Take a tour to Scotland for a wide range of activities and a plethora of historical sights to keep you enthralled.
Scotland boasts a distinct culture and unique traditions. Castles, cobbled streets, and ancient architecture dot the countryside. The capital, Edinburgh, is like a living museum and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
There’s the powerhouse city of Glasgow and the granite port city of Aberdeen. Inverness showcases the highland, while the incomparable Isle of Skye boasts dramatic landscapes and colorful villages.
Book a Scotland tour from the UK. Flights depart from London, Dublin, Belfast, and other main airports.
Top points of interest in Scotland
A comparatively small nation, Scotland punches well above its weight with a storied history and various significant landmarks. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best attractions.
Edinburgh
The compact Scottish capital rates among the most beautiful cities in Europe. It’s renowned for its eponymous castle, the stunning medieval center around the Royal Mile, ancient pubs, and the inspiring view from Arthur’s Seat.
Edinburgh Castle, at the top of the Royal Mile, is a must-see on tours of Scotland. View the oldest Crown Jewels in the UK and the Stone of Destiny. Visit the Great Hall and the Royal Palace in Crown Square, or witness the one ‘o clock gun.
The National Museum of Scotland is full of historical artifacts. Consider exploring the National Gallery of Modern Art. Stroll through Holyrood Park for stunning views from the Salisbury Crags.
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in the country, with 1.7 million inhabitants. A port city on the River Clyde, Glasgow is a creative hub and a UNESCO City of Music. It’s an integral part of many trips to Scotland.
The city’s street art is an attraction all on its own, but there are also several museums and art galleries with vast collections. The Hunterian is Scotland’s oldest museum, including various artifacts and iconic pieces like Rembrandt’s Entombment of Christ.
It’s home to the Scottish Opera and Ballet, the National Theatre, distilleries, and botanical gardens. Glasgow Cathedral, the Science Center, and pub and history tours offer diverse experiences on tours of Scotland.
St. Andrews
Less than an hour east of the capital, St. Andrews has a gorgeous coastline, particularly on West Sand Beach. It also offers the ruins of an extraordinary cathedral, St. Andrews Castle, ghost tours, and museums.
This seaside town on the east coast is famed for its golf courses. The Royal and Ancient Club was the birthplace of golf, and the Old Course has been the headquarters since 1754.
It’s also known for its historic university, founded in 1413. It’s the best in the country and attracts a diverse student body from around the globe. The best tours of Scotland often include a visit to the campus.
Scottish Highlands
The highlands change the pace of your trip to Scotland with panoramic scenery and echoing isolation.
Explore the stunning Glencoe near Loch Leven and Fort William, where hairy highland cows show off cool hairstyles. There are also red deer, waterfalls, and many hiking trails.
The Cairngorms National Park near Aviemore offers outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. You could even hike up Ben Nevis, the highest point in the UK. Dolphins swim in the Moray Firth, and the Dunrobin Castle and gardens are a delight on many trips to Scotland.
Inverness
The highland capital, Inverness, offers wonderful sightseeing opportunities, informative museums, art galleries, and shopping. Take a bus to Loch Ness and spot legendary Nessie. Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle and climb the Grant Tower for epic views over the loch.
Fort George is the most-significant military fortification in the UK and gives an intriguing insight into life in an 18th-century garrison. Check out the collection of cannons and weapons, like muskets with bayonets, ammunition pouches, swords, and long infantry spears called pikes.
Visit the Inverness Castle of Shakespeare’s Macbeth on a guided tour of Scotland. Delve into history, culture, and archeology at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Don’t miss the nearby Dalwhinnie whiskey distillery.
Scotland: Off the beaten path
Here are some off-the-beaten sights to include on your Scotland tour package:
- The Isle of Skye is a remote but popular destination, with the Highland Games starting in August. Don’t miss the Fairy Pools near Glenbrittle, with waterfalls and crystal-clear depths.
- Take a boat tour to the breathtaking Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Mull. You could see cute puffins inside the dramatic basalt grotto.