Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?

Scotland is part of the UK. Travellers from the US, EU, Canada, Australia, and several other countries do not need a visa for stays under 6 months. Check the UK government website for specific requirements.

When is the best time to travel to Scotland?

Visit in summer (June–August) for mild weather and long daylight hours. Edinburgh in August is especially popular, because of the vibrant month-long arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe. Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) are great for beautiful landscapes and fewer crowds. Winter (November–March) is very cold, but great for festive celebrations like Hogmanay.

What is the weather like in Scotland?

Scotland has a temperate maritime climate. Weather is unpredictable, and rain can occur year-round. Summers reach around 15–20°C (59–68°F), while winters are cold, but not freezing, with temperatures dropping to 0–5°C (32–41°F).

What currency does Scotland use?

Scotland uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Scottish banks issue their own banknotes, which are legal tender across the UK.

What kind of adaptor do I need for Scotland?

Scotland uses Type G power outlets with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Visitors from outside the UK will need an adaptor.

Do you tip in Scotland?

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving 10–15% is common if service isn’t included. Rounding up taxi fares and tipping hotel staff is also customary.

What is ATM access like in Scotland?

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

What should I pack for a trip to Scotland?

Pack layers, waterproof clothing, and comfortable walking shoes. A warm jacket is essential, even in summer. Even more essential is an umbrella and scarf, as the winds and rains can come at any time of year.

How many days should I spend in Scotland?

Plan for at least 7 days to explore key cities and the Highlands. A 10–14 day Scotland tour package allows for in-depth exploration of islands and remote areas. If you can fit the Isle of Skye into your itinerary, do so - it's one of the most beautiful and famous parts of Scotland.

Is Scotland part of the EU?

No, Scotland is part of the UK, which left the EU in 2020.

How far is Ireland from Scotland?

The shortest distance between Scotland and Northern Ireland is around 12 miles (19 km) across the North Channel.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for a Trafalgar tour to Scotland?

We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip. Please ensure you add the details of your insurance to the My Trafalgar portal. Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events.

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Scotland tours & holidays

Name: Best of Scotland
Brand: Trafalgar
Price: 3250 AUD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.5 (1639 reviews)

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It may be a ‘wee’ country, but we have plenty to explore in this land touched by Vikings, Romans and Royalty. Your trip to Scotland with Trafalgar will be marked by long days steeped in charming scenery and vibrant history, topped off with rustic cuisine still adored many centuries after its birth. We'll journey to the medieval city of Edinburgh, with its iconic castle perched on a hilltop, for a close encounter with kings and queens of the past. In Glasgow, the heave of vibrant culture and opportunity to embrace Scottish heritage will captivate. The wild and windswept Highlands gift us valleys and big skies that not even the dreariest of weather could ruin. Whilst the misty glens and lochs will pull us in with the dark tales they have to tell. Mysterious and captivating to the very core, the country of Scotland is a place you will savour.

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4.5

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Best of Scotland

7 Days

1 Country

9 Locations

7-Day Scotland Tour from Edinburgh to Glasgow

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A view of the Giant Causeway steps in Antrim, Northern Ireland

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Highlights of Ireland and Scotland

11 Days

3 Countries

13 Locations

11-Day Ireland and Scotland Tour from Dublin to Edinburgh

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$6,550

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A scenic view of a Scottish sheep landscape

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Best of Ireland and Scotland

15 Days

3 Countries

21 Locations

15-Day Ireland and Scotland Tour from Dublin to Edinburgh

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Scotlands Highlands Islands and Cities Guided Tour

4.6

Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities

13 Days

1 Country

20 Locations

13-Day Scotland Tour of Edinburgh, Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye and Glasgow

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Unedited Scotland tour reviews

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"An enriching experience beyond a typical vacation"

“I had a fantastic time on my recent trip, "The Amazing Britain." It’s an 8-day tour packed with sights, and I loved every moment. The group was great, and our travel director, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, was excellent—knowledgeable and attentive. Our driver was skilled, making the journey smooth. Be prepared for lots of walking and an enriching experience beyond a typical vacation. I’m already planning my next trip with Trafalgar.”

