1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. Europe
  4. Scotland

SCOTLAND DESTINATION GUIDE

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Scotland in a way like no other. 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 savor. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.
Read more... Read less...

YOUR WELLBEING, OUR PRIORITY

Our hygiene and distancing measures give you the freedom to enjoy your trip >>

Trending Scotland trips

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $212
7 Day Trip

7 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Best of Scotland

Enjoy Scotland: experience its cities, and discover its castles, legends and lochs.

4.5 818 reviews

Prices from $1,373 pp

4.5 818 reviews

Prices from $1,373 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. United Kingdom

    Armadale Edinburgh Glasgow Kinlochard Laggan Mallaig Stirling

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $371
10 Day Trip

11 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Britain and Ireland Highlights

Hear the stories behind Britain and Ireland's poetry, people and innovation during this Regional Explorer trip.

4.6 1471 reviews

Prices from $2,066 pp

4.6 1471 reviews

Prices from $2,066 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Ireland

    Dublin Kildare Rosslare Waterford

  2. United Kingdom

    Belfast Cairnryan Cardiff Edinburgh Glasgow Larne Pembroke

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $402
15 Day Trip

14 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Best of Ireland and Scotland

The classic symbols of Ireland and Scotland are revealed, as well as the secret and secluded alternatives.

4.5 1033 reviews

Prices from $3,218 pp

4.5 1033 reviews

Prices from $3,218 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Ireland

    Blarney Dublin Enniscrone Kildare Killarney Waterford

  2. United Kingdom

    Belfast Broadford Bushmills Cairnryan Edinburgh Glasgow Londonderry Newtonmore

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $307
9 Day Trip

3 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Real Britain

See and taste the best of British culture, taking in London, Bath, Cardiff, Edinburgh and more.

4.5 773 reviews

Prices from $1,553 pp

4.5 773 reviews

Prices from $1,553 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. United Kingdom

    Edinburgh Liverpool York

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $348
10 Day Trip

8 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Amazing Britain

Take in England, Wales and Scotland on this Country Explorer trip, featuring Edinburgh and Bath.

4.6 786 reviews

Prices from $1,913 pp

4.6 786 reviews

Prices from $1,913 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. United Kingdom

    Bristol Durham Edinburgh Glasgow Hesket Newmarket Liverpool Newtonmore Pitlochry

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $479
14 Day Trip

10 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Best of Britain

This Country Explorer trip uncovers Stonehenge, Bath, the Lake District and Scottish Highlands.

4.5 992 reviews

Prices from $2,716 pp

4.5 992 reviews

Prices from $2,716 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. United Kingdom

    Bridgwater Buckfastleigh Cardiff Edinburgh Glasgow Glastonbury Kyleakin Laggan Liverpool York

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $554
15 Day Trip

12 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Wonders of Britain and Ireland

Discover the best of Britain and Ireland, from castles and legends to hidden treasures.

4.6 686 reviews

Prices from $3,039 pp

4.6 686 reviews

Prices from $3,039 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Ireland

    Blarney Cashel Dublin Killarney Rosslare Waterford

  2. United Kingdom

    Edinburgh Holyhead Liverpool Pembroke Stratford Upon Avon York

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $678
19 Day Trip

20 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Britain and Ireland Panorama

Explore the best of Britain and Ireland, taking in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin, Cork, Cardiff and more.

4.6 843 reviews

Prices from $3,698 pp

4.6 843 reviews

Prices from $3,698 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Ireland

    Blarney Cobh Cork Dublin Limerick Rosslare Waterford Wexford

  2. United Kingdom

    Bath Cardiff Edinburgh Glasgow Glastonbury Hesket Newmarket Holyhead Kyleakin Laggan Liverpool Pembroke Plymouth

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $749
23 Day Trip

24 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Britain and Ireland Grandeur

Every corner of the British Isles is covered on this trip, including Belfast, Dublin, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London.

