Scotland tours discovery guide
The distinctive drone of bagpipes. The stoic stateliness of hilltop castles. The fresh tingle of the wind wisping off the ocean. Scotland satisfies the senses in every way; what better way to delight in it all than by diving in with a guided tour?
What to know before you go
Scotland’s population clocks in at roughly 5.5 million people, but the global diaspora dwarfs that figure. (Close to 5.5 million Scots live in the U.S. alone.)
Scotland’s national animal isn’t the Highland cow, nor is it the enigmatic golden eagle. It’s the unicorn—a symbol of purity, power, and innocence in Celtic mythology.
Summer might draw a crowd, but we’d aim for the shoulder seasons. In Scotland, the spring and fall strike a lovely balance of milder weather and fewer tourists.
What’re you most interested in? There are medieval cities, castles galore, the Highlands’ epic expanses, and more than 140 Scotch distilleries. Speaking of...
The country produces more whisky (note the missing “e,” which the Irish and Americans add) than any other, exporting 53 bottles of Scotch globally every second.
Take your pick of these Scotland tours
Edinburgh &
the Castles
of Scotland
Follow the shadows of clan
leaders and royals through
some of Scotland’s most
storied fortresses.
Scotland: Oban,
the Highlands
& Edinburgh
From hilly cities to sleepy
islands, drink in Scotland’s
natural heritage, one photo
stop at a time.
The solo traveler’s guide to Scotland
Where to go. What to do. Why deep-fried Mars bars are such a hit. Gear up for your big trip abroad with a little help from one of our very own staffers.
Scotland Solo:
The Highlands
& Aberdeen
Come under Scotland’s spell
with just your passport,
your bag, and yourself.
(You’ll meet plenty of people—
and make plenty of pals—as you go.)
Scotland &
the Edinburgh
Military Tattoo
The rousing performances of
this cultural cornerstone draw
hundreds of thousands of
spectators annually. Want to
count yourself among that number?
12 Scottish landscapes you need to see
The U.K.’s largest national park and a famed crossing aboard the Hogwarts Express both make the cut. See them—and the rest of our picks—on our Scotland tours.
Sprinkle these signature experiences into your Scotland itinerary
Whether traveling in the bustle of summer, the quiet of winter, or the sweet spot of the shoulder season, these add-ons can switch your tune from “I need to go back” to “I never want to leave.”
Jump into a
traditional céilidh
Enjoy a night of song and dance on our Landscapes of Scotland: Oban, the Highlands & Edinburgh tour.
Sip afternoon tea
in regal surroundings
Enter Holyrood Palace for a one-of-a-kind outing on our Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland tour.
Breathe in a
peaceful moment
Roam the ruins of Melrose Abbey on our Scotland & the Edinburgh Military Tattoo tour.
Discover the heart of Scottish independence
Explore the siege-hardened childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots on our Scotland for Solo Travelers tour.
What our travelers say about their trips to Scotland
Great Scot, why stop there?
England, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland are all close by. Broaden your horizons with these multi-country tours.