scottish travel agency

Scotland Tours & Vacations

Misty highlands, sparkling lochs and rolling hills – there is a reason Scotland is known for its natural beauty. 

But it’s not all just deserted moors and moss-covered forests (although there are plenty of those too!), Scotland’s rich history and culture are also a big drawcard. From exploring the medieval city of Edinburgh , to the lively fun of a traditional pub where many a wee whisky can be enjoyed, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the hospitality of the local Scots beyond the clichés of kilts and bagpipes. Discovering areas like the enchanting Scottish Highlands , the modern hub of Glasgow and the wilderness of the Isle of Skye, all with the inside knowledge of a local leader is an entirely unique experience.

Our Scotland trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Scotland highlights

Scotland tour reviews.

Filter by rating

Highlights of Scotland

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Uncovering Edinburgh’s unseen stories with Invisible Cities  

The world’s first rewilding centre in Scotland is tuning into nature’s healing instincts 

Visit the site of the World Stone Skimming Championships in Scotland  

England or Scotland? Which country should you visit next?

Scotland or Ireland: which country should you travel to next?

Eat at these 8 Inverness restaurants for a meal you won’t forget

Raise a glass to these top 11 bars in Glasgow

7 must-see castles in the Scottish Highlands

Popular local regions

Explore the uk by country, scotland at a glance, capital city.

5.4 million

Pound Sterling (GBP)

(GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin) Type M (see D)

Learn more about Scotland

Local culture.

Some might know the Scots, as they are fondly referred to, for their tartan kilts, bagpipe playing, whisky or delicious shortbread, but there is a lot more to this British nation than these clichés.  

The people of Scotland are a mixture of Scottish,  British  and several minority immigrant groups. Many of Scotland’s traditions have roots in Celtic heritage. A large portion of the population are Christian, with some Catholics and others who make up the Kirk, the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. The Scottish are famous for their polite and friendly nature, stoic attitude and good sense of humor.

Soccer or football as it is known locally is a very popular sport, with rugby also being widely watched. For literature fans, the Harry Potter book series is deeply connected with the city of Edinburgh, as it was here that author JK Rowling lived when she wrote most of the books. You can visit the cafes where she wrote as well as see many of the places that inspired parts of her stories, including cemeteries and other buildings.

Geography and environment

Scotland is the most northern part of Great Britain and borders England. The low mountains of the highlands make up 60 per cent of Scotland’s land. Scotland’s flora is similar to most of northern Europe with forests, rugged coasts and moors. There are 62 different species of wild mammals in Scotland, common ones include: grouse, wild cats and off the coast there are many seabirds, seals and dolphins.

The climate of Scotland is classified as temperate, which means it has distinct seasonal changes and wider ranges of temperatures throughout the year. In winter, average temperatures are between five and seven degrees Celsius (41 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit) and in summer between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The western highlands experience a lot of rain throughout the year, but other areas of Scotland receive much less rain.

If you’re looking to buy authentic Scottish wares, there are options aplenty in the capital city of Edinburgh and other large cities like Glasgow.

If you are after something special, some Edinburgh Crystal, which is owned by Waterford Wedgewood makes an excellent luxury souvenir. Deck yourself out with a set of new drinking glasses, bowls or for something really different – a crystal bell.

If you’re after a gift or souvenir that is a little more edible, you can’t go past a bottle of authentic Scottish whisky. Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a popular choice and whether you’re a connoisseur or a total whisky novice, the local proprietors will love talking you through the different tipples – they are a passionate lot.

If you have family heritage in Scotland, it can be a fun exercise to hunt down your clan tartan. But even if you don’t have one, a woollen scarf, hat or if you’re feeling brave, a kilt, is a distinctly Scottish piece of attire to add to your wardrobe.

Festivals and events

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is on during August each year and is a massive global arts and cultural event. It takes places in over 300 venues around Edinburgh and includes a range of performances and experiences across theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events.

Hogmanay Street Party

Hogmanay is a traditional Scottish celebration that takes place over New Year’s. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party is a three-day festival that runs at various locations across the city. With multiple stages with entertainment set up, a torchlight procession and plenty of opportunities for a ‘wee dram’, tickets for this festival are highly sought after and can sell out months in advance.

Highland Games

The Highland Games are held in spring and summer and are one of Scotland’s most iconic events. There are many traditional athletic events like tug-of-war and caber toss, where competitors dress in traditional kilts and spectators enjoy all the social and cultural festivities that come with it, including traditional food, drinks and music.

The Glasgow Whisky Festival

If you’re heading to Glasgow as well as Edinburgh (and you should!) the Whisky Festival is a great time to go. A showcase of Scottish and specifically Glaswegian distillers is the focus, but there is also a celebration of international whisky too, with attendees from all over the world. It is Scotland’s national drink after all…

Scottish food

The Scottish food scene is garnering international attention thanks to Scotland's elite chefs like Gordon Ramsay (Scottish born, even if he did spend his schoolyears in England), Nick Nairn and Andrew Fairlie. These culinary wizards are taking the country's incredible natural produce – beef, venison and seafood – and bringing us a whole new era of more refined Scottish cuisine. However, if you’re looking for some traditional Scottish fare, here are some dishes you must try.

It might not sound very appealing but if you’re a meat eater, you might surprise yourself by enjoying haggis too. Haggis is made of sheep or calf offal, mixed with oatmeal and seasoning before being boiled in a bag (although traditionally it was boiled in the lining of an animal’s stomach). The overall effect is not dissimilar to a sausage with a grainier texture and is often served alongside a traditional roast dinner.

Scottish porridge

A traditional breakfast food, Scottish porridge differs slightly from the standard oatmeal you might be used to eating at home. It has been a population dish for centuries and traditionally should be eaten out of a wooden bowl, with everyone dipping their oats into a communal bowl of cream (for some reason you should also eat it standing up). The preparation is also quite unique – traditionally it should be stirred with a wooden rod called a spirtle and only ever stirred clockwise with your right hand, unless you want to incur the wrath of the devil. While you might put sugar on your porridge at home, in Scotland it’s served with a generous pinch of salt!

A traditional Scottish shortbread is a simple biscuit cake with only three ingredients. Butter, sugar and flour. Cover it in sugar and cut the cake into wedges while it’s still hot and it will cool into delicious, crumbly triangle-shaped biscuits. It’s all in the texture…

Scotch pies

A scotch pie is a meat pie, traditionally filled with mutton or other mincemeat. It is double crusted, single portion pie that is often enjoyed at soccer (football) games, which has earned it the nickname of ‘football pie’. The lid of the pie is slightly sunken from the crust, to allow space for condiments to be put on top.

Further reading

• Tam O’Shanter by Robert Burns

Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Stevenson

The Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle by Hugh McDiarmid

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Dame Muriel Spark

Not While the Giro by James Kelman

Wire in the Blood by Val McDermid and Ian Rankin

Scotland travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?

Visa regulations are always subject to change, which is especially likely after Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), so it's essential to check before leaving home.

Citizens of EU countries, Australia, Canada and the United States have visa-free access to Scotland.

Is tipping customary in Scotland?

Tipping is customary in some situations in Scotland.

Restaurant bills usually include an option to add a gratuity. If this option isn’t present, it’s still common to tip about 10 per cent of the bill.

Tipping about 10 per cent is also standard in taxis. 

What is the internet access like in Scotland?

You will have reliable internet access while in Scotland’s major cities and towns. 

Can I use my cell phone while in Scotland?

You will have cell coverage across most of Scotland, except for some rural and remote areas.

R emember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your cell phone while traveling. 

What are the toilets like in Scotland?

Scotland has Western-style toilets.

What will it cost for a…?

• Cup of coffee = £2.5
• Pint of beer = £4
• Glass of wine = £4 - £5
• Pub lunch = £12 
• Dinner at a mid-range restaurant = £30

Can I drink the water in Scotland?

Drinking tap water is safe in Scotland unless otherwise marked. For environmental reasons, we recommend avoiding buying bottled water and bring a refillable bottle or canteen with you. 

Are credit cards widely accepted in Scotland?

You will be able to use your credit card readily in Scotland, however it never hurts to carry a small amount of cash on you to make things simpler if you are splitting bills or just want a quick cup of coffee.

What is ATM access like in Scotland?

ATMs are referred to as cashpoints in Scotland and are commonly found.

You can use Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Cirrus, Plus and Maestro at most Scottish ATMs but you will also find international bank ATMs in major cities like Edinburgh and Scotland.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Scotland?

Please note, Scotland's public holidays may vary from year to year.

Is Scotland a safe destination for LGBTQI+ travelers?

Scotland is an open country and legalized same-sex marriage in 2014. Edinburgh and Glasgow in particular have small but flourishing gay communities. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex   or  Smartraveller  before you travel.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Scotland Travel Agents & Reviews

• Featured Tours
• Travel Agents

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  5  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1536  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

Our Scotland travel agents have the know-how to plan an unforgettable, luxury Scotland vacation according to your travel preferences.  With unparalleled expertise and trusted relationships with premium hotels, tours, and guides, our travel agencies in Scotland create personalized Scottish itineraries to fit your interests. Whether you want to explore castles and historic sites, play legendary golf courses, or sample rare single malts, our Scotland travel specialists handle every detail for you.  When planning your dream Scottish adventure, rely on the local expertise of our Scotland travel agencies for an exceptional trip.

Discover our Scotland travel agents, the top 10% of local specialists

Our Scotland travel agents have the know-how to plan an unforgettable, luxury Scotland vacation according to your travel preferences. 

With unparalleled expertise and trusted relationships with premium hotels, tours, and guides, our travel agencies in Scotland create personalized Scottish itineraries to fit your interests. Whether you want to explore castles and historic sites, play legendary golf courses, or sample rare single malts, our Scotland travel specialists handle every detail for you. 

When planning your dream Scottish adventure, rely on the local expertise of our Scotland travel agencies for an exceptional trip.

Life-Enriching Travel

Trips curated by the world’s top destination experts

Concierge-level service leading up to and during your trip

Unique, exclusive experiences and insider access

Zicasso in the News

Jane's Travel Agency

 Based on  7  reviews

Destinations:

Verified review.

Our trip, starting and ending in Edinburgh and looping through the Highlands with an emphasis on the Isle of Skye, Inverness, and Speyside, was very enjoyable, much to the credit of our travel agency. We were awed by the sheer beauty of the Highlands, the warmth and friendliness of the Scottish people, and the country's fascinating historical sites.  Our culinary experience was outstanding, with a variety of traditional dishes and contemporary cuisine prepared by world-class chefs. As could be expected, distillery visits gave us an opportunity to enjoy a range of whiskey flavors and styles. Jane, the owner of the travel agency, was accommodating in creating the ideal itinerary, finding superb lodging and dining experiences for us, and helping us through last-minute bookings due to a flight cancellation.  Our driver/guide was personable, knowledgeable, timely, and professional. He entertained us with amusing Scottish lore, local and regional information, and eagerly adjusted the itinerary as needed to suit our personal tastes and interests.

Neil's Travel Agency

 Based on  49  reviews

The trip was wonderful and the support from the travel agency was unstinting. From the first day, they were quickly responsive and continually exceeded our expectations. We had no hiccups along the way, so we didn't need to call on them during the trip, but I am confident they would have sorted any issue that arose.  Their reputation was reinforced by our guide in Bath, who said they were a great company to work with and emphasized that anybody who "picked up the phone" would provide the high level of service we'd experienced.

Aeneas' Travel Agency

 Based on  8  reviews

Zicasso’s tour operator was nothing short of exceptional to work with. From the early stages of planning, communication was seamless. The lovely travel planner helped plan the most magical trip. Every accommodation was out of this world, the meals were amazing, and the itinerary was outstanding. We traveled with two babies and they helped plan a wonderful, magical trip. We enjoyed Scotland so much and are looking forward to traveling there again with the same travel company! They even planned a sweet surprise for my four-year-old’s birthday that was so special for her. We were just so pleased with everything.

Get matched with our top travel agencies

Tell us about you trip and preferences. We will hand pick the right travel agency for you.

Get Matched

Mario's Travel Agency

 Based on  480  reviews

The trip was generally well executed. The private transportation was prompt and dependable. The hotels were fine (Rome was better than Florence, which lacked AC in the rooms) and well located. We appreciated the daily itinerary reminders on WhatsApp. We were disappointed that there was no customized treasure hunt for the kids at the Vatican as advertised. It was just a regular private tour with no special, child-focused content/activity. This was one of the main reasons we picked this travel company over the other travel agency, so a bummer it didn’t happen. There was also a miss with our cooking class. While we had an exceptional time with the chef, we didn’t get to do the “pick out the food at the local market” part since it was a national holiday and the market was closed. That is something the travel company should have caught upfront and adjusted the itinerary around, in my opinion. My final qualm is around Cinque Terre. We were told (even after pushing back) that it wouldn’t be a good idea to stay a night or two there because restaurants and other venues would not yet be open. However, the villages were bustling and active; we definitely should have spent more time there.

