Top Scotland Culture in 2026

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.

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.

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.

Take a break from the city and head into the Scottish Highlands for a taste of Scotch whiskies often missed by visitors. In addition to navigating, your guide acts as designated driver so that you can fully enjoy the tastings. Between distillery visits, break up the day with a midday stop to explore Aberfeldy. Round-trip transport from Edinburgh is included for your convenience. Note that in January, Glenturret Distillery is replaced by Blair Athol Distillery. Admission fees for distillery tours are not included.

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.

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.

Explore Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands on an easy day trip from Glasgow. Travel into Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe—widely considered Scotland’s most beautiful glen. Pass beneath Ben Nevis en route to the Great Glen. Travel to Fort Augustus, on the shores of Loch Ness, and enjoy an optional cruise to try and spot the famous monster. Journey onward via the town of Pitlochry before returning to Glasgow.

Get out of town and into the scenic countryside—without the hassle of driving—on this guided tour from Inverness. Head for the famed Loch Ness and join a cruise to view the ruins of Urquhart Castle. The trip also includes a visit to Beauly, Outlander filming locations, a Highland whisky distillery, and visits to Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield.

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.

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.

"Outlander" fans are sure to want to book this full-day tour that combines the hit TV show's filming locations with Scottish history, without the worry of figuring out logistics. Join this small-group tour from Edinburgh that visits key sites, including Culross, Doune Castle, Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, and Linlithgow. Travel comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach while exploring the real settings behind the popular show.

*Outlander* locations are widely spread around Scotland but this guided tour allows you to visit many without the hassle of driving or puzzling over train and bus timetables. See castles and ancient villages made famous by the Outlander series and discover why the real locations are as exciting as the show itself. Note that some castles may be closed on certain dates and alternative attractions will be visited instead.

Take a break from the city on a full-day trip through the Isle of Skye with convenient round-trip transport from central Inverness. In addition to navigating, your guide offers commentary about the area’s top landmarks, including Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, and the Old Man of Storr. Bring your camera: This trip offers endless panoramic views of Scotland’s natural landscape. Note that from late December to early February, the castle is closed to visitors but accessible for photos.

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.

Venture beyond Edinburgh to see the best of Scotland in just one day on this comprehensive, small-group tour. Save hours trying to navigate public transport, and instead, relax as your driver whisks you from location to location. Visit castles, mountains, lochs, and more, as you gain local insight —including context you'd miss if exploring independently. Highlights include historic Blair Castle, the Highland viewpoint of Queen’s View, and a waterfall walk at The Hermitage.

Set off on a magical tour of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide, and see the places that inspired JK Rowling to create her wizarding universe. Then, enter the incredible Edinburgh Castle! Starting at Tron Kirk on The Royal Mile, we first head to historic Waverley Station. Then head to Edinburgh University Old College - a famous old campus which provided lots of inspiration for JK Rowling’s creations. We continue through the atmospheric Old Town, stopping at Greyfriars Kirkyard which inspired Tom Riddle's Grave and passing by the Elephant Café where JK Rowling sat for many hours dreaming up the world of Harry Potter! Get amazing views of Edinburgh Castle on our way to Victoria Street - said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley - and we finish near Edinburgh City Chambers where you’ll learn about JK Rowling’s impact on the city. After the tour, you'll be given your tickets to explore the beautiful Edinburgh Castle!

Experience the legend and mystery of Rosslyn Chapel and its links to the “Da Vinci Code” and the Holy Grail on this tour from Edinburgh. In a small group, travel to the charming town of Melrose and through the Scottish borderlands. Explore Melrose Abbey and Rosslyn Chapel, and hear intriguing tales of Cistercian monks, the Knights Templar, and Robert the Bruce.

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).

Venture beyond Edinburgh to wind your way through the Scottish Highlands—without tackling tricky rural roads yourself—and marvel at the majesty of Cairngorms National Park and the mysterious Loch Ness. Spot the famous Urquhart Castle en route and hear about legendary warfare like the battles of William Wallace and the massacre of Glen Coe in the 17th century.

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 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.

Scotland’s rugged landscapes and historic castles provide a spectacular backdrop to the hit TV series "Outlander," but you’ll need a guide if you want to follow in the footsteps of your favorite characters. This full-day, small-group tour from Edinburgh includes an air-conditioned vehicle and visits memorable filming locations such as Doune Castle, Culross, and Falkland. Make the most of your trip by upgrading to include admission to all of the historic attractions.

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. Enjoy a chance to escape the bustle of modern life as you 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,