Scotland Group Tours & Trip Packages

Scotland Group Tours & Trips

329 Scotland trips. Tours from 111 tour companies. 1,335 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.

130 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Group Tour
Bonnie Scotland
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4.1/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

What travelers are saying

"Great hotel and flexible about extending my flight, as I am attending a wedding outside of Paris. They would call back and email pretty promptly. However, BEWARE their condition and communication with the vendors/attractions with the trip is poor. They told me I would forfeit my airport transfer back which I was fine with BUT they didn’t cancel it, so the hotel lobby kept calling me, as well as an angry driver on my cellphone. The reason why I use travel agencies overseas is for them to coordinate everything for me especially when I call in for a special request - as that is their job. I also never received my toot bus ticket and had to call in for that. However, I did not receive my river cruise ticket. Doubt I’ll get a refund for that. The office hours are also crap and all over the place. Most likely will never use GVV again, even if I find a steal, because you got to be on your toes with this company. It is not smooth as you would think because you have to do everything yourself for requesting what you paid for or you don’t receive/have to do the explanations yourself."

Trip dates & details
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Essential Britain & Ireland
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4.1/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Dublin, Edinburgh, London, York

Highlights

  • Experience the highlights of all of the countries that make up the British Isles.
  • Enjoy guided tours, ferry rides, and the convenience of being driven to and from each destination in a luxurious motorcoach.
  • Immerse yourself in history at the Roman Baths, Edinburgh Castle, and York Minster.
  • See breathtaking natural beauty at Northumberland National Park and the Mountains of Mourne.
  • Stop in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the fascinating Elizabethan hometown of William Shakespeare.

Themes

Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats

What travelers are saying

"Great hotel and flexible about extending my flight, as I am attending a wedding outside of Paris. They would call back and email pretty promptly. However, BEWARE their condition and communication with the vendors/attractions with the trip is poor. They told me I would forfeit my airport transfer back which I was fine with BUT they didn’t cancel it, so the hotel lobby kept calling me, as well as an angry driver on my cellphone. The reason why I use travel agencies overseas is for them to coordinate everything for me especially when I call in for a special request - as that is their job. I also never received my toot bus ticket and had to call in for that. However, I did not receive my river cruise ticket. Doubt I’ll get a refund for that. The office hours are also crap and all over the place. Most likely will never use GVV again, even if I find a steal, because you got to be on your toes with this company. It is not smooth as you would think because you have to do everything yourself for requesting what you paid for or you don’t receive/have to do the explanations yourself."

Trip dates & details
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Three Jewels of the North Atlantic: London, Edinburgh and Dublin
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Palace of Holyroodhouse

Highlights

  • Embark on a grand educational expedition across the length and breadth of the British Isles
  • Meet welcoming locals and go inside the world of the royals in London and Edinburgh
  • Compare and contrast the culture, politics and history of these closely linked nations

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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Canadian Maritime Feast of Tides
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Glasgow, Nova Scotia

Highlights

  • Interact with world class chef instructors at PEI's Culinary Institute in a demonstration kitchen as a series of Maritime dishes are prepared and served
  • Experience an interactive visit to renowned Chef Michael Smith’s historic inn and farm
  • Prepare lobster and sea vegetables for a feast on the beach serenaded by Maritime music

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!!"

Trip dates & details
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Quintessential Britain
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

British Museum, Edinburgh, London

Highlights

  • View the recently rediscovered amphitheatre and ruins of Roman London.
  • Explore the castles and history of mountainous Snowdonia in North Wales.
  • Visit Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon.

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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Hiking the Scottish Highlands: Castles, Clans and Peaks
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Blair Castle, Edinburgh, Loch Ness

Highlights

  • Explore the ancient but intact ruins of 13th-century Inverlochy Castle, a veteran of two battles that’s been transformed into an open-air museum
  • Learn the history of Scotland as you walk along the iconic and picturesque West Highland Way
  • Keep your eyes open for the fabled Loch Ness Monster as you take a cruise across this beautiful lake

Themes

50 plus, Education / Learning, Family Friendly, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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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Walking in the Scottish Highlands
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Glasgow

Highlights

  • The Head Gardener of the famous Inverewe Gardens escorts you around the exotic plantings and gives unique insights into this remarkable outdoor space.
  • On a night-time walking excursion, search out pine martens, otters, badgers and other nocturnally active creatures.
  • Explore the Aigas estate’s moorland, native pinewoods, birch woodland, exotic plantation and freshwater loch.

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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The Best of Scotland
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Culzean Castle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, The Isle of Skye

Highlights

  • Explore the beautiful islands of Mull, Skye and Iona.
  • Journey on some of the world’s most famous trains — the West Highland line and the Jacobite steam train.
  • Experience iconic Edinburgh Castle — dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital city — on a fascinating field trip to the top of the volcanic Castle Rock.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

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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130 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Group Tour

Scotland Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
1,335  Reviews
See all Scotland tour reviews
Excellent
371
Great
199
Average
43
Disappointing
13
Terrible
6
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...

R

Raymond Williams

May 2024

Written on

Best of Scotland

There was too much time on the bus. Meal the first day was not very good.

O

Orval Belcourt

May 2024

Written on

Best of Scotland

Excellent overall. Tour Director very knowledgeable, thoughtful and she laid out an organized and well managed itenary. I appreciated her management of searing on th...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Best of Scotland

It was a week full of awe and wonder. Your guide and driver were amazing, knew the history well of the place. Only thing is that, I wish there’s more variety of food...

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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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