Scotland Tours & Vacations

The best time to visit Scotland is during the shoulder season, from March to May and September to November.

These months, in spring and fall, offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds, perfect for sightseeing, castle tours, hiking, golfing, and so much more. While spring and fall are our favorite seasons in Scotland, the summer months, from June to August, are popular for their warm and predictable weather. They are great months if you are comfortable navigating the crowds or escaping to the Scottish countryside.

As a year-round destination, December through February are great alternatives for winter travel or a festive trip. As you consider your plans, you can explore our guide on the best time to visit Scotland to find the perfect time based on your preferences and availability.

With medieval cities, windswept coastal towns, and a rolling emerald countryside to explore, you will have no shortage of destinations to choose from when planning your trip to Scotland. From Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands, here are some of the best places to visit in Scotland:

• Edinburgh: Scotland's capital city is a must-visit destination with a captivating blend of rich history and vibrant culture and the iconic Edinburgh Castle. The city's picturesque streets, lined with charming stone buildings, offer a delightful backdrop for exploring its many historic sites and experiencing the hospitality of its friendly locals.
• Glasgow: Glasgow is known for its dynamic and modern energy, featuring a thriving arts scene and contemporary architecture. The city's eclectic mix of museums, galleries, and music venues, coupled with its friendly Glaswegian spirit, make it an exciting hub for cultural exploration and urban adventures.
• The Scottish Highlands: Explore breathtakingly rugged landscapes of majestic mountains, pristine lochs, and rolling hills. Whether hiking through dramatic glens, exploring ancient castles, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the wilderness, the Highlands offer an unforgettable escape into the countryside.

Between the castle-covered countryside and charming storybook towns, there are so many dreamy places to explore as a couple or on a honeymoon. For more ideas to inspire your travels, browse our most romantic places in Scotland for couples.

The rich history, authentic whisky, and dramatic scenery are yours to discover on tours of Scotland. With so much to experience, let this list of the top things to do in Scotland guide your travel plans:

• Learn about Scottish history on tours of medieval castles, museums, and cultural towns
• Visit historic distilleries on tasting tours that reveal the far-reaching impact of authentic scotch whisky
• Hike, cycle, or drive across the countryside to swoon over the stunning mountain landscapes
• Enjoy 18 holes of golf on the world’s most famous golf courses
• Savor authentic Scottish cuisine on food tours of Michelin-starred restaurants

From castles to gardens, mysterious lakes to breathtaking isles, there is so much to see on tours in Scotland, and here is our list of the top options for your trip:

• Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
• National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow
• Stirling Castle, Stirling
• Glenfinnan Monument, the Scottish Highlands
• Loch Ness, the Scottish Highlands
• The Old Course at St Andrews, St Andrews

Known for its historic castles, scotch whisky, dramatic Scottish Highlands landscape, and so much more, tours to Scotland reveal why it has become a famous travel destination. You can admire the architecture showcasing different historical eras, learn about authentic scotch distillation, and explore the highlands to view the striking mountain landscape.

There are thousands of castles in Scotland. Some are preserved and paint a vivid picture of what life was like centuries ago, while others are in ruins and share a dramatic history. Of the thousands that you can visit, here are our best castles in Scotland to discover on your trip:

• Stirling Castle
• Eilean Donan
• Alnwick Castle
• Balmoral Castle
• Edinburgh Castle
• Inverness Castle
• Dunvegan Castle
• Urquhart Castle

Scotland is part of the UK, along with England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

As one of the best places to travel in Scotland, there is plenty to do when visiting Edinburgh. Here are our top recommendations to consider when planning your trip:

• Tour Edinburgh Castle
• Visit the National Museum of Scotland
• Hike to the summit of Arhthur’s Seat
• Walk to the top of Calton Hill to see the National Monument
• Explore the National Galleries of Scotland
• Visit the Scotch Whisky Experience

The best Scotland itinerary combines the highlights of cities like Edinburgh with the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, with options to visit the Isle of Skye or other notable destinations. Here are some of our most popular featured trips, which are customizable to suit your preferences:

• Explore the popular city of Edinburgh and see Scotland’s dramatic scenery with our Rugged Scotland Tour: Dramatic Atlantic Landscapes.
• Visit the iconic spots in Scotland, from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye, on our 8-Day Luxury Tour of Scotland.

Cross the Scottish countryside with our Essence of the Scottish Highlands: Nature and Distilleries to discover the breathtaking landscapes and historic whisky distilleries.

Explore more information in our frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Scotland and inspiration in our Scotland travel guide.