Discover the best escorted tours of Scotland in 2026 - from Edinburgh or Glasgow, explore the Highlands, islands and cities in comfort and with expert guidance.
In this blog, we'll explore what an escorted tour is, why they work so well in Scotland, and highlight some of the top itineraries for you to consider in 2026. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to enjoy Scotland in greater depth, read on.
What are escorted tours?
An escorted tour is a package-style itinerary where many of the logistics are handled for you, including transportation, accommodation, meals (which vary by itinerary), visits, and the services of an experienced tