Top Scotland Cultural Tours

Maximize time in Glasgow with a city center walking tour with a local guide. Each tour is unique depending on the guide, but potential stops include George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, and Glasgow Green. As well as well-known sights, the itinerary also includes off-the-beaten-path attractions and hidden treasures that you’d likely miss if exploring alone.

Discover Stirling in the company of a guide who brings the city's rich history to life. Walk in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Robert the Bruce as you explore the old town listening tales of the battles and kings and queens that shaped Stirling and Scotland. You'll see such highlights as Stirling Castle andThe Church of the Holy Rude, as well as some hidden gems.

Visiting an unfamiliar city without knowing anyone there usually means relying on dated and often inaccurate travel guides. Enjoy a more personal experience in Edinburgh by spending time with a local Edinburgher who customizes your private, bespoke tour to your own interests, whether you want to check off the highlights or go off the beaten path to discover locals' favorite spots.

Experience some of the best of what Edinburgh, Scotland has to offer in one small group walking tour. Let your tour leader show you around Edinburgh Castle, The Georgian House, and the Scottish National Gallery. See Princes Street Gardens, Heart of Midlothian, Greyfriars Bobby, and more while you learn all about the city’s history, culture, and heritage from your guide.

Immerse yourself in the sights and stories of Edinburgh's atmospheric Old Town on this small-group walking tour. Unlike most tours of the Old Town, the maximum group size is just 15 people so you won't be elbow to elbow with other visitors as you explore the area, from the Royal Mile to Greyfriars Kirkyard, and Princes Street Gardens.

See the best of medieval Edinburgh—without the hassle of putting together your own sightseeing itinerary—on this walking tour, which includes skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle. As you walk, listen as your guide shares the history of this formidable city with ancient Roman roots and UNESCO-listed historical attractions. Explore atmospheric cobbled walkways along the Royal Mile, then breeze into Edinburgh Castle to witness royal opulence.

Step into Scotland's most iconic fortress with a true Scotsman dressed in a traditional kilt. With so many tour options at Edinburgh Castle, it's difficult to know which offer the most authentic insight. This experience delivers genuine Scottish storytelling from a local who shares centuries of royal drama, bloody battles, and castle secrets while exploring the Crown Jewels, St. Margaret's Chapel, and more.

What could be more quintessentially Scottish than lochs and castles? Travel through the photo-worthy West Highlands, visit the haunting glen of Glencoe and stop at Loch Lomond on this day trip from Glasgow by Mercedes minivan. Numbers are limited to 16 passengers to ensure a more personalized experience with an informative guide, who offers insightful commentary at Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray town, Castle Stalker and more.

Explore Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle (admission tickets own expense)—and delve into the world of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Rob Roy—on this multi-part tour from Edinburgh that checks off many top sights and experiences. Additionally, head through the Trossachs National Park to the Highland village of Balloch, upgrade for a lake cruise, see the famous Kelpies statues, and more.

Many visitors rush through Inverness on their way to the Highlands. This guided walking tour ensures that you don't make the same mistake of missing out on its many attractions. In a small group, you'll visit such landmarks as Inverness Castle, the Inverness Cathedral and Balnain House, as well as some hidden gems, all while you guide fills you in on the history of the Highland capital.

Get out of the city and soak up the natural beauty of Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands on this day tour from Edinburgh. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe and Fort Augustus. Enjoy a boat tour in search of the Loch Ness Monster and traverse the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group.

Trade the city’s bustle for a magical day in nature on this Harry Potter-themed excursion into the Scottish Highlands. In the morning, set off from Edinburgh and enjoy sightseeing stops en route, including the fishing village of Mallaig. Then, board the Jacobite Steam Train (a double for the Hogwarts Express) and travel along the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the films. Finally, see Glencoe’s dramatic scenery before your return trip.

Hampden Park is Scotland’s most important football venue and the home stadium of the Scottish National Football team. Venture behind-the-scenes on this guided stadium tour; peek into the dressing rooms, see the cup presentation area, and walk through the players’ tunnel; then visit the interactive stadium museum, where you can shoot a goal in the Hampden Hotshots gallery.

Get an in-depth perspective on Edinburgh on this guided tour that goes deeper than most. Usually led by a guide with a PhD in Scottish history, this tour offers a journey through Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town from the main thoroughfares to the hidden closes (alleyways) and courtyards. Your guide shares tales of dramatic events in the neighborhood's history, as well as those of the writers, philosophers, and inventors who called the area home.

Explore Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands on an easy day trip from Glasgow. Travel into Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe—widely considered Scotland’s most beautiful glen. Pass beneath Ben Nevis en route to the Great Glen. Travel to Fort Augustus, on the shores of Loch Ness, and enjoy an optional cruise to try and spot the famous monster. Journey onward via the town of Pitlochry before returning to Glasgow.

The Isle of Skye is the largest of Scotland’s Hebrides Islands and this multi-day tour from Edinburgh ensures you take in all the highlights. Admire natural wonders such as Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Ben Nevis; visit Lealt Falls, Dunvegan Castle, and Kilt Rock on the Isle of Skye; and see Eilean Donan Castle, where "Highlander" was filmed.

Swap the usual sightseeing tours for the chance to discover the palaces and castles of the "Outlander" TV series on this tour from Edinburgh. Visit some of the sites that starred in the fictional Jacobite saga, including Linlithgow Palace, the setting of Wentworth Prison; and Culross, the setting of Claire’s herb garden. Throughout the tour enjoy guide commentary with fun behind-the-scenes stories about the show.

Witness dramatic landscapes and majestic castles on a full-day trip through Scotland’s West Highlands from Edinburgh. With a knowledgeable guide, soak up stunning scenery from the rugged Breadalbane Mountains to The Trossachs National Park. Visit the villages of Luss and Inveraray, and hear tales of famous Scottish heroes and rebels. Movie buffs will love the visit to Doune Castle, film site of Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

Venture beyond Edinburgh to see the best of Scotland in just one day on this comprehensive, small-group tour. Save hours trying to navigate public transport, and instead, relax as your driver whisks you from location to location. Visit castles, mountains, lochs, and more, as you gain local insight —including context you'd miss if exploring independently. Highlights include historic Blair Castle, the Highland viewpoint of Queen’s View, and a waterfall walk at The Hermitage.

Led by your Blue Badge guide, explore Edinburgh’s historic streets on a private walking tour. Skip the long lines at Edinburgh Castle and walk the Royal Mile to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament. Discover hidden closes and courtyard parks while learning about the city’s vivid history.

Discover Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and history on this full-day tour from Glasgow. In a small group, travel to Stirling Castle, former home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and learn about the legendary battles that took place there. Then explore Loch Lomond and enjoy a 1-hour cruise on its scenic waters.

Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands on a full-day excursion that includes Glencoe and Loch Ness. Set out from Edinburgh aboard a comfortable coach to experience some of the area's top sights and attractions. Visit Callander, the "Gateway to the Highlands," learn the fascinating history of Glencoe—a village made famous as a setting for movies in the “James Bond” and “Harry Potter” series—and see the world-renowned Loch Ness too.

Explore the Scottish Highlands without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads on a 3-day tour from Edinburgh. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned coach with a local guide to the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Culloden, Glencoe, and more. Enjoy scenic views and stories of Scotland’s history, plus optional activities such as a Loch Ness cruise (prices updated). This tour offers an immersive experience into one of Scotland’s most scenic regions.