Adam's Travel Agency

 Based on  101  reviews

The trip was wonderful. Our Zicasso tour operator was great and really responsive during the trip. I loved the app, which made everything so much easier and clearer, and having everything in one place on our phones was so nice.

Jeff's Travel Agency

 Based on  53  reviews

On this amazing planet, one can find an abundance of places with spectacular scenery. Scotland is one of those. However, what you can’t find is our travel team. Had it not been for their professionalism and expertise, we would have probably buzzed along in our own car, going ooh and ah, and missing all the wonderful spots that made our trip so memorable. In the planning, Zicasso’s travel agent was always attentive and quick to respond with a suggestion or a nay or yay. Our travel agent was delightful company. She is a historian, geologist, and geographer, all rolled into one, with a great sense of humor. At one point we got stuck in an unprecedented weather event. Not to worry, our travel team was on it with an alternative, so we really didn’t miss much. But the icing on the cake is how much they care about their clients. It is obvious they love their country and want to share it with everyone. And they did, to the fullest and utmost extent!

Tom's Travel Agency

 Based on  140  reviews

We absolutely loved working with Zicasso’s travel agents. They offered some great experiences and accommodations that I would have never considered, and did it all within our budget. We can't wait to go back to Ireland or make our first trip to Scotland, and I will definitely be calling Zicasso’s company for the next trip!

Anne Marie's Travel Agency

 Based on  131  reviews

Our anniversary trip to Scotland and Ireland, planned by Zicasso’s travel company, was unforgettable! Our travel agent was very easy to work with! She made several adjustments to our itinerary at our request and also to address some of the vendor's changes, such as one of our flights (originally from Inverness to Dublin) and one of our "in a local home, dinner and cooking lessons" (originally in Scotland). She was cognizant of my budget constraints and suggested I do some of the driving myself to reduce the cost of private drivers. Then, during our trip, little things like a wine and cheese board in our room upon our arrival in Edinburgh were very much appreciated! Also, when things didn't go as planned (flight delay from Aberdeen to Dublin), she was available (at 2am Pacific time) to help smooth out the bumps! Even the way our trip itinerary built up to a subtle crescendo with our stay in a castle made this a trip we will never forget!

Show more agents

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Scotland Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Scotland tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Scotland and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 183062 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Scotland travel companies & tour operators with 183062 reviews

MacBackpackers

• Excellent - 2,528 reviews for Scotland tours

Amazing tour! Fast paced and fun with incredible views of the highlands.

If you have limited time to explore Scotland and love the adventure and good vibes of backpacking, I 100% recommend traveling with MacBackpackers. I opted for the 3-day tour, and the experience exceeded all my expectations. The accommodations were cozy, with exceptional staff who organize unforgettable activities. The transportation was also very comfortable, punctual, and safe. I want to give a special thanks to Branka, our tour guide, who was amazing. Not only for her charisma and the passion she puts into her work but also for providing quality, entertaining content and making you feel Scotland like a local. I recommend it 100%! --------- Si dispones de poco tiempo para explorar Escocia y te encanta la aventura y la buena onda de los viajes mochileros, te recomiendo al 100% que viajes con MacBackpackers. Opté por el tour de 3 días y la experiencia superó todas mis expectativas. Los lugares para descansar son acogedores, con un personal excepcional que organiza actividades inolvidables. El transporte también fue muy cómodo, puntual y seguro. Quiero agradecer especialmente a Branka, nuestra guía turística, que fue increíble. No solo por su carisma y la pasión que pone en su trabajo, sino también por ofrecer un contenido de calidad, entretenido y hacerte sentir Escocia como un local. ¡Lo recomiendo al 100%!

Intrepid Premium

• Excellent - 320 reviews for Scotland tours
• This operator has no Scotland reviews

• Excellent - 74,884 reviews for Scotland tours

Great trip, good hotels and guiding and lovely food!

Was well organised and good.

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 626 reviews for Scotland tours

Wonderful trip. Saw a great variety of places.

Scotland was beautiful, the hotels and meals ....not so good. The coach and driver were excellent, while the tour director had exactly nothing to say while driving for hours thru magnificent landscapes. The Edinburgh hotel was passable, but was not in Edinburgh. The hotel in Glasboro was a Radison Blue, which was fine. the remaining hotels were awful. In one hotel we had a double bed, not a king, not a queen, but a double bed....really! In 2 hotels the fire alarms went off before 6AM in the morning. You had to react because these buildings were old and most may have lacked fire protection. The hotel breakfasts were generally awful, crowded, and long waits to get a coffee from the machine. The included dinners were terrible, the same menu night after night. One exception was the included dinner in Edinburgh, which was at a restaurant and was quality food and drink. everything after that was trash. breakfast on the last day in Glasgow was very nice, and what I would have expected from an upscale tour. One thing I thought was an insult, was the night spent on Skye. There was no included tour of Skye, so if you wanted to see anything other than the hotel, the only choice was an optional $29.00 bus ride for an hour or so. Bad weather forced the cancellation of the trip to Orkney...so we killed a day with a castle visit. Earlier this year we were on a Viking river cruise that missed a port for a mechanical reason. Before I got home, Viking sent me a $1000.00 credit for a future cruise. They know how to treat guests, Insight not so much. In summary, low end hotels that were in many cases dirty, and mediocre food, and a tour director that had nothing to say. that will be my first and last Insight tour.

Europamundo

• Good - 2,976 reviews for Scotland tours

Loved Jose and his team. They’re extremely professional and you cannot even begin to imagine how much fun you will have ❤️?

Everything came up roses! We , Neil and I, were very pleased with everything. We especially, loved our guide, Jose. He was very knowledgeable, very friendly, easy going, and was an excellent guide. Thank you.

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,082 reviews for Scotland tours

Tour guide and bus driver were both excellent. Starting hotel was terrible and no where near the main area of Edinburgh. Breakfast there was a granola bar, croissant in a plastic wrap, a yogurt, and a juice box. Our hotel room in Inverness had a leaky ceiling which we reported to the front desk right away. They said they sent maintenance to fix the issue, but that evening it was leaking again. G Adventures itinerary is not reflective of the actual tour and for many extra activities listed there was no time to do them even if we had wanted to. Isle of Skye was a real highlight along with Inverness. We only received our tour vouchers the night before we left Canada and we had to call to get it. We will not consider G Adventures for any of our future travel needs.

This was my second G Adventures tour and it proved to be as enjoyable as the first one, which was the main reason my wife and I booked it. The small size of the tour group and the variety of people made it all the better. The tour offered a good balance between structured visits of major attractions and free time to explore on our own. I would not hesitate to recommend a G Adventures tour to anyone seeking a guided travel experience in the company of other like-minded travelers.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,699 reviews for Scotland tours

Intrepid needs to tighten up this tour. Two free afternoons is too much when one has only three days on the island. Either make the tour two full days or two full days with one full day free to make plans to go to Hoy or Rousay. Give people guidance on what to do on the free day.

I recently traveled with a friend to Scotland. We included a week long tour with Intrepid, booked through Tour Radar. We paid a very healthy sum for the tour, $3,460 each. The description said the trip was appropriate for ages 15-99. It also described two nights in Portree on Isle of Skye with a private van tour on the full day on Isle of Sky. My friend and I chose this tour because of the time spent in Portree and on Isle of Skye, the small group size, and that if it was okay for ages 15-99 then I’d be fine six months post a major knee surgery. What wasn’t included in the description and what happened: -No where did it say that we’d be expected to walk/transport our luggage on foot from Points of transportation to our lodging ranging from 10-20 minutes. My 94 year old father-in-law lives with us and is able bodied, but there’s no way he could have done these distances While also carrying/pulling luggage. My 87 year old mother could not accomplish this either. I could do it with my recovering knee, but I was slower and it also used up some of the energy I needed for enjoying walking portions of the tour. I didn’t anticipate having to schlep my suitcase for 15 minutes at a time over uneven sidewalks, etc. I would have packed differently had I known or we would have looked for a different tour. -My friend and I still wonder why Fort Williams was included on the itinerary as a place to stay?
The only thing Intrepid provided was a walk to a castle that wasn’t open for visitors. The rest was on our own and there really wasn’t much happening other than a nice, little museum. We would have preferred more time on Isle of Skye. -We were notified prior to departure that our time on Isle of Skye would be at Kyleakin - not in Portree- and we’d have to arrange our own tour. Phone numbers were provided but no one on the tour had any luck booking anything prior to arriving, calls not returned, no availability, etc. So, 3-4 of our tour group spent 2 FULL hours or more on their phones while we were in Fort Williams trying to come up with some options for us. They pieced together a public bus ride to/from Kyleakin to Portree and a private taxi tour at our own expense! (After paying for it in the cost of our tour.) This should have been done by Intrepid!! Not once were we offered reimbursement. We didn’t have any time in Portree. We’d hoped to have lunch before our taxi tour, but all the restaurants were full. I found a to-go cup of tea and scone at a bike shop, then time in cue to use a bathroom. I’d looked forward to staying in Portree and had many places I had planned to walk to when not on the private van tour we were sold but didn’t get. Also, While staying in Kyleakin, the guest house did not provide a cooked breakfast, just light snacks in our rooms. Breakfast was provided, but we had to walk to/from the restaurant that was a mile each way. This used up time we could have been site seeing. Also, it would use up my knee energy for the days site-seeing. My friend went to breakfast but I skipped the walk to reserve my energy for site-seeing. Oh, and the whiskey tasting…we passed distilleries but we Were given a private lesson on tasting with our tour guide. While he did a fine job, the setting was not the same as a distillery setting. The room was bare, we used wine glasses, we were Supposed to take notes but no hard surfaces to write on, etc. Just wasn’t what any of us were expecting. I found Intrepid’s disregard for the changes and the misleading descriptions as to be very unprofessional. I use tours so that I don’t have to do all of the arranging. Why pay you if I’m going to have to do it myself? Next time I book a tour, I’ll be sure to avoid Intrepid. Many friends have asked about my trip. Unfortunately, the biggest disappointment was the tour. I’ve shared that multiple times now. I’m not the only member of the group that walked away Disappointed. We didn’t want to “blame” the tour guide, I don’t think he was responsible, he was just trying to keep us happy as he could sense how displeased we were. His answers too our questions were not satisfying at all. He seemed to be trying to cover for the company best he could.

Highland Experience Tours

• Excellent - 209 reviews for Scotland tours

Jamie was sensational

Wee Andy was a perfect host. He was personable,friendly and managed to learn all of our 11 names in minutes. He was very knowledgeable on the tour itinerary and showed a good sense of humour. We felt confident with him as a driver and tour leader as he was able to manage anything that was thrown at him, from itinerary changes due to storms as well as any accomodation issues. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and cannot fail it at any level. Well done Andy and experience tours!

Highland Explorer Tours

• Excellent - 384 reviews for Scotland tours

An amazing experience, beautiful landscape and polite and nice guides

It was an amazing tour with extraordinary guides!

Royal Irish Tours

• Excellent - 17 reviews for Scotland tours

The tour guide, Linda, was great as was the coach driver, Mike. The coach was very comfortable and the sites we visited were great. The tour was well organized and well executed. The meals were very good as well. The only thing making this “good” and not “excellent” is that I had to sleep on a pullout couch for three nights of the tour which much surprised me for something billed as a first class tour. So if you plan to go three to a room, be prepared for someone to be on a couch.

this guided tour was very good. we covered many places and did many activities. the guide was very good, always available, attentive and with a good knowledge. I recommend this tour

Indus Travels

• Excellent - 252 reviews for Scotland tours

Overall it was a very nice trip, I think it was well laid out for traveling

This trip was a wonderful experience! The accommodation with one exception was fantastic! The end stops each day were all very nice. I gave my okay rating because we gleaned more information from our evening hosts than we ever received from Tour Radar. Be aware that It will be very important for you to get your own tour books, figure out a route between stops and obtain all your maps as this information was never provided. The final hotel in Edinburgh where you have two nights, B+B Edinburgh does not have any place to park a car so you will have to pay 4.10 pounds per hour to park on the street. Totally unacceptable to book a hotel that does not have room for the car that is provided. This is a very busy schedule to complete in the time provided so if you get the chance to extend the trip by adding another day in Portee on Skye and perhaps finishing the trip in St. Andrews then returning the car to the import then spending some time in Edinburgh on your own at the end of the trip.

Rabbie's Tours

• Excellent - 672 reviews for Scotland tours

Excellent tour and fantastic guide James. Had quite a bit of fun and the relaxed atmosphere provided a chance for the tour group to get to know one another. Will definately book a Rabbie's tour again!!

Had an amazing time. Shout out to our driver Gail for her knowledge of Scottish history and her contagious love for the country. She went above and beyond for our small group.

