage
  • Enjoystunning scenic beauty and epic landscapes
  • Explore the beautiful West Mainland
  • Discover the best preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Singles Travel, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"everything is perfect from start to finish just back from Baltic cruise on Braemar , it was amazing."

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Legendary Lands of Scotland
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4.4/5 Great
64 reviews
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"they are taking too long to refund our cancelled holiday from May 2020. cannot get any info from them when it will be refunded back to us."

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Scotland in a Week (Summer 2024)
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By Contiki
preferred
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their trips create life-long memories for young people setting off to discover the world.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"This was our first Contiki trip and it absolutely exceeded our expectations!"

Trip dates & details
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Grand Tour of Scotland, England & Wales
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4.9/5 Excellent
51 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Blair Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Loch Ness, London, Scottish Highlands, Windsor Great Park

Highlights

  • Be on the lookout for Nessy while cruising Lock Ness amongst the Scottish Highlands
  • Grab your spot of tea as we wind our way through medieval Edinburgh with a local guide
  • Scotland and whiskey. Learn all there is to know and become a famed expert at the Blair Athol distillery
  • Explore mighty Caernarfon Castle. This fortress had stood the test of time
  • Say no more – London
Show more

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning

What travelers are saying

"We loved this trip. Our guide was excellent. We really enjoyed all the included highlights. Our favorite was Biltmore Estate. It is a must!"

Trip dates & details
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Scotland: Land of Lore & Legend  - 2024
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness

Highlights

  • S
  • Wander the ruins of a 13th-century medieval fortress.
  • See border collies in action during a traditional sheepdog demonstration at a family-run farm.
  • Explore the cultural city of Glasgow.
  • Ferry to the Isle of Iona and visit Iona Abbey.
Show more

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary about this trip! My Diary about our trip to South Dakota shorturl.at/efoX1"

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Wild Scotland - M/V Greg Mortimer
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bar, Britain, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, The Isle of Skye

Highlights

  • Photograph - some of the world's largest sea bird colonies
  • Incredible birdlife - including puffins
  • Discover picturesque villages and medieval hamlets - on some of Scotland's least-visited islands
  • Sail - with otters and seals
  • Explore by Zodiac - with whales and dolphins swimming alongside you
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Everything about Orkney was fabulous; the distant windswept land was serene and beautiful. The group leader was very knowledgeable, experienced, and approachable; the unique history, geology, and characteristics of the islands were conveyed to us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Exploring Scotland & Ireland  - 2024
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Belfast, Derry, Dublin, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness

Highlights

  • Taste apple cider at a family-run farm.
  • Join in the fun during a night of traditional Scottish food and entertainment.
  • Embark on one of the world’s most breathtaking rail journeys along the Causeway Coast.
  • Explore the Titanic Experience in Belfast.
  • Discover the heritage of Glasgow with a local guide.
Show more

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary about this trip! My Diary about our trip to South Dakota shorturl.at/efoX1"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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7 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Shetland Islands

Scotland Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
1,343  Reviews
See all Scotland tour reviews
Excellent
371
Great
199
Average
43
Disappointing
13
Terrible
6
T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Best of Scotland

Tried to cram too much in to too little time. If you enjoy spending all day on a bus and taking pictures out the window, it works. Hotels aren't close enough to e...

D

David Drozd

May 2024

Written on

Best of Scotland

Great history, great scenery, great people

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Best of Scotland

We loved The trip ! It was an incredible experience ! We did wish there was more time for us to shop and or eat a lunch ..first time on a coach tour .. and did not r...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Best of Scotland

Great locations to visit. Very picturesque. Tour guide was fantastic.

D

David Strausser

May 2024

Written on

Best of Scotland

Katrina are bus driver was amazing. She got places I couldn’t imagine or believe. Andrew, also spectacular very knowledgeable and fabulous personality. He’s with ev...

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Scotland Tour Selection Trips

  • Embarking on a Scotland tour promises an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and cultural experiences. To make the most of your journey, here are some essential travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:

    Dress in layers to prepare for Scotland's unpredictable weather, which can change rapidly throughout the day.

  • Carry waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear to stay dry and comfortable, especially when exploring outdoor attractions.

  • Observe safety precautions when hiking or trekking in remote areas, and inform someone of your itinerary before setting out.

  • Familiarize yourself with Scotland's road rules and drive cautiously, especially on narrow, winding roads.

  • Respect local customs and traditions, such as avoiding sensitive topics in conversation and adhering to cultural etiquette.

  • Stay mindful of potential wildlife encounters, particularly in rural and wilderness areas, and maintain a safe distance from animals.

  • Be environmentally conscious and dispose of waste responsibly to minimize your ecological footprint.

  • Stay informed about travel advisories and any regulations in place, mainly related to safety and security.

  • Carry navigation tools like maps or GPS devices, as mobile phone coverage may be limited in some regions.

  • Stay vigilant against scams or tourist traps, and exercise caution when sharing personal information or making financial transactions.

Additional details

Tours in Scotland are offered in a wide range of budgets and styles. This is a popular destination among older travelers looking for a relaxing golf getaway, scotch tastings and walking tours through the highlands. Scotland has a warm, welcoming culture and if you like exploring an ancient culture, participating in pub conversations, and a good natured barb here and there, you’ll love being on a Scotland tour.

