Design custom trip
TrendingMachu PicchuAngkor WatDanube RiverMt. KilimanjaroRivers & SeasGalapagosMediterranean SeaCiudad Perdida (The Lost City)Mideast & N. AfricaMekong River
EuropeFranceItalyCroatiaIrelandGreeceSwitzerlandSpainPortugalScandinaviaSee all >
South AmericaPeruEcuadorBrazilArgentinaChileColombiaPatagoniaAmazon RainforestBoliviaSee all >
AsiaChinaIndiaCambodiaTurkeyThailandJapanIndonesiaNepalJordanSee all >
AfricaTanzaniaSouth AfricaKenyaMoroccoEgyptBotswanaRwandaMadagascarEthiopiaSee all >
North AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoSee all >
Australia & PacificAustraliaNew ZealandPacific IslandSee all >
Antarctica & ArcticAntarcticaArcticNorwaySee all >
Caribbean & C. AmericaCosta RicaBelizeBahamasSee all >
See all destinations >
Top TripsTop 10 ListsEditor PicksMost Popular TripsAward WinnersCollectionsTop TrendingSee all activities, themes, and interests >
ActivitiesCycling & BikingSmall Ship CruisesSafariRiver CruisesClimbing and MountaineeringTrekking & CampingHiking & WalkingTrain & RailRiver RaftingYoga, Meditation & Wellness
Styles50+Family Friendly18-30LuxuryBudgetAdventure TravelSolo and Single TripsGroup Guided ToursCustom Tour PackagesIndependent Vacation PackagesPrivate Guided
InterestsCulturalWildlifeHistoryNatureBirding toursFestivals and Special EventsEco/Sustainable TravelVolunteeringLearning & EducationalRuins & ArchaeologyCulinary & Wine Tasting
See all activities, themes, and interests >
Member Savings ProgramTour operatorsRover TripFinder AIAffiliate PartnersTravel Trivia GameAbout UsTravel ArticlesContact Us
Gift Cards
Tour CompaniesEurope Tour CompaniesScotland Tour Companies

Best Scotland Tour Companies

Search 111 Scotland tour operators and travel companies, with 1,341 reviews.

# 21
of 111 matches
preferred

Rick Steves

4.2
23 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Regional Expert
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours
Age Range: 35-55, 55+
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

4.2 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|23 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Rick Steves company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 22
of 111 matches
premier

ROW Sea Kayak Adventures

5
31 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Regional Expert
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours, Private Guided Trips, Custom Itineraries
Age Range: 18-35

Health Safety

View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

5 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|31 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All ROW Sea Kayak Adventures company reviews
Connect with an Expert

All Scotland Tour Companies

Discover the magic of Scotland with our chosen trips from reliable and top-rated Scotland tour companies. Explore expert-crafted itineraries that cover rich Scottish culture, history, and natural beauty, from the historic castles of Edinburgh to the rugged landscapes of the Highlands.
View all trip
# 23
of 111 matches
preferred

UTracks

4.8
62 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Regional Expert
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours, Private Guided Trips, Small Ship & Expedition Cruises, River Cruises, Custom Itineraries, Independent / Self-Guided Packages
Age Range: families, 35-55, 55+
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

4.8 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|62 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All UTracks company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 24
of 111 matches
none

EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break)

3.9
223 reviews
2 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours
Age Range: students, 18-35
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

3.9 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|223 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All EF College Break (EF Ultimate Break) company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 25
of 111 matches
none

Avalon Waterways

4.7
1,815 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : luxury
Trip Style: Small Ship & Expedition Cruises, River Cruises
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

4.7 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|1,815 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Avalon Waterways company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 26
of 111 matches
preferred

SmarTours

4.9
1,116 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : budget
Trip Style: Group Tours, River Cruises, Custom Itineraries
Age Range: families, 35-55, 55+
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

4.9 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|1,116 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All SmarTours company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 27
of 111 matches
preferred