• Excellent - 1,888 reviews for Scotland tours

I absolutely loved the Real Britain tour by Trafalgar! Our guide Paul was very friendly and knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour which made our time so enjoyable! Our driver Ian was also very good! I would definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants a well-rounded taste of England! I was very happy to see a bit of Scotland as well! The only thing I would ask is that Tour Radar would put more specific details about the tour on their site as it appears on Trafalgar’s website. I would have appreciated the list of the names of the hotels, optional experiences, and which particular meals were included etc. Having finished the tour, I know better where I would like to stay longer the next time I’m in England! I got to see so much amazing scenery in the countryside as we travelled and sights at the destinations we stopped. It was truly a wonderful and unforgettable experience!

天氣差，形响旅程，停留時間短，4間酒店地點不錯，可惜街道路燈暗，不方便外出又觀光，利物浦的酒店服務太差，蘇格蘭皇家酒店環境服務一流，

• Excellent - 13,420 reviews for Scotland tours

Skara Brae, the Stones of Stenness and the Brough of Birsay were all priorities for me and I was very fortunate to be able to experience all three!

Walk to Skara Brave

Spirit Journeys Worldwide

• Excellent - 12 reviews for Scotland tours

Our tour guide, Ryan, was outstanding! He immediately put us at ease with his friendly and personable manner. His knowledge of the complicated roads and history of the areas we visited gave us the safety we needed to deeply enjoy the beautiful landscapes and fascinating history Scotland has. Thank you for the perfect vacation!

The Spirit of Outlander tour was great! This tour is geared for Outlander fans but you don't have to be a fan to enjoy all the locations visited. Our tour guide, Paul, was fantastic! His knowledge, enthusiasm, and professionalism was 5-star! It was very exciting to visit the filming sites of Outlander and to be walking in the footsteps of the actors! There were a variety of locations to visit daily from castles to churches and gardens. There were also unscheduled photo stops to capture the scenic beauty on the way to visiting various locations. My husband and I waited over 2 years to take this trip (due to Covid) and it was worth the wait! The hotels were top notch and the meals provided were good! A thoroughly exciting trip!

List your company on TourRadar

Popular tour operators in:.

• Europe (417)
• UK and Great Britain (88)

Find Your Tour

Official scotland tours from edinburgh, glasgow, inverness and london, top one day scotland tours, loch ness and the highlands.

Price from: £ 59.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and The Kelpies

Price from: £ 52.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands

Price from: £ 60.00 Departs from: Glasgow

The Ultimate Skye Tour

Price from: £ 125.00 Departs from: Inverness

Top Tours of Scotland and Scotland Vacations

Jacobite steam train, skye and highlands tour.

Price from: £ 790.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Skye and the Scottish Highlands

Price from: £ 400.00 Departs from: Edinburgh and Glasgow

Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Highlands

Price from: £ 595.00 Departs from: London

Hebridean Explorer Small Group Tour

Price from: £ 850.00 Departs from: Edinburgh

Scottish Tours - The best choice for quality and value for over 100 years.

If you are planning to visit Scotland then you will find our range of one-day trips, short breaks and luxury escorted tours the best way to see the real Scotland - a land of fairytale castles , picturesque lochs and spectacular scenery   including the world famous Jacobite steam train used in the filming of Harry Potter.

Our city and Scotland tours depart from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London. Our tours of Scotland are the perfect way to explore the real Scotland and convenient too with daily departures on the most popular Scottish Highland tours . We select the routes and tour guides.

With Scottish Tours you can choose to visit Loch Ness and Inverness or Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond - both popular one-day trips of Scotland. Or why not travel further afield, on one of our short break tours. The magical Isle of Skye and Eliean Donan Castle , the remote yet picturesque surroundings of the Applecross Peninsula and nature watching in a lonely Highland glen are just some of the delights that await you when you choose a short break tour with Scottish Tours.

Our extended range of sightseeing tours of Scotland is the most comprehensive available. You can select your Scottish Tour confident in the knowledge that the widest possible choice of tours of Scotland has to offer.

For a different Scotland tour experience check out our exciting range of Scottish train Tours . Speed comfortably from London by Express train to visit our great cities of Edinburgh or Glasgow. Then tour Scotland by luxury coach to visit Inverness, the Isle of Skye or even Scotland's Far North Coast! All in one convenient package.

Much of Scotland can be explored on a comfortable tour from Edinburgh or Glasgow. And there is only one way to see Scotland - with Scottish Tours.

Scotland's Must See Destinations

Isle of skye.

The Isle of Skye offers some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. See the Cullins and visit the fairy pools.

Scotland's largest expanse of water is shroud in the mystery of 'Nessie' - the Loch Ness monster.

Jacobite Steam Train

Travel aboard the real Hogwarts Express to see mountains, lochs and, of course, the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Follow in Claire and Jamie’s time-travelling footsteps on our Outlander tours.

Scotch Whisky

Whisky (Whiskey) takes its name from the Gaelic for ‘water of life’. Malt or blended Scotch is the world leader. Visit distilleries in Islay and Speyside.

Scotland's Islands

Their natural beauty takes your breath away. Local prehistoric treasures and native wildlife are fascinating and rewarding.

Steeped in history and legend, the spectacular Highlands of Scotland, are one of the last unspoilt regions of Europe.

Scotland’s many historic castles and palaces are just waiting to be explored.

Harry Potter

Whether you’ve watched the entire series or are travelling with kids in tow, get to know the world’s favourite wizard on an exclusive tour. Go to famous filming locations with a Harry Potter day tour or extended Harry Potter tour from Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow and London.

Your Question:

Submit a question

Quality Sightseeing since 1907

For over 100 years we've been making touring Scotland a quality experience for visitors from all over the World. Over the years our Scottish tours have been chosen by many thousands of travellers who want to tour Scotland in comfort and style.

Scottish Tours has a long and distinguished pedigree and we are proud to include the famed names of Scottish Motor Traction, Scottish Omnibuses and Eastern Scottish as part of our heritage.

Today we continue to offer our clients the highest standards of service and the very best value. You can tour Scotland with Scottish Tours confident in the knowledge that no one has more experience.

Tour Scotland with Scottish Tours. Discover the highlights of Scotland on a tour to Loch Ness, The Scottish Highlands, Skye and Loch Lomond.

Travel with Confidence ABTA approved travel provider

Discover Scotland

Personalized scotland adventures with royal b travel, discover scotland like never before with custom itineraries crafted just for you, at royal b travel, we specialize in crafting bespoke travel experiences for the discerning traveler, be it a solo voyage, a romantic getaway, or a treasured family adventure. embrace the untamed wild of scotland and elevate your journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary with us., custom scotland tours, family-friendly luxury vacations, scotland whisky tasting tours, scotland ancestry tours, highlands nature excursions, boutique stays in scotland, scotland luxury castle hotels , scotland golf vacation packages , isle of skye tours, guided harry potter tours, outlander highlands experience, scotland islands sailing tours.

Luxurious Scottish Escapes Tailored for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

We cater not only to intrepid solo explorers but also to couples seeking a romantic escapade or families looking to create shared memories in the stunning scottish landscape. our niche lies in tailoring travel experiences to match your unique preferences, interests, and pace., signature scotland experiences, scotland’s ancestral quest, scotland whisky trail experience, savoring scotland, the ultimate scotland fishing retreat, a deep dive into scotland’s history & culture, scotland’s premier golf tour, “zachary has been a pleasure to work with. his knowledge and passion for scotland is at an expert level. if you are looking for a luxury experience which visits and experiences places off the beaten then this is for you.”, - robert i edinburgh, scotland, explore with the kilted american.

Essential Travel Apps for Your Next Trip to Scotland

Planning a trip to Scotland? Look no further! As a travel agency specializing in concierge-planned trips to Scotland, we’ve curated a list of essential travel apps that will make your journey seamless and enjoyable.

A Summer of Festivals

It is that time of year again to get into the festival spirit. That’s right… festivals have returned to Scotland from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders. These festivals come with a dazzling line-up of performances and events.

Driving on the Left

With my return to Scotland I thought what better time to talk about one of the most expensive mistakes that Americans can make in the U.K. You might be reading this and asking yourself, “What are the expensive mistakes that many Americans make?”

Scotland Trip Planning Made Simple

Your questions answered, what is the best time of year to visit scotland with royal b travel.

The best time to visit Scotland is during the spring (March to May) and summer months (June to August), when the weather is warmest and the days are longest, offering the best conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

How far in advance should I plan my custom Scotland trip?

For a custom trip to Scotland, it’s advisable to start planning at least 6 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the peak tourist season in summer. This timeframe allows you to secure accommodations, flights, and activities, and to properly research and plan your itinerary.

Can Royal B Travel arrange exclusive access to Scotland’s castles and private estates?

Yes, Royal B Travel can arrange exclusive access to Scotland’s castles and private estates, to offer unique experiences to our clients. However, it’s best to confirm directly with us for specific services and arrangements.

What kind of luxury accommodations can I expect when traveling with Royal B Travel in Scotland?

When traveling with Royal B Travel in Scotland, you can expect luxury accommodations such as high-end hotels, historic castles, boutique guesthouses, and private country estates. These accommodations typically offer premium amenities, exceptional service, and often include unique Scottish charm and character.

How does Royal B Travel handle transportation logistics in Scotland?

Royal B Travel typically handles transportation logistics in Scotland by arranging private transfers, luxury car rentals, or chauffeured services for their clients. We will also coordinate train travel or domestic flights if needed, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience throughout the trip.

Are custom itineraries from Royal B Travel suitable for families with children?

Yes, custom itineraries from Royal B Travel are typically suitable for families with children. They can tailor the trip to accommodate family needs, including kid-friendly activities, accommodations, and transportation options to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all ages.

What unique Scottish experiences can Royal B Travel provide that I wouldn’t find elsewhere?

Royal B Travel can provide unique Scottish experiences such as private tours of historic castles, exclusive whisky tasting sessions at renowned distilleries, tailored golfing experiences at famous courses, and access to private estates and gardens not typically open to the public. They may also arrange cultural experiences like private Highland games, traditional Scottish music and dance performances, and bespoke outdoor adventures in Scotland’s scenic landscapes.

How does Royal B Travel cater to dietary requirements or preferences during a Scotland tour?

Royal B Travel caters to dietary requirements or preferences during a Scotland tour by arranging meals at selected restaurants that can accommodate specific dietary needs, ensuring that hotels and caterers are aware of and can fulfill these requirements, and by providing personalized recommendations for dining options that align with the traveler’s dietary restrictions or preferences.

Can Royal B Travel assist with tracing Scottish ancestry or arranging genealogical tours?

Yes, Royal B Travel can assist with tracing Scottish ancestry or arranging genealogical tours. They can organize specialized itineraries that include visits to ancestral towns or villages, access to local archives, and meetings with expert genealogists to help explore your Scottish heritage.

What safety and support services does Royal B Travel offer to travelers in Scotland?

Royal B Travel offers safety and support services to travelers in Scotland that typically include 24/7 assistance for any travel issues, coordination with local authorities for emergency situations, providing comprehensive travel insurance options, and ensuring that accommodations and transportation meet high safety standards. They may also offer regular updates and advice on local safety and health guidelines.

Your Scottish Story Awaits...

• Holiday Search
• City Break Search

In partnership with

Child Places*

Per person deposit, finding your next holiday.

Please wait...

Our Newest Deals

Selected For You

Ibis Praha Mala Strana

Prague city, czech republic.

Jardins d'Ajuda Suite Hotel

Funchal, portugal.

Las Marismas Apartments

Corralejo, canary islands, recently searched.

Hotel Fenix

Torremolinos.

Radisson Blu Resort Lanzarote

Costa teguise.

Hoposa Villaconcha Apartments

Puerto pollensa.

Hotel Perla

Maris Beach Hotel

Sol Costa Daurada & PortAventura Theme Park

Can't find what you're looking for.

You can always use our search to find your perfect holiday or get in touch to speak to one of our travel experts.

Advanced Trustpoints

Independent multi award winning travel agency.

Thorne Travel is Scotland's Top Travel Agency 2023 as voted for by TTG. We love that we are trusted by our customers and respected by our peers. Our goal is to create something unique just for you. Wherever you want to go and however you want to get there let our travel experts help you.

Travel Knowledge You Can Rely On

Our team at Thorne Travel explore the world ensuring we have first-hand local knowledge and pride ourselves on our expertise and extensive network. Our skills will make your holiday truly memorable and provide you with insider tips and advice to make the most of your adventure.

Unique Adventures Created With Love

We want you to feel relaxed, refreshed and ensure you enjoy every minute of your holiday experience. We love to share our expert knowledge and hear to your adventures. That’s why we put love in everything we do to create unique holidays with memories that will last a lifetime.

Don't Just Take Our Word For It...

"I have used Thorne travel for a number of years. Nothing is ever a bother and the staff alway make my holiday the best deal they can find dependant on my budget . They are all extremely knowledgeable and go above and beyond to ease any issues especially during a covid pandemic. Whether it’s a city break, cruise or a family holiday I would recommend and always return. Megan was extremely helpful in booking my family holiday for this year knowing the issues I have faced from a company previously who went into administration last year."

