Best Scotland Tours

Scotland tours are available as both fully guided and partly guided trips, and the right choice often depends on how independent you want to be between stops. Fully guided tours give day-to-day support, while partly guided options typically include guided visits in key places with more free time built into the schedule. The guiding style is shown in each itinerary.

Many tours include Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow, then head into the Highlands to cover highlights such as Loch Ness and Glencoe. Island routes may also include the Isle of Skye, the Outer Hebrides and Orkney, with stops in places like Stornoway and Kirkwall. The exact routing can vary, so it’s best to compare itineraries.

Many itineraries include ferry travel between the mainland and the islands, particularly on routes that visit the Isle of Skye, Orkney and the Outer Hebrides. These crossings are an important part of how remote areas are linked, and they can influence daily timings and start times.

Group size varies by tour and can range from small-group departures to larger coach-style trips, depending on the route and operator. The trip details outline the expected group size, so you can choose the format that best suits your preferences.

Accommodation depends on the tour and may include simple guesthouses, local B&Bs, or 3-star to 3–4 star hotels, with the option to upgrade on some trips. If a listed property is unavailable, a similar alternative is usually arranged, especially during peak periods. Each itinerary sets out what’s included for each night.

Some tours include distillery visits and tastings, particularly on routes associated with Speyside and the Whisky Coast, where whisky is a major part of the local culture. Other itineraries focus more on scenery and historic sites, so whisky may be optional or not featured heavily. Check the itinerary inclusions to confirm what is planned.

Yes, some trips include screen-related locations in Scotland, including routes connected with Outlander. These itineraries often combine filming sites with castles and historic settings, and they usually allow time for photos and independent exploration at key stops.

Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, and many tours are rated easy, but you should still be prepared for regular walking and occasional uneven ground at viewpoints, ruins and coastal stops. Highland and island routes can also involve longer driving days, which may feel tiring even without strenuous activity. Review the day-by-day notes to understand what’s involved.

Yes, castles and historic sites feature strongly on many tours, reflecting how much of Scotland’s story is tied to its landscapes and settlements. Depending on the itinerary, visits may include places such as Stirling Castle, Eilean Donan Castle and Urquhart Castle, along with battlefields, stone circles and other heritage locations.

Many trips are operated by trusted local partners and sold by On The Go Tours, with the operator and inclusions set out in your tour documentation. Your paperwork typically confirms the guiding style, transport arrangements and the main visits that are included, so you know what to expect before you travel.