National Geographic Expeditions

3.5
30 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours, Private Guided Trips, Small Ship & Expedition Cruises
Age Range: families, 18-35, 35-55, 55+
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

3.5 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|30 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All National Geographic Expeditions company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 28
of 111 matches
none

Wilderness Travel

5
11 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : luxury
Trip Style: Group Tours, Private Guided Trips, Small Ship & Expedition Cruises, River Cruises
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

5 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|11 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Wilderness Travel company reviews
Connect with an Expert
Member Savings. Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings
# 29
of 111 matches
none

Cunard

4.2
10 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : luxury
Trip Style: Small Ship & Expedition Cruises, River Cruises
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

4.2 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|10 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Cunard company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 30
of 111 matches
none

Grand Circle Travel

5
35 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : luxury
Trip Style: Group Tours, Small Ship & Expedition Cruises, River Cruises
Age Range: 55+
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

5 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|35 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Grand Circle Travel company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 31
of 111 matches
none

Adventures by Disney

5
1 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : luxury
Trip Style: Group Tours, Small Ship & Expedition Cruises, River Cruises
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

5 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|1 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Adventures by Disney company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 32
of 111 matches
none

Walking Connection

5
4 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours, Private Guided Trips, Small Ship & Expedition Cruises, Custom Itineraries, Independent / Self-Guided Packages
Age Range: families, 18-35
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

5 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|4 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Walking Connection company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 33
of 111 matches
none

Photo Workshop Adventures

5
46 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours
Age Range: 18-35, 35-55, 55+
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

5 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|46 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Photo Workshop Adventures company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 34
of 111 matches
none

Back-Roads Touring

4.8
25 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours, Private Guided Trips, Custom Itineraries
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

4.8 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|25 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Back-Roads Touring company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 35
of 111 matches
preferred

Tours of Distinction

4.8
53 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours, Private Guided Trips, River Cruises, Custom Itineraries
Age Range: 55+
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

4.8 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|53 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Tours of Distinction company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 36
of 111 matches
none

Culture Trip

5
12 reviews
1 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours
Age Range: 35-55, 55+

Health Safety

View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

5 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|12 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Culture Trip company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 37
of 111 matches
none

Odysseys Unlimited

5
51 reviews
2 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : luxury
Trip Style: Group Tours
Age Range: 55+
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

5 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|51 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Odysseys Unlimited company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 38
of 111 matches
none

Best Single Travel

4.3
7 reviews
2 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours, Small Ship & Expedition Cruises, Independent / Self-Guided Packages
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

4.3 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|7 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Best Single Travel company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 39
of 111 matches
none

TripMasters

3.3
11 reviews
2 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours, Small Ship & Expedition Cruises, River Cruises
Age Range: families, 18-35, 35-55
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

3.3 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|11 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All TripMasters company reviews
Connect with an Expert
# 40
of 111 matches
preferred

Indus Travels

4.6
339 reviews
2 trips to Scotland
Type : Global Operator
Service level : standard
Trip Style: Group Tours, River Cruises, Independent / Self-Guided Packages
Age Range: families, students, 18-35, 35-55, 55+
View Trips
Connect with an Expert

Reviews

4.6 Avg. Rating for Scotland Trips|339 Reviews for Scotland Trips
All Indus Travels company reviews
Connect with an Expert

First

...
...

Last

111 undefined match your criteria (21 - 40 shown)

View all tour company comparisons

Best Scotland Tour Companies

Search 111 Scotland tour operators and travel companies, with 1,341 reviews.
Design custom trip

View Scotland trips

Scotland Tour Companies

Plan your Scotland trip

Tour companies
Trips, tours and cruises
Attractions & Things to do
Suggested Itineraries
Iconic landmarks
Reviews
Design custom trip

View Scotland trips

Scotland Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
1,341  Reviews
Write a review
See all Scotland tour reviews
Excellent
371
Great
199
Average
43
Disappointing
13
Terrible
6
T

Trusted Customer

Sep 2024

Written on
Walk the North West Highlands and Skyeby Explore!

