Top Scotland Historical Tours

Framed by old stone buildings, local small businesses, and cobblestone roads, Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile is one of the city's most atmospheric spots. Rather than wandering around alone, walk the storied street up to Edinburgh Castle while learning about Edinburgh rich history on a walking tour before heading inside the castle with your included ticket.

See Scottish history come to life in a guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle. Hear gripping tales of battles won and lost and learn about the people who have called the castle home over the centuries. Enjoy sprawling views of Edinburgh and the countryside. Whether you’re a casual observer or a history buff, this experience will immerse you in the city’s cultural heritage.

Discover Scotland's majestic Highlands on a day trip from Edinburgh without the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transit. History buffs can see the sites of historic events such as the Jacobite Uprisings, while pop culture fans can check off Harry Potter filming locations, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glencoe. Along the way, soak up views of mountains and lochs and round out your day by meeting Scotland's native Highland cows.

As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh packs in plenty of historical monuments and cultural destinations—and this hop-on hop-off bus tour provides a thorough introduction to the city’s top sights. Choose a 24- or 48-hour ticket and explore Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks at your own pace, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and more. With panoramic open-top views, convenient stops across the city, and the freedom to create your own itinerary, it's an easy way to experience Scotland's capital.

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.

Ticking off attractions in mountainous Scotland can be difficult on a self-led tour. Discover Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and the Scottish Highlands on a 3-day tour from Glasgow, with convenient round-trip transfer by air-conditioned coach. Customize your journey to suit you with the option to book with or without accommodation, and gain insight into the historic region from your guide’s commentary.

A trip to the capital of Scotland isn't complete without a tour of Edinburgh Castle. Follow your guide through the grounds and hear tales of the castle's royal residents—including Mary Queen of Scots—and learn more about the rich history of the building. After your tour ends, there's plenty of free time explore the castle's interior and the rest of the grounds, which includes three museums, two prisons, a canine cemetery, the Chapel of Saint Margaret, the National Monument to the fallen of Scotland, the Great Hall, and a Royal Palace.

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.

Travel from Edinburgh to St. Andrews and Fife on this day trip from Edinburgh. Cross the Forth Road Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife and pass by the coastal villages of East Neuk. Then pay homage to the town of St. Andrews, home to Scotland's oldest university and the Old Course, where golf is routinely played. Driving in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, see Falkland and the Lomond Hills. Enjoy a small-group tour for a memorable and personalized experience.

Discover more about Scottish history on this guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle. Walk up the Royal Mile with your guide while learning about the castle's 3,000-year history and its role in Scottish heritage. Explore the castle grounds with detailed insights into key features like the one o'clock gun and Argyle Battery, gaining a deeper understanding than a casual visitor.

Traveling over the Forth Bridge is always an enjoyable experience but cruising underneath the mighty structure is even more memorable. This sightseeing cruise takes you out onto the Forth of Firth for excellent views of Edinburgh and Fife from the boat's top deck. As you cruise, you'll learn all about local history and perhaps spot wildlife including seals and puffins.

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.

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.

Experience the best of the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most scenic spots, on an easy day trip from Portree. Avoid self-driving around this distractingly beautiful island by going with a small group in a minibus. Admire the coastal and mountain views, listen to your guide’s narration about Skye’s history, culture, and folklore, and visit both popular highlights and lesser-known spots that only the locals know.

Make the most of your time on Scottish land by booking this Scottish shore excursion. Departing from the cruise terminal, your tour takes you to see two castles, the famed "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, the village of Luss, Inveraray, and more, all while learning about Scotland's dramatic history and rich culture.

Check out standing stones that are believed to be over 5000 years old, plus have more adventures in the Scottish Highlands on this small, intimate-group tour. Your guide has the gift of gab and can tell stories the entire tour. You also visit Inveraray, Kilchurn Castles, and more. Make several stops for photos and to stretch your legs, too.

Glimpse into the lifestyle of the Royals with an audio tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia – the floating palace of Her Majesty the Queen for more than 40 years. Independently explore the stately ship’s five decks, peeking into elaborately decorated rooms like the State Apartments, the State Drawing Room, the Queen’s Bedroom and more. Add to the unique experience with some refreshment in the Royal Deck Tea Room (additional expense).

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.

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.

Edinburgh boasts a unique brewing heritage that’s often overshadowed by Scotland’s whiskies. This small-group tour throws the spotlight on the capital’s now-resurgent beer scene, with visits to several top pubs and beer bars. Stroll the Royal Mile and discover Old Town highlights as you learn how Edinburgh was once the world’s leading bottled beer exporter. As you go, stop for a range of tastings, and learn the stories behind each brew.

Explore the rugged beauty of the Scottish countryside with a guide who speaks English and Spanish, showing you local landmarks and some of the most scenic spots on this tour from Edinburgh. Sit back, relax, and let your guide plan the itinerary and handle all the driving while you watch the lush landscape roll by your car window. See Luss, the Kelpies, the Glen Ogle Viaduct, and lots more.

Uncover a different side of Edinburgh and learn about its dark past with this guided walking ghost tour. Uncover the mysteries, legends, murders, and dark stories over the centuries, including stories about corpses, serial killers, witches, fairies, as you walk along the Royal Mile, with stops at the Old Calton Cemetery and Canongate Kirkyard.

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.