Scotland Tours & Trips

Windswept coastline, pristine natural environments, mouth-watering food... and whisky! Explore Scotland with On The Go Tours.

Part of the United Kingdom, but with a distinct national identity. Scotland is the UK's most northern nation, home to some of the Kingdom's rarest wildlife, most historic monuments and unrivalled scenery.

From the Neolithic settlements of Orkney to the majestic sea eagles swooping over Mull. From the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster to the whisky distilleries of Islay. Let us show you the best of Scotland with our range of small group escorted tours.

The majority of our Scotland tours start and end in Edinburgh, and we also offer some trips from London. All of our tours in the UK range in length from 3 days to 12. Taking in the best of the mainland and the Scottish Islands, you'll get a look at the real Scotland, as well as discovering all the main attractions. So, what are you waiting for?



Scotland Group Tours

Image View Map View

Uncover the highlights of Scotland with our range of group tours from Edinburgh. These small group trips have a maximum group size of just 16 and are fully escorted by an expert local guide. Staying in comfortable B&B accommodation, you also have the option to upgrade to a 3* hotel on some trips. Please be aware that there is a minimum age limit of 18 on any tour including a visit to a whisky distillery! Get in touch with our Reservations team today to find out more.

Save

20%

Whisky Coast & Loch Lomond

4 days | FROM R24,636

Discover the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides on this 4-day group tour of Islay from Edinburgh. Visit four...

Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye - 4 days Map

Save

20%

Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye

4 days | FROM R16,732

Uncover the best of the Scottish Highlands and the largest island of the Inner Hebrides on this 4-day group...

North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days Map

Save

20%

North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney

5 days | FROM R26,732

Take in the best of northern Scotland and Orkney on this 5-day group tour from Edinburgh. Search for the...

Save

20%

Wild Scotland Express

5 days | FROM R25,420

Take in the best of wild Scotland on this 5-day group tour. From Edinburgh, discover the shimmering waters of...

Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh - 5 days Map

Save

20%

Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh

5 days | FROM R23,396

Discover the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye on this 5-day package trip from Edinburgh. Hunt for...

York, Windermere & Hadrian's Wall - 5 days Map

Save

20%

York, Windermere & Hadrian's Wall

5 days | FROM R23,700

Uncover the best of northern England on this 5-day escorted tour from Edinburgh. Visit fortified...

Wild Scotland & Whisky Explorer - 8 days Map

Save

20%

Wild Scotland & Whisky Explorer

8 days | FROM R42,564

Take in some of Scotland's prettiest and wildest islands and indulge in whisky tasting at several famous...

Save

20%

London to Edinburgh

8 days | FROM R43,540

Journey from the capital of England to the capital of Scotland on this 8-day escorted group tour from London...

Whisky Coast & Scottish Islands - 12 days Map

Save

20%

Whisky Coast & Scottish Islands

12 days | FROM R76,772

This comprehensive tour of Scotland uncovers the wild landscapes, wildlife and scenery of Islay, Mull, Iona,...



Explore more countries like Scotland

Denmark Tours

Iceland Tours

Ireland Tours

Finland Tours



Frequently asked questions about our Scotland tours

What is the pace of these Scotland trips like?

Our Scotland tours are quite fast-moving. You will see lots of different places but we often visit two or three destinations (including major cities) in a day, stopping for a few hours at a time in places like Glencoe, Fort William and Loch Ness. Visits to the Scottish Islands tend to include at least one overnight, and all necessary ferry transportation is included. There is plenty of free time in which to sightsee independently, as well as guided sightseeing.

What sort of accommodation will I stay in on these Scotland package trips?

All of our Scotland tours include simple but comfortable and welcoming accommodation in guesthouses, on a bed and breakfast basis. These are typically small, family run houses and the group may be split between several accommodation options. They usually offer complimentary Wi-Fi connection but not always. They tend to be on the outskirts of town, perhaps a 20 minute walk from the main attractions. Many of the guesthouses we use offer shared bathroom facilities.

For a small supplement on some of our Scotland itineraries, we can upgrade you to 3-star hotel accommodation. You can see the prices for this upgrade on each of our online tour pages. The hotels are typically in a more central location and offer private, ensuite bathroom facilities. Please note, not all of our Scotland tours offer this upgrade, speak to our Reservations team for further information.