Walk the North West Highlands and Skye

Overall, the trip met my expectations. Our Guide was awesome. The l...

T

Trusted Customer

Sep 2024

Written on
Walk the North West Highlands and Skyeby Explore!

Walk the North West Highlands and Skye

Highlands and Skye hiking was great! The weather was “bumpy”, as guide called it. But Angela was very good at tweaking the hiking days to get the max best conditions...

M

Mike M

Sep 2024

Written on
Walk the North West Highlands and Skyeby Explore!

Walk the North West Highlands and Skye

Beautiful, amazing, and sometimes challenging mountain hikes led by a local guide, Angela. Weather on the mountains can change in a heartbeat, so be sure to bring wa...

A

Andrew

Aug 2024

Written on
Walk the North West Highlands and Skyeby Explore!

Walk the North West Highlands and Skye

The walks were tougher than expected, with lots of steep, rocky and muddy parts every day. Although the itinerary is close to the sea, this is essentially a mountain...

See all Scotland reviews

Write a Review

What to Look for In a Scotland Tour Company

Selecting a Scotland tour company known for its successful service is vital for a fulfilling Scottish vacation. With numerous choices available, finding the perfect fit for your travel preferences can be challenging. Travelstride assists you in selecting a reliable Scotland tour operator, ensuring a seamless, enriching, and customized experience tailored to your needs.

How to Plan a Scotland Trip

Selecting the right Scotland travel agency and itinerary can significantly enhance your travel experience. Travelstride's tools and resources assist in creating a memorable Scotland tour, ensuring every aspect of your trip aligns with your expectations. Here’s how to plan your Scotland adventure with attention to every detail tailored to your preferences and needs.

Choosing the Best Scotland Tour Companies

Selecting a Scotland tour company known for its successful service is vital for a fulfilling Scottish vacation. With numerous choices available, finding the perfect fit for your travel preferences can be challenging. Travelstride assists you in selecting a reliable Scotland tour operator, ensuring a seamless, enriching, and customized experience tailored to your needs.

Expertise and Local Knowledge
A tour company with extensive experience in Scotland ensures your journey is enriched with local insights and cultural depth. 

Companies with expert local guides can breathe life into Scotland’s rich heritage, sharing in-depth knowledge about iconic landmarks like the ancient ruins of Urquhart Castle, the rugged beauty of Glencoe, or the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh. 

Travelstride’s in-depth reviews and detailed company profiles help you identify tour operators who can provide a genuine and immersive experience in Scotland.

Reputation and Reviews
When choosing a tour operator, it’s crucial to consider reviews to learn about past travelers' experiences. High ratings and glowing testimonials often indicate excellent service, knowledgeable guides, and well-structured itineraries. 

On Travelstride, you can easily filter companies based on ratings and reviews to ensure you select a provider renowned for delivering outstanding experiences, whether you’re touring the storied castles of the Scottish Highlands, walking along the shores of Loch Lomond, or exploring the vibrant arts scene in Glasgow.

Expert Itineraries and Flexibility
Seek out companies that offer thoughtfully curated itineraries covering Scotland’s diverse attractions, such as the enchanting Isle of Skye, the historic battlegrounds of Culloden, or the literary treasures of Edinburgh. 

Reputable travel agencies often offer flexible schedules, allowing you to tailor your journey to suit your specific interests and pace. 

Whether you want to spend more time savoring whisky on the Speyside trail or prefer a leisurely drive through the scenic North Coast 500, a customizable itinerary can significantly enhance your Scottish adventure.

Quality of Accommodations and Transportation
Look for Scotland travel agencies that provide unique lodging options, such as a stay in a traditional stone cottage on the Isle of Mull, a luxurious hotel in St Andrews, or a quaint bed and breakfast in Pitlochry. 

Reliable transportation is just as important—whether it’s a scenic train ride on the Jacobite Steam Train, a ferry crossing to the Hebrides, or a private car journey through the rolling hills of Perthshire. Travelstride’s detailed descriptions and ratings guide you in selecting tours with the best accommodations and transportation options.

