10 Cultural Tours in Scotland That You Shouldn't Miss

February 23, 2022 Alice Mieles

– in Europe  (green & dark grey) – in the United Kingdom  (green)
Restaurants in Scotland

1. Private 4 Hour Tour of Edinburgh in a Spacious 6-seater Mercedes

Edinburgh Cab Tours
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5.0 based on 28 reviews

Soak up the amazing sights of both the Old and New Town of Edinburgh in the comfort of a Mercedes 6-seat vehicle during this 4 hour tour. This private tour is perfect for the visitor who has limited time and who wants to see all of the major attractions. You will have time to get out, walk around and take photos and to learn about this beautiful medieval city from your guide. Or perhaps, you are a visitor who simply wants a shorter tour to orientate yourself to the layout of the city with hints and tips from your guide on the best places to visit, eat and shop in your own time. Here are just some of the places that you will be able to stop at on your tour: Edinburgh Castle Grassmarket Greyfriars Bobby Royal Mile St Giles Cathedral Mercat Cross Palace of Holyrood House Arthur's Seat Calton Hill Walter Scott Monument New Town Dean Village

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, All activities

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Anna P

We had a complicated itinerary coming to Scotland when moving our oldest over from the US to attend university here and having to do a mandatory two week quarantine upon arrival. There were many logistics and details that had to work out just right from our arrival with many bags to collecting us after quarantine and then picking up a special order of essentials at the local department store. We simply could not have done it without Andy. Starting with the original email correspondence, he was extremely professional, friendly and helpful and through it all he offered excellent communication and handled our few curveballs with grace and a great attitude. He's very knowledgeable about this great country and it's history and landscape and is such a great guy that we've invited him and his wife to come stay with us sometime in California. That's how much we trust and appreciate Andy and Edinburgh Cab Tours. Highly recommend for an airport transfer or better yet, a tour of the the city and beyond.

2. Loch Ness, Whisky and Outlander Day Tour from Inverness

Bus Station, Farraline Park, Inverness, Inverness IV1 1NH, UK Highland Explorer Tours
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

Depart central Inverness and journey to the world-famous Loch Ness, where you will have the option to join a cruise to the ruins of the 13th century Urquhart Castle, or to explore the nearby village of Drumnadrochit. Free time to enjoy lunch in one of the charming local cafés in beautiful Beauly and walk it off exploring Beauly Priory; used in the filming of Outlander. Our next stop is a Highland whisky distillery, where you can join an optional tour to learn about whisky production and sample a wee dram. Listen to tales of the Jacobite rebellions and the brutal Battle of Culloden, on our visit to Culloden Battlefield. Outlander fans will love the mysterious burial chambers and standing stones at Clava Cairns. When you’ve heard the harrowing history behind the Outlander story, you might not want to travel back in time to meet Jamie Fraser after all! Return to Inverness in the early evening.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Local Scottish Guide

Exclusions: Food and Drink, Loch Ness Cruise & Urquhart Castle (buy on site), Distillery tour and tasting (buy on site), Culloden Battlefield Exhibition (buy on site), Gratuities

Reviewed By 180rebecar

Despite Covid-19 this tour company makes us feel very safe, they had sanitisers and a considerable social distancing inside the tour bus. Was the best way to see the highlands and their incredible landscape, our tour guide Caitlin was incredible, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, and happy, if you take this tour make sure you ask for her as she did this experience much more memorable. The visit to Loch Ness was fantastic we had the boat trip there also a must to do!

3. Walk Inverness City Centre With Cath An Experienced Local STGA Green Badge Guide

36 High St, Inverness IV1 1JQ, UK Walk Inverness
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Take a walk with Cath, a local to the area, and an experienced Scottish Tourist Guide Association Green Badge Guide around her beautiful City of Inverness. Each tour is bespoke and planned around the opening times of various venues of historical interest and importance. A Walk Inverness tour contains lots of local history, beautiful scenery, architecture, and romantic (yet sometimes bloody) tales which have over time, shaped Inverness into the thriving city that stands today. In the true spirit of Outlander, find out more about the short but final confrontation of the Jacobite Rising, The Battle of Culloden in 1746, in which the fate of between 1500 Jacobites was sealed by a poor decision and a hostile terrain. Cath will fascinate you with references to Outlander along with life in 18th century Inverness right up to the present day. Sharing stories of clan history, folklore and legends. Step even further back in time to 565 AD and learn about St Columba’s visit to the Highlands.