- Lana, Amazing Britain

"We highly recommend the Best of Scotland!"

“Can’t wait to return to Scotland! The tour showed us places and villages that we would like to visit again. Every day seemed to be better than the day before. Such an amazing week filled with so much history, food, and culture! Our tour guide, Stephanie G., shared so many details about each village and enriched our personal experience. Our favorite parts of the tour were visiting the local farms and getting to know local people that shared stories about their Scottish history. We highly recommend the Best of Scotland!”

- Blanca, Best of Scotland

"An action packed tour!"

“This was an action packed tour! Everyday is filled with rich history and exploring areas of the countries. With the extra evening activities adding a lot of fun and more of the local people. We were extremely happy that everything was very smooth, always had the information we needed. Absolutely would do another tour!”

- Deborah, Britain and Ireland Highlights

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Scotland experiences with Trafalgar

With Trafalgar, you’ll journey into the heart of each destination. Be My Guest invites you to connect with locals, while MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences let you positively impact communities. Plus, on many tours, you’ll overnight at Stays with Stories accommodations with tales as rich as the places you explore. Here are just a few of these unforgettable experiences on a Trafalgar Scotland tour.

Be My Guest

Meet the Laird of Craufurdland Castle

You’re in for a truly special visit at Craufurdland Castle Estate, as the Laird of Craufurdland himself and his wife, Adity, welcome you into their castle. You’ll step inside for a tour of the stunning interiors, including the elegant Blue Dining Room, the grand Gothic Hall, and the cosy, book-filled Library. Your hosts will share stories of the castle, its legacy, and what life is like as custodians of this incredible estate. Experience on Best of Scotland.

Stays with Stories

Visit Clydeside distillery

Visit the Clydeside Distillery for an immersive experience into the art of whisky-making. Discover the story of this iconic Glasgow landmark, while enjoying a guided tour of the distillery. See how their single malt is crafted, then wrap up with a tasting session to savour the unique flavours. Experience on Best of Scotland.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience

Explore sustainable Glaswegian Sightseeing

From wind-powered murals to historic sites and tenements by the Clyde, you’ll discover how climate change is shaping the city and Scotland’s role in tackling the crisis on this fun and eye-opening walking tour. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. Experience on Scotland’s Highlands, Islands and Cities.

Meet a Glencoe Ranger

Venture into Glencoe accompanied by a knowledgeable wildlife ranger for your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Delve into the intricate world of biodiversity, exploring the abundance of wildlife, from insects and invertebrates to mammals like otters and fallow deer. You’ll learn about the delicate balance of ecosystems and the fascinating behaviours of these creatures that call Glencoe home. Your visit advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. Experience on Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities.

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Cattle eating grass on mountain meadow in Highlands, Scotland

Scotland at a glance

Come and explore the mysteries of Scotland, with ancient castles dotted across the magical Highlands, and thrilling stories of Romans, Vikings and mystical creatures

Currency

Pound Sterling

Capital City

Edinburgh

Winter avg

4°C

Language

English

Summer avg

15°C

Good morning

Time Zone

GMT+1

Good evening

With breathtaking scenery, hearty cuisine and ancient history and culture, it's easy to fall in love with Scotland. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and roam the wild Highlands, misty glens, medieval cities and majestic castles in this land of Vikings, Romans and royalty.

Weather in Scotland

Discover the weather, temperatures, and seasonal trends across Scotland to plan your trip.

Our top 5 things to do in Scotland

You'll uncover plenty of natural beauty and human history on our vibrant trips to Scotland. Stroll Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile, climb the rugged hills of Arthur's Seat and journey through the Highland wilderness.

