Top Scotland Outdoor Activities - page 2

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.

Get out of the city and soak up the natural beauty of Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands on this day tour from Edinburgh. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe and Fort Augustus. Enjoy a boat tour in search of the Loch Ness Monster and traverse the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group.

Start or end your visit to Edinburgh in comfort. Rather than crowding onto a bus or waiting for a taxi, book this private door-to-door transfer service that takes you from your Edinburgh accommodations directly to Edinburgh Airport, or vice-versa. Your driver will assist with your luggage to ensure a smooth experience.

Skip the typical tourist trail and take a Scottish adventure off the beaten path. This small-group tour (maximum eight guests) from Glasgow takes you away from the crowds and deep into the forest where you'll explore Finnich Glen, carved from red sandstone and home to such atmospheric sites as the Devil's Pulpit and a steep staircase known as the Devil's Steps.

Limited time in port makes planning a day inland challenging, but this full-day shore excursion from Greenock Cruise Port is designed to help you see Scotland’s highlights without the hassle. Travel by comfortable, air-conditioned coach through scenic countryside, stopping at Stirling Castle to learn about its role in Scotland’s history before continuing to the traditional village of Aberfoyle in Trossachs National Park. Then, head to the shores of Loch Lomond to take in the views before returning to port.

See the best of medieval Edinburgh—without the hassle of putting together your own sightseeing itinerary—on this walking tour, which includes skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle. As you walk, listen as your guide shares the history of this formidable city with ancient Roman roots and UNESCO-listed historical attractions. Explore atmospheric cobbled walkways along the Royal Mile, then breeze into Edinburgh Castle to witness royal opulence.

Discover the village Glencoe, Loch Ness, and more of Scotland’s Highlands with a guide to take you on a day of sightseeing. See Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, Fort Augustus, and more, with your eventful itinerary already sorted thanks to your local guide. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and soak up the Scottish scenery.

This Edinburgh city sightseeing tour offers a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus experience with an open-top double-decker bus and audio commentary in multiple languages. Hop on and off at key stops including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile. Buses run every 20 minutes with tickets valid for 24 hours from first use, providing flexible sightseeing at your own pace.

Pedal around Glasgow’s cobbled streets and hidden closes on a traditional, fully refurbished Royal Mail bicycle or electric bike. Follow your guide through some of Glasgow’s most scenic neighborhoods, and learn about the history of the area and the people who lived—and still live—here. Hear stories about the industries that built Glasgow and the rich culture of the city and see a different side to the city.

Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands on a full-day excursion that includes Glencoe and Loch Ness. Set out from Edinburgh aboard a comfortable coach to experience some of the area's top sights and attractions. Visit Callander, the "Gateway to the Highlands," learn the fascinating history of Glencoe—a village made famous as a setting for movies in the “James Bond” and “Harry Potter” series—and see the world-renowned Loch Ness too.

Venture beyond Glasgow city limits—and explore some of the Highlands’ wildest and most beautiful scenery—on this full-day excursion. In the morning, set off from central Glasgow in a comfortable mini-coach. Spy Loch Lomond before stopping at the village of Glencoe, ringed by dramatic, mountainous scenery. Next, see the Silver Sands of Morar, explore the town of Mallaig, visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct (made famous by the Harry Potter movies), and more.

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.

A West Highlands tour offers a captivating journey through Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes and historic towns. Highlights include the breath-taking Rest and Be Thankful mountain pass, the picturesque loch side town of Inveraray, and the lively harbour town of Oban, perfect for lunch and coastal views. The route continues through the awe-inspiring scenery of Glencoe, renowned for its towering peaks and powerful history, before returning via the charming town of Callander. Blending rugged natural beauty with rich heritage, this tour provides an unforgettable insight into the heart and soul of the Scottish Highlands.

See the best of Scotland in one action-packed day on this tour from Edinburgh. Rather than focusing on the road and missing out on the scenery the Highlands' is so famous for, you can admire Stirling Castle, Rannoch Moor, and the soaring peaks of Glen Coe while someone else drives. Head along the banks of Loch Linnhe to Fort William and enjoy free time to explore Loch Ness.

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).

Scotland's most-famous natural attractions are often crowded with tourists, but this small-group tour lets you avoid the crowds and discover a place that is well off the beaten track. From central Glasgow, you'll embark on a journey through the countryside and several quaint villages to a hidden gem of a waterfall. You'll then go on a short hike and explore the waterfall from every angle.

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.

Enjoy heart-pumping thrills in the Perthshire wilderness on this Killiecrankie Valley bungee jump experience. Soak up the views and gather your nerves from the purpose-built platform 131 feet (40 meters) above the beautiful River Garry. When you’re good and ready, leap into the wide, blue yonder for an adrenaline rush to remember!

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.

Set sail on Loch Linnhe and see the seals of the aptly named 'Seal Island." This cruise, departing from Fort William, is the perfect family-friendly activity for wildlife lovers, photographers, and more. As you cruise, your skipper and crew will keep you entertained and provide lots of fascinating information about local wildlife and history.

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.

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.

This 'Harry Potter' walking tour gets fans closer to spots in Edinburgh that inspired J.K Rowling’s famous books. Walk past key sites that inspired places such as Diagon Alley, and even see the cafes and hotels where the writer wrote her book series. Your guide knows the quickest ways to get around the city on foot to fit more into your time, as well as fun facts about Harry Potter.

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.