Tonner Lala

"Just recently booked our holiday with thorne travel and they’ve been amazing from start to finish, they’ve been keeping me updated on my booking about changes and requirements needed for when I go and making it stress free for me!!"

Jordan Walker

"I would highly recommend Thorne travel to anyone, I have booked through them now for several of weekend and day trips and a holiday for next year. They are friendly and professional and make the experience of booking a holiday very stress free. Brilliant staff with great service. Two thumbs up from me."

Stephanie Fletcher

"Would definitely recommend thorne I’ve booked a few holiday with them. Was suppose to be our family holiday to Bulgaria in may which was on the verge of being cancelled Amanda phoned me to give me all my options in the end we decided to change destination and go next year instead. She couldn’t be any more helpful with phoning me to give me options that she had found since couldn’t get into the shop. We finally found our destination and go May now! Thanks for all your help and there was no stress changing definitely recommend!"

Chloe Fraser

Welcome to our world.

Keep up to date on where we have been, what we have been up to and our latest holiday tips.

Our Experiences

Discover Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas®

Discover Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas® Ahoy there! I wanted to take a moment to share with you one of my all-time favourite cruise ships – Royal Caribbean’s...

6th December 2023

A Weekend In Liverpool - Ava's Experience

Hi if you didn’t already know my name is Ava, I visited Liverpool in November 2022 for 3 days. Here’s a bit about my time there.   It’s a long drive...

13th August 2023

Wonderful Wales - Ava's Experience

Hi if you didn’t already know my name is Ava and I visited Wales for 4 days here’s a bit about my experience. To go to Wales it’s a 7 hour drive from where I stay...

9th August 2023

Call Our Travel Experts

Call our experienced travel team on 0300 373 0800., visit our store, pop in at any of our 3 stores, 153 main street, kilwinning, ayrshire, 10 main street, largs ayrshire 66 - 68 main street, prestwick, ayrshire, email our team, email our team on [email protected], choose departure date, group booking form.

It looks like you're making a group booking - Please enter your email, telephone number and how many rooms and guests you need and a member of our team will be in touch

Guests & Rooms

Select child 1 age:, select child 2 age:, select child 3 age:, select child 4 age:, select child 5 age:, no results found in.

If you'd like to get in touch with one of our fantastic travel agents to help you find a similar holiday, please fill out the details below and hit submit.

Alternatively, you can always try a different date, airport or resort.

Your Contact Information...

Please enter your information below and a member of our team will be in touch..

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Scotland travel update | New tours of the UK!

• Search Suggested Results View All Results
• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Self-Drive i
• Guided Small Groups i
• Privately Guided i
• Multi-Day i
• Scotland & Ireland i
• Scotland, England & Wales i
• Honeymoon i
• Highlands i
• Solo Travel i
• All types & themes
• All Scotland Tours
• Best Sellers
• Special Offers
• Book With Confidence i
• Scotland Travel Update i
• Why book with us i
• Travel Update
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Scotland at a Glance i
• Useful Information i
• Scotland Attractions i
• Scotland Blog i
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

TOURS IN SCOTLAND WITH SERVICES INCLUDED

Enjoy an almost all-inclusive trip to Scotland that comes with well-reviewed hotels, activities, transportation, 24/7 helpline and more — all arranged by local travel experts. From independent self-drive tours with plenty of helpful additions, to more inclusive guided tours with half-board, you’re in good hands with Nordic Visitor.

SCOTLAND TOURS WITH ALMOST EVERYTHING INCLUDED

When visiting a foreign country, isn’t it nice to have all the local travel arrangements made for you by someone who lives there and has personally visited the cities and attractions you want to see? For a stress-free, nearly all-inclusive holiday to Scotland , Nordic Visitor has you covered.

At Nordic Visitor, a Scottish travel agency with Edinburgh-based staff, we use our extensive local knowledge to design custom Scotland tour packages that are almost all-inclusive, with all the local logistics sorted for you. Enjoy a stress-free Scotland trip with rooms at top-rated accommodations, car rental reservations, tours with local guides and more -- all of which we try ourselves to ensure the highest quality for guests.

Furthermore, we specialise in tailoring itineraries to travellers’ special interests, for example Scotland honeymoon packages, Outlander-themed trips and more.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN SCOTLAND TOURS BY NORDIC VISITOR?

No matter whether you book a self-drive package , guided tour a long weekend break in Edinburgh with day tours, all of our travel packages in Scotland include services to make your trip as easy as possible, including:

• Accommodations handpicked by our staff
• Breakfast at each overnight location
• A personalised itinerary with your day-to-day details about included services and optional highlights
• Our own Highlights of Scotland guide listing popular attractions and practical travel information
• Hard copies of all your travel documents
• 24/7 helpline for urgent assistance
• All taxes and service fees - no hidden charges
• For self-drive tours: rental car booking with your choice of vehicle type, free GPS, two authorised drivers and a Scotland road map marked with your route and overnights
• For honeymoons: champagne at your first hotel and overnights in romantic settings such as elegant Highland lodges

With exception of guided small group tours, most of our nearly all-inclusive Scotland tours do not include lunches or dinners, so you can take your pick of Scotland’s varied dining options. Furthermore, we don’t include flights to Scotland as part of our packages, as you can save money by booking directly with airlines and taking advantage of your own air miles or credit card points programmes.

• Get our advice on what to pack for your trip to Scotland .

ENJOY AN INCLUSIVE SCOTLAND TOUR WITH A LOCAL GUIDE

For an even more inclusive Scotland vacation, we recommend Nordic Visitor’s guided small group tours . Each tour is designed and operated by our own local travel experts – thereby cutting out middleman costs – and includes more services and authenticity than you’d find from one of the “big bus” tour operators.

In addition to the basics we offer in all packages, our guided small group tours in Scotland include:

• A professional local driver-guide who oversees each day's activities
• Entrance fees to attractions that are included in the itinerary
• Half board — some group lunches or dinners provided
• Transportation in a premium mini-coach
• Whisky tastings and tours at renowned Scotch distilleries

All departures are 100% guaranteed, group sizes are limited to 16 travellers, and each tour includes travel through the Highlands.

• Want to travel with a local guide on a custom route in Scotland? See our privately guided tours .

ADD MORE INCLUDED SERVICES TO YOUR HOLIDAY TO SCOTLAND

Nordic Visitor’s itineraries are designed to be comprehensive yet personalised, and you’ll have your own dedicated travel consultant to advise you about possible add-ons or upgrades to your vacation and make all arrangements for you. As a  member of The Scottish Tourism Alliance , our strong reputation and trustworthy supplier network allows us to offer a variety of included services in our Scotland packages.

Contact us today to get started on planning your customised tour in Scotland.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Value for your money
• Professional service from local experts

Join a small group tour in Scotland

Meet like minded travellers on your Scotland trip, in a small group of 16 people at most. See the top attractions and well-kept secrets with your local guide.

Wonders of Scotland

Highlights of Scotland

Wonders of scotland & ireland, best of ireland & scotland, experience scotland on a road trip.

Explore the Highlands and beyond on a self-drive tour. We handle your accommodation booking and route planning; you drive and experience Scotland at your own pace.

Classic Scotland

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, grand tour of scotland, scottish highlands & north coast 500, classic scotland at leisure, explore scotland on a private tour.

Enjoy flexible sightseeing and more Scottish cultural insights on a privately guided tour with a local driving you around in style.

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

Scenic scotland express - private, classic scotland - private, complete scotland - private, experience scotland your way.

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scotland below.

Guided Small Groups

Privately guided, best sellers, culinary experience, scottish heritage tours, the scottish highlands, all travel styles, what do our customers say.

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Sharon, United States

Wonders of scotland, september 2023, highly recommend nordic visitor.

This is our second tour with Nordic Visitor. Agents used before the tour were always very prompt with responses to our questions. During the tour, we found the accommodation perfect, guide very informative and friendly, and the driver got used to where we needed to go without any problems. We would definitely use Nordic Visitor again!

Alan, United States

Highlights of scotland, may 2023, smooth experience.

Throughout the years we have travelled a lot, but never with a group tour. This trip was our first time and it did not disappoint. The tour guide, the bus driver, our fellow passengers, the weather, accommodation, variety of activities, and how smoothly everything went makes me question why we never toured like this before!

Kimberley, United States

Wonders of scotland, april 2023, amazing experience.

We had an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor! Our guides, Richard and Tim, were organised, knowledgeable, and very friendly! You can tell quality and customer satisfaction are very important. We will be back!

David, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, september 2023, an unforgettable holiday.

It was an unforgettable holiday. They took care of everything, and we got to wonder and explore with little hassle. If you want to visit Scotland (or anywhere else Nordic Visitor has tours) they are the way to do it. Already talking about our next adventure with Nordic Visitor.

Carol, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye - private, may 2023, an indescribably fantastic experience.

We are two middle-aged women who had never been to the UK before. My sister-in-law always wanted to go to Scotland, so I started researching and came upon Nordic Visitor through internet searches. I checked for reviews and found the company to be highly recommended. I started corresponding with Kirsten. She was extremely kind, very helpful and was able to put my nervous mind at ease. The package she put together for us was perfect! From my first email, the airport pick up and drop off service, and the tour with Dave, it was an indescribably fantastic experience!

Kathleen, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye winter - private, february 2023, i can't thank nordic visitor enough.

This is our second trip in two years to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, and we are seriously thinking about another. I can't thank Chris enough for his patience and expertise when booking this trip.

Andrew, United States

Classic scotland, june 2023.

The tour package materials were top notch. Spiral bound itinerary, recommended activities, restaurant recommendations and the large-scale road map of Scotland were a nice touch. Magdalena, our Nordic Visitor representative, responded promptly to our questions. Accomodation was all great.

Bethany, United States

Classic scotland, may 2023, perfect vacation.

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it beyond special. Chris, our tour planner, did everything to accommodate our needs and answered our questions quickly. It was an absolutely perfect vacation!

Carlo, United States

A scottish christmas to remember, december 2022.

We booked a 4-day Christmas Tour of Edinburgh which included hotel accommodation, a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, a day tour of the Highlands and Lowlands, castles, and lochs, and also a whisky distillery tour. The hotel was in an amazing location near the Christmas Markets and popular attractions. The day tours were such a wonderful way to experience the countryside outside of Edinburgh. We also added a driving service to drive us to and from the airport and the drivers were so lovely. The care package left at the hotel consisting of maps and suggested eateries was such a delightful bonus. We loved that every aspect of our trip was planned and ready for us once we arrived which diminished any travel stress that one may experience when travelling abroad.

Barbara, United States

Best of edinburgh - loch ness & highlands, june 2023, we were in good hands.

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Noreen, United States

Complete scotland & ireland, april 2023, highly professional service.

Nordic Visitor is a highly professional tour company. From beginning to end, we have no complaints. Our travel consultant, Chris, was very quick to answer all our questions from start to finish. Could not be more pleased.

Jana, United States

Scottish highlands & isle of skye - winter, november 2022, absolutely wonderful.

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! Magda was great to work with and helped us through the whole process. Everyone we worked with from the beginning through the end of the trip was absolutely marvellous.

Scotland Travel Guide

Learn some fun facts and do some research before your Scottish adventure.

The starting point of most Scottish adventures is Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, where the...

This is one spot where you’ll definitely want to pull the car over for a photo. The Quiraing is...

Sitting at the heart of Scotland, Stirling is where the Lowlands meet the Highlands. Owing to...

What to bring

Come prepared for all seasons and activities with ..

Find out more about the British currency and commo..

What kind of temperatures can you expect in Scotla..

From single malt whisky to traditional delicacies,..

Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book With Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Whether you’re looking to add a night in Edinburgh, want restaurant recommendations or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help so get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts&quest

Read About Scotland

Best time to visit scotland: your complete guide, summer in scotland guide: what to do and where to go, 7 outlander filming locations to visit in scotland, in focus: skye in the off-season.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Highland Experience Tours

Scottish highlands tours & experiences, most popular tours of scotland.

• Most popular tour!

Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Highlands

Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Highlands. On this tour, drive the full length of Loch Ness, get the opportunity to cruise on the loch and explore Urquhart Castle, and pass through Cairngorms National Park and the stunning Glen Coe.

• Calendar All year
• User 3+ years old
• Hour Glass 12.5 hrs
• Hour Glass 3 days

Ultimate Skye Experience

Stay, explore and travel like a local in one of Scotland’s most scenic locations, the Isle of Skye, and see the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle. Book today!

• Hour Glass 9 hrs 45 min

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky

This is the Scottish experience ‘distilled’. It gives you a taste of three classic Scottish ingredients — castles, lochs and whisky. Book online today!

• Hour Glass 8.5 hrs

Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey

We take you behind the headlines of Dan Brown’s ‘Da Vinci Code’, explaining the background of one of the world’s most enduring mysteries. Book online today!

Why Choose Highland Experience Tours?

5-Star Customer Service & Value

Award-Winning Local Guides

Comfort on Our Luxury Eco-Friendly Vehicles

Choices: Departure City, Accommodation, and More

• Change multi-day tours for free up until 14 days before your tour starts!
• Change day-tours for free up until 24 hours before your tour starts!