Health and Safety Protocols
Select providers with robust safety measures, including well-thought-out emergency plans and secure transportation. This is particularly vital if your itinerary includes adventurous activities like hiking the rugged trails of Ben Nevis, exploring the remote Orkney Islands, or taking part in water sports on Loch Ness. 

Ensure the tour company prioritizes safety during busy periods in tourist hotspots like Edinburgh during the Fringe Festival or when navigating crowded places like the Old Town’s Royal Mile to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience throughout your journey.

Value for Money
Choose tour companies that offer clear, transparent pricing and excellent value for the services they provide. Tour packages should specify what’s included—accommodations, meals, entry fees, and transportation—allowing you to compare options effectively. 

Some companies may offer special experiences, such as a guided tour of Stirling Castle, a boat trip to see the puffins on the Isle of Staffa or a visit to the historic distilleries of Islay. Travelstride’s filters help you find tours that match your budget while providing enriching and unforgettable experiences.

Personalized Services
Check if the Scotland tour company you select can accommodate special requests like dietary needs, customized lodging options, or mobility assistance. 

For example, travelers with mobility challenges may prefer private car transfers for exploring the historic sites of Edinburgh, while culinary enthusiasts might enjoy tours featuring local delicacies in the heart of the Highlands or a cooking workshop in a traditional Scottish kitchen. 

Tailored services can greatly enhance your travel experience, ensuring it perfectly suits your preferences and requirements.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Choose tour companies that emphasize sustainable and ethical tourism practices, such as reducing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and promoting responsible travel. 

This could include staying in eco-friendly accommodations in the Cairngorms, participating in conservation projects in the Scottish Highlands, or engaging with local artisans in the Outer Hebrides. Opting for such tours enriches your travel experience and contributes to preserving Scotland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Planning Your Scotland Tour With Travelstride

Selecting the right Scotland travel agency and itinerary can significantly enhance your travel experience. Travelstride's tools and resources assist in creating a memorable Scotland tour, ensuring every aspect of your trip aligns with your expectations. Here’s how to plan your Scotland adventure with attention to every detail tailored to your preferences and needs.

Assess Your Interests and Preferences
Begin by identifying what matters most to you—exploring the historic streets of Edinburgh, hiking the rugged Highlands, or discovering ancient castles and lochs. Understanding your interests will help you choose the right destinations and plan trips that include relevant activities. 

For instance, if you’re drawn to natural beauty and history, you might choose tours that explore the landscapes of Glencoe or the historic sites of Stirling. Using Travelstride filters, you can find tours that cater to your specific interests, whether in cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, or historical discovery.

Choose the Right Itinerary
After narrowing down your options, review the itineraries to ensure they match your travel style and schedule. Travelstride provides detailed itineraries that cover Scotland’s major attractions and unique experiences. 

Look for tours that include visits to iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle, the Isle of Skye, and Loch Ness. An ideal itinerary might also feature stays in charming hotels or lodges, offering a blend of relaxation and cultural immersion.

Budget and Value for Money
Travelstride categorizes tours according to their price range, allowing you to explore Scotland vacation packages that suit your budget. Pricing is transparent, with precise details on what’s included in each tour package. 

Compare these inclusions—such as guided excursions, meals, and accommodations—to ensure you get the best value. Some tours might offer additional perks, like a whisky tasting in Speyside or a guided hike through the Cairngorms.

Consider the Group Size and Tour Type
The size and type of your tour group can significantly impact your experience. Travelstride allows you to filter tours based on group size—smaller groups often provide a more personalized experience, while larger groups can be more budget-friendly and social. 

Additionally, decide whether you prefer a guided group tour, a private tour, or a self-guided adventure. For example, a guided group tour might explore the Highlands and Islands, while a private tour could offer exclusive access to historical sites like Eilean Donan Castle. A self-guided adventure allows you to explore Edinburgh and its surroundings at your own pace.

