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Scotland tours discovery guide

The distinctive drone of bagpipes. The stoic stateliness of hilltop castles. The fresh tingle of the wind wisping off the ocean. Trips to Scotland satisfy the senses in every way—what better way to delight in it all than by diving in with a guided tour?

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What to know before you go

POPULATION
Scotland’s population clocks in at roughly 5.5 million people, but the global diaspora dwarfs that figure. (Upwards of 20 million people of Scottish descent live in the U.S. alone.)

CULTURAL QUICK TAKE
Scotland’s national animal isn’t the Highland cow, nor is it the enigmatic golden eagle. It’s the unicorn—a symbol of purity, power, and innocence in Celtic mythology.

WHEN TO GO
Summer might draw a crowd, but we’d suggest booking Scotland tours during the shoulder seasons. Spring and fall strike a lovely balance between milder weather and fewer tourists.

WHAT TO GO FOR
What’re you most interested in? You’ll come across medieval cities, castles galore, the Highlands’ epic expanses, and some of the nation’s 140-plus distilleries on our trips to Scotland. Speaking of...

LET’S TALK SCOTCH
The country produces more whisky (note the missing “e,” which the Irish and Americans add) than any other, exporting 43 bottles of Scotch globally every second.

Inspiration for your Scotland escape

Have your sights set on Scotland but don’t know much more than that yet? Consider our tips for solo travel, can't-miss scenery, and more reasons (and ways) to go.

The solo traveler’s guide to Scotland

Where to go. What to do. Why deep-fried Mars bars are such a hit. Gear up for our Scotland tours with a little help from one of our very own staffers.

12 Scottish landscapes you need to see

The U.K.’s largest national park and a famed crossing aboard the Hogwarts Express both make the cut. See them—and the rest of our picks—on our Scotland tours.

Sprinkle these signature experiences into your Scotland itinerary

Whether you visit in bustling summer, quiet winter, or sweet-spot shoulder season, these add-ons will deepen your ties to bonnie Scotland and its people.

Jump into a traditional céilidh

Enjoy a night of song and dance on our Landscapes of Scotland: Oban, the Highlands & Edinburgh tour.

Sip afternoon tea in regal surroundings

Enter Holyrood Palace for a one-of-a-kind outing on our Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland tour.

Breathe in a peaceful moment

Roam the ruins of Melrose Abbey on our Scotland & the Edinburgh Military Tattoo tour.

Discover the heart of Scottish independence

Explore the siege-hardened childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots on our Scotland for Solo Travelers tour.

What travelers are saying about our guided Scotland trips

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5 out of 5 stars

Scotland is magical!

2nd-time traveler Amy

My husband and I just returned from our tour in Scotland and we both fell in love with the country! ❤️ The places we visited were full of amazing history and the countryside is...

Traveled in Nov 2024 on Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland

5 out of 5 stars

Incredible tour

2nd-time traveler Traveler

Cornelius,the Tour Director,and Ian,the coach driver,made this tour so much fun,along with the 25 co travelers on the trip with me. It was well planned,well coordinated and run...

Traveled in Nov 2024 on Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland

5 out of 5 stars

Travel back in time

2nd-time traveler Stephanie

The Castles of Scotland tour was a trip back in time. Being able to visit and tour many castle ruins and some renovated/modernized castles was a an awesome experience. Cornelius...

Traveled in Mar 2024 on Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland

5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful Scotland

6th-time traveler Anonymous

The trip was very nice, except for time in Glasgow. Our guide spent lots of time trying to convince us the city was growing but all around were empty buildings and lack of new...

Traveled in Jun 2024 on Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland

5 out of 5 stars

5 star tour

2nd-time traveler Kathleen

This was my second tour with EF Tours and plan to take many more. It’s a great way to travel with a small group of people and explore so many different things. The tour guides...

Traveled in Oct 2024 on Scotland for Solo Travelers: Highlands, Aberdeen & Edinburgh

5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful tour of Scotland

1st-time traveler Elizabeth

We had the opportunity to see so many places in Scotland. a variety of gorgeous historical sites and current day happening. Our tour guide was very informative, helpful and funny.

Traveled in Oct 2024 on Scotland for Solo Travelers: Highlands, Aberdeen & Edinburgh

5 out of 5 stars

Scotland History

3rd-time traveler Elizabeth

A magnificent trip of the Scottish landscape featuring historic sites, castles, and landscapes was experienced . From Glasgow to Edinburgh , we drove and explored with the...

Traveled in Oct 2024 on Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland

5 out of 5 stars

Edinburgh & Castle’s of Scotland with Extension

2nd-time traveler Carol

Had a wonderful time! Saw many amazing places: villages, big cities, castles, abbeys, stately homes, Yacht Britannia, whiskey tasting and lots of beautiful scenery. This tour had...

Traveled in Oct 2024 on Edinburgh & the Castles of Scotland

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Pick your perfect trip

We offer 200+ immersive, guided tours around the world. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages that make traveling with us different.

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Prep your packing list

While you’re deciding what to take, we’ll be busy arranging your hotels, meals, tickets, and more tour essentials. That’s what going guided is all about.

Go far (and get rewarded)

Take off on your big adventure— but why stop there? Every trip you book with us earns rewards that you can use to keep expanding your horizons.

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Great Scot, why stop there?

England, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland are all close by. Broaden your Scotland travel with these multi-country tours.

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Save up to 25% by 12/6

Sale extended! Book your trip to lock in your lowest price—it’s going up soon.†

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Travel tips for Scotland trips