When is the best time to visit Scotland?

Although Scotland is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is generally the summer months from June - August, which offers the best weather. These months tend to be when the region is at its busiest though, so you may wish to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. Spring lasts from March - May and autumn is from September - November. Winters in Scotland can be very cold, especially in the Highlands, and roads in the north can be impassable. Ferry services to the islands can also be disrupted by inclement weather.

What transport do you use on your Scotland package trips?

In Scotland we travel in 16-seater Mercedes minibuses with comfortable seating, air-conditioning and large windows. There are no toilets on board but regular comfort breaks are made throughout the trip. We also make use of ferries where applicable, and all ferry tickets are included in the cost of your tour.

How big are the groups on your Scotland trips?

In Scotland, the maximum group size is 16. On a sold out tour this means that the minibus will be full, but each guest will have plenty of room. If travelling outside of peak seasons, then group sizes may be smaller.

Will I be escorted by a tour guide in Scotland?

Yes. All of our tours are escorted by a local driver-guide who will keep you entertained with stories and history about the UK. At some attractions you will also enjoy the services of expert local guides. Please note that on some of our longer tours, your guide may change halfway through the trip, as will some members of the group who are only participating in a section of the tour.

Is Scotland and the UK a safe destination for travellers from the LGBTQ+ community?

According to the 2023 LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index, the UK scores an A- rating for LGBTQ+ traveller safety, ranking 10th out of 203 countries.

Same sex marriage is legal, and there are worker protections in place for people of all sexual orientations. 76 - 100% of consulted citizens consider the UK a good place to live for gay and lesbian people. There are no legal punishments for same sex relations and most trips for LGBTQ+ travellers to the UK are trouble-free.

The LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index is designed to provide a good overall picture of attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in each country and may not reflect the experience of foreign travellers to the country.

Can I drink the tap water?

Yes, the tap water across Scotland is safe for human consumption. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle on your Scotland tour. This will save you money and is good for the environment, helping you to reduce your plastic footprint.



The Best of Scotland

Scotland is a fascinating mix of ancient history, dramatic scenery and incredible wildlife. Start planning your adventure today, you'll visit some of these amazing highlights.

Edinburgh

The Scottish capital is dominated by majestic Edinburgh Castle, which proudly stands atop an extinct volcano, commanding attention. Visitors to the city can meander through the historic streets along the Royal Mile, absorbing the city's rich heritage. Enjoy the serene beauty of Arthur's Seat, browse the National Museum of Scotland, or stroll through the beautiful Princes Street Gardens.

Loch Ness

Legendary Loch Ness is nestled in the Scottish Highlands and surrounded by some of Scotland's finest scenery. The historic ruins of Urquhart Castle are perched on its shores, telling tales of centuries gone by. Speaking of telling tales, stories continue to persist of a fearsome monster lurking in the loch's darkest depths. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie as you explore!

Orkney

The windswept Orkney Islands lie off Scotland's north coast. The UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney comprises the ancient village of Skara Brae, the standing stones of Stenness and much more. Beyond these archaeological wonders, Orkney's coastal cliffs and charming villages, like Stromness, invite you to explore the island's rich history and serene landscapes.

Islay

Off Scotland's western coast lie the Inner Hebrides, of which Islay is the most southern. Known as the 'Queen of the Hebrides, this island is known for, among other things, whisky! Visit one or more of the island's historic distilleries for a tasty tipple, and enjoy the wild coast and charming towns and villages.

Skye

The Isle of Skye is home to some of Scotland's finest scenery, with hiking opportunities aplenty. From the iconic Old Man of Storr and the rugged Cuillin Mountains to the ethereal Fairy Pools and the mysterious Fairy Glen, adding a touch of enchantment to the island's charm. Explore medieval castles like Dunvegan, surrounded by the misty tales of clan history, and wander quaint villages such as Portree for a taste of local life.

Oban

Coastal Oban is the "Gateway to the Isles," a picturesque town offering stunning views of the surrounding islands. Best known for its whisky and seafood, travellers to this charming destination are in for a culinary adventure. Landmarks include the iconic McCaig's Tower and the historic Oban Distillery. Here, distinctive Scotch whisky is crafted, adding a touch of warmth to the seaside air.



Need more information? Check out our ONLINE UNITED KINGDOM TRAVEL GUIDE!

