Top Scotland Day Trips - page 4

Harry Potter's Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Day Trip

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour - Entry Tickets Included

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

This walking tour of Edinburgh is a great choice for first-time visitors who want to get their bearings of the city and learn more about its history. By exploring the city with a guide, you’ll be able to stop looking at a map and focus on enjoying the sites around you. Your guide will teach you about secret places locals love, as well as the Old Town’s most famous sites. Highlights include St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh Castle, and much more.

Old Town Walking Tour History and Tales in Edinburgh

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour

12 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Leave the driving to the experts and journey through the majestic Scottish Lowlands on this Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish Borders tour from Edinburgh. Travel with a guide to the legendary Roslyn Chapel; take a scenic route along Scotland’s border to Melrose Abbey—believed to be the burial site of King Robert the Bruce’s heart—and learn about the art of whisky making at Glenkinchie Distillery.

Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Explore Trossachs National Park on this Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle tour from Glasgow, which allows you to focus on the scenery rather than the road. Head into the Scottish Highlands and enjoy an optional cruise on peaceful Loch Lomond. Go beyond the guidebook and listen to insights from your guide as you travel through the Trossachs National Park to Aberfoyle and Stirling Castle (admission own expense), widely considered among Scotland’s most important fortresses.

Glasgow: Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Planning a multi-day journey through the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye can be challenging, especially when it involves long drives and accommodation logistics. However, this 3-day tour from Edinburgh takes care of everything for you—so you can focus on making the most of the sweeping Highland scenery. Along the way, gain insight into Scotland’s past at locations such as Culloden Battlefield, and choose to enhance your experience with an optional cruise on Loch Ness and entry to Urquhart Castle.

3-Day Guided Isle of Skye and Highlands with Stay from Edinburgh

3 daysFree Cancellation

Take a private tour to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond and learn more about this wild landscape than you ever could alone. Set off from your hotel in a luxury minivan, and listen as your guide points out many points of interest along your journey. See Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle, learn about Scotland's historic royal families, then travel on to Loch Lomond and embrace the drama of the Trossachs National Park.

Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond Full-Day Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

Price varies by group size

Make exploring beyond Edinburgh city limits easy—and see the best of the Scottish Highlands, all in one day—on this comprehensive day tour. Begin with a scenic drive from Edinburgh to the fabled Loch Ness; upgrade to cruise the lake and look out for Nessie. Then, continue to other highlights including Glen Coe and Fort Augustus, admiring additional attractions from Stirling Castle to Ben Nevis along the route.

1 Day Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

12 hoursFree Cancellation

Explore Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile with a professional historian or other specialist guide, and gain insight into the famous writers and inventors who have called the city home. Hear tales of Scotland's national bard—Robert Burns—and discover top landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Grassmarket, and Greyfriars Kirkyard as well as hidden gems. Get the chance to ask questions in a small-group setting and find out what makes this ancient city tick.

Edinburgh Royal Mile and Old Town Small Group Walking Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Glasgow: Oban, Glencoe & West Highland Castles

9 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

Appreciate the splendor of Scotland without having to worry about driving yourself on a full-day whisky and waterfalls trip from Edinburgh. Wind through the Scottish Highlands and marvel at the majesty of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, then visit a whisky distillery for a tour, whisky sampling, and lunch (own expense). Traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle adds comfort while you learn about local culture and history with your guide.

Scotland's Glens, Highlands & Whisky Day Trip from Edinburgh

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Escape the bustle of Edinburgh and discover the dramatic landscapes of northwest Scotland on a small-group, full-day trip through the West Highlands and Oban. Travel west with a local guide and enjoy stress-free sightseeing as you pass lochs, mountains, moorlands, and rugged coastline—without the pressure of self-driving on unfamiliar roads. Stop to explore charming villages such as Luss and Inveraray, and along the way, admire landmarks such as Kilchurn Castle. As you travel, hear captivating stories from Scottish history and gain local insight.

Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh

11 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Special Offer

Swap the bustle of Edinburgh for the serenity of surrounding coastal routes around Edinburgh and the ancient kingdom of Northumbria on this tour to Holy Island, Alnwick Castle, and Northumberland. Navigating this rural part of the UK can be tough without a car, but this tour takes care of transportation, allowing you to focus on sightseeing at attractions such as Lindisfarne Castle and the Priory.

Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Kingdom of Northumbria

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Discover Northumberland’s fascinating past on a stress-free, small-group day trip from Edinburgh. Avoid the hassle of navigating buses or tide schedules as you cross into England and visit the island of Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island). There, explore its ancient Christian roots and Viking history. Continue to magnificent Alnwick Castle, famed for its real-life royal heritage and film appearances in "Harry Potter™" and "Downton Abbey"—and return to Scotland having checked off two fascinating historic landmarks.

Viking Coast and Alnwick Castle Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles

10 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

See the historical and natural highlights of the Orkney Mainland all in one day, on this private tour from Kirkwall. Meet your guide at your preferred address, hop aboard your vehicle, and set off. You’ll admire the wild and rugged beauty of locations like Scapa Flow (a natural harbor) before encountering Neolithic cairns and villages, ancient stone circles, Bronze and Iron Age settlements, and other striking landmarks.

From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Follow in the footsteps of the Harry Potter cast—and admire some of the Scottish Highlands’ most attractive scenery—on this full-day coach tour from Edinburgh. You’ll visit a number of filming locations used in all eight movies, including Eilean na Moine island (the site of Dumbledore’s grave) and Loch Shiel (used as a stand-in for Hogwarts Lake). You’ll even go for a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train—better known as the Hogwarts Express.

The Magical Highland Tour + optional Jacobite Steam Train Journey

Exploring Scotland beyond Edinburgh can feel daunting—with so much to see, where do you start? This full-day tour takes away the guesswork with a comprehensive itinerary and multiple stops. Leave the logistics to someone else as you visit the historic Stirling Castle (own expense), taste Scottish whisky at the Glengoyne Distillery, and travel through the picturesque Highlands to explore Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Stirling Castle and Whisky Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Step off the tourist trail and explore the Scottish capital’s hidden secrets on this underground walking tour in Edinburgh. Follow a guide from the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town down below street level, where a series of ancient vaults lie. As you explore the dark passageways, learn why the vaults were built, hear of the poor souls who sought refuge in the depths and discover a hidden witchcraft temple. Gain insight into city life during the 18th century, and learn of the deadly diseases which threatened Edinburgh’s inhabitants.

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

1 hourFree Cancellation

Listen to Edinburgh’s grisliest tales on a haunted evening or night-time walking tour. Experience the ghastly histories of monsters, madness, and murder that cast a dark shadow on Scotland’s capital. See where witch trials, pagan rituals, and executions took place, then visit the chilling Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery to learn about body-snatching and some of the infamous individuals interred here.

Edinburgh Darkside Ghost Tour of Mysteries and Murder and Legends

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Immerse yourself in the rugged peninsular landscapes of the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands on this 3-day trip from Edinburgh. During your visit to Scotland's wild northwest coast, you’re driven through the Highlands, including stops at Glencoe and Loch Ness. Stay overnight with daily breakfasts in the harbor town of Portree, where you find local pubs and have plenty of time to explore the Isle of Skye with your guide. Numbers are limited to 16 people on this small-group tour, ensuring a personalized experience.

3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

3 daysFree Cancellation

Discover the rugged beauty and cultural splendor of the Scottish Borders on a day trip from Edinburgh. Aboard a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, visit the market town of Kelso and the magnificent Alnwick Castle, a featured film setting in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter Series. Soak up the beauty of Northumberland as you make a final stop at the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland and Borders Small-Group Tour

9 hoursFree Cancellation

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Must-Dos in Scotland

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What are people saying about Scotland

Inverness: The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

Gina_D, Sep 2026

Great glimpse of Skye and a very pleasant day

Very complete tour with great sights. Alan was a great guide! He shared his knowledge about Skye and Scotland with us for almost the whole tour, put scottish music from different styles, and stopped as much as possible so we could get good views and photographs.

St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

Maureen_M, Sep 2026

I’ll be back!!

I saw the beauty of Fife firsthand. He had just enough time to explore St. Andrews, have lunch and a little shopping. Time spent in Falkland was probably my favorite. I love how the village is unspoiled by time. Our guide, David, was very informative, easy going and full of Scottish charm. I will definitely be back with friends and repeat this tour.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe and Loch Shiel Tour from Glasgow

Emina_K, Sep 2026

Highly Recommend This Tour!

We had an amazing experience with this tour! Our guide Kyle was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so many interesting facts about Scotland and its culture. Throughout the journey, he tirelessly talked to us on the bus and shared his knowledge of Scottish history, culture, and even the Gaelic language. The bus itself was also very comfortable and warm. Even though we spent quite a bit of time on the bus, we still had enough time to enjoy the beautiful scenery, explore the different sights, and chat with our guide. Kyle really made the experience even more enjoyable with his enthusiasm and knowledge. Would highly recommend this tour!

Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

Gudrun_V, Sep 2026

Don't expect to have a...

Don't expect to have a hike on this trip. For example you drive past nice scenery and make some stops to take pictures but if you expect to hike a trail for example, this is not offering that. The stop at Oban was my favorite. You stop there for lunch to taste the amazing seafood there. I can really recommend the restaurant EE USK and especially the seafood platter. Best oysters and smoked salmon I've had all my life!

Oban, Highland Lochs, Glens,Castles and Glencoe Tour from Glasgow

ERIN_R, Sep 2026

Scott was hysterical,...

Scott was hysterical, thoughtful and very informative. We had a wonderful time on this tour and he played a large part. The stops are beautiful and the trip is well worth it! Pro tip - lots of winding roads so be prepared for some motion sickness (if you get it). Thank you Scott!

Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs

Stephanie_C, Sep 2026

Deborah was a great guide

My family and I had a great time on this tour with our guide, Deborah. I liked that it was a small group with the smaller bus. Deborah brought us to the Kelpies before all the crowds and big buses came. We also enjoyed the Sterling Castle. Great views and lots of history. She also had a great sense of humor and told great stories. The weather did turn when we got to Loch Lomand. But you can’t do anything about that. Despite the heavy rain we made the most of Loch Lomand. A cute village. We got to spend a good amount of time at each stop.

Loch Ness, Outlander & Urquhart Castle from Inverness

Mackenzie_B, Sep 2026

Loved it!

This tour was fantastic! Donnie was our guide and he was personable, knowledgeable, and funny. He was a safe driver, too! There are a few places not on the listing that I actually think should be included in the description; maybe there’s a reason they’re not. But I reeeeally wanted to see the coos while in the highlands and saw them in the review photos vs the listing itself. Took me a lot of research to find just the right tour. We took a gamble on that and the distillery portion being included as they weren’t guaranteed but were mentioned in some reviews - essential visits if you’re not from Scotland! We got to do both as well as see everything on the tour listing (with some extra time!) The bus departed at 8:15, got back at about 5. Didn’t feel exhausting at all though we walked 7 miles. Wonderful overall. Highly recommend. Only note is the bathrooms in Beauly for the lunch stop that are public all had no soap or toilet paper - not reliable so find an alternative ahead of time. Sunday also left some stores closed when we had a little bit of a break but it worked out still.

GREENOCK (GLASGOW) SHORE EXCURSION: Scotland Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

Jana_L, Aug 2026

Great tour - we loved every minute!

This was our favorite excursion of the entire trip. Sandra was a fabulous guide - she gave us lots of information and she was friendly and fun. We got to see a lot of things in one day and did not feel rushed. This tour made me fall in love with Scotland.

Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

Lee_R, Aug 2026

Fantastic Day Trip – Highly Recommended

We thoroughly enjoyed this tour.. It was a long day of approximately 13 hours, but it was well worth it. The tour covered an amazing amount of territory and gave us the opportunity to see so much of the spectacular Scottish Highlands in a relatively short time. Our tour guide, Stephen B, kept us entertained and informed throughout the day, combining fascinating history with great stories and delivering them in his own uniquely humorous style. His knowledge and personality really added to the experience. If you have limited time in Scotland but want to see as much of the Highlands as possible, I would highly recommend this tour. Not only do you get to experience some truly breathtaking scenery, but you also gain a wonderful insight into the history, culture and stories that make this such an amazing region.

Outlander Film Locations Day Trip from Edinburgh

Karen_Y, Jul 2026

Fantastic choice for Outlander fans as well as causal viewers

This trip was fantastic. It was a last-minute decision, and I'm so glad I did it. Even if you're not a huge Outlander fan, it's worth it because you get to see several castles and some beautiful parts of the countryside. If you are an Outlander fan (as I am) it was truly awesome. Our guide, Esme, was fantastic. She was funny, earthy (but still respectful of the fact that there were children onboard), had plenty of comfort breaks, gave suggestions on where to go, and even walked us into the towns. One of the best guides I've had- and I've taken lots of these types of trips!

Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

Nancy_A, May 2026

Fantastic trip to Isle of Skye

Sonia was a fantastic guide. She had the right mix of humor, storytelling and history. The beautiful scenery speaks for itself but she added her gift for storytelling which made the whole experience that much better. If I could change one thing it would be to have fewer stops but stay longer at a few like Portree and Eilean Donan Castle.