Scotland United Kingdom Tours & Trip Packages

Scotland United Kingdom Tours & Trips

327 Scotland trips. Tours from 111 tour companies. 1,349 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.

279 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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United Kingdom
Sights of Scotland Tour
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4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Loch Ness, The Isle of Skye

Highlights

  • See Edinburgh and tour Edinburgh Castle
  • Witness the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands
  • Loch Ness and scenic cruise
  • Included whiskey distillery tour & tasting
  • Learn about the history and culture of the Scottish Clans
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Themes

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

What travelers are saying

"Tour is advertised as an "active" tour. However, YMT sold the tours to seniors and others who were unable to walk more than 1/8 mile, unable to navigate stairs or had to walk with the aid of walkers. As a result, 80 percent of the "explorations" were to visitor centers, look out points, stores or washrooms, that were within 100 feet or less of the bus. This tour should be categorized as "relaxed". A big disappointment! The bus driver was friendly and accommodating and drove us safely from one site to another. He sold water to the guests in small bottles for $1 each. I think YMT should be more conscientious of the environment and at least offer bottle refills, especially since the guide practically demanded that each person drink one gallon of water per day. The tour guide was marginally knowledgeable about the area and spent too much time telling us about her private life and friends. She led one hike, but talked mostly about how the rains had changed the landscape. One day she left two guests at the hotel and wanted the people on the bus to take responsibility for not letting her know that people were missing. We were encouraged to find hikes to take on our own, which I felt compromised safety, especially when we had an hour or so to "explore" - there was no safety or backup plan, especially if something untoward happened on a hike. She opted out of taking us to the sunset tour of the Grand Canyon telling us that it was raining and we wouldn't be able to see anything. So a couple of us went to the site on our own and it was possibly one of the best experiences I had on the entire tour (and not a drop of rain!). I often felt bullied into purchasing lunches or meals "offered" by the guide, who made it sound like there were no other options. It was difficult to listen to her brag about how well she was doing and how happy everyone was, when many people were complaining that the tour was not what they expected - mostly because it was too active!!! The accommodations were mostly good - a couple of anomalies (one with a plugged sink and no hot water for a shower, another with a pervasive bad odor). The excursions offered at the time of booking were mostly unavailable later (except for the over-priced meals). Another disappointment because I booked the tour partly because of one of the excursions offered at the time of booking. I would not recommend this tour, because I don't think it is advertised correctly."

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5-Night Scottish Highlights Tour
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Glasgow

Highlights

  • Entrance to Stirling Castle Blair Athol Distillery Tour Entrance to Blair Castle Loch Ness Cruise Explore the Stunning White Walls of Blair Atholl Castle Discover the Natural Beauty of Cairngorms National Park Balmoral Castle - the Queen's Official Scottish Residence Hike Glen Nevis Gorge to Breathtaking Speall Waterfall Marvel at the History & Scenery of Glenfinnan & Glencoe Get Lost in Stunning Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Spend a night in the Vibrant City of Glasgow

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Brilliant customer service andwerd all me questions met me same day delivery and tracksuite is top notch"

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The Sounds of The Hebrides: Mull, Luing, Shuna and Jura
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Cruise over natural anchorage of Tayvallich, once a famous Viking harbor
  • Explore Tobermory, one of the most picturesque towns in the Western Isles
  • Get an opportunity to see eagles, sharks, whales, porpoises and dolphins, as well as many types of seabirds

Themes

50 plus, Birding, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Singles Travel, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"I had a simply marvellous and memorable experience aboard St Hilda with the Mull Odyssey cruise. Christophe and Kerry were fantastic, helpful , lovely people. Everybody was great company! The land and seascapes were quite amazing, the light and shade effects wonderful. I know and love the West Coast of Scotland, and this is a wonderful way of seeing it. Highlights were the peace of Iona, the puffins within a couple of feet on Lunga, the fantastic mountains of Mull reflected in the water.... I could go on for ever! Quite the best holiday of my life!"

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Skye and the Small Isles
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

  • Visit wild and remote Loch Scavaig on the Isle of Skye
  • Explore Tobermory, one of the most picturesque towns in the Western Isles
  • Visit Skye's famous Talisker malt whisky distillery

Themes

50 plus, Birding, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Singles Travel, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"I had a simply marvellous and memorable experience aboard St Hilda with the Mull Odyssey cruise. Christophe and Kerry were fantastic, helpful , lovely people. Everybody was great company! The land and seascapes were quite amazing, the light and shade effects wonderful. I know and love the West Coast of Scotland, and this is a wonderful way of seeing it. Highlights were the peace of Iona, the puffins within a couple of feet on Lunga, the fantastic mountains of Mull reflected in the water.... I could go on for ever! Quite the best holiday of my life!"