This means you can book and be safe in the knowledge that if your plans change, we’ll change with you.

Experience Scotland with us!

As you might have noticed, we LOVE Scotland. From the challenging mountains to the glistening lochs and mysterious glens, the variety in its natural features is as striking as it is beautiful. But that’s not all; Scotland is also a nation boasting rich Scottish folklore and historical heritage. Clans, tartans, kilts and bagpipes are world-famous Scottish symbols, and so are our myths and historical figures. Are you curious about the origins of Nessie or want to learn about William Wallace or the battle of Culloden ? Scotland has an extensive history to be unearthed. With Highland Experience Tours, you enjoy world-famous Highland hospitality and experience all that Scotland has to offer. But don’t just take our word for it. Take a tour and experience it for yourself.

We hope to see you soon.

Award-Winning Guided Scotland Tours

Your Scotland experience starts here. From monsters and mountains , chapels and chieftains to castles and whisky , we want to give you the most authentic Scottish experience possible. From the comfort of our luxury bespoke vehicles to our legendary, fully qualified guides, we can’t wait to show you our stunning country.

We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have a job doing something we really enjoy; everyone at Highland Experience shares a passion for travel and helping other people discover Scotland’s Highlands.

Our love for real, sustainable and unique tour experiences makes us who we are.

Tours from Edinburgh

Tours from glasgow, tours from inverness, we have thousands of 5-star reviews.

Michael was a great tour guide full of facts and made the journey super enjoyable! We all felt safe and comfortable even during this complicated time. Would highly recommend to all! We will definitely be making a return to the Highlands soon 😁

Just finished this 3 day tour and it was amazing. Chris, our tour guide was friendly, an excellent driver with a great sense of humor and a wealth of knowledge about the history of Scotland including Isle of Sky and the highlands. We had lots of photo opportunities and some of the places we stopped at were breathtaking. Accommodation was cozy and easy walk to town for dinner. Perfect amount of time to see some of Scotland’s beauty. Thanks for a lovely experience.

Eddy our driver was great! He had lots of stories and jokes along the way! We had a small group as it’s the off season but this gave us so much time to explore each stop. We really enjoyed this tour! The chapel was amazing and the staff there were so kind answering all our questions and showing the hidden gems the chapel had.

We had a great experience on our tour. Our tour guide Iain was thorough, well informed and funny. He made sure that our group found all of the best photo opportunities and even took us on some side adventures. He went out of his way to make sure we were safe, happy and got to feed the hairy coos!

I've been on 3 different tours with this company and would highly recommend traveling with them if you want to see the highlands! I had different drivers every time, taking me to places in the highlands I've never been before! Great company with great guides! Thanks!

14 Top Tours Operators for Your Trip to Scotland

Discover some of the best tour operators in Scotland for your next day out, weekend or holiday. Choose your adventure with wildlife tours, walking and whisky distillery tours. This is just a selection of what’s available, so make sure to check out more on  tours in Scotland .

Mercat Tours Edinburgh

Mercat Tours - Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tour

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Edinburgh is one of the most haunted cities in the world and with Halloween just around the corner, there is nothing better to get you in the spooky spirit than a haunted ghost tour. Put on a brave face and discover Edinburgh’s dark side with Mercat Tours. Join your Mercat storyteller as they take you on a bone-chilling journey through the past on one of their  ghost tours . With tales of murderous spirits, criminals, deadly punishments and much more, prepare for a history lesson like no other!

We know that ghost tours aren’t for everyone but that shouldn’t stop you from uncovering Edinburgh’s rich, historical past. Swap ghostly tales for a historic walk along  Edinburgh’s Royal Mile , enjoy a  candle-lit whisky tasting session  or if you’re a fan of  Outlander , watch the drama unfold as you follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire’s experiences in the historic capital.

The Hairy Coo Across Scotland

Elgol, Isle of Skye

Embark on the ultimate Scottish adventure with The Hairy Coo. Choose a selection of tours on offer, ranging from 1-5 days as you explore the length and breadth of the country from visiting classic destinations like Skye or Loch Lomond, to exploring new places like St Andrews and Oban. Whatever you decide to choose, you will no doubt be able to impress all your family and friends with what you have learned during your discoveries.

Of course, no trip would be complete without seeing a Highland coo on your travels, with many opportunities for you to grab a quick selfie with these fluffy and adorable creatures.

Tours include:

• 1-Day Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis
• 1-Day Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky
• 2-Day Loch Ness, Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct & St Andrews
• 3-Day Isle of Skye, Inverness & Highlands
• 5-Day Isle of Skye, Oban, St Andrews & North West Highlands
• Private Tours of Scotland
• 1-Day Free Scottish Highlands Tour

The Mountebank Tour of Edinburgh Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle and cherry blossom trees viewed from Princes Street

© Kenny Lam

Prepare to laugh your socks off as you learn about the incredible history of Edinburgh. Guided by a local stand-up comedian, The Mountebank Comedy Walk pokes a bit of fun on all things Scottish, from our dreich weather to our most famous historical figures. Get set for two hours of non-stop laughter.

Please note that due to the nature of this tour, the Mountebank Comedy Walk is strictly for ages 16+.

Eat Walk Glasgow Glasgow

Queen's Park, Glasgow

If you’re on the hunt for delicious food and drink, make sure to book a tour with Eat Walk Glasgow. Work up an appetite as you take to the streets of Glasgow with a tour guide around some of the city’s foodie hotspots.  Alston  and  Mharsanta  are just some of the top venues making a special appearance. Of course, no foodie experience would be complete without filling your camera roll with mouth-watering dishes. With great food, company and a bit of history added to the mix, what’s not to love?

Edinburgh Cab Tours Edinburgh

West Sands, St Andrews

Travel in style with Edinburgh Cab Tours as you take a whistle-stop tour around some of the capital’s most historic sites.  The Classic Edinburgh Full Day Tour  is a great way to get your bearings around the city. Stop at various sites including the Grassmarket, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat and much more. Fancy squeezing in an attraction not listed on the tour? No problem! Your friendly and knowledgeable cab driver will be able to tailor your tour itinerary, giving you the scoop on interesting facts and stories.

Fancy exploring more of what Scotland has to offer? Edinburgh Cab Tours have a wide range of tours from short half-day tours to full-day tours including visiting the ‘Home of Golf’ on the  Edinburgh & St Andrews Tour .

In Your Element Various locations

Sgòr Mòr, Cairngorms

The name says it all. Swap a quiet weekend indoors for a fast-paced outdoor adventure with the whole family by booking with In Your Element. With outdoor activity bases in  Inverness and Loch Ness,   Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park ,  Loch Lomond and the Trossachs  and  Loch Tay , enjoy the magic of Scotland’s outdoors right at your fingertips. From  abseiling  to dipping your toe in the water with its range of watersport activities on offer such as  canoeing  and  gorge walking , adventure waits around every corner.

Glasgow Music Tours Across Glasgow

The Barrowland Ballroom is an iconic dance hall and music venue

© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

Looking for things to do this weekend? Discover Glasgow’s vibrant music scene with Glasgow Music City Tours and learn about how its musical landscape was revolutionised through legendary performances, iconic venues and most importantly, the people.

Your guide will bring the tour to life with tales of artists old and new, including our very own Paolo Nutini.

Find out more about the tours:

• Music Mile Tour
• Merchant City Tour

Red Bus Bistro Edinburgh and Glasgow

Glasgow Green

Enjoy a spot of  afternoon tea  on wheels with Red Bus Bistro. Hit the road as you pass through Edinburgh’s most iconic sights and attractions while tucking into some scrumptious goodies. Highlights along the way include the Scott Monument, Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament.

Red Bus Bistro also operate the following tours in Glasgow:

• Afternoon Tea Bus in Glasgow
• Dining Experience in Glasgow

Dolphin Spirit Inverness

Speed boat looking for dolphins

The waters around Scotland are among some of the finest with an abundance of marine life to be seen all year-round. Running tours from April – October,  Dolphin Spirit  offer two wildlife watching boat tours to see the world’s most northerly population of bottlenose dolphins along the Moray Firth. Choose between the  Wildlife Cruise  or the  Dolphin Mischief RIB Experience  if you’re looking for more of a thrill.

It’s not just dolphins that you will be on the lookout for. Keep your eyes peeled for other wildlife creatures during your journey with seals, otters and other sea creatures bound to make an appearance.

• Pets Welcome
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Accessible toilets

Solway Tours Dumfries

Mull of Galloway Lighthouse

Can’t get enough of Scotland’s rich, historic past? Running bespoke historic and ancestral tours since 2015, Solway Tours allows you to immerse yourself in Scotland’s history, landscape and culture by visiting a range of stunning locations and attractions. If you’re looking to plan a short staycation, choose from its  two multi-day tours  or follow in the footsteps of your ancestors with the  ancestral tour , specifically tailored to your family name or any Scottish Clan connections that you may have.

Strapped for time? There are many  one-day tours  available to book including the  Rosslyn Chapel and the Borders Tour  or get to know our National Bard better with the  Robert Burns Tour .

Land Rover Experience Scotland Dunkeld and Birnam

Land Rover Experience Scotland

Fancy getting behind the wheel for your next tour? Located on the shores of Butterstone Loch near Dunkeld in Perthshire, push yourself to the limit with Land Rover Experience while navigating your way through white-knuckling obstacles and terrains. Don’t worry if it’s your first-time driving a Land Rover, a qualified instructor will make you feel at ease while allowing you to develop your off-road skills.

• Level Access

The Orkney Distillery Orkney

Orkney Distillery gin tasting

For all you gin enthusiasts out there, this one is for you! Home to Kirkjuvagr Gin, take the Orkney Distillery Tour where you will learn about the distilling process and history behind its gin and beautiful islands. Want to upgrade your experience a notch? Get busy experimenting by  making your very own gin .

If you’ve been picked to be the designated driver for your trip to the distillery, make sure to stock up on a few bottles to take home with you. With a range of different flavours to choose from, your G&T nights are about to get a whole lot better!

Perthshire Treks Pitlochry

Druim nan Aigeach, below Beinn a' Ghlo by Perthshire Treks

© Perthshire Treks

With summer drawing to a close, make the most of the outdoors by going on a walking holiday. Perthshire Treks offer a range of guided walking adventures to help you soak up the fresh air and admire Scotland’s natural beauty. Whether you are looking to explore the outdoor region of Perthshire or take a staycation elsewhere, there are many walks and mountain trails to be found across the country. Stretch your legs by taking a hike up the Cairngorms, walk up ancient hill forts or take a leisurely stroll along old drove roads.

Start your walking adventure around Scotland with these tours:

• Walks in Highland Perthshire
• Half-Day Guided Walks in The Pitlochry Area

West Coast Tours Oban

Fingals Cave on Staffa Island, Argyll

Our towns and cities may be a hub of activity for things to see and do but our islands have just as much to offer. Turn your dreams of travelling to our beautiful islands into reality with West Coast Tours. Enjoy a whistle-stop tour around the Inner Hebrides on the  Three Isles Tour  where you will discover the gems of Mull and Iona as well as taking a boat trip to Staffa to see the magnificent Fingal’s Cave.

Find experiences

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

• Europe Tours
• Scotland Tours
• Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Scotland 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Scotland. Below you will find 24 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Scotland offering in total 129 tours and holidays through-out Scotland. Combined they have received 27 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Scotland are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Adventure and sport & Wildlife, landscapes and nature.

• Tours in Scotland
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Best Time To Visit Scotland

24 Tour Operators in Scotland with 27 Reviews

G Adventures

• Address G Adventures Ltd, 60 Bastwick Street, London, England
• Response Rate 90%
• Response Time 2 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

• Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
• Response Rate 88%
• Response Time 3 hours

Walkers' Britain

• Address 1B Osiers Road, London, England
• Response Rate 83%
• Response Time 1 hour

Indus Travels

• Address 233, 11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, Canada
• Response Rate 98%

Back-Roads Touring

• Address 109 Power Road, Chiswik, London, England
• Response Rate 89%

Intrepid Travel

• Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia

Collette Tours

• Address 162 Middle Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA
• Response Rate 84%

• Address 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, England

• Address 38-51 Bedford Way, London, England

Gray Line Scotland

• Address 81 Salamander Street , Edinburgh, United Kingdom
• Response Rate 50%

• Address Picquet House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, London, England

Highland Explorer Tours

• Address 60 High St, Edinburgh, Scotland

Insight Vacations

• Response Rate 86%

Brendan Vacations

• Address Brendan Vacations 801 E. Katella Avenue Anaheim, California 92805, California, USA

Scotland Tour Reviews

• Scotland budget tours
• Eco tours in Scotland
• Scotland guided tours
• Scotland family tour packages
• Scotland honeymoon packages
• Scotland luxury tours
• Scotland private tours
• Scotland self-guided tours
• Scotland small group tours
• Scotland solo trips
• Scotland tailor-made vacation packages
• Scotland tours for senior citizens
• Scotland tours for young adults
• Scotland group tours
• Scotland last minute deals
• Scotland travel deals

Popular Destinations

• Edinburgh Tours

Upcoming Departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025

Best price guaranteed - No booking fees

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Bespoke, Luxury Tours of Scotland

Tailor Your Perfect Scottish Holiday

Enquire Now

Inspirational Journeys

The Tartan Road curates tailor-made holidays in Scotland. Our blend of local knowledge and exceptional service has positioned us at the forefront of Scottish luxury travel.

