What's the best time of year to take a tour starting from Edinburgh?

The prime season spans June through September when Scotland enjoys extended daylight and moderate temperatures ideal for Highland tours. August brings the Edinburgh Military Tattoo drawing larger crowds. Those seeking quieter experiences might prefer April-May or October though weather can be unpredictable. A recent traveler noted: "We went in September and had perfect weather for exploring the Highlands."

What kind of accommodations can I expect on tours departing from Edinburgh?

Lodging options range from reliable 3-star hotels to local guesthouses and B&Bs. Travelers often stay at established properties like The Skye Inn in Portree Pentahotel in Inverness and Leonardo Hotel in Edinburgh. According to one guest: "The accommodations varied from charming B&Bs to comfortable hotels like the Caledonian in Portree and Kirkwall Hotel in Orkney all offering great Scottish hospitality."

What's the typical length of multi-day tours starting in Edinburgh?

Tours run between 2 and 13 days with most travelers choosing 5-6 day itineraries. Popular routes include the 5-day North Scotland & Orkney tour and the 6-day Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer both leaving from Edinburgh Bus Station. A recent review states: "The 5-day tour was well-organized with the perfect amount of time to explore each location."

What are the most visited destinations from Edinburgh on these tours?

Popular routes include stops at Loch Ness Isle of Skye Glencoe and Cairngorms National Park. Tours often include overnight stays at properties like Dalmore Guest House in Inverness or The Royal Hotel in Oban. One traveler noted: "The landscapes were breathtaking from the dramatic Glencoe valley to the pristine beaches of Harris - every day brought new spectacular views."

What's the typical daily travel time between destinations on tours from Edinburgh?

Daily journeys usually take 2-3 hours with regular breaks at scenic points and attractions. The Edinburgh to Inverness route takes roughly 3.5 hours including stops at locations like Pitlochry. A recent review mentioned: "The journey times were well planned with plenty of interesting stops along the way."

What's the average cost per day for tours departing Edinburgh?

Daily rates typically fall between USD 237 and USD 517 depending on accommodation level and included activities. Higher-end stays at properties like the Kirkwall Hotel or Royal Hotel in Stornoway command premium prices. A traveler noted: "The 5-day Highland tour was excellent value considering the quality of accommodations and included attractions."

Scotland Tours from Edinburgh

Are you ready to visit the Scottish capital? Edinburgh is Scotland's sophisticated heart, and it’s time to explore the castle and Royal Mile, visit Arthur's Seat for views, discover Holyrood Palace, and tour New Town's Georgian architecture. Don’t miss whisky tasting, hearing bagpipes, and seeing where Harry Potter was written. Edinburgh combines history and culture in ways few cities manage.

