Scotland Small Group Tours
Visit Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, where bagpipes echo, mysterious Loch Ness, and the ruins of Urquhart Castle, with its spooky atmosphere. Explore the Isle of Skye's beautiful landscapes, where dramatic mountains meet the sea, and ride the famous Jacobite Steam Train through the Highlands. Tour Glasgow while drinking local whiskies that warm your heart. Scotland is calling.
10 best Scotland small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Best of Scotland Small Group Tour
- Scotland's Orkney Islands
- 4 Day Islay Whisky Tour
- Premium Scotland (from Edinburgh to Glasgow)
- Spirit of Outlander - 16 Day Tour
- 4 Day Speyside Malt Whisky Tour
- Taste of Scotland
- 4-Day Islay & the Whisky Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
- 3-Day Lewis, Harris and the Outer Hebrides Small-Group Tour from Inverness
- 3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
Best of Scotland Small Group Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The locations visited were very good. Both the city guides and guide in the highlands were very good.”
Ann, traveled in September
Small groups ensure personal attention at Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile tours. The intimate setting enhances Loch Ness cruise experiences and Isle of Skye excursions, while making navigation through Highland villages and distillery visits more comfortable.
Duration 8 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Firebird Tours From
- US$4,183
Scotland's Orkney Islands
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was excellent, providing loads of history. The accommodation was comfortable with a staff ready to meet traveller's needs.”
Patricia, traveled in September
Your group of 16 travelers delves into Orkney's Neolithic sites. A local leader guides you through Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar, while Orkney produce picnics create bonds between group members averaging 65 years.
Duration 5 days Destinations Inverness, Loch Ness, Thurso, Stromness, Kirkwall Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,650
20% Off- US$2,120You save $530
4 Day Islay Whisky Tour
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I love the additional historical sites we were able to see both on and off Islay. I think the tour was well paced.”
Gabrielle, traveled in September
With only 16 guests, close attention comes standard at distilleries like Laphroaig and Kilchoman. The select group size opens doors to Bruichladdich's behind-the-scenes areas and guarantees pleasant stays at boutique Bowmore House, where individual whisky preferences take center stage.
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inveraray, Islay Island, Glasgow Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Scottish Routes From
20% Off- US$1,428
Groups of 12 travelers get closer access to Scotland's cultural sites and activities. Join a private tartan weaving workshop at Radical Weavers in Stirling, learning traditional techniques hands-on. A champagne cruise on Loch Lomond comes with personalized commentary from your skipper about the landscape. Smaller numbers mean easier visits to Edinburgh's Writers Museum and St Giles' Cathedral without dealing with big crowds. Flexible stops at Isle of Skye's Fairy Glen and Neist Point Lighthouse let the group adjust timing based on what interests you most. Your local leader shares tailored restaurant recommendations in Glasgow and Portree, building a more personal connection to Scotland's food scene.
Duration 8 days Destinations Edinburgh, Isle of Skye, Glasgow Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From $6,960
15% Off- US$5,916You save $1,044
Spirit of Outlander - 16 Day Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour is geared for Outlander fans but you don't have to be a fan to enjoy all the locations visited.”
Sam, traveled in August
Duration 16 days Destinations Glasgow, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Mallaig, Isle of Skye, Isle of Harris, Isle of Lewis, Stornoway, Inverness, PitlochrySee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 24 Group Type Group Operator Spirit Journeys Worldwide From
15% Off- US$6,401
4 Day Speyside Malt Whisky Tour
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I can' Think of anything I'd add to this tour. I would recommend this Tour to anyone wishing to explore Highland/Speyside whiskeys.”
Bart, traveled in August
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Fife, Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Grantown-on-Spey, Craigellachie, Pitlochry Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Scottish Routes From
15% Off- US$1,381
The freedom of self-driving lets you set your own pace, ideal for solo travelers or small groups. Take in Speyside's 60+ distilleries and savor moments like traditional cream tea at Clansman Hotel overlooking Loch Ness. Average traveler age is 48.
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park, PitlochrySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type Private Operator BTOURS From $1,802
20% Off- US$1,442You save $360
4-Day Islay & the Whisky Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The amazing experience was thanks to Adam.”
Valery, traveled in August
A 16-passenger Mercedes mini-coach tour provides exclusive access to Rabbie's special distillery tours at Ardbeg and Laphroaig. The intimate setting allows your driver-guide to offer personal attention while visiting Islay's remote coastal villages and historic sites.
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Oban, Kilmartin, Bowmore, Islay Island, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Inveraray Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
20% Off- US$1,197
3-Day Lewis, Harris and the Outer Hebrides Small-Group Tour from Inverness
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An absolutely amazing tour, perfectly timed for all the things you get to see on the itinerary.”