Ramble up the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Follow in the footsteps of kings and queens from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle. As we wander the once processional route, you will sample Scottish specialties and glimpse the city’s medieval past. Scotland’s authentic charm fills Edinburgh’s narrow closes and wynds.

Journey through Scottish Highlands

Wind north through sweeping glens, and you will understand this ancient land. On your Scottish Highlands tour, you will appreciate the waterfalls and haunted past of Glencoe Valley, the mythical monster of Loch Ness and the medieval ruins of Urquhart Castle.

View Arthur's Seat

Not far from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, you’ll find a taste of Scotland's wild countryside. Hike up windswept hills alive with heather flower in bloom, and sit atop an ancient volcano watching the sprawling city below.

Hear the story of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and discover what royal glamour looks like at sea. The British Monarch’s boat for over 40 years, this extravagant watercraft is now permanently docked in Edinburgh. Spend a few hours exploring the vessel to see where the Princes spent their summers and world leaders and celebrities were once entertained.

Watch a Highland dance or two

There’s nothing quaint about the Scottish pastime of a Highlands dance. Walk into a pub and be enlivened by the many folk musicians playing fiddles, flutes, drums and accordions all around the Isles. You can watch with your pint or let the driving rhythms take you dancing. Either way, you’ll feel connected to the true spirit of Scotland.

Best museums in Scotland

Spend hours and days fascinated by the stories held in the museums of Scotland. Trafalgar's picks will prove these enthralling institutions shouldn't be saved for a cloudy day.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

The ancient walls of Edinburgh Castle have been touched by soldiers, kings, queens and even the odd pirate. Immerse yourself in Scottish history, gazing at crown jewels worn by Mary Queen of Scots and wooden doors vandalised by prisoners of war. Don’t miss the 1 o'clock gun that rings out over Edinburgh.

Edinburgh

National Museum of Scotland

This unassuming Victorian building is brimming with history of Scotland and the world. Discover the wonders of nature, art, design, science and technology through this diverse collection. Spend a day wandering from room to room, never running short of things to learn.

Glasgow

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Enjoy a captivating lesson in life and expression at Kelvingrove. Delve into natural history, arms and armour, fine art and everything between. From the Spitfire plane hanging from the ceiling of the west court to the collections of the Glasgow Boys and Salvador Dali in the east, this space will leave you spellbound.

Best food in Scotland

If it seems like Scottish cuisine is designed to warm your insides, that’s because it is. Come sunshine or rain, the dishes you'll enjoy on our trips are just another reason to love Scotland.

Haggis

Originally served as a hearty meal to Scots on long journeys across Highland hills and heather-clad moors, the nation still loves Haggis. And with its rustic flavour and peppery kick, you will too. Have a taste and wash it down with a wee dram.

Cullen Skink

Hailing from the town of Cullen, this soup was made to warm the cockles of weary fishermen. Hence it’s made thick, creamy and comforting. With chunks of velvety leeks, potato and smoked fish, this smooth and flavourful meal is not to be missed.

Scottish Whisky

The Scottish isles are home to one of the world's most revered spirits - whisky. Speyside malts, smokey Islay drams and smooth blends can all be found here. Try it in a local pub or an award winning distillery. Either way, there's nothing quite like the taste of Scotch in the land where it was made.

What to pack for a tour in Scotland

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and refillable toiletry bottles.

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Walking shoes

Something comfortable and flat, with grip. There's a lot of exploring to do and the hills of Scotland are just as abundant in the cities as they are in the countryside.

Woolen socks

A couple of pairs of woollen socks will serve you well in Scotland. They're warm and thick but surprisingly light to carry, perfect for protecting feet from long walks or the country’s beloved cold stone floors.

Something warm

Even in the height of summer the Scottish night air has a bite. To make the most of your Scotland adventure, bring along a quality coat or jacket.

Hydralytes

Prepare to sample the finest whisky distilleries around with hydralytes. Enjoy a tipple or two or three and you will still be fresh for adventures the following morning.