Top Scotland How to Get Around in 2026

Scotch whisky is one of Scotland’s most famous exports. Discover the secrets of Edinburgh’s favorite tipple on this small-group guided tour. Stroll through Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, then visit Megget’s Cellar for a candlelit tasting of multiple drams from Speyside, Highland, Islay, and Lowland distilleries with a whisky expert.

Enjoy a private introduction to Edinburgh and its top attractions on this flexible tour with a local host. Rather than following a rigid itinerary, pick between multiple daily departure times and then set off on foot. Visit numerous city highlights that you can tweak according to your interests, from St. Giles' Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle to the Greyfriars Kirkyard and National Museum of Scotland.

Check a visit to John O’Groats, the northernmost point on British mainland, off your bucket list on a full-day tour through the Northern Scottish Highlands with convenient round-trip transport from Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide provides live commentary and anecdotes about each stop on the itinerary, from Dunrobin Castle to lunch in the ancient Viking town of Wick (own expense).

Famed across the globe as the Home of Golf, St Andrews has more than just links to offer. Discover its history and lesser-known aspects of the beautiful game when you join these golf-oriented heritage tours. Visit the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, the last resting place of over 124 noted golfers, as well as the castle and Scotland’s oldest university. Learn about the evolution of golf at the Old Course and have your photo taken on the famous Swilkan Bridge.

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.

Sample traditional Scottish food and drink on this small-group food tour that covers some iconic Edinburgh restaurants and culinary venues. Skip the tourist traps and chain restaurants and taste both traditional and contemporary takes on Scottish dishes across the city.

Visit a bespoke whisky lounge right in the heart of Edinburgh for a journey through Scotland's past. Savor single malt whiskies from several esteemed distilleries to uncover the secrets of Scotch whisky-making, and experience the great Scottish tradition of storytelling on this tasting tour.

Whether you want the challenge of a mountain bike or the ease of an e-bike, choose your weapon and set off on an action-packed tour of Edinburgh and its surrounding areas. In just a few hours, see more of Edinburgh than you could alone with your guide, who takes you through Cramond village and along the Firth of Forth. Cycle over the Forth Road Bridge, and pass by a castle on your way back.

See Glasgow's New Town from a unique vantage point on a small-group walking tour complete with beer tastings. Hear fascinating stories of the people who gained and lost huge fortunes in this city that has experienced the ups and downs of immense wealth and poverty. Discover the history of Glasgow’s brewing scene, and taste beers from Scotland's award-winning breweries with stops at 2 local pubs.

Explore the Highlands as you travel from Inverness or Invergordon to the famous Loch Ness on a journey to discover the Loch Ness Monster. On the way, see the ancient Clava Cairns—just as fascinating as the legend of Nessie—and pass by Culloden, the battlefield where the last hand-to-hand war was fought. Spot castles and glens, see mountains and learn all about the culture and history of this special place from your guide and driver.

Travel northwest from Edinburgh on this small-group tour for an unforgettable day of stunning mountains, lochs, and ancient Scottish castles. We will take you through historic Stirlingshire, once home to the ancient capital of Scotland, through the vast Trossachs National Park and ultimately, the West Highlands. Discover the picturesque villages of Inveraray and Luss, visit Kilchurn Castle on the glassy shores of Loch Awe, and enjoy gorgeous views of the Scottish Highlands throughout. *Winter itinerary update: Doune Castle will be a photo stop only until 31 March 2027, with an extended visit to Kilchurn Castle and an additional stop at The Kelpies, the world's largest equine sculpture. Inveraray Castle is closed for the winter season from 27 October 2026 until late March 2027. Entry to Inveraray Castle is not available during this period.

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.

Discover the key attractions of Glencoe and the Scottish Highlands on a small-group tour from Glasgow, blending nature, history, and culture for an immersive Scottish experience. Benefit from all-inclusive swift transportation, optimizing your time at each location. Itinerary highlights include a brief hike on the West Highland Way, a stroll along Loch Lomond's banks, and a tour of one of Hollywood's favorite filming locations, Glencoe.

Make the most of your time in Edinburgh on a walking tour where your guide shows you all the highlights and some overlooked parts of the city. Wear comfy shoes, since you cover a lot of ground. Check out Edinburgh’s crown jewels, the Grassmarket, and much more.

Discover Glasgow from a local’s perspective and check off lots of top highlights in a short space of time with this private guided walking tour. As it’s just for your personal group, you can customize the itinerary—or leave it up to your guide to plan. Along the way, listen to stories about the city and get great local tips too.

Swap the tour bus for two wheels and get a closer look at Edinburgh. This small-group cycling tour takes you around the Scottish capital to places most tourists miss. Pedal your way from Craigmillar Castle to the charming Dean Village, the cosmopolitan Leith district, and seaside Portobello to experience Edinburgh off the tourist trail. E-bike rental is available for £25.

Feast your senses on the diverse cuisine of Edinburgh during a private food tour that allows you to tailor your itinerary according to personal tastes. As well as receiving undivided attention from a food-obsessed local host, you’ll discover eateries and restaurants that you may otherwise have missed, and collect food recommendations for the rest of your vacation.

Scotland is known as the setting for the popular "Outlander" series, but matching real landmarks to their fictional counterparts can be difficult on a self-led tour. Instead, check off sights associated with the series on a 2-day tour from Edinburgh, with overnight accommodation included in Inverness. Visit attractions including the Clava Cairns and Doune Castle, and gain behind-the-scenes insights from your guide.

Discover the main town and port of the Shetland Islands when you book this full-day sightseeing tour of Lerwick. With a private guide, visit Clickimin Broch and a small village. Pay a visit to the Shetland Museum and Archives to learn about the history of the area. Finally, take in the views over Victoria Pier and visit the fishing port of Scalloway, which was the capital of the island until 1708, stopping along the way to see the famous Shetland ponies.

Harry Potter fans—this one’s for you! Discover the places where author J. K. Rowling gained inspiration to write the world-renowned series of books with stops at the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s Old Town, and a very important café. Along the way, enjoy entertaining Harry Potter–related commentary, such as stories about the characters and J. K. Rowling’s life in Edinburgh.

See more of Edinburgh without navigating crowded public transportation or following a fixed group itinerary. This private half-day tour in a premium minivan offers a more flexible and personalized way to explore the city, with direct access to your guide throughout the experience. Customize the route around your interests and visit highlights such as the Royal Mile, Old Town, Grassmarket, and Edinburgh Castle.

Swap the rigid itineraries and crowds of group tours for the opportunity to explore Inverness your own way, at your own pace. This self-guided audio tour takes you on a journey around the Highlands' capital, from settlement by an ancient tribe through to the days of Celtic saints and today's modern residents. Hear some of the myths and legends of Inverness and see landmarks including Inverness Castle while immersing yourself in the city's story.

Visiting Bannockburn Battlefield is best in the company of a guide who can bring its history to life and share insights you'd miss on your own. Learn about some of Scotland’s greatest battles on this small-group tour with a guide with great knowledge of war history and battles including the Scottish Wars of Independence, and the Battle of Bannockburn in June 1314. Find out stories about the people who influenced and took part in the battles—information you likely wouldn’t discover alone.

Explore the historic port city of Aberdeen and discover its hidden gems among the towering granite buildings and neo-gothic architecture. Find modern street art around unassuming corners, and find the city’s tunnels that form a maze underneath the streets. Learn about the witch trials that went on here in the 1500s-1600s, and see the old town where the city began as a tiny fishing village.