10 best Scotland tour packages from Edinburgh

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Explorer
6 Day Edinburgh and Inverness By Train
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"TourRadar took care of hotels, transfers, breakfast, and the castle tour. That left us to decide what we wanted to see which was great!"
Lisa, traveled in August
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Inverness
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Scottish Highlands
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
25% Off
From $1,633
US$1,225per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Best of Scottish Lochs, the Highlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow in 6Days (Partially-guided, Independent)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The planned activities were must-dos and we recommend doing everything extra that you can do!"
Jennifer, traveled in December
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Glasgow
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
20% Off
From $2,096
US$1,677per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Best of Scotland
4.9 (4 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Stirling, Glasgow,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Inveraray,Glencoe,Fort William,Aviemore,Loch Ness,Elgin,Aberdeen+8 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wingbuddy
20% Off
From
US$2,699per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Best of Scotland Small Group Tour
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"The drivers were punctual, friendly, and professional and very helpful. We would highly highly recommend them."
Hedwig, traveled in September
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Firebird Tours
20% Off
From
US$4,183per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days
5.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The accommodations were very clean and tidy with a good location to town."
Victoria, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Ullapool, Stornoway, Inverness, Loch Ness,Cairngorms National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Mountain
Scottish Highlands
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
30% Off
From $1,900
US$1,330per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days
4.7 (3 traveler reviews)
"The tour was a great experience, with beautiful scenery and comfortable accommodations."
Angela, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Callander, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness,John O'Groats,Kirkwall,Orkney Islands,Skara Brae,Stenness,Ullapool,Culloden+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
30% Off
From $1,835
US$1,285per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
4 Day Islay Whisky Tour
4.7 (11 traveler reviews)
"There was a great selection of distilleries with numerous tastings at each. Accommodations were wonderful."
David, traveled in August
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Inveraray, Islay Island, Glasgow
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Scottish Routes
20% Off
From $1,412
US$1,130per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Outlander TV Trail - 4 days
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The itinerary and overall organization was good. I felt we did a lot more Outlander heavy stuff on day 1 and day 4 which I loved."
Lisa, traveled in September
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Culross, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness,Fort William,Glencoe+2 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
30% Off
From $1,375
US$963per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
4-Day Scottish Castles Experience Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
4.8 (9 traveler reviews)
"An awesome trip and an awesome guide!"
Phil, traveled in August
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Falkland, St Andrews, Stonehaven, Aberdeen,Crathes,Elgin,Culloden,Forres,Aberlour,Pitlochry+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
CastleScotland Castle+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Rabbie's Tours
10% Off
From $993
US$893per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$Scotland\'s Highlands & Orkney Tour$
$Scotland\'s Highlands & Orkney - 14 destinations$
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In-depth Cultural
Scotland's Highlands & Orkney
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, St Andrews, Aberdeen, Orkney Islands, Thurso,Ullapool,Culloden,Inverness,Loch Ness,Isle of Skye,Fort William,Oban,Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Glasgow+9 more
Age Range
Ages 30+
Operated in
English
Operator
Bunnik Tours
10% Off
From
US$5,430per person
+$175 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
4.9 (1,013 traveler reviews) award winner
"The tour was amazing. I couldn't think of a better experience."
Anne, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Dunkeld, Loch Ness, Inverness,Torridon,Kyleakin,Isle of Skye,Portree,Armadale,Fort William,Glencoe,Oban,Callander,Stirling,Bannockburn+11 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
MacBackpackers
10% Off
From
US$508per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Explorer
3 Day Isle of Skye
4.8 (1,236 traveler reviews) award winner
"Days were PACKED, we did and saw so much, and our guide Bronka was hilarious and wildly entertaining."
Nicole, traveled in August
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Culloden, Loch Ness, Dornie,Kyleakin,Isle of Skye,Portree,Uig,Fort William,Glencoe,Stirling+7 more
Age Range
Ages 18-39
Operated in
English
Operator
MacBackpackers
10% Off
From
US$261per person
Price based on Shared Room
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$Orkney & Scotland\'s Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days Tour$
$Orkney & Scotland\'s Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days - 13 destinations$
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Explorer
Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"The days were long and jam-packed with sights. I definitely got full value for my money."
Patricia, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Dunrobin,John O'Groats,Orkney Islands,Kirkwall,Skara Brae,Stromness,Ullapool,Culloden+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Click Tours
36% Off
From $2,360
US$1,510per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Orkney & The Far North
5.0 (9 traveler reviews)
"Excellent driver. Saw all and more than brochure said."
Susan, traveled in September
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park,Glencoe,Fort William,Loch Ness,Inverness,Orkney Islands,Kirkwall,Stenness,Skara Brae,Dunrobin,Culloden,Cairngorms National Park,Pitlochry+12 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Scotland
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Experience Tours
36% Off
From
US$1,296per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
4.4 (39 traveler reviews)
"We saw so much of Scotland in two days!! The company was excellent in responding to any questions I had."
Sandra, traveled in April
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Edinburgh, Doune, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden,Falkland,Culross+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Highland Experience Tours
36% Off
From
US$307per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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