4.6 1212 reviews

Prices from $4,005 pp

4.6 1212 reviews

Prices from $4,005 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Ireland

    Blarney Donegal Dublin Galway Killarney Lahinch Rosslare Waterford

  2. United Kingdom

    Bath Belfast Bushmills Cardiff Edinburgh Falkirk Glasgow Holyhead Kendal Kyleakin Liverpool Londonderry Newtonmore Pembroke Penrith York

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $365
13 Day Trip

26 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Scotland's Highlands Islands and Cities

Explore Scotland's contrasts, from the serenity and beauty of the Scottish Highlands to the buzz of Glasgow.

4.6 616 reviews

Prices from $3,128 pp

4.6 616 reviews

Prices from $3,128 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. United Kingdom

    Armadale Caithness Carrbridge Craignure Dundee Edinburgh Fionnphort Glasgow Golspie Inverness Iona Jedburgh Kinlochard Kirriemuir Kyleakin Lambholm Lochaline Mallaig Melrose Mull Oban Orkney Pitlochry St Margarets Hope Stirling Thurso

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $392
13 Day Trip

26 Cities in

1 Country

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Scotland's Highlands, Islands and Cities Reverse

This unforgettable Scottish Highlands trip travels into the far-reaches of Scotland's rugged countryside. Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie, delve into the history of the kings and warriors and join the Wood family for a ceilidh and lunch in the 'presence' of Rob Roy.

New Trip

Prices from $3,533 pp

New Trip

Prices from $3,533 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. United Kingdom

    Armadale Caithness Carrbridge Craignure Dundee Edinburgh Fionnphort Glasgow Golspie Inverness Iona Jedburgh Kinlochard Kirriemuir Kyleakin Lambholm Lochaline Mallaig Melrose Mull Oban Orkney Pitlochry St Margarets Hope Stirling Thurso

Ready to go rate

Last chance at this price

Utility Savings Icon
Deals available
Save up to $312
11 Day Trip

14 Cities in

2 Countries

Navigation Chevron Up Icon

Highlights of Ireland and Scotland

Tick off all the travel highlights on this in-depth UK, Scotland and Ireland trip, filled with tons of craic and special moments with friends, whether you're hopping across the mythical stones of Giant's Causeway or passing the lovely lochs, Highlands and castles of Scotland.

New Trip

Prices from $2,408 pp

New Trip

Prices from $2,408 pp

View Trip Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Visiting

  1. Ireland

    Donegal Dublin Galway Kylemore Moycullen Westport

  2. United Kingdom

    Belfast Bushmills Cairnryan Edinburgh Glasgow Londonderry Newtonmore Pitlochry

SEE MORE SCOTLAND TRIPS

5 million happy guests and counting

Overall Rating

4.6

Out of 5

Based on 78,932 independent reviews

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

Scotland at a glance
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.
Currency
Pound Sterling
Winter avg temp
4°C
Summer avg temp
15°C
Time Zone
GMT+1
Capital City
Edinburgh
Language
English
Good morning
Good morning
Good evening
Good evening
Travelstyle Re Icon

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.
Read more... Read less...

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.
Read more... Read less...

View the 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.
Read more... Read less...

Hear the story of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and discover what royal glamor 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.
Read more... Read less...

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.
Read more... Read less...
Experience Dic Icon

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 vandalized by prisoners of war. Don’t miss the 1 o'clock gun that rings out over Edinburgh.
Read more... Read less...
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.
Read more... Read less...
GLASGOW

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Enjoy a captivating lesson in life and expression at Kelvingrove. Delve into natural history, arms and armor, 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.
Read more... Read less...
Trip Summary Meals Icon

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 flavor and peppery kick, you will too. Have a taste and wash it down with a wee dram.
Read more... Read less...

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 flavorful meal is not to be missed.
Read more... Read less...

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.
Read more... Read less...

What to pack for Scotland

Experience Tick Thin Icon

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.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

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.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Wool 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.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

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.

Experience Tick Thin Icon

Extra room

When planning a trip to Scotland, plan to pack less. Leave some space to bring home some of their specialties like shortbread for friends and cashmere for yourself.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Read more... Read less...

Our Europe & Britain destinations

France

Navigation Chevron Right Icon

England

Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Ireland

Navigation Chevron Right Icon

Croatia

Navigation Chevron Right Icon