Budget Tours to Scotland
Imagine hunting for Nessie on Loch Ness, exploring Edinburgh's medieval Royal Mile, or crossing to mystical Orkney's old stones. Scotland brings Glasgow's vibrant culture to the Isle of Skye's dramatic landscapes, Glencoe's haunting beauty to Stirling Castle's royal history. The Highlands want you.
10 best Budget Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- Skye High
- 2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
- 5 Day Inverness including Loch Ness Experience and Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
- Orkney and Scotland's Northern Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 5 Days
- Iona, Mull, Loch Lomond & the Isle of Skye 5-Day Small Group Tour
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
- Edinburgh for Hogmanay (NYE) (Start Edinburgh)
- Best of the North Coast 500 - 3 days
- 5 Day Glasgow And Inverness Including Loch Ness
- 9 Day Dublin, Edinburgh, and Inverness
Skye High
“The tour was really really good! The only thing was that because my tour started on a Saturday, it was Sunday when we spent lunchtime in Portree and therefore a lot of things were closed.”
Anna, traveled in February
Scottish magic unfolds at approx. $180 per day with hostel stays at Morag's Lodge, free walking tours in Portree, and highly-rated transport (4.8/5). Optional visits to Dunvegan Castle ($28) and local pub meals in Fort Augustus add flexibility.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Fort Augustus, Ben Nevis, Dunkeld, Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Portree, Isle of Skye, Loch NessSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $97 Operator Haggis Adventures From $389
25% off- US$292
2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
“We saw so much of Scotland in two days!! The company was excellent in responding to any questions I had.”
Sandra, traveled in April
The Scottish countryside beckons at approx. $160 per day with B&B stays in Inverness including breakfast. Midhope Castle entry included, other castle visits optional. Travel in air-conditioned mini-coaches with expert guides.
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Doune, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden, Falkland, Culross Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $152 Operator Highland Experience Tours From
25% off- US$304
Highland majesty unfolds at approx. $240 per day with 4-star Columba Hotel Inverness stays including breakfast. Take in 7-hour Loch Ness tours, 12-hour Skye expeditions in Mercedes mini-coaches, and private airport transfers.
Duration 5 days Destinations Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $176 Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,259
30% off- US$881
At around $130 per day, you'll see Scotland's landscapes from Edinburgh to the Orkney Islands. Cozy en-suite B&Bs across Inverness, Kirkwall, and Ullapool include breakfast each morning. The tour covers UNESCO-listed Skara Brae and the Heart of Neolithic Orkney with admission fees included, plus free access to Culloden Battlefield Museum and Maeshowe chambered tomb.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Glencoe, Fort William, Foyers, Dores, Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, St Margaret's HopeSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $307 Operator Click Tours From $2,520
39% off- US$1,537
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Inveraray, Oban, Isle of Mull, Staffa, Isle of Iona, Glencoe, Fort WilliamSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $300 Operator Click Tours From $2,345
36% off- US$1,501
Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
“Excellent day out. Highly recommended this tour.”
John, traveled in October
The Scottish Highlands beckon at £88 per day with luxury Mercedes coach transport and expert guidance. Rest at accommodations ranging from £25 hostels to £75+ hotels in Portree. Stretch your legs at Lealt Falls and Old Man of Storr.
Duration 3 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort William, Portree, Isle of Skye, Dunvegan, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, LagganSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $104 Operator Timberbush Tours From
36% off- US$313
Hogmanay festivities shine at approx. $200 per day, including 4 nights' hostel stays, daily breakfasts, and festival tickets. Join Edinburgh Castle tours, Winter Wonderland activities, and torch processions with expert guidance.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh Age Range Ages 18-35 Price Per Day $144 Operator Contiki From $803
10% off- US$723
The North Coast 500 awaits at approx. $290 per day, with breakfast and comfortable stays at The Arch Inn and Pentland Lodge. Marvel at Smoo Cave, Ardvreck Castle ruins, and Dunrobin Castle while following Scotland's most spectacular road trip with expert guides.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Applecross, Ullapool, Durness, Thurso, John O'Groats, Wick Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $158 Operator On The Go Tours From $730
35% off- US$475
At $361 per day, including daily breakfast and comfortable stays at Radisson Blu Glasgow and Royal Highland Hotel Inverness. Price covers train travel between cities, private transfers, and a full-day Highlands expedition with monster-hunting at Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle visits.
