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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. Trips to Scotland satisfy 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

POPULATION
Scotland’s population clocks in at roughly 5.5 million people, but the global diaspora dwarfs that figure. (Upwards of 20 million people of Scottish descent live in the U.S. alone.)

CULTURAL QUICK TAKE
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.

WHEN TO GO
Summer might draw a crowd, but we’d suggest booking Scotland tours during the shoulder seasons. Spring and fall strike a lovely balance between milder weather and fewer tourists.

WHAT TO GO FOR
What’re you most interested in? You’ll come across medieval cities, castles galore, the Highlands’ epic expanses, and some of the nation’s 140-plus distilleries on our trips to Scotland. Speaking of...

LET’S TALK SCOTCH
The country produces more whisky (note the missing “e,” which the Irish and Americans add) than any other, exporting 43 bottles of Scotch globally every second.

Inspiration for your Scotland escape

Have your sights set on Scotland but don’t know much more than that yet? Consider our tips for solo travel, can't-miss scenery, and more reasons (and ways) to go.

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 our Scotland tours with a little help from one of our very own staffers.

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 you visit in bustling summer, quiet winter, or sweet-spot shoulder season, these add-ons will deepen your ties to bonnie Scotland and its people.

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 travelers are saying about our guided Scotland trips

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5 out of 5 stars

Scotland

3rd-time traveler Anonymous

I have to say the trip was amazing. Our tour director Cornelius was very witty and kept all laughing. Our bus driver Paul was fantastic. All I can say is that all yours and...

Traveled in Sep 2024 on Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland

5 out of 5 stars

Highlights of Scotland

1st-time traveler Anonymous

This tour was amazing. Nick our guide was extremely knowledgeable and answered questions whenever they were asked. He made sure we all were aware of the agenda, where and when we...

Traveled in Sep 2024 on Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland

5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic

1st-time traveler Suzanne

First of all, I need to let you know that Tom is the best tour guide in the world. He was so a tune to everyone in the group notice what they could do and what they couldn’t do...

Traveled in Sep 2024 on Scotland for Solo Travelers: Highlands, Aberdeen & Edinburgh

5 out of 5 stars

All highlights from Scotland lowlands to highlands

1st-time traveler Sandra

We began our tour in gloomy historic Glasgow led by an energetic, enthusiastic tour director, Cornelius Weber. He showed us the City Center highlighting the Medieval Cathedral and...

Traveled in Sep 2024 on Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland

5 out of 5 stars

The hunt for the Hairy Coo

1st-time traveler Janet

I had a fabulous time in Scotland. I was a little nervous going by myself as solo travel but immediately felt welcomed. Tom, our tour Director, was awesome. He always had some...

Traveled in Sep 2024 on Scotland for Solo Travelers: Highlands, Aberdeen & Edinburgh

5 out of 5 stars

Scotland First Timer

1st-time traveler Michael

Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Cornelius and Paul, our driver, were great companions and did their jobs well beyond what was required. Scotland was beautiful and we saw castles,...

Traveled in Sep 2024 on Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland

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Great Scot, why stop there?

England, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland are all close by. Broaden your Scotland travel with these multi-country tours.

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Travel tips for Scotland trips