We offer two services - Tailored and Unique . Our Tailored vacations are fully bespoke, and each one showcases the best that Scotland has to offer. The Unique service offers a style of journey experienced by very few. Off-radar experiences which are impossible to replicate and stay with those that take them for the rest of their lives.

We take pride in our understanding of both the destination and you and your family's expectations and, from these, creating the perfect journey.

Here are a few ideas - we can customise them to suit you better, or build something completely different just for you.

The Ultimate Whisky Tour: Islay and Campbeltown

Classic scotland with castle stays, twin cities - a long weekend in edinburgh & glasgow from london, grand tour of north east scotland, orkney and shetland explorer, city & country - glasgow, loch lomond & oban, scottish destination guides.

The Tartan Road designs Tailored and Unique vacations across Scotland.

These vacations are designed to suit specific client requirements, from locations to accommodation to type of experience.

The best luxury hotels in Scotland

Dumfries & Galloway

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

See All Scotland Tours

Trending Scotland tours

Save up to $539

Amazing Britain

17 Locations

2 Countries

Discover Amazing Britain on this unforgettable trip. From Shakespeare’s theatrical roots and mystical Stonehenge to the fresh air and rugged outdoors of the Scottish Highlands, where you’ll learn all about the locals’ favorite drink at a traditional whisky distillery.

Save up to $472

Best of Scotland

9 Locations

Experience the Best of Scotland from Edinburgh Castle to the eclectic streets of Glasgow. Revel in the romance and history of the Scottish Highlands and contemplate the mysterious depths of Loch Ness, before toasting bonnie Scotland’s lochs, glens and legendary locals.

Save up to $843

Best of Ireland and Scotland

21 Locations

3 Countries

Travel to see the very Best of Ireland and Scotland, from delicate Waterford Crystal to the golfing greats of St. Andrews. Kiss the Blarney Stone and you’ll be sharing tales from Giant’s Causeway, the Ring of Kerry and the Scottish Highlands for years to come.

Save up to $547

Britain and Ireland Highlights

15 Locations

5 Countries

Short on travel time but want to see all the Britain and Ireland highlights? This trip delivers the genius of Shakespeare, Waterford crystal creations in Ireland and a hearty Welsh dinner at a local vineyard, with a side of ancient history, in just over one week.

See More Scotland Trips

The best of Scotland unlocked for you

Experience Scotland differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

0:00 / 0:00

Want to taste the finest Scottish whiskey?

Want to explore the Scottish highlands?

Want to visit an historic Scottish farmhouse?

5 million happy guests and counting

Pound Sterling

Capital City

Good morning

Good evening

With breathtaking scenery, hearty cuisine and ancient history and culture, it's easy to fall in love with Scotland. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and roam the wild Highlands, misty glens, medieval cities and majestic castles in this land of Vikings, Romans and royalty.

Ramble up the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Follow in the footsteps of kings and queens from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle. As we wander the once processional route, you will sample Scottish specialties and glimpse the city’s medieval past. Scotland’s authentic charm fills Edinburgh’s narrow closes and wynds.

Journey through Scottish Highlands

Wind north through sweeping glens, and you will understand this ancient land. On your Scottish Highlands tour, you will appreciate the waterfalls and haunted past of Glencoe Valley, the mythical monster of Loch Ness and the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle.

View Arthur's Seat

Not far from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, you’ll find a taste of Scotland's wild countryside. Hike up windswept hills alive with heather flower in bloom, and sit atop an ancient volcano watching the sprawling city below.

Hear the story of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and discover what royal glamor looks like at sea. The British Monarch’s boat for over 40 years, this extravagant watercraft is now permanently docked in Edinburgh. Spend a few hours exploring the vessel to see where the Princes spent their summers and world leaders and celebrities were once entertained.

Watch a Highland dance or two

There’s nothing quaint about the Scottish pastime of a Highlands dance. Walk into a pub and be enlivened by the many folk musicians playing fiddles, flutes, drums and accordions all around the Isles. You can watch with your pint or let the driving rhythms take you dancing. Either way, you’ll feel connected to the true spirit of Scotland.

Our top 5 things to do in Scotland

You'll uncover plenty of natural beauty and human history on our vibrant trips to Scotland. Stroll Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, climb the rugged hills of Arthur's Seat and journey through the Highland wilderness.

Edinburgh Castle

The ancient walls of Edinburgh Castle have been touched by soldiers, kings, queens and even the odd pirate. Immerse yourself in Scottish history, gazing at crown jewels worn by Mary Queen of Scots and wooden doors vandalized by prisoners of war. Don’t miss the 1 o'clock gun that rings out over Edinburgh.

National Museum of Scotland

This unassuming Victorian building is brimming with history of Scotland and the world. Discover the wonders of nature, art, design, science and technology through this diverse collection. Spend a day wandering from room to room, never running short of things to learn.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Enjoy a captivating lesson in life and expression at Kelvingrove. Delve into natural history, arms and armor, fine art and everything between. From the Spitfire plane hanging from the ceiling of the west court to the collections of the Glasgow Boys and Salvador Dali in the east, this space will leave you spellbound.

Best museums in Scotland

Spend hours and days fascinated by the stories held in the museums of Scotland. Trafalgar's picks will prove these enthralling institutions shouldn't be saved for a cloudy day.

Originally served as a hearty meal to Scots on long journeys across Highland hills and heather-clad moors, the nation still loves Haggis. And with its rustic flavor and peppery kick, you will too. Have a taste and wash it down with a wee dram.

Cullen Skink

Hailing from the town of Cullen, this soup was made to warm the cockles of weary fishermen. Hence it’s made thick, creamy and comforting. With chunks of velvety leeks, potato and smoked fish, this smooth and flavorful meal is not to be missed.

Scottish Whisky

The Scottish isles are home to one of the world's most revered spirits - whisky. Speyside malts, smokey Islay drams and smooth blends can all be found here. Try it in a local pub or an award winning distillery. Either way, there's nothing quite like the taste of Scotch in the land where it was made.

Best food in Scotland

If it seems like Scottish cuisine is designed to warm your insides, that’s because it is. Come sunshine or rain, the dishes you'll enjoy on our trips are just another reason to love Scotland.

What to pack for Scotland

Walking shoes

Something comfortable and flat, with grip. There's a lot of exploring to do and the hills of Scotland are just as abundant in the cities as they are in the countryside.

Something warm

Even in the height of summer the Scottish night air has a bite. To make the most of your Scotland adventure, bring along a quality coat or jacket.

Woollen socks

A couple of pairs of woollen socks will serve you well in Scotland. They're warm and thick but surprisingly light to carry, perfect for protecting feet from long walks or the country’s beloved cold stone floors.

Prepare to sample the finest whisky distilleries around with hydralytes. Enjoy a tipple or two or three and you will still be fresh for adventures the following morning.

When planning a trip to Scotland, plan to pack less. Leave some space to bring home some of their specialties like shortbread for friends and cashmere for yourself.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Media & Press Room

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

It's Celtic Time!

A boutique travel agency specializing in ireland, scotland & wales.

VISIT SCOTLAND ON AN  OUTLANDER TOUR!!!

See Outlander filming locations in Scotland on an eight night, small group tour of the sights and scenes of the Outlander TV Series and Diana Gabaldon's original Outlander books.

Your Colorado based Ireland & Scotland Expert!  Specializing in custom small group (van size) tours to Ireland and Scotland including Outlander Tours of Scotland , Family Trips and Golf Trips.

• Should you go to Ireland or Scotland or both?
• Do you prefer ​culturally immersive travel?
• Would you like help from an expert?

It's Celtic Time! is a boutique travel agency specializing in travel to Scotland and Ireland, including Outlander Tours of Scotland, Ireland Immersion Tours, golf trips and family trips. From custom itineraries and tours to family fun vacations and sightseeing, our highly acclaimed tours and travel planning services can help make your Celtic journey the trip of a lifetime. It's Celtic Time!, a division of A Happy Place Travel LLC, was developed to cater to the unique needs of travelers interested creating the perfect trip to Ireland and or Scotland.

Find your next getaway

Outlander Tour of  Scotland

8 night, micro-group tour  filming locations of outlander.

• 8 Nights, 7 passenger Tour
• Castle Leoch (Doune Castle)
• Falkirk & Culross
• Craigh na Dun & ​Highland Folk Museum
• Culloden Battlefield & Clava Cairns
• Loch Ness & Beauly Priory
• Lallybroch (Midhope Castle)
• Fort William (Blackness Castle)
• A welcome dinner in Glasgow, entertainment by the Bard, and a fun Scottish evening in Edinburgh
• 3 dinners and 7 breakfasts

Celtic Dream Tour of Ireland

Two nights in a deluxe castle 11 night small group tour.

• Full Circle of Ireland including Northern Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry
• St. Patrick's Centre, Giant's Causeway and Museum, Titanic Belfast, Glenveagh Castle and Gardens, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek Showroom, Arigna Mining Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Cobh, House of Waterford,
• Guinness Brewery Storehouse, and the new Epic Museum in Dublin.
• 9 dinners eleven and 11 breakfasts

Rail Tour of Scotland and Ireland

Locally hosted rail.

• See both Ireland and Scotland
• Take the train between major cities where you'll stay for several days
• Have a Local Host meet you when you arrive in a city
• Take day tours to see the sites
• Time to wander around each city or have a walking tour
• Customizable around your interests and budget
• More of an independent travel type
• All breakfasts included

“Thank you for everything Kathie! We had an amazing trip! Having a driver guide made all the difference and Mike Talbot took such great care of us! He made my mom his top priority and made the most out of our time together in Ireland. It was a trip of a lifetime, and I am so grateful for the precious time spent and memories made with my family!”

Franklin, TN

“This trip was so fantastic, I don’t think it could ever be matched!!! Beyond expectations! Especially our tour guide [Scott Guthrie] — cannot really relay how special this experience was— truly.”

"​We cannot thank you enough! We had the most wonderful time, perhaps the best vacation we’ve ever had as a family. ... We are all getting our feet back under us slowly, but look at photos or talk about our trip almost daily. Thank you again for everything, you helped get us organized and your help with the timing was wonderful, we couldn’t have done it without you! "

"Dear Kathie, I can't even begin to tell you what a sensational time I had on this tour! Whenever I look at a picture on my phone, I recapture the wonder and awe I experienced at that particular site--and the tour was FILLED with incredible sites and so many of those enchanting moments. ..."

Long Beach, NY

"​Selling this Scotland tour as an Outlander tour is really selling it short. I for one had never watched a single episode of Outlander. ... For me though it was not about some TV show, but rather it was an excellent way to see the back roads of Scotland. We went where the big coaches could never go, saw country-side that those tourist never dreamed of seeing and sites that were far off the big-group itineraries. ..."

Littleton, CO

"I can't even begin to tell you what a thrilling experience we all had in Scotland. It was the best trip EVER! It was absolutely everything I had hoped for as an Outlander fan, and it went well beyond expectations. The lodging was great, the excursions with Ian were fabulous and the memories we made are priceless. We all fell in love with Scotland! "

East Dundee, IL

Kathie Snyders It's Celtic Time! 30191 Kings Valley East Conifer CO 80433 USA

1 (855)-274-2274

Use our trip planner

phone number

PRIVATE TRAVEL

East Africa

North africa, southern africa.

South Africa

Through its extraordinary wildlife safaris, environmental majesty and ancient traditions, Africa is an epic storybook adventure. Experience unparalleled luxury via rainforest, coastline, dessert and mountain.

Southeast Asia

Intoxicatingly beautiful and rooted in custom, Asia reveals a heightened mysticism and generosity of spirit throughout each celebrated region. Discover centuries of culture and engaging hospitality with every step.

Cayman Islands

Dominican Republic

Puerto Rico

Saint Barthelemy

Turks & Caicos

Choose from an ever-increasing portfolio of luxury resorts and private islands along the azure waters of the Caribbean. Marine adventure, culinary perfection and complete seclusion all have a spot on the day’s agenda.

Central America

Soothing vistas and diverse eco-adventure await in Central America. See the sun rise over the rim of a volcano, roam the ruins of the Mayans, ride through nature conservatories and paddle through jungle mangroves.

Czech Republic

Mediterranean

Netherlands

Switzerland

United Kingdom

A multitude of environs– coast, country and city – make for a feast of diversity in Europe. The unique histories, gastronomic extravagance and cultural riches bring a deluxe profusion of Old World elegance.