Duration 5 days Destinations Glasgow, Inverness, Loch Ness Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $274 Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,959
30% off- US$1,371
Scotland beckons at approx. $280 per day with hotels in Edinburgh's historic heart and Inverness. Royal Mile walking opportunities, daily breakfast, and inter-city train travel included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Dublin, Edinburgh, Inverness Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $216 Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,784
30% off- US$1,949
What people love about Budget Tours in Scotland
- Skye High
I enjoyed the tour however a long time was spent sitting on a bus. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t great on the first day but no-one can predict that.The itinerary was very full .The tour guide Teigan was great fun and very knowledgeable. I did sometimes get a little confused whether the information she gave was legend or true. All in all a fun tour.
- 2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
we had a great tour guide with a great sence of humor.
- Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness - from Glasgow
We had amazing 3 days tour and enjoyed so much ! Only the weather was not on our side as it was raining and windy. Our guide Paul Santa was so friendly, fun and interactive!! We were all keen on seeing the Highland cows and really appreciate Paul for taking us to a farm so we could see them. Looking forward to more trips in the future!
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to Scotland
What's the average daily cost for a budget tour in Scotland?
Budget tours in Scotland cost between USD 88-242 per day with Isle of Skye tours at around USD 101 per day. MacBackpackers tours stand out for their value. A TourRadar traveler shared "This tour was incredible and such good value for money getting to experience all the stunning landscapes and history while staying at comfortable accommodations like Skye Backpackers in Kyleakin." The price covers basics like transport guide services and simple lodging that work well for travelers watching their spending.
When is the most affordable time to visit Scotland on a budget tour?
The lowest prices for Scotland tours run from November to March with the best deals in January and February. A TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in February and while the weather was chilly we got amazing deals on our tour and accommodation at Lochbuie Guesthouse." City tours in Edinburgh and Glasgow offer especially good value these months though some Highland sites may have restricted hours. For a balance of decent weather and prices look at March-April or October-November.
What are the best budget-friendly areas to explore in Scotland?
The Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye give travelers good value for their money. Budget travelers often base themselves in Fort Augustus Portree and Glencoe. One TourRadar traveler said: "Portree was perfect for budget travelers - plenty of affordable food options and the Skye Backpackers hostel nearby made it ideal as a base." Inverness also works well for saving money. From there you can visit Loch Ness and historical sites while staying at places like the Lochbuie Guesthouse.
How much should I budget for optional activities and entrance fees?
Set aside USD 15-30 for each activity on budget tours. Entry fees run USD 10-20 for popular spots like Eilean Donan Castle Dunrobin Castle and Highland Folk Museum. A helpful tip from a TourRadar traveler: "I spent around USD 100 total on attractions during my 3-day Isle of Skye tour including entry to Dunvegan Castle and some local museums." Many scenic stops like Glencoe and Loch Ness come at no extra cost.
How much spending money should I bring for a 3-day budget tour in Scotland?
Bring USD 200-300 extra for a 3-day tour. This covers about USD 30-40 daily for food USD 15-30 per activity plus some shopping money. A practical note from a TourRadar traveler: "I brought USD 250 for my 3-day Highland tour staying at Skye Backpackers which covered all my meals a few castle entries and some small souvenirs from Portree." Remember this doesn't include lodging if it's separate from your tour price.
What type of accommodation is typically provided on budget Scotland tours?
Budget tours use hostels B&Bs and guesthouses across Scotland. You might stay at Skye Backpackers hostel in Kyleakin or Oak Villa B&B in Inverness. A TourRadar traveler commented "The B&B accommodation in Inverness was fantastic - best hosts and the breakfast was amazing." Most places include breakfast and basic amenities. Nightly rates run USD 30-75 depending on location and time of year.