Top Scotland Day Trips

Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles

10 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Take a private tour to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond and learn more about this wild landscape than you ever could alone. Set off from your hotel in a luxury minivan, and listen as your guide points out many points of interest along your journey. See Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle, learn about Scotland's historic royal families, then travel on to Loch Lomond and embrace the drama of the Trossachs National Park.

Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond Full-Day Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

Price varies by group size

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.

Edinburgh: The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Tour

Edinburgh: The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Tour

Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle Small Group Tour from Glasgow

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Planning a multi-day journey through the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye can be challenging, especially when it involves long drives and accommodation logistics. However, this 3-day tour from Edinburgh takes care of everything for you—so you can focus on making the most of the sweeping Highland scenery. Along the way, gain insight into Scotland’s past at locations such as Culloden Battlefield, and choose to enhance your experience with an optional cruise on Loch Ness and entry to Urquhart Castle.

3-Day Guided Isle of Skye and Highlands with Stay from Edinburgh

3 daysFree Cancellation

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.

Inverness: The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

Loch Ness, Outlander & Urquhart Castle from Inverness

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and Cruise Day Tour from Glasgow

Even if your time in Scotland is limited, you can still get out of the capital and into some of the country's best landscapes by booking this guided tour from Edinburgh. Visit historic sites such as Stirling Castle, modern wonders including the Kelpies, and one of Scotland's most beautiful places: Loch Lomond National Park. You also get a taste of Scotland's national drink at a whisky distillery.

Stirling Castle, Whisky & Kelpies Tour starting Edinburgh

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

10 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness

Standing Stones, Inveraray and Kilchurn Castles & Highland Tour starting Glasgow

Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Small-Group Tour

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.

Edinburgh: The Ultimate Whisky Experience Tour

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Save hours of research time with this comprehensive day tour of the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, and Loch Ness. A full itinerary is planned out for you, and someone else takes care of the driving, so you can focus on the incredible views. During the tour, hear about the legend of Loch Ness, hike to see beautiful waterfalls in Tay Forest Park, and stop to admire views of the Glencoe mountains.

Loch Ness Cruise, Walk, Whisky, and Glencoe Tour - Edinburgh

Highland Lochs, Glens & Whisky Day Tour Including Admission

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour

5 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

Edinburgh Royal Mile and Old Town Small Group Walking Tour

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Witness dramatic landscapes and majestic castles on a full-day trip through Scotland’s West Highlands from Edinburgh. With a knowledgeable guide, soak up stunning scenery from the rugged Breadalbane Mountains to The Trossachs National Park. Visit the villages of Luss and Inveraray, and hear tales of famous Scottish heroes and rebels. Movie buffs will love the visit to Doune Castle, film site of Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Follow the trail of the Romans through ancient Scotland on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. With an expert guide, visit millennia-old Roman ruins such as Hadrian’s Wall, Steel Rigg, and soak up the beauty of Northumberland National Park, the Irthing Valley, and the Southern Uplands. Travel with a small group to historic villages and hear the about Anglo-Scottish wars that once rattled the region. Entrance is included to Vindolanda and Roman Army Museum (Housesteads Roman Fort when Vindolanda is closed).

Hadrian's Wall and The Borders Tour from Edinburgh with Admission

10 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Highlands and Hairy Coos

11 hoursFree Cancellation

Explore Trossachs National Park on this Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle tour from Glasgow, which allows you to focus on the scenery rather than the road. Head into the Scottish Highlands and enjoy an optional cruise on peaceful Loch Lomond. Go beyond the guidebook and listen to insights from your guide as you travel through the Trossachs National Park to Aberfoyle and Stirling Castle (admission own expense), widely considered among Scotland’s most important fortresses.

Glasgow: Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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.

Inverness Castle, Clava, Culloden Battlefield and Loch Ness

5 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

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.

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

Inverness: Glenfinnan, Mallaig, and Loch Ness Adventure

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Must-Dos in Scotland

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What are people saying about Scotland

Rajkumar_M, Oct 2026

We had a wonderful...