United Arab Emirates

Middle East

Ancient cultures and modern pleasures coalesce in the fascinating nations of the eastern Mediterranean and those ringing the Persian Gulf. Encounter pockets of immense historical significance, refined opulence and breathtaking beauty.

North America

For enjoying a stateside sojourn, drinking in Canada’s natural wonders or exploring the magnitude of Mexico, this continent offers spectacular diversion. Find flavours to arouse every taste bud and an array of cultures to match.

French Polynesia

New Zealand

South Pacific

A world of exotic wonder awaits in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands. Drift through romantic nights and endless days of natural splendour, aquatic adventure, decadent resorts and epicurean delights.

Galapagos Islands

South America

From the beaches of northern Brazil to the southern tracts of Patagonia, this continent is the sum of a thousand parts. Experience ancient cities and heritage haciendas, volcanic hot springs and vibrant café cultures.

Explore a world of luxury

View all destinations

World Cruises

Expedition Cruises

River Cruises

Honeymoon Cruises

Family Cruises

Solo Cruises

Bridge Cruises

Alaskan Cruises

Antarctica Cruises

Asia Cruises

Bahamas Cruises

Caribbean Cruises

Danube River Cruises

European Cruises

Galapagos Cruises

Greece Cruises

Hawaiian Cruises

Iceland Cruises

Mediterranean Cruises

Mekong River Cruises

New Zealand Cruises

River Nile Cruises

South Pacific Cruises

World Cruise

Cruise Destinations

Whether you dream of island-hopping your way down Caribbean island chains, connecting the ocean waters with a Panama Canal cruise, or sailing into an exotic Mediterranean port at cocktail hour, our expert Travel Designers can curate the luxury cruise vacation of a lifetime.

Explore a world of luxury cruising

Search all cruise types

What to Expect on a Safari

Best Time for a Safari

Travel With a Purpose

Safari Blog

Press & Media

Testimonials

Safari destinations.

What can you expect from a Tully Luxury Travel safari? In a word: magic. You will witness extraordinary wildlife amid untamed beauty and unparalleled luxury. You will take a thousand pictures – and make a thousand more memories.

Luxury Safaris

View all luxury safaris

Private Island Resorts

Beach Vacations

Family Vacations

Luxury African Safaris

Luxury Cruises

Luxury Train Travel

Group Travel

Adventure Travel

Wellness Travel

Wine Travel

Food & Gourmet Travel

Vacation Types

View all vacation types

Tully Videos

Bespoke Magazines

The Art of Whispered Luxury with Barbara Muckermann

The Ocean State of Mind with Chris Austin

Exploring the Wilderness with Steve Smotrys

Luxury Defined by You: Designing the Most Exclusive Travel Experiences in the World

Luxury travel’s most inspiring stories told by its most celebrated icons. From wildlife experts, fashion designers and artists, to historians, chefs and more, this inspiring podcast series is designed to show you the world’s most exclusive travel experiences through the eyes of the people that know them best.

Explore our media

View all media

Why Travel With Us?

Conservation & Giving Back

River Cruise

Small Group

View all Preferred Partners

Our Partners

What is the Tully Difference? The most satisfying travel experiences are the ones that captivate and transform you as a person and that deepen your connection to the world around you. It is that belief that fuels our desire to create rewarding travel experiences for people who are passionate about discovering the essence and heart of a destination.

The Tully Difference

Home > Scotland

Scotland- Private Travel

Throughout its storybook villages and scintillating cities, across shimmering lakes or “lochs,” up rocky hilltops and over undulating grasslands, Scotland is the stuff of legend.

In Scotland, you can spend hours simply watching the sky change color.

Part of the United Kingdom for more than 300 years now, yet establishing its own legislature in 1999, Scotland enjoys more than 150 million visitors each year. Your luxury vacation in this bonnie land will no doubt begin and end in one of the two main centers. Surrounded by glacial hills, the capital of Edinburgh is Scotland’s cultural hub, known for its art festivals and for the well-preserved Royal Mile, a series of streets filled with shops, restaurants, cafés, and visitor attractions bookended by the Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Resplendent in its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, Glasgow is the largest city, also a cultural hub, and home to the National Theatre of Scotland, the Scottish Opera, and a thriving new music scene. Scotland is best known for producing some of the finest whisky in the world, with different regions creating delicate flavors inherent to their own tastes, traditions, and topography. A great starting point is a tour of Speyside on the Malt Whisky Trail, a legendary grouping of eight distilleries taking advantage of the clear waters of the River Spey. Motoring through the Highlands is a beautiful and memorable pursuit, something you can stretch out for weeks if you have a mind to. Endless hills, rocks, trees and lakes, wilderness, and wildlife can fill the days, with lovingly kept luxury estates with incredible dining rooms to fill your nights. From Loch Ness in the north on down through the lake district, you will segue into the wooded glens and rolling hills of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, a noted nature reserve. And while you will lose track of the lakes you’re driving around, you will remember the delectable seafood forever.

Top Destinations

Beautiful Edinburgh transports you back in time like no other city.... Read more

Vibrant, edgy and brimming with personality, Scotland’s largest city is a must-see spot for nightl... Read more

Whether the Upper Highlands or the Lowers, the Scottish Highlands will take your breath away with th... Read more

Scottish Highlands

Private travel partners.

The coveted relationships we have with our Global Travel Partners are second to none and allow us to offer you the extraordinary trips that you desire.

Meet our Scotland Travel Designers

What is your approach to planning bespoke luxury travel? Our role can be so important. Whatever we plan will make for lasting memories and can seal or bond families, love and friendly relationships. It is primarily about listening and understanding what a client wants; their needs, moods and family dynamics.

Saloua Rezgui

Senior Travel Designer

What is your favorite part of the job? Talking about travel is contagious. Whether it’s a small 4-day getaway or a long trip planned out a year in advance, I love hearing about unique travel experiences and where the next exciting destination will be.

What is your approach to planning bespoke luxury travel? Listen - get to know who is traveling and what the desires are for this journey. And the advice – where to spend to minimize travel time, and where to save to maximize experience and enjoyment.

Gavin Crawford

Director of Bespoke Experiences

If you’re considering bespoke private travel to Scotland, let our expert Travel Designers make your vacation truly customized from start to finish. Having spent the last three decades traveling and experiencing the best luxury offerings firsthand, Tully Luxury Travel has an exceptional understanding of Scotland. We have the contacts and the relationships in place to ensure your travel needs are met – milestone celebrations, romantic dinners, private tours, dietary requirements, special room-service requests – all the details curated in step with your every wish. In Scotland, our Private Travel Designers have the insider information that will elevate your experience that much more. Our private guides can take you up the hills, out on the waters, into the 130 distilleries, or onto the links of St. Andrews, making your luxury tour of Scotland a treasure in every sense of the word. The time to start planning your next vacation is now. Our private luxury travel service also allows us to secure the best amenities and VIP extras at no additional cost. That’s the Tully Difference. Talk with a Private Travel Designer and start planning your bespoke luxury Scotland vacation today.

Established

Over 35 years’ experience and industry-recognition in curated luxury travel.

Exceptional Service

Work with our award-winning Travel Designers who have lived and travelled all over the world.

Enjoy exclusive access to the finest amenities and upgrades thanks to our preferred partnerships.

Making travel dreams a reality with our unparalleled customer service, attention to detail and expertise.

Award Winning…

Throughout the years, Tully Luxury Travel has been recognized as a top producing agency by virtually every luxury cruise line and hotel property.

More Scotland Inspiration

Best season to visit scotland.

Destination | Scotland

The most ideal season to experience Scotland's countless wonders is a bit of an enigma, due in part to the infamous unpredictable weather. However, help is at hand! ...Read more

An Insider's Look: Scotland

Was it the hit television series Outlander or the recent blockbuster film, Mary Queen of Scots? Whatever the impetus, we’ve been getting more calls about Scotland every day. ...Read more

A Royal Tour of the United Kingdom

Destination | UK

We’ve crafted an itinerary fit for Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch in history. ...Read more

Why choose us? We believe our award-winning service, more than three decades of experience, and firsthand knowledge of luxury travel in every part of the world shine through in the wonderful testimonials that we receive every day from our valued clients who return year after year.

Average Cutomer Rating:

'They know how to bring your dream vacation to life!!'

I have been working with Tully Luxury Travel for years and love their attention to detail. They seem to know exactly what their client's needs are.

'Exceptional travel company'

I have been with Tully luxury travel for almost 20 years and Diana Wehrle has been my advisor all along. I find them very professional, efficient, and willing to go the extra mile.

Tully Luxury Travel | Inquiry Form

Make an inquiry.

• 1 (855)-265-0890
• First name * The first name of the user.
• Last name * The last name of the user.
• Email * The email of the user
• Phone number * The phone number of the user
• How did you hear about us? * Please select Google Search E-newsletter Newspaper Condé Nast Traveller Architectural Digest Bespoke Experiences Magazine Social Media Referral Other A drop-down selector for the users to select how they heard about Tully Luxury Travel.
• Land Vacation
• Cruise Vacation
• Destination * Please select Argentina Auckland Austria Bahamas Barbados Belgium Belize Bhutan Blue Mountains Botswana Brazil Cairns Cambodia Canada Chile China Christchurch Colombia Costa Rica Czech Republic Denmark Ecuador England Ethiopia Egypt Far East Finland France Germany Greece Guatemala Hawks Bay Iceland India Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kaihoura Kangaroo Island Kenya Laos Madagascar Maldives Malta Mauritius Melbourne Mexico Middle East Morocco Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands Norway Peru Portugal Queenstown Russia Rwanda Scotland Seychellesa Singapore South Africa South Asia South East Asia Spain Sri Lanka St. Lucia Sweden Sydney Taiwan Tanzania Tasmania Thailand Turkey Turks and Caicos U.S.A Uluru Region United Arab Emerates Vietnam Whitsundays World Cruise Zambia Zimbabwe A drop-down selector for the users to select a destination.
• Travel dates MM slash DD slash YYYY The check-in date of the user.
• Check-out MM slash DD slash YYYY The check-out date of the user.
• Trip notes Any notes of the user.
• Privacy consent * I agree with the privacy statement *
• Subscription consent Tick if you would like to receive emails with travel inspiration, offers & exclusive event invites
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Clan STS Benefits Include :

 join  40,000+ members  also interested in scotland,  access to our  members only of tours of scotland designed exclusively for sts members,   member discounts including 10% off celtic legend car rental. check out the discounts here ., access to our clan sts facebook group, check out our best tours of scotland. free membership included, these tours have been curated from some of the best guides in scotland..

Plan Your Trip Here

Place categories.

• Accommodation
• Sightseeing
• Restaurants
• Outdoor Activities
• Transportation

Privacy Overview

Latest News

• Product News
• Partner News
• Up For Grabs
• The Secret Agent
• Press Releases
• Partner News Promotion
• Travel Gossip on Whatsapp
• New York State Hub
• USA Boot Camp
• Cruise Directory
• Switzerland Destination Hub
• New South Wales Hub
• Homeworking Directory
• New to Cruise Bootcamp
• Competitions, Offers and Incentives
• Big Agent Rewards
• Travel Gossip Roadshow 2024
• View Events Calendar
• Subscribe to our Events Roundup
• Event Organisers
• Bespoke Events
• For Suppliers
• The Travel Celebration
• About Travel Gossip
• The Travel Gossip Team
• The Travel Celebration 2023
• Summer Party 2021
• Facebook Group

Select Page

Scottish agency charters flight for Euro 2024

An Inverness travel agency has chartered a flight to and from the UEFA European Football Championship this summer.

Spirit Journeys, part of the Travel Trust Association, is offering flights and packages to Scottish football fans, with a private flight departing from Inverness Airport to Munich International Airport on 13 June, returning on 24 June from Stuttgart Airport.

Owner Julia MacLeay said the 162-seat charter is one of the few flights with remaining capacity from Scotland for the tournament. Scotland is set to play three matches in the group stages, against Germany on 14 June, Switzerland on 19 June and Hungary on 23 June.

The agency is offering flight-only; a flight and hotel package with accommodation in Munich, Cologne and Stuttgart; and a flight, hotel and match ticket package with category 3 tickets for each Scotland group game. Packages are also available to those who wish to visit Germany during the summer but not attend the games.

Julia said: “There has been incredible demand on flights to Germany since Scotland qualified in October 2023 and even more pressure on hotels and accommodation providers in the host cities long before that. While we do have a number of spaces still available across our package options, we expect these will book up quickly.

“Scottish football fans will arrive in the city in plenty of time to see Scotland kick off the tournament against host Germany on 14 June.” 

Local businessman and Inverness BID Board Director Don Lawson, said: “After making it to the group stages of Euro 2020 after 24 years, we were reluctant to believe that this opportunity would come around again so soon.

“As it is, flights from Scotland to Germany are few and far between with many now sold out or near to it. This is a rare opportunity and a great experience for Scottish football fans across the Highlands and beyond.” 

