Northern Scotland Tours & Trips
What if the Isle of Skye led you through places like the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock while local guides wove fascinating stories about clan histories and folklore? The Highlands open up plenty of active possibilities, from climbing peaks around Glen Coe or exploring historic Eilean Donan castle. Push further to the Outer Hebrides for Luskentyre beach's pure white sand and extraordinary 5,000-year-old Callanish Standing Stones rising from moorland.
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This was a mother/daughter trip. We had the most amazing time. Our guides Craig and Lee were fantastic!! We would highly recommend the 3-day tour. We spent time in Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Culloden, Pitlochry, to name a few. We feel we did not miss out on anything. (except Kilt Rock - but this was not in the control of the tour, a movie was being filmed and no one had access). Thanks to Craig and Lee, we have memories to last a lifetime.
Skye & Inverness AdventureOur guide Stewart was excellent, so knowledgeable, excellent driver, professional, helpful, and fun.
4-day Isle of Skye and The Jacobite Steam TrainOur Highland experience tour of the isles Lewis/Harris and Sky was truly amazing. Our driver guide Cara expertly showed us hidden corners of these isles with informative commentary and anecdotes to boot.
6 Day Isle of Skye & The Outer Hebrides Tour
Traveler Photos & Videos from Northern Scotland tours
- From Inverness: 3 Day The North Coast 500
- From Edinburgh: 4 Day Isle of Skye & West Highlands
- Magical Isle of Skye & West Highlands Small-Group Tour - 4 Days
- 4 Day Mull & Oban Food & Drink Tour
- Best of Isle of Skye and the Highlands 5-Day Small Group Tour
- From Inverness: 3 Day Orkney Explorer
- Orkney, Skye, & The Far North
- NC500 Road Trip - Self Drive Tour
- Orkney Islands & The Northern Highlands
- 6 Day Isle of Skye & The Outer Hebrides Tour
- From Inverness: 3 Day Lewis, Harris & the Outer Hebrides
- From Edinburgh: 5 Day Highland Explorer: Skye & Far North
- From Edinburgh: 4 Day Islay & the Whisky Coast
- From Edinburgh: 6 Day Outer Hebrides & Skye Adventure
Table of contents
- The best Northern Scotland tour packages
- Travel Northern Scotland your way
- Best tour companies for Northern Scotland tours
- Popular Northern Scotland Cruise Ships
- Discover Northern Scotland tours for every budget
- Northern Scotland tours for every type of group
- Top Northern Scotland travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Northern Scotland
- Contact our Northern Scotland travel experts
The best Northern Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Scotland travel expert at TourRadar
Skye & Inverness Adventure
“The 3 day Skye tour was fantastic. The B&B in Inverness was excellent with helpful and welcoming staff.”
Cristelle, traveled in August
Inverness B&Bs provide comfort while visiting iconic Highland landmarks. The 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness cruises past Urquhart Castle ruins, and Culloden Battlefield tell their tales. Dramatic landscapes at Kilt Rock and Old Man of Storr complete the experience.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Glencoe, Fort William, Inverness, Eilean Donan, Portree, Kilt Rock, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, CullodenSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours From
- US$530
6 Day Isle of Skye & The Outer Hebrides Tour
“The scenery was amazing, but what really made our tour so memorable, was our driver.”
Lorna, traveled in August
Northern Scotland's hidden gems await from Inverness to the remote Outer Hebrides. The historic Corrieshalloch Gorge, Harris Distillery tours, and ancient Dun Carloway Broch captivate visitors. Local life flourishes in Stornoway B&Bs while dolphins play near scenic ferry crossings.
Duration 6 days Destinations Ullapool, Isle of Harris, Stornoway, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Isle of Lewis, CarlowaySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Explorer Tours From
- US$1,735
4-day Isle of Skye and The Jacobite Steam Train
“Was a wonderful and pleasant trip. Have already recommended this tour to other people.”
Jaime, traveled in July
Head north through Scotland's Highlands and hop aboard the famous Jacobite Steam Train from Mallaig to Fort William, crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous by Harry Potter films. You'll spend three nights in cozy B&Bs, including two on the Isle of Skye where Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr await exploration along the Trotternish Peninsula's walking paths.
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan, Pitlochry, Armadale, Mallaig Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours From
- US$1,046
From Edinburgh: 5 Day Highland Explorer: Skye & Far North
“The itinerary of this tour was very close to what we would have done if we had planned it ourselves.”
John, traveled in September
The Scottish Highlands unfold from Cairngorms National Park to Isle of Skye's dramatic landscapes. Ancient Eilean Donan Castle stands guard, while Glencoe's historic valley beckons. Loch Ness awaits Nessie-spotters. Comfortable B&B stays and travel in 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach included.
Duration 5 days Destinations Dunkeld, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, Dores, Ullapool, Achmelvich, Lochinver, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, Torridon, ApplecrossSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie's Tours From
- US$1,104
From Inverness: 3 Day Orkney Explorer
“We thoroughly enjoyed our weekend in stunningly beautiful Orkney. Also, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the excellent quality of our B&B accommodations.”