Marlene, traveled in April
A luxury Mercedes mini-coach carries 15 travelers through narrow Highland roads, fostering friendship. Remote beaches in Harris become personal havens, while local myths come alive during storytelling sessions at the Butt of Lewis lighthouse.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Ullapool, Isle of Lewis, Stornoway, Isle of Harris, Luskentyre Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
20% Off- US$689
3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Good knowledge of Scottish history. Never heard of the word Jacobites before the tour.”
Karl, traveled in July
Mercedes mini-coaches accommodate 16 passengers for intimate tastings at Cardhu and Glen Moray distilleries. Small numbers allow personal attention at Speyside Cooperage demonstrations and special access to family-run whisky shops in Elgin and Braemar.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Braemar, Grantown-on-Spey, Aberlour, Craigellachie, Elgin, Dalwhinnie, Pitlochry, Dunkeld Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator Rabbie's Tours From
20% Off- US$716
Reviews of Small Group tours to Scotland
- 2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
My Mum and I thoroughly enjoyed out tour. Murray, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and funny - we particularly liked his stories about where certain sayings had come from - all Scottish, of course!. We felt we had long enough at all the stops because we had a lot to fit in and it would have been sad to have missed any of them. We saw some absolutely spectacular landscape and some fantatsic historical sites. The B and B provided in Inverness was good and the breakfast was plentiful and varied. Our only small criticicm would be that the lunch stop on the second day could have been more inspired. However, we understand that the whole tour had to be re-jigged due to a big accident on day 1. Overall, I would recommend this tour for Outlander fans or to those who just want to understand a little more about Scotland and its wonderful history.
- Scotland's Orkney Islands
Intrepid needs to tighten up this tour. Two free afternoons is too much when one has only three days on the island. Either make the tour two full days or two full days with one full day free to make plans to go to Hoy or Rousay. Give people guidance on what to do on the free day.
- 4 Day Islay Whisky Tour
Jamie was a wonderful guide! Very knowledgeable, fun and so considerate! We would definitely request him as our guide for another tour.
What our customers ask about Scotland Small Group Tours
What is the ideal small group size for exploring Scotland's Highlands and Islands?
Small group tours in Scotland typically operate with 8-16 travelers setting an optimal balance between intimacy and social dynamics. This size proves particularly effective when navigating the winding roads of Glencoe or exploring the rugged terrain of the Isle of Skye. Smaller vehicles can maneuver through narrow Highland passes and remote areas where large tour buses cannot venture. A recent TourRadar traveler noted: "Having just 15 people made it feel really personal and we could stop at amazing photo spots that bigger buses couldn't access."
What unique locations can I access with a small group tour in Scotland that larger buses can't reach?
The compact nature of small group vehicles opens up Scotland's hidden corners that remain off-limits to conventional tour buses. These tours regularly access the dramatic landscapes of the Quiraing on Skye the secluded beaches of Harris and traditional villages like Shieldaig. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The guide took us to many unique places some nearly off the grid. We saw some of the most beautiful places on earth that bigger buses simply couldn't access."
What is the price difference between small and large group tours in Scotland?
Small group tours command a premium ranging from USD 200-400 per day compared to large group tours at USD 150-250 daily. A typical 3-day Isle of Skye small group expedition costs approximately USD 631 (USD 210 per day). The price difference reflects enhanced access to remote locations specialized guide expertise and personalized attention. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The value was excellent considering the personalized attention and unique experiences we had."
How much interaction do you get with locals on small group Scotland tours?
Local encounters occur naturally throughout small group journeys in Scotland. Guests often stay at family-run B&Bs in places like Kyle of Lochalsh or Fort William where morning conversations flow easily over traditional breakfasts. The itineraries include stops at local pubs craft workshops like Harris Tweed weavers and small restaurants that encourage authentic connections. A TourRadar participant shared: "The local interactions especially at the small Highland villages were the highlight of our trip."
What's the best time of year for small group tours in Scotland?
The peak season runs from May through September offering extended daylight hours and more stable weather patterns. These conditions particularly benefit visits to exposed locations like the Isle of Skye and Highland regions. Local expertise from the Crown Hotel in Stornoway suggests that "shoulder season (April-May or September-October) offers fewer crowds while still maintaining decent weather."
What level of accommodation can I expect on a small group tour in Scotland?
Accommodations focus on locally-owned properties that reflect authentic Scottish hospitality. Tours often select historic properties like the Caledonian Hotel in Portree or family-run B&Bs in Fort William rather than international hotel chains. A TourRadar guest observed: "The intimate B&Bs we stayed at like Springfield B&B with its amazing Highland breakfast really enhanced the authentic Scottish experience."