Choose Service Level
You can filter tour companies by service level—luxury, standard, or budget—to choose tours that match your desired comfort level. While all tours provide comfortable accommodations and transportation, the specifics can vary. 

Each tour on Travelstride is rated with a lodging scale, helping you decide whether you’ll stay in quaint bed and breakfasts, boutique hotels, or upscale lodges. Transportation options may include private transfers, scenic train rides, or guided coach tours. 

For instance, a luxury Scotland tour might include stays in five-star hotels in Edinburgh and Inverness, with private transfers and scenic drives through the Highlands.

Check Reviews and Ratings
Use the filter for most-reviewed tours to select trips frequently rated by fellow travelers. Reading reviews can offer valuable insights into what you can expect from a tour. 

For example, a review might highlight an exceptional guide who led a walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town or praise the comfortable accommodations in a Highland lodge. Additionally, you might read about unforgettable experiences, such as a private tour of the Royal Mile or a boat trip on Loch Lomond, helping you make an informed decision.

Assess Your Fitness Level
Physically demanding activities, such as hiking in the Highlands or exploring the rugged coastlines of the Outer Hebrides, can be challenging. It’s essential to check the Physical Level scale of the tours or use appropriate filters to find options that match your fitness level. 

Understanding the physical demands of the tour will help you prepare and manage expectations, especially for travelers with health considerations or limited mobility.

On Travelstride, tours are categorized into five primary physical levels:

  • Very Easy: These tours involve minimal physical activity, comfortable lodging, and a relaxed pace, such as leisurely city tours in Edinburgh or scenic drives around Loch Ness.
  • Easy: These tours may include light walking with ample time for rest, focusing on cultural experiences like visiting the castles of Aberdeenshire.
  • Moderate: These tours suit active travelers and involve walking, light hiking, and similar activities, such as exploring the national parks of the Highlands.
  • Strenuous: This level includes more demanding adventures with some rest between activities, such as longer hikes in the Trossachs National Park or cycling trips through the Outer Hebrides.
  • Extreme: These tours involve highly challenging activities, such as multi-day treks through the Cairngorms or advanced climbing in the Isle of Skye.
Get Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is crucial for covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. Travelstride can assist you in finding suitable insurance options to ensure peace of mind throughout your journey. 

Explore top travel insurance providers and understand what to consider before purchasing a plan, ensuring you’re covered for everything from medical emergencies in remote areas to unexpected travel disruptions.

Prepare Necessary Documents
Ensure your passport is current, and check if a visa is required for Scotland. Travelstride offers handy visa reference links to provide reliable information and streamline your preparation process. 

Make copies of important documents and keep digital backups for easy access. Additionally, include any vaccination records or medical certificates needed for travel. It’s also advisable to carry a list of medications, allergies, emergency contact information, and a letter from your doctor detailing any medical conditions, especially if your tour includes remote areas like the Highlands or the Outer Hebrides.

Custom Guided Tours
Travelstride lets you find and customize guided tours that meet your needs and preferences. Whether you require a private guide, special accommodations, or a tailor-made itinerary, custom-guided tours offer a more personalized travel experience.

  • Private Guides: Request a private guide who caters to your interests and pace, perhaps leading a detailed exploration of Scotland’s ancient castles or the historic streets of Edinburgh.
  • Tailor-Made Itineraries: Customize the itinerary to include your preferred activities and destinations, such as a visit to the distilleries of Islay or a hike through the Scottish Highlands.
Special Accommodations: Ensure all your specific needs, such as dietary restrictions or mobility aids, are met, whether arranging gluten-free meals during a tour of Glasgow or securing a room with accessibility features in a lodge on the Isle of Skye.

Trip planning

Top Scotland Tours
Scotland Attraction Guide
Suggested Scotland Itineraries
World’s best tour companies
COVID travel restrictions interactive map
Scotland trip reviews
Scotland Landmarks
All Scotland Trips
Countries open for tourism
Most popular tour company comparisons
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!