Top Scotland Shore Excursions

Go Glasgow sightseeing by open-top double-decker bus on a City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off tour. Discover the lively, cosmopolitan city at your own pace; listen to recorded commentary and hop off at several strategically placed stops to explore Glasgow. Bus tickets are valid for one or two consecutive calendar days.

A small group tour of the Orkney Islands offers a uniquely intimate and personalized experience for cruise guests. Unlike larger tour groups, a smaller group size allows for greater flexibility in itinerary planning and more personalized attention from knowledgeable guides. Here are a few reasons why a small group tour of the Orkney Islands is particularly special for cruise guests.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Shetland your way with a private, tailor-made tour designed around your interests. Whether you want to visit Shetland’s best-known sights, explore hidden gems off the beaten track, or enjoy a mix of both, your tour can be shaped to suit you. From dramatic coastal scenery and outstanding wildlife to ancient prehistoric sites, local history, culture and island life, you will see more of Shetland at your own pace. A bespoke private tour gives you greater flexibility, personal attention and more value, helping you make the most of your time in the islands. Perfect for visitors looking for an authentic, flexible and memorable Shetland experience.

Orkney is home to some of the oldest and best-preserved Neolithic sites in Europe, but they are spread around the island. This cruise excursion from Kirkwall lets you explore landmarks like the Stones of Stenness, Ring of Brodgar, Broch of Gurness, the Italian Chapel, and St. Magnus Cathedral with more time for sightseeing and less waiting.

Mainland Orkney is a small island, but its Neolithic sites are spread out. Skip the hassle of renting a car and navigating unfamiliar roads with a private tour from Kirkwall or Stromness that takes you to Skara Brae, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar, as well as such natural wonders as the dramatic Yesnaby Cliffs.

Make the most of your limited time and skip the hassle of driving or planning public transport routes on this guided tour from Inverness into the Highlands. Travel north to Inverness to explore its hidden corners and historic sites. Then enjoy a scenic drive along Loch Ness, followed by a boat ride, plus time to explore the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle and learn about the history of this strategic fortress.

Swap the crowded tour bus for a more intimate experience of the magnificent Isle of Skye. This private day tour from Portree takes you to the island's most magical landscapes and landmarks, including the Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, and Dunvegan Castle and Gardens. Bring your walking shoes as there are lots of opportunities to wander.

Experience the Scottish countryside with your own private guide to show you the top sights in the area, from Loch Ness to the Three Sisters to The Kelpies and much more. This tour takes you straight from your Edinburgh accommodation to all these sights in a comfortable car while your guide tells you all about the area’s rich history and folklore.

Why not tour the Isle of Skye with a local and take the stress out of driving. This private tour departs from Portree & any nearby locations or you can choose any of the main public transport links to Skye such as the Armadale - Mallaig Ferry or the Kyle of Lochalsh - Inverness train station • Door to door drop off with alternative drop off available. • 100% Private Tour 8 hours (0900-1700) • Tailor your experience to visit the must-see locations that you want to see such as the Fairy Pools, Neist Point Lighthouse, Quiraing & Old Man of Storr or let us show you some lesser-known gems. Please Note: not all above possible in one day. • Dedicated tour planer to ensure we make the most of the day. • Learn about Skye’s rich history culture and geography. We have the experience to understand that no two groups are the same and some may want to scale the Old Man of Storr, and some would rather view it from an iconic viewpoint so unlike larger group tours YOU decide where to visit.

Make the most of your time on land with this comprehensive shore tour of the Scottish Highlands. In a small group of no more than 14 guests, enjoy a more intimate experience than the big bus tours as you journey from Invergordon to Loch Ness, the Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Cawdor Castle.

With this private car tour, you can learn about the history and heritage of Orkney, without putting in the hours of research time. With hassle-free pickup from anywhere on Orkney mainland, you don’t have to worry about booking taxis. Along the way, visit key landmarks, such as the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar, and the Standing Stones of Stenness, with insightful commentary throughout.

Visiting Stirling Castle, the Falkirk Wheel, and the Kelpies in one day is difficult without renting a car. This private tour handles driving and logistics, letting you focus on the scenery. Walk along Stirling Castle's ancient ramparts, get close to the enormous Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel, and stop for photos with Highland cows along the way, guided in multiple languages.

View the stunning scenery on the east coast as we travel to Sumburgh Head at the southern tip of the islands. There are many species of birds to see, including guillemots and kittiwakes. Sumburgh Head is home to the oldest lighthouse in Shetland (built 1821). Take a look inside the engine room, interactive visitor centre and gift shop. Look out across ‘Da Roost’ where the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea meet, admire the spectacular panoramic views all around. The journey back north showcases the west coast with views over Spiggie and Rerwick, where seals often sunbathe, and to St Ninians Isle with its stunning sand tombolo and rich Viking history. We then continue through picturesque villages as we make our way back to Lerwick.

Explore further afield without having to worry about hiring a car or navigating unfamiliar roads on a tour that reveals attractions that lie outside of Edinburgh’s city center. This private tour comes with the flexibility to tweak your route and itinerary to include historic castles and chapel, scenic natural landscapes, or art galleries and antique stores.

Why Choose Outer Hebrides Tours? OHT "Personalised Tours. Timeless Landscapes. Unforgettable Memories." Outer Hebrides Tours pride ourselves in offering an authentic, personalised experience that goes beyond standard sightseeing. Led by passionate local guides with in-depth knowledge of Lewis’s rich history, culture, & stunning landscapes, our small-group tours ensure you receive individual attention & a truly immersive journey. Offering you places not shown by other tour guides with Gaelic spoken. We focus on creating meaningful connections with our guests, sharing captivating stories, hidden gems, & breath-taking scenery that you won’t find in generic tours. Emphasis on small group sizes ensures a more personalised experience, greater interaction & the ability to tailor the tour to the interests of your guests. OHT offers tailored tours or flexible itineraries. OHT stands out because of its deep local knowledge, personalised small-group experience & cultural authenticity.

Make the most of your time in port on this private luxury shore excursion from Invergordon. Enjoy a comfortable ride in a modern vehicle to scenic natural sites, castles, distilleries, and viewpoints. The itinerary includes optional stops such as a working croft with Highland cattle and Balblair Distillery, with flexibility to adjust the tour to your preferences. Admission to Dunrobin Castle is not included, and whisky tastings require separate booking.

When your cruise ship arrives in Edinburgh, get to know Scotland’s capital on this full-day shore excursion. Board a comfortable coach which takes you to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia (optional extra), the former royal yacht of the British monarchy. Then enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh before stopping to explore medieval Edinburgh Castle (optional extra), once residence to Scotland’s kings and queens. Use your free time for lunch and to explore the famous Royal Mile and see the Palace of Holyroodhouse the official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland.

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.

Walk in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire on this guided tour of "Outlander" filming locations around Scotland, departing from Glasgow. See where scenes from the TV show were shot as you visit the castles of Blackness, Midhope, and Doune (stand ins for Fort William, Lallybroch, and Castle Leoch, respectively) and the historic town of Falkland, setting for one of the show's most memorable moments.

A 7.5 hour private day tour from Greenock Ocean Terminal that highlights Castle and Landscape, with the bonus of medieval Glasgow. This tour visits iconic Scottish locations, Stirling Castle, Glasgow Cathedral and Loch Lomond. With the lovely Scottish countryside as a backdrop, this is a delightful tour that sees so much, yet is unhurried.