Is there a language barrier in Scotland?

Depending on the region of Scotland you’re traveling in, it may be extremely difficult to discern what people are saying. English is the main language, however the accent can be notoriously difficult to decipher.

This is a great reason to travel on a tour in Scotland - you and your travel companions will lean on each other to help navigate the accent, and your tour guide will be a useful safety net. Scottish people are aware that their accent can be hard to understand and are generally patient with being asked to repeat themselves.

What is the weather like in Scotland?

Scotland weather is quite variable region by region. If you’re traveling near the coast you can expect fairy cool and windy conditions almost year round. Due to being so far north, during the summertime Scotland experiences very long days, and in Scotland’s northernmost region, there are a few days out of the year with 24 hour sunlight. If you’re traveling during the winter time, expect regular snowfall and temperatures in the 40s (Fahrenheit).

Spring and autumn are highly recommended times to visit, where the weather is less extreme than during the summer and winter. You’ll see temperatures in the 50s and 60s, with intermittent sunshine, and it will be mostly dry.

As far as what to wear, given the variability and the cooler climate, layers are going to be your best friend any time of year in Scotland!

Top 5 Travel Attractions in Scotland

Recently rankeas the most beautiful country in the world, Scotland boasts some of the most breathtaking natural sights on our planet. From its peaceful lochs and glens, to the rolling highlands, to the harsh and jagged peaks in the Western Hebrides, Scotland’s dramatic and diverse landscape is sure to stun even the most seasoned outdoorsman.

Beyond its natural heritage, Scotland is also a country with a vibrant culture and a fascinating history. Home to golf, haggis, and the Loch Ness Monster, there is no shortage of sights to see and things to do in Scotland. Here is this author’s take on the top five travel attractions.

5. A WHISKY TASTING

 A trip to Scotland would not be complete without a taste of its most famous beverage: a dram of genuine, single-malt Scotch. Luckily, there are many opportunities to not only get a taste of whisky (not whiskey!), but also learn about its creation process. There are over 100 licensed distilleries in Scotland, each with their own unique history and fiercely guarded trade secrets, and the majority of them offer some sort of visitor experience. In particular, we recommend a tour at the Glenlivet - one of Scotland’s most famous distilleries that began as an illicit smuggling operation.

4. THE ROYAL RESIDENCES OF EDINBURGH

A walk through the streets of Edinburgh transports you back in time, in no small part due to the capital’s two castles. In the direct heart of the city looms Edinburgh Castle, an imposing stone fortress that sits on top of an extinct volcano. A trip to the castle will not only reward you with an incredible view of the entire city, but a chance to learn about the building’s intriguing and bloody history. The castle has been a royal residence since the 12th century, and for a small fee, you can enter and see Mary Queen of Scots’ private quarters, as well as the infamous Scottish Crown Jewels.

You must be sure to also stop by Edinburgh’s second castle: Holyrood Palace, an active royal residence. Holyrood lies at the opposite end of the Royal Mile, the historic street that connects the two castles, and when the Royal Family is not in town you can take a tour of its decadent rooms and haunted ruins of a cathedral. A detailed guided audio tour will fascinate any visitor, though history buffs will be particularly delighted. The entire castle staff is required to have a thorough understanding of English history, and visitors are encouraged to ask questions.

3. EILEAN DONAN CASTLE

This awe-inspiring structure falls on the border of the wild highlands and is often the image of the iconic Scottish castle. Only accessible by an ancient stone bridge, Eilean Donan is a built on a small island in the icy waters of a saltwater loch. The now isolated fortress was once a centerpiece in hundreds of years of clan conflict and violence, and the weight of this history runs deeply through the castle’s veins.  It is still privately owned and maintained by a member of the MaCrae clan.

2. ISLE OF SKYE

The Isle of Skye is home to some of the most spectacular natural vistas in all of Scotland. This harsh and isolated island has long been heralded as a place of magic, and is the birthplace of hundreds of myths about giants, faeries, and kelpies. A visit to Skye would not be complete without a trip to the enchanted Fairy Pools, a hike up the cliffs of Kilt Rock, and a visit to the see the mysterious stones of Storr. After a day in the outdoors, be sure to warm up with a warm cup of tea and some fish and chips in the charming town of Portree.

1. THE ROYAL MILE

The Royal Mile is a cultural hotspot in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, with no limit of things to do. The best place for shopping and dining, the Royal Mile is lined with some of the best traditional Scottish pubs and shops selling typical Scottish goods, from wool sweaters to shortbread to haggis. The cobblestone mile itself is impressive and physically unique as it has been largely unaltered since it was formalized in 1816.

One especially interesting element of the Mile is its well preserved “closes”, the narrow walking paths which used to lead to residential areas. As the busy road is popular with tourists, you can expect to encounter some authentic bagpipe playing, and the sight of several men in kilts.

Some of the unique buildings on the Royal Mile include the gorgeous Gothic St. Giles’ Cathedral, the old Scottish Parliament, and a church converted into a craft market. At night, the Royal Mile is home to some of the city’s best ghost tours, including trips underground to see full streets that were built over during the plague.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 327 trips to Scotland and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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