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Scottish Castles and Sheltered Sea Lochs 5 nights
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Scottish Highlands

Highlights

  • Oban: Your departure point will be Oban. After a short introduction to life on board our small ship we lift anchor and set sail to our first destination.
  • Loch Spelve: A narrow entrance leads us in to the tranquil waters of Loch Spelve (on the beautiful Isle of Mull) with its surrounding ancient oak forest. If we are lucky we might spot an otter along the loch shore. We can also pick up some local grown mussels in the morning before we leave to our next destination.
  • Tobermory: One of the most picturesque towns in the Western Isles with its famous whisky distillery and colourful waterfront. We anchor in the Bay where a Spanish galleon was supposedly sunk with all its treasure. We can spend a day ashore and for the adventurous there are fast boat trips that can be arranged to visit Fingal’s cave on the Isle of Staffa. There are also Sea Eagle Watch tours, guided walks or you can just wander along the streets, visit the delightful local museum, perhaps watch a pipe band, admire the wooden fishing boats and take in the long history of this lovely village.
  • Duart Castle: Our daytime anchorage in Duart Bay is below the spectacular 13th century Duart Castle, the ancestral home to the Maclean clan. We can go for walks along the shore and visit the castle and learn about its rich clan history.
  • Loch Aline: A pretty anchorage on the Morvern Peninsula, off the Sound of Mull.
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I had a simply marvellous and memorable experience aboard St Hilda with the Mull Odyssey cruise. Christophe and Kerry were fantastic, helpful , lovely people. Everybody was great company! The land and seascapes were quite amazing, the light and shade effects wonderful. I know and love the West Coast of Scotland, and this is a wonderful way of seeing it. Highlights were the peace of Iona, the puffins within a couple of feet on Lunga, the fantastic mountains of Mull reflected in the water.... I could go on for ever! Quite the best holiday of my life!"

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4-Night Edinburgh Experience
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Edinburgh

Highlights

  • Scottish Heroes Daytour from Edinburgh Holy Grail & Knights Templar Daytour from Edinburgh Scotch Whisky Tasting Experience Ghost & Ghouls Walking Tour of Edinburgh Explore the Royal Mile & Edinburgh Castle Visit the Royal Yacht Brittania and Glimerton Cove Check-out Stirling Castle, Stunning Loch Lomond & much more!

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Brilliant customer service andwerd all me questions met me same day delivery and tracksuite is top notch"

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12-Night Wonders of Scotland Tour
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5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness

Highlights

  • Meet & Greet on Arrival Secrets of the Royal Mile & Edinburgh Castle Tour Culloden Battlefield Entrance Loch Ness Cruise Explore the Distinctive Silver-Grey Architecture of Aberdeen Discover the Natural Beauty of Cairngorms National Park Visit Balmoral Castle - the Queen's Official Scottish Residence Stay in Inverness - The Capital of the Highlands Travel the Length of Mysterious Loch Ness Spend Two Nights on the Breathtaking Isle of Skye, known as 'Cloud Island' Choose from more than 10 Famous Scottish Castles to Explore! Enjoy a Gentle Hike to Picturesque Steall Waterfall Get Lost in Stunning Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Enjoy Fantastic Shopping, Music & Nightlife in Glasgow

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Brilliant customer service andwerd all me questions met me same day delivery and tracksuite is top notch"

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7-Day Great Britain Tour Package: England - Scotland - Wales**Vegetarian Meal Options upon Request**
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4.6/5 Excellent
57 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Bath, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Inverness, Liverpool

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Hello , first there is no airport transfer at all as they mentioned in the trip program , no one waited us at the airport as they mentioned that we should provide them with the flight schedule but unfortunately they neglected this service for arrivals and for departures as well , the level of the hotel in Lyon is under expected maybe 2 stars , the hotels are somewhat away from the city center which makes the transportation for the clients cost more and waste of time , the guide was very quick in her steps without even looking at the families and children and not being able to follow her . Rather , she was even quick to finish the designated program , such as presenting a program that was supposed to be for tomorrow and presenting it without justification , making one day crowded with her program and the second day on the contrary i.e there may be only one visit as it happened in changing visiting Eifel tower although it was late afternoon and the line was so crowded that took around 2 hours waited in line in order to gets tickets for the whole group while it was supposed to be on the 2nd day with scène river cruise , the stoppage in some cities as Geneva needs more than only 2 hours time while stoppage in between the cities in the rural area needs less than that time gave it to us .no flexibility in changing the program after booking even for a more advanced and valued trips ( changing not cancelling ) , it must be a meeting prepared for the group in a lobby of the hotel the night before or even if 1 hour before getting into the buses as a type of acquaintance and introduction between the members of the group ."

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279 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
United Kingdom

Scotland Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
1,349  Reviews
See all Scotland tour reviews
Excellent
371
Great
199
Average
43
Disappointing
13
Terrible
6
F

Frances Aird

May 2024

Written on

Best of Scotland

It hit all the high spots! Of course we would like to have spent longer at some but now we know where to go back. The guide, Kirsty, and driver Mark were amazing - q...

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.

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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.

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