Inclusions: Experienced local guide

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Reviewed By Broomas11

We were guided by Cath and had a great experience. Cath explained all the history and was highly knowledgeable and good fun. She took photos for us and sent them on and really helped us understand the relevance of all the places of interest we visited. Well worth doing

4. Hogwarts Express and the Scenic Highlands Day Tour from Inverness

Inverness Bus Station, Margaret St, Inverness IV1 1LT, UK Highland Explorer Tours
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

Enjoy a full-day of stunning scenery and fresh Highland air, as we travel all the way around Loch Ness and along the idyllic West Coast. Our journey reveals ancient ruins, a poignant war memorial, beautiful beaches and a hidden waterfall – with untamed mountains never far from sight. Not only will you watch the Jacobite Steam Train as it crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you will later hop aboard and experience it for yourself. Made famous by the Harry Potter films, and voted one of the world’s most scenic railways, this is a trip you’ll never forget!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Jacobite Steam Train, Expert local guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Restroom on board, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By 180rebecar

Despite Covid-19 this tour company makes us feel very safe, they had sanitisers and a considerable social distancing inside the tour bus. Was the best way to see the highlands and their incredible landscape, our tour guide Caitlin was incredible, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, and happy, if you take this tour make sure you ask for her as she did this experience much more memorable. The visit to Loch Ness was fantastic we had the boat trip there also a must to do!

5. The Potter Trail Private Tour

Greyfriars Bobby Statue, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ, UK The Potter Trail
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5.0 based on 165 reviews

Founded in 2012, we are the original Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh. Our guides have the most experience of any tour company in Edinburgh and we are consistently rated most highly by visitors across all platforms. Booking a private tour with us will ensure the ultimate experience for Harry Potter fans as you'll be able to take the tour at your own pace and ask as many questions as you like! All of guides are trained comic performers so we can guarantee they will captivate and entertain you as well as impress with their extensive knowledge. We are also happy to customise this tour to suit you! We take on lots of bookings for hen parties and school groups and our guides are skilled at catering the tour content for any audience. Edinburgh is as magical to us as it is to JK Rowling and we hope this passion will inspire you too!

Inclusions: Guide

Exclusions: Please bring something that you can use as a wand. This can be anything roughly wand shaped - a pen or umbrella will work well!

Reviewed By rebeccajT8303LU

Our family did a virtual tour and just loved it! Our guide, Gemma, was so engaging and knowledgeable. We enjoyed our time so very much. It was like a little escape while still at home.

6. The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle from Inverness

Bus Station, Farraline Park, Inverness, Inverness IV1 1LT, UK Timberbush Tours
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4.9 based on 207 reviews

Leave the city for the day and explore the beautiful Isle of Skye. Visit Eilean Donan Castle; one of Scotland's most photographed castles and cross the bridge to the scenic Isle of Skye. Visit Portree, it's village-capital and marvel in the beautiful scenic nature all in one day.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By Beardless92

Truly a one of a lifetime experience! Marita is a very knowledgeable and entertaining guide! I should also add she is a great driver, cause those Highland roads can get a bit narrow ???? The experience is very immersive, and just listening to Conquest of Paradise while driving through the Highlands is EPIC! Hope you get lucky with the weather as we did, cause all the main photo stops, the sky was clear and lighting was just perfect! ???? The views are stunning, the castles bring their own stories and mysteries and the Isle of Skye is truly another world in itself! I would like to thank the whole Timberbush Team for this ride! I can only wholeheartedly recommend to anyone!! ????????????????????????????❤️

7. Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Inverness

Inverness Bus Station, Margaret St, Inverness IV1 1LT, UK Rabbie's
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4.9 based on 168 reviews

Sharp geological formations, crumbling coastlines and wind-swept valleys: Skye is mother-nature at her dramatic best. And on this day-tour you explore the best of it in the comfort of a luxury, 16 seat mini-coach. Let our experienced driver-guide take you on a journey through the stories, history, and sights of the island; while also giving you a taste of the most breathtaking scenery that Western Scotland has to offer.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Small-group tour (16 people max), Transport by top of the range Mercedes minicoach

Exclusions: Entrance fees (Eilean Donan Castle), Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By L2821ZTkates

