Top Scotland How to Get Around in 2026

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.

If you only have one day to journey into the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh, don't waste time or effort navigating public transport or renting a car. This guided tour takes you from the capital to the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, the village of Luss and some of the country's finest castles and glens.

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.

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.

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.

If you prefer some independence to being driven around on a tour bus, you can create your own itinerary and explore Edinburgh at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. You can board and disembark the bus anywhere you like along the route for the duration of your 48 hours ticket is valid. Your combined 2-tour ticket can be used on both routes: the Edinburgh City Tour and Edinburgh Britannia Tour.

Explore the rugged beauty of the Scottish countryside with an English-speaking guide, 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.

Experience supernatural chills on this adults-only terror walking tour in Edinburgh. Take a journey along the cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with a guide and delve deep into the city’s dark past. When darkness has descended on the city, explore hidden underground vaults, and hear stories you’d miss out on otherwise about paranormal experiences.

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.

Explore Edinburgh’s spookiest closes and strangest places and learn about the Old Town’s history while hearing tales of accused witches and warlocks. This walking tour takes you to some of Edinburgh's lesser-known haunted locations, letting you avoid crowds and discover a darker, mysterious side of the city.

Journey to the frontier of ancient Rome on this full-day tour of Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish borders from Edinburgh. First up is a tour of the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, famously featured in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and renowned for its mysterious stone carvings and unique architecture. After lunch (not included), stop at Melrose Abbey, the burial site of King Robert the Bruce’s heart, and look out over the English border from Cheviot Hills, before walking along the UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall.

Make sure you see all the spots you want in Edinburgh on this private, personalized tour led by a local guide. Your customized itinerary takes you to places you request, with commentary based on your interests. Visit famous locations like Edinburgh Castle or explore areas known only by locals for an authentic experience.

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.

With a centuries-long history, the Scottish capital of Edinburgh has lots of different historic, cultural, and architectural hotspots for tourists to discover. Meet your guide at a central location near the Royal Mile and set out on a walk of the city’s storied streets on this half-day small-group walking tour. Note that entrance fees to sites are not included.

Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant nightlife on a large-scale pub crawl through Old Town’s hidden pubs and lively bars. Visit seven bars with six shots and one bomb included, enjoy drink discounts, and skip cover charges with VIP entry. Led by local guides, this tour offers an authentic Scottish night out where you can meet new people and discover the city’s best-kept secrets.

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.

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.

Explore St. Andrews and the pretty fishing villages of Fife, without the hassle of navigating, on this multi-stop day trip from Edinburgh. All in one day, discover pretty coastal villages before exploring historic St. Andrews. Enjoy free time to explore its castle and cathedral ruins, stroll along the harbor, or soak up the sunshine at your leisure. Afterward, travel through the pretty Lomond Hills en route back to Edinburgh.

While there are lots of historic sights to explore in Edinburgh, there’s so much more to experience outside of the city. On this full-day tour, choose to explore a traditional whisky distillery to learn how one of Scotland’s most popular beverages gets made, or head to Blackness Castle to hear the role the stronghold played in local history.

Check off Stirling Castle, the Kelpies monument, and Loch Lomond on this day trip from Edinburgh. Have a photo stop at one of the largest equine sculptures in the world—The Kelpies, then travel through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Finally, visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most important landmarks (upgrade to include admission).

Delve into Scotland’s rich history and heritage on this tour from Edinburgh. Head from the Royal Mile over the UNESCO–listed Forth Bridge to Dunfermline with a guide, and explore the Abbey Kirk — burial place of Robert the Bruce. See where the Battle of Bannockburn raged and learn of Scotland’s struggle for independence. Take in top local attractions including Stirling Castle. Then, visit Rosslyn Chapel before returning to Edinburgh.

Not for the faint of heart, this ghost tour of Edinburgh promises to deliver plenty of paranormal frights. Edinburgh’s bloody past has resulted in a heavily haunted present, and this tour takes you to some of the city’s most haunted locations. Under the cloak of darkness, visit a graveyard and descend to underground vaults that snake beneath the city. As you explore, your guide shares vivid tales of murder, body-snatching, and unexplained happenings.

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.

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.