We had a wonderful experience on our tour to Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Loch Ness with Brendon from Timberbush Tours! He was an excellent guide, very friendly, knowledgeable and professional throughout the journey. He shared lots of interesting stories and information about Scotland’s history, culture and beautiful landscapes. The stops were fantastic, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and take memorable pictures. Brendon’s friendly attitude and engaging way of explaining things made the entire trip even more enjoyable. Highly recommend Brendon and Timberbush Tours to anyone exploring the Scottish Highlands!

Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

Emily_L, Oct 2026

Grownup day trip

The trip was very comfortable and our driver/tour guide did wonderful at telling us stories of Scotland and the places we were headed. Bus was comfortable. Small stops along the way made timing reasonable. Wish we would have bought Stirling Castle tickets ahead of time. Spent time to see Old Town Jail instead, which was interesting.

Outlander Locations Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh

Cynthia_L, Oct 2026

Outlandishly fun!

Rico (Richard) was not only a great story teller but a hoot. He was prepared with photos from the show, stories about kilts and kelpies and historical facts. The castles and towns were wonderful with a little Monty Python to boot! I highly recommend this for fans as well as castles lovers. What a great and memorable day. Thanks Rico!

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

Sherry_K, Oct 2026

Jamie made our Loch Ness trip exceptional!!

Our tour guide, Jamie, was exceptional! He was knowledgeable, funny, entertaining, and made our trip more than enjoyable!! The stories he told made Scottish history come alive and the music he played was not only lovely but purposeful as we learned more about Scottish heritage and life. Well done!!!

Inverness: The Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle

Annabelle_D, Oct 2026

Alex is awesome - best tour ever

Alex was an awesome tour guide. He had plenty of stories and was, by far, the most informative tour guide I’ve ever had. This tour was amazing, my partner and I had such an amazing day. Every second of the drive had an amazing view and the stops Alex made made us feel extra special. Incredible tour - definitely book!

Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Tour from Inverness

Michael_S, Oct 2026

Great Fun, Great Driver/Tour Guide

It is very comprehensive. The driver was great, funny and very informative about everything we were doing. He was happy we were enjoying ourselves. Very friendly and accommodating. The tour took us to the castle (interesting) and then to Skye, where the scenery is breathtaking. He made sure we were all taken care of and given ample time to do things. One of the best tours I have ever been on!

Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

Angela_J, Oct 2026

Highlights of Scotland in one day.

The trip was fantastic from beginning to end. The transport was immaculate and very comfortable, far better than a large coach. ‘Glasgow John’ was an absolutely fabulous driver/tour guide who clearly cared about giving his passengers the best experience possible. His knowledge of the history and Geography of Scotland was impressive and really enhanced the trip. The soundtrack of Scottish music that he had put together for the tour was brilliant, again really enhancing the whole experience. We would thoroughly recommend this trip with Rabbies and look forward to booking a future trip with them. Great value for money too.

Edinburgh: The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Tour

Aimee_E, Oct 2026

Castles galore

Great day trip with John as our guide. It was fun to wander around CulRoss and Doune Castle was great. Decided not to pay to see Midhope up close, but we could still take a photo of the exterior. My favorite part of the tour was just chatting with John in the van while the others toured Midhope. It was a great chance to talk about Scotland culture one on one.

Loch Ness, Outlander & Urquhart Castle from Inverness

Kerri_R, Oct 2026

Worth Every Penny!

This was an amazing tour! We got to really spend time at the places we stopped! Our guide, Sonia, was absolutely brilliant! She was so knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the places we visited. So very personable and kind and loved the music she played in between her sharing info about Bonnie Scotland and the places we were headed to!

Edinburgh: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Trossachs

Jayesh_P, Sep 2026

Great tour!

Wonderful tour - and guide, Ross! There were some technical difficulties with the microphone on our bus, but Ross gave an enthusiastic, humorous and very informative tour through the beautiful Scottish countryside. Please double his salary! Stirling Castle was the highlight of the tour for me personally (which had its own wonderful guides). I’d highly recommend for anyone with limited time to explore Scotland.

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William Guided Tour

Allison_W, Jul 2026

Great sense of the highlands and guide (Nick)

Great tour of the highlands to get a sense of the area. Nick was a fantastic driver and guide. He navigated some tricky driving situations well and entertained us with helpful historical context and stories about the areas that brought them more to life. There’s a lot of time on the bus, but the day flies by, particularly with a good guide like Nick. There is a lunch stop with a McDonalds, grocery store, and a few cafes.