J, traveled in June
The Orkney Islands reveal their treasures, from the prehistoric village of Skara Brae to Kirkwall's magnificent Viking Cathedral. Cozy B&Bs host guests for 2 nights while they visit Dunrobin Castle, the Italian Chapel, and ancient standing stones of Stenness. Comfortable 16-seat Mercedes mini-coaches transport visitors, with consistently high 4.9/5 guest ratings.
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Dunrobin, John O'Groats, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Stenness Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie's Tours From
- US$627
Adventure of Outer Hebrides & Skye Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh - 6 Days
“we were never bored! Best places, best commentary”
Sharon, traveled in May
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Aviemore, Ullapool, Stornoway, Callanish, Isle of Harris, Luskentyre, Portree, Isle of Skye, Kilt RockSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Click Tours From $3,000
39% off- US$1,830
North Coast & Islands
“Loaded with historical information, funny stories, and witty antidotes, the tour was terrific.”
Nina, traveled in May
The legendary NC500 route winds from Inverness to Stornoway, featuring Royal Dornoch Cathedral and UNESCO-listed Skara Brae in Orkney. This approx. $390 per day adventure includes stays at the Caladh Hotel, Harris Distillery tasting, and crystal-clear waters of Hargabost Beach. Perfect for ages 13+, featuring small-group touring in luxury mini-coaches with 5-star rated guides.
Duration 12 days Destinations Glasgow, Inverness, Dornoch, Scrabster, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands, Skara Brae, Durness, Ullapool, StornowaySee all destinations Age Range Ages 13+ Operator Royal Irish Tours From $6,098
10% off- US$5,489
Explore our featured Northern Scotland tours
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Travel Northern Scotland your way
Best tour companies for Northern Scotland tours
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Discover Northern Scotland tours for every budget
Northern Scotland tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Northern Scotland travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers50 tours- Couples47 tours
- Seniors (50+)37 tours
Best time to visit Northern Scotland
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn brings rich colors to the Highlands, and our 6-day Outer Hebrides and Skye tours take full advantage. With fewer visitors around, the islands feel peaceful and authentic. You'll have space to explore the Callanish stones properly and catch local Harris Tweed weavers working in their homes. The 3-day Orkney Explorer works well in fall too - our guide Helen gets great feedback for making island history come alive while handling the autumn conditions. Our travelers love mixing cozy nights in Kirkwall's pubs with days out at places like Skara Brae. The North Coast route fits perfectly in fall, with visits to Dunrobin Castle and cultural evenings in Stornoway, where traditional Gaelic music feels right at home in the season.
- popular 23 tours
- Winter 2026 / 2027
The winter Highland tours really hit their stride from November through March, with many travelers choosing our 3-day Isle of Skye winter route. The snow creates perfect photo spots along the Cuillin Mountains, and you'll see the Old Man of Storr looking powerful against those moody winter skies. After exploring in the cold, you'll appreciate warming up at the Skye Inn, where our guides adjust daily routes to match the conditions. We also run a popular northern route past the Kelpies and through Glen Coe - the winter weather really shows off Scotland's wild side. Our customers often tell us how much they value having guides who know these winter roads well and share local history and folklore as they drive.
- Spring 2027
Highland tours shine in spring with three excellent options that our regular travelers keep coming back to. The Isle of Skye experience combines photo stops at the Trotternish Peninsula, active walks in the Cuillin Hills, and the classic Jacobite Steam Train adds a dash of nostalgia to the experience. Guides adapt the routes to spring conditions, sharing local tales at places like Eilean Donan Castle. Shetland Island tours peak during springtime, where you'll walk coastal paths to spot puffins returning to Hermaness Nature Reserve, explore the ancient ruins of Jarlshof and also discover hidden prehistoric gems. The Northwest Highland walks offer plenty of variety this time of year - from challenging climbs up Cul Mor's sandstone peaks, to laid-back coastal strolls near Gairloch, where seals and dolphins often play in the waters. The intimate group sizes help visitors forge genuine connections with both the wild landscapes and local Highland communities they meet during their journey.
- 42 tours
- popular 48 tours
- Summer 2027
Summer brings out the best of our Northern Scotland tours, with the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides drawing steady praise from our guests. The 4-day Skye experience combines scenic walks through the Cuillin Hills, explorations of the Trotternish Peninsula and immersive cultural encounters, while the Jacobite Steam Train adds a nostalgic touch as it crosses the renowned viaduct. Travelers tell us they value how we balance guided discoveries with free time around spots like Portree Harbor. Our 6-day Outer Hebrides journey delves into authentic island life, putting you face-to-face with Harris Tweed weavers and giving you time to wander the ancient Callanish stones in the extended summer light. The guides earn particular praise for weaving together tales of clan history, geological insights and local folklore as they navigate the summer roads. Both destinations take full advantage of the long daylight hours, letting our groups fit in extra walks, photo stops and spontaneous wildlife watching - from clifftop seabird colonies to pods of coastal dolphins.
- popular 51 tours
- 48 tours
- 48 tours
Contact our Northern Scotland travel experts
Rufus
Expert in Northern Scotland at TourRadar
Rufus is one of our seasoned Northern Scotland Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Northern Scotland tours answered!
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