Scottish Highlands tours

These are the top places to visit on our Scottish Highlands tours:

• Loch Ness. Famous for its legendary monster, Nessie, Loch Ness is a must-visit on all Scottish Highlands trips. On tour, you can cruise around the loch and take in the tranquil views while keeping one eye open for Nessie herself.
• Urquhart Castle. This is a popular site on tours of the Scottish Highlands. The castle ruins double as a historic attraction with an epic viewpoint over picturesque Loch Ness. It also happens to be a filming location for the TV series, Outlander.
• Isle of Skye. This isle is sitting pretty off the coast of the Western Highlands. You can find all of the wild scenery, serene lochs, and deep-rooted history Scotland’s known for on this tiny island (which is even smaller than the country of Luxembourg!). Explore the top 4 things to do on the Isle of Skye.
• Glencoe. Immerse yourself in history and nature in the scenic village of Glencoe on our Landscapes of Scotland tour. Perched on a steep-sided valley surrounded by towering mountains, the enchanted location is just the start of Glencoe’s charm.
• Trossachs National Park. Take in the dramatic landscapes, look out over Loch Lomond, and traverse the Western Highlands (keeping your eyes open for shaggy Highland cows). These landscapes are one of the 6 things we love most about Scotland!

As you begin planning a trip to the Scottish Highlands, keep in mind that this region is breathtaking in any season! A visit in spring or summer highlights the beautiful natural green landscapes and fields of flowers. Summer months also bring the warmest temperatures and a greater chance of sunny days—ideal for getting outside to explore all the Scottish Highland attractions. That said, there are plenty of perks to visiting during the off-season, too.

All-weather clothing is best for tours of the Scottish Highlands. Chilly mornings and evenings are typical, rainy spells are common, and warm sunshine often prevails in the afternoons. Here are some other must-pack items:

• Layers like t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and hoodies that are easy to take off throughout the day (and pile back on in the evening)
• A waterproof jacket that fits in your daypack
• A collapsible umbrella for surprise rain showers
• Comfortable walking shoes

Food is always a highlight on all of our Scottish Highlands trips. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

• Fish n’ chips. Fish in any form is a must-try on any Scottish Highlands trip, but a big chunk of fried fish on top of a heaping pile of fries is a staple. Keep your eyes peeled for “mom and pop” shops—the smaller the shop, the better the fish n’ chips.
• Haggis. Haggis combines sheep’s liver, heart, and lung mixed with onion, oatmeal, and other spices to create a savory and filling meal. It’s typically served with “neeps and tatties,” which are turnips and potatoes, and it’s Scotland’s national dish!
• Black pudding. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to try Black Pudding (no, it’s not a dessert). Also referred to as Blood Pudding, this is Scotland’s version of blood sausage, and originally developed as an ethical and economic way to use every part of the animal. The mixture is made with pork blood, pork or beef suet, and oatmeal before it’s packed into a sausage casing and served boiled or grilled.
• Orkney cheeses. Hailing from the far-flung northern Orkney Islands, Scottish Highland cheese is famous across the country.
• Edinburgh Rock. This classic Scottish sweet is named after the hill that props up the city’s famous castle. Made from sugar and cream of tartar, the rock candy resembles a piece of chalk (and crumbles like it too), but melts in your mouth like cotton candy.

The most important thing to know before embarking on one of our Scottish Highlands tours is that Scotland’s weather is unpredictable. Prepare for fast-changing temperatures and conditions, including rain, winds, and hot sun!

And don’t forget to stop by a whisky distillery! It’s not a true trip to the Scottish Highlands without one. Ever since it was first distilled in the 15th century as a way to use up rain-soaked barley, whisky has been a huge part of Scottish life. In fact, it’s a large part of why people choose tours to the Scottish Highlands!

Read our guide of top travel tips for the Scottish Highlands.