Scotland Tours & Trip Packages

Scotland Tours & Trips

333 Scotland trips. Tours from 111 tour companies. 1,294 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.

32 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise
The Majesty of the British Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland by Sea
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Copenhagen, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Portland

Highlights

  • Walk through the Lost Gardens of Heligan, a 1,000-acre English estate all but abandoned during World War 1 and recently rediscovered and restored to the glory of its heyday.
  • In Dublin, meet students at historic Trinity College who accompany you around campus, see the famed Book of Kells and eat a pub lunch with traditional musicians who share their talents.
  • Discover medieval Scotland in the Scottish Highlands and in Edinburgh, including an exploration of the interior of Edinburgh Castle.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
The Splendor of Spring in the Channel Islands and Isles of Scilly
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Channel Islands, Dublin, Edinburgh, Isles of Scilly, London

Highlights

  • Discover the car-free Channel Island of Sark on a horse-drawn carriage excursion.
  • Sail to idyllic Tresco to discover the subtropical Tresco Abbey Gardens.
  • Explore tiny Bryher’s diverse environments from arable fields to heathland to sandy beaches.

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow - Eastbound 2023
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Edinburgh, Glasgow

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 features a 7-night cruise aboard a Ponant luxury small ship
  • 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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow - Westbound 2025
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Edinburgh, Glasgow

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
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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow - Westbound 2023
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Edinburgh, Glasgow

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
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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow - Eastbound 2024
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Edinburgh, Glasgow

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 features a 7-night cruise aboard a Ponant luxury small ship
  • 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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow - Eastbound 2025
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Edinburgh, Glasgow

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 features a 7-night cruise aboard a Ponant luxury small ship
  • 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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Legendary Scottish Isles, Edinburgh & Glasgow - Westbound 2024
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Edinburgh, Glasgow

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
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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
32 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise
...

1

2

...

Scotland Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
1,294  Reviews
See all Scotland tour reviews
Excellent
371
Great
199
Average
43
Disappointing
13
Terrible
6
S

Stephen Lane

Oct 2023

Written on

Best of Britain

The optional excursions were hit or miss.

M

Michael Hansen

Sep 2023

Written on

Best of Britain

Our itinerary was very well thought out!! I don’t ...

L

Lorna Klein

Sep 2023

Written on

Best of Britain

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...

T

Trusted Customer

Sep 2023

Written on

Best of Britain

All of the hotels were nice, clean and well-appointed. You just have to adapt to differences in how lights, water, etc. work. Electricity converters for those of u...

T

Trusted Customer

Sep 2023

Written on

Best of Britain

Very busy. Wonderful sites.

Write a Review

Scotland Tour Selection Trips

  • If you want to learn about whisky, do a distillery tour (Auchentoshan is highly recommended) and then get the "malt of the month" in every pub you go to. It's inexpensive and every pub will have a different one. 
  • If you want to feel like a local, spend at least 3 days in the same place, and go to the same coffee shop and pub every day. By the third day, you'll be treated as a regular. The only place this doesn't work is in downtown Edinburgh, which is a major tourist hub.
  • Pubs and drinking are seen as a nice, relaxing way to unwind and spend some time in the evening where it's nice and warm and friendly. Though the Scots do drink regularly, but it's seen as a social, regular part of everyday life. They are not really into crazy binge drinking. But whatever you choose, don't try to keep up! Remember that people can drink legally from the age of 18, so by the time they're in their mid-20s, most people are done with the crazy party life.
  • The Scottish accent is notoriously difficult to understand. But it’s ok to ask anyone you don’t understand to repeat themselves. They know their accent is strong and will slow down if you politely ask them to repeat it.
  • In terms of the weather, prepare for rain! Mist at the very least. It will be cloudy. However, if you go during the summer, you can expect the sun to be up from 4am to 11pm, so hit the outdoor seating!
  • The cardinal rule if you're visiting Scotland for the first time, is that it's NOT ENGLAND. The entire country is called the United Kingdom and Scotland is a part of it, and England is a different part.

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 333 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.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!