Top Scotland Historical Tours - page 2

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.

Edinburgh's underground network of vaults, which dates from the 1700s, is one of the most fascinating parts of the city to explore. To truly understand these former slum dwellings, and their dark histories, you need to explore them in the company of a guide who can provide all of the necessary context, background information and spooky stories.

Swap the crowds of the Royal Mile for a more intimate view of Edinburgh. This small-group tour takes you to some of the city's most atmospheric (and less-visited) neighborhoods, including the picturesque Dean Village. You'll discover hidden alleyways, quirky cafes, and historic buildings and take a wander along the city's only river.

Explore the landscape and legends of Loch Ness and the Highlands on a sightseeing tour from Inverness. Take a cruise across the legendary loch to see Urquhart Castle and embark on an easy-going walk from Invermoriston to see lush forests and waterfalls. This Highlands tour includes pickup and drop-off at a central location in Inverness, and is limited to 16 people for personal service.

Combine the magic of Harry Potter with the history of the Scottish borders on this day trip from Edinburgh. Ideal for fans of the world’s favorite wizard, this tour takes care of transportation, leaving you free to admire Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle, a filming location featured in both Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. You'll venture beyond the capital's crowds and visit parts of the country that many first-time visitors often overlook.

See castle ruins, rugged landscapes, and tranquil lakes during this full-day coach tour of the Western Highlands. Set off in the morning from Glasgow, and spot the picturesque Loch Lomond as you go. You’ll head to Inveraray, where you can explore its castle (own expense); Oban, where you can opt to taste fresh seafood; Glencoe, where you can take in the wild scenery; plus traditional pubs, viewing points, and more.

Embark on a quick and fun ride through Edinburgh's rich literary history. This literature-themed pub crawl through Edinburgh's Old and New Towns is led by a couple of actors who will bring such figures as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson to vivid life as you journey in and out of Edinburgh's most atmospheric pubs, courtyards, and hidden alleyways.

Discover the beauty and royal heritage of the Royal Deeside on this small-group tour from Aberdeen. Head first for Balmoral Castle where you can walk in the footsteps of the royals who have called the castle home. Afterward, head through the east Cairngorms to Ballater, a charming Victorian village of Ballater with royal connections. On the way back to Aberdeen, you'll visit the Cambus O'May suspension bridge, the Tomnavarie Stone Circle, and the Queen's View, one of Queen Victoria's favorite Aberdeenshire views.

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.

Explore the life and work of Glasgow's most famous designer, architect, and artist on this small-group walking tour. Discover Glasgow through the eyes of the great Charles Rennie Mackintosh and visit some of his most famous works that still stand to this day. Finish up at the Mackintosh Tearooms, with tickets including entry into the incredible exhibition.

Visit Eilean Donan Castle and the spectacular Isle of Skye on a full-day trip from Inverness, and explore an iconic Scottish landscape of wind-swept valleys, rock formations, and coastal cliffs. Travel in a Mercedes mini-coach, following a route through the mountains of Wester Ross on your way to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye, then visit the island’s highlights with an experienced guide. This full-day tour departs from central Inverness, and it’s the perfect introduction for first-time visitors to the Isle of Skye.

Set off from Edinburgh and enjoy an unforgettable day touring the Scottish Highlands in a comfortable vehicle. See Linlithgow Palace, Stirling Castle, the historic town of Pitlochry, and more while your guide points out film locations for the James Bond and Harry Potter movies on this scenic route. Explore the Glenfinnan Viaduct with views over Loch Shiel; the Jacobite Steam Train may be seen crossing if running on the day.

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.

Save hours of research time with this comprehensive day tour of the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, and Loch Ness. A full itinerary is planned out for you, and someone else takes care of the driving, so you can focus on the incredible views. During the tour, hear about the legend of Loch Ness, hike to see beautiful waterfalls in Tay Forest Park, and stop to admire views of the Glencoe mountains.

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.

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.

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 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 St. Giles’ Cathedral, Grassmarket, and Greyfriars Kirkyard. Get the chance to ask questions in a small-group setting and find out what makes this ancient city tick.

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.

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.

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.

Edinburgh’s dark and desultory past means its streets are haunted by restless souls and wandering specters. This ghost tour—perfect for those fascinated by the supernatural—takes you to two of Edinburgh’s most haunted locations. Under the cloak of darkness, descend to the Blair Street vaults to explore a shadow-shrouded underground world. Visit Canongate Kirkyard, the final resting place of famous characters, and listen to gruesome tales of torture, cannibalism, and murder.

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.

Get a local's perspective on the welcoming, gritty, and fun-loving city of Glasgow on this small-group walking tour. Your guide will regale you with stories about the city's rich history, distinctive architecture, and many colorful characters as you walk to such landmarks as George Square, Trongate, and the Gothic-style Glasgow Cathedral.