I would like to say a massive thank you to my guide Seana for my trip in early November. I live in Scotland and it was nice to be able to see so many beautiful places in one day. I was a a solo traveller and Seana was so kind and informative it felt like I was on a day trip with friends. Clava Cairns is such a beautiful and atmospheric place, when we arrived early morning we had the whole place to ourselves. So had a lot of opportunities for amazing photos. There was two of us on the trip, so it felt like we were on a VIP tour. Next stop was Culloden, we really lucked out for weather and had time to walk the old battlefield. There was enough time to go into the exhibition, but it was so nice to be outside in the open. We stopped for lunch at Beauly and it was a pretty little Scottish town. At the top of the high street there is a really nice shop for gifts, clothes and home decor. So if you like shopping then make sure you have some spending money. The priory was a great place to walk around. There's benches out the front if you'd like to get some chips for a quick lunch. The bistros were bustling, so if you just wanted a sit down meal, there's a few to choose. Glen Affric was so beautiful in the autumn sun, Seana was in her element as we walked over the rocky path towards the water. She mentioned to us about her mountain climbing and took us on a little hike up to the view point. We even had time to visit another Cairn just as dusk arrived. She made sure we had left early enough for the sunset. It was a really memorable trip, Seana was an excellent guide and I wouldn't hesitate to book another tour. I can not give her enough praise. She is excellent in her job. A really nice people person.

8. Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh

The Usher Hall, Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EA, UK Edinburgh Guided Tour
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4.9 based on 511 reviews

This guided walk with our unique guides, Stuart Usher or his son, Richard Usher, will entertain and enthral you. Also we are delighted to introduce a new guide who will take occasional group tours; Dr Alison Duncan, who is a professional historian and Edinburgh expert. We limit the tour to 10 guests so everyone is involved, unlike tours of 30, 40 or more. Stuart's family has historic connections with Edinburgh (Stuart's great-great Uncle, Andrew Usher, donated the magnificent Usher Hall to the city as well as being known as the father of the scotch whisky blending industry).  Their deep knowledge of the cultural, historical and architectural aspects of the city means they have a unique perspective on our wonderful capital. Your guides will show you the cultural treasures of Edinburgh, the secrets of its past and its famous characters, and are rightly renowned for their entertaining and witty commentary.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Small group (maximum 10 participants)

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By William H

An excellent way to learn about the history of Edinburgh. Stuart is extremely knowledgeable whilst also being very friendly and easy going. He informs without lecturing and is so relaxed that you do not realise that you have just spent over three hours walking the streets of this great city. We have no hesitation in recommending Stuart Usher to guide you around Edinburgh and can only advise that you do it at the beginning of your holiday to improve your awareness of the city for the remainder of your stay. Peter & Jane Hunt

9. 4-Day Islay and the Whisky Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh EH1 3DQ, UK Rabbie's
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4.9 based on 48 reviews

Visit the Isle of Islay in the Scottish Hebrides on a 4-day tour from Edinburgh, and discover its famously friendly people, stunning landscapes, and most importantly – its whisky! Having produced Scotland's finest smoky malt whiskies for more than 200 years, Islay provides the perfect base for whisky lovers and novices alike. Enjoy three nights of accommodation in the 4-star Bowmore Distillery Cottages (not available on Wednesday departures)** and discover up to six different distilleries, including big-name sites like Laphroaig and Ardbeg, with a guide. Numbers are limited to 16 on this small-group tour, ensuring you’ll see the best of Islay with personalized attention with your guide. ** (Monday and Friday departures: only B&B available; Wednesday departures only 3-star Hotel available)

Inclusions: 3 nights en-suite accommodation, Driver Guide, Transport by top of the range Mercedes mini-coach, Ferry crossings

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Entrance fees to the distilleries and Kimartin House Museum

Reviewed By 464kathyi

Just returned from a lovely trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, can't wait to go back ???? During my stay I booked two 1 day tours with Rabbis. Firstly a huge thank you for running the tours with just the 2 of us, our stay had been planned around these days out so very grateful they went ahead. The Outlander tour with Lizzie was amazing as was Lizzie, she went out of her way to ensure we had a great day even though the weather was a bit liquidy! She was extremely knowledgeable about the Outlander series/locations and Scottish history in general, many thanks Lizzie. Our second tour was to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife with David who was fab, he was extremely helpful, flexible, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The villages were beautiful and St Andrews was stunning, we were also fortunate enough to have lovely sunny weather. I would highly recommend both tours and guides! Kathy ☀️☔????

10. Oban, Glencoe, Highlands Lochs & Castles Small Group Day Tour from Glasgow

Buchanan Bus Station, Killermont St, Glasgow G2 3NW, UK Rabbie's
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4.9 based on 274 reviews

See epic ruined castles, listen to tales of old clan rivalries, and venture through brilliant mountain scenery on this tour to the Scottish Highlands.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach, Small group tour (max 16 people)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Admission fees

Reviewed By marcobasaglia

Excellent tour of Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs and Castles. I was the only one on the tour when lockdown eased and Stuart the tour guide showed up just for me! Great policy. Stuart was humble and a great tour guide. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on tour. He was very knowledgeable and a good taste in traditional Scottish music. Amazing sights of Scotland, cannot miss if you're in the country.

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