Pictured are Julia and Don, flying the flag for Scotland

Share this article

SPL Villas signs distribution agreement with TTNG

SPL Villas has expanded its agent distribution network further after confirming an agreement with...

Maleth to operate new direct flights to Cuba from London and Manchester

Maleth Aero has been chartered to operate a summer programme of direct flights between the UK and...

Passengers complain of hours-long queues at Birmingham Airport as it installs new security scanners

Passengers have described Birmingham Airport’s security process as a ‘complete shambles’ and...

Disney launches fam promotion to mark free dining and drinks offer

Walt Disney World Resort Florida has launched its Free Disney Dining and Drinks offer for 2025,...

MSC Euribia cancels Grand Voyage

MSC Cruises has cancelled a Grand Voyage on MSC Euribia because of Red Sea safety concerns. The...

View all news

Advertising

Scottish agency charters plane to Euro 2024

• Share on WhatsApp
• Share by email

A Highland travel agency has chartered flight services to cater to Scottish football fans heading to the Uefa European football championship in Germany this summer.

Spirit Journeys is offering travel packages with a private flight departing from Inverness airport to Munich on June 13, and returning on June 24 from Stuttgart.

Julia MacLeay, Spirit Journeys’ owner, said: “With Scotland set to play three matches in the group stages of this year’s Euro 2024 Championship, Spirit Journeys is offering unique package deals to Scottish football fans eager to be part of the action.

“Spirit Journeys has chartered a private plane that will travel from Inverness to Munich on June 13, so Scottish football fans will arrive in the city in plenty of time to see Scotland kick off the tournament against host Germany on June 14.

“There has been incredible demand on flights to Germany since Scotland qualified in October 2023 and even more pressure on hotels and accommodation providers in the host cities long before that.

Therefore, while we do have a number of spaces still available across our package options, we expect these will book up quickly.”

The package deals have been developed with the support of local businessman and Inverness BID board director Don Lawson.

Packages are also available to those who wish to visit Germany during the summer but not attend the games.

Lawson commented: “After making it to the group stages of Euro 2020 after 24 years, we were reluctant to believe that this opportunity would come around again so soon.

“As it is, flights from Scotland to Germany are few and far between with many now sold out or near to it. This is a rare opportunity and a great experience for Scottish football fans across the Highlands and beyond.”

Based in Inverness, Spirit Journeys Worldwide specialises in tailormade holidays, retreats and cultural tours worldwide.

The Travel Trust Association member has more than 25 years’ experience of organising travel experiences and tours.

Pictured at Inverness airport, from left: Julia MacLeay, Spirit Journeys, and Don Lawson, Inverness BID.

Share article

View comments, easyjet reassures passengers over catering strike threat, updated: easyjet suspends israel flights for summer amid safety concerns, new premium economy cabin unveiled by cathay pacific, updated: birmingham airport reopens after security incident, jacobs media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 queen's award for enterprise..

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more .

Middle East latest: Iran tells Israel 'our hands are on the trigger' and warns it knows where its nuclear sites are - as US to veto UN vote on Palestinian statehood

The US and Israel hold talks on a potential ground assault on Rafah - as the US says it will veto a UN vote on Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, Iran warns it may review its nuclear doctrine, amid suggestions Israel could target nuclear facilities in the country.

Thursday 18 April 2024 21:05, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• 'Our hands are on the trigger': Iran warns it knows where Israel's nuclear sites are
• US and Israel agree on shared objective to see Hamas defeated in Rafah after meeting
• UK and US announce Iran sanctions
• Analysis: Biden picking his fights as US set to veto Palestine's UN membership
• Israel 'unlikely' to launch attack on Iran until after Passover'
• Google 'fires 28 workers involved in protests' against billion-dollar Israel contract
• Israel hit Iran's consulate 'after two months of planning'
• Eyewitness: Eerie quiet as Israeli border towns brace for war
• Analysis: How seriously should we take the nuclear rhetoric?
• Live reporting by Ollie Cooper

Building on our 5.34pm post, we've now received a readout of the US-Israeli meeting on a potential Rafah offensive. 

"The two sides agreed on the shared objective to see Hamas defeated in Rafah," a White House statement said. 

"US participants expressed concerns with various courses of action in Rafah, and Israeli participants agreed to take these concerns into account and to have further follow up discussions between experts, overseen by the SCG (strategic consultative group)," it added. 

"Participants will meet again soon," it concluded. 

Rafah is the only major city in Gaza yet to be the subject of a ground assault by Israeli troops, but hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians crammed into the city have still been subjected to airstrikes over the past few months. 

Mr Biden has consistently urged Israel not to conduct a large-scale offensive in Rafah to avoid more Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza, where Hamas-led health authorities say nearly 34,000 people have been killed since October last year. 

Recent Israeli actions to allow more aid to get into Gaza are not enough and more needs to be done, the US state department has said. 

Deputy spokesperson for the department, Vedant Patel, said the situation in Gaza was "dire" despite some progress being made.

"There has been some measurable progress that we've seen when it comes to humanitarian aid getting into Gaza," Mr Patel told a media briefing. 

"But the circumstances within Gaza continue to be dire and more absolutely needs to be done."

By James Matthews , US correspondent 

The Palestinian Authority first sought full membership at the United Nations in 2011. 

If there hasn't been a right time for accession since then, that time certainly isn't now.

Such is the decisive view of the United States - decisive, because the US veto at the UN Security Council means it won't happen.

Membership would, effectively, recognise a Palestinian state.

As the arguments were laid out at the UN in New York, the American rationale was laid out in a state department briefing in Washington.

It was always complicated  -  now throw in the timing and circumstances. 

Spokesperson Vedant Patel said: "Note that Hamas… a terrorist organisation, is currently exerting power and influence in Gaza which will be an integral part of the individual state in this resolution and, for that reason, the United States is voting 'no'."

US opposition had been well-trailed in the run-up to the chamber vote.

Its long-held position is that the UN isn't the place for such a move - that, while it supports a two-state solution in the Middle east, Palestinian statehood should be anchored in a deal negotiated with Israel.

They are words easily written, harder to realise.  

The prospect of dialogue, let alone a deal, between Israel and the Palestinians is currently non-existent.

Israel's view is predominant in Joe Biden's thinking on matters Palestinian, and this is no different.

Israel's UN ambassador Gilad Erdan said: "If the Security Council recommends full membership for the Palestinian Authority that incites and funds terror with no control over its territory, it deserves to be called the UN's 'Terror Council' not 'Security Council."

It isn't a view you’d hear from Biden, publicly at least, but the US President doesn't need reminding of well-catalogued weakness of a Palestinian Authority seen as corrupt, unpopular and unable to wield the influence that Western diplomats wish it could.

The Palestinian view was put to the Security Council by envoy Dr Ziad Abu Amr.  

He told members: "Admitting the state of Palestine to the UN would lift a portion of the historical injustice that successive generations of the Palestinian people have suffered and continue to suffer."

The view resonates with the bulk of his audience.

Not for the first time, the United States finds itself out of step with majority world opinion inside the UN Security Council chamber.

It almost certainly won't be the last. 

In the shadow of growing conflict, a US president with enough on his plate is picking his fights carefully.  

As we reported a short time ago, the US will veto a motion that promised to see Palestine join the United Nations as a full member (see 6.17pm post). 

We've now received a confirmation from Washington and an explanation as to why from a state department spokesman. 

"Premature actions in New York (site of the UN headquarters), even with the best intentions, will not achieve statehood for the Palestinian people," Vedant Patel told reporters.

"Specifically, there are unresolved questions as to whether the applicant (Palestine) can meet criteria to be considered as a state," he added. 

He pointed to Hamas's continued grip on power in the enclave as one of the principal reasons for Washington's refusal to back the motion. 

"We've long called on the Palestinian Authority to undertake the necessary reforms to establish the attributes of readiness for statehood and note that Hamas, which is as you all know, a terrorist organisation is currently exerting power and influence in Gaza, which would be an integral part of the envisioned state in this resolution. 

"And for that reason, the United States is voting no on this proposed Security Council resolution."

The move, which has been widely expected from the Israeli ally, will effectively block the world body from recognising the Palestinian state.

The Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank, is currently a non-member observer state at the UN - a position granted by the 193-member General Assembly in 2012.

The Israel Defence Forces claims it has uncovered more of Hamas's extensive underground tunnel network inside the Gaza Strip. 

A spokesperson said that troops from the 401st combat brigade and the Yahalom unit destroyed 17 tunnels under the Wadi Gaza, which separates the northern and southern halves of the enclave. 

"The soldiers conducted an operational raid on an underground combat control centre located under Wadi Gaza designed to prevent IDF forces from crossing Wadi Gaza," it said.

The images are unverified. 

Iranian action against Israel has stopped for the time being, but Tehran will respond sternly to any retaliation, the country's foreign minister has told the UN's Security Council. 

Hossein Amir Abdollahian said Israel "must be compelled to stop any further military adventurism against our interests." 

"In case of any use of force by the Israeli regime and violating our sovereignty, the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate a bit to assert its inherent rights to give a decisive and proper response to it to make the regime regret its actions," he added. 

Israel is unlikely to launch an expected retaliatory attack on Iran until after Passover (30 April), reports indicate. 

The US will exercise its power of veto tomorrow at a Security Council meeting discussing potential UN Palestinian membership, an unnamed US official quoted by the Reuters news agency has said. 

The move, which has been widely expected from the Israeli ally, would effectively block the world body from recognising the Palestinian state. 

"It remains the US view that the most expeditious path toward statehood for the Palestinian people is through direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority with the support of the United States and other partners," the official said. 

 "We have long been clear that premature actions in New York, even with the best intentions, will not achieve statehood for the Palestinian people," they added. 

To pass through the Security Council, the resolution needs nine out of 15 votes and no vetoes by the US, UK, France, Russia or China. 

Diplomats say it has the support of 13 council members, but a US veto would render that support obsolete. 

A bit more detail on the British sanctions on Iran now. 

The Foreign Office says fresh sanctions add to the more than 400 already in place, and have been applied to:

• The Iranian armed forces general staff - which directs and coordinates Iran's armed forces. 
• The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy - one of Iran's two naval forces.   
• The Khatemolanbia Central Headquarters (KCHQ) - responsible for operational command and control of Iran’s armed forces;  
• Major General Gholamali Rashid - Commander of the KCHQ – responsible for operational command and control of Iran's armed forces and reports directly to the supreme leader;
• Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani - Iran's defence minister, responsible for supporting and equipping the Iranian armed forces;
• Seid Mir Ahmad Nooshin, - Director of the aerospace industries organisation (AIO) and four further individuals related to AIO.

The individuals sanctioned are subject to a travel ban and asset freeze, while the entities are subject to an asset freeze.  

"The UK continues to tighten the net on actors involved in the Iranian UAV and missile industries," a Foriegn Office statement read. 

"The UK has also designated a wide range of companies involved in production of Iranian UAVs, including the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drones – models which Iran has supplied to Russia.

"These types of drones were also used by Iran in its attack on Israel."

An update on our 3.40pm post now. 

Virtual talks between the US and Israel about a potential offensive on Rafah have begun, according to White House national security spokesperson John Kirby. 

National security adviser Jake Sullivan is said to be leading the talks from the US side, with participation from Joe Biden's Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk, among others - although the president himself is not in attendance.

Israel's strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, and national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, are heading the Israeli delegation in the virtual talks, an Israeli official told the Reuters news agency. 

An official told Reuters topics would include "the operational and humanitarian planning for Rafah", while Israel's response to Iran's weekend aerial offensive is also expected to be discussed. 

This is a follow-up discussion to the 1 April meeting on the same issue, which is said to have included raised voices, waving of arms, and US officials who did not believe the Israeli plans for dealing with the humanitarian concerns around the operation were realistic.

By Alistair Bunkall , Middle East correspondent 

In their actions, Iranian leaders are often calibrated and considered, in language they tend to favour the dramatic.

The Iranian regime is fully aware by now of the power their words can have. 

Fiery rhetoric about its nuclear policy can and does grab world headlines, prompting Tehran-watchers to ask whether the threats are real or just talk.

Fears this week that Israel could seek to hit nuclear facilities inside Iran in retaliatory strikes have clearly spooked Tehran on some level. 

Israel has nuclear weapons, Iran doesn’t.

The threat by a senior IRGC commander to review the country's nuclear doctrine is underpinned by a firm conviction to defend itself against Israel.

Iran has insisted for years that its nuclear programme exists for purely civilian and peaceful reasons. 

Israel and many of its Western allies believe Tehran only wants to develop a nuclear weapon.

Iran is threatening Israel - strike at us and we will formally move to develop a nuclear weapon and speed up enrichment.

A major strike by Israel on Iran might only serve to convince Iran that the only deterrent against further attacks is to accelerate development of nuclear weapon. 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Turn Your Curiosity Into Discovery

Latest facts.

11 Facts About National Numeracy Day May 22nd

9 Facts About Workers Memorial Day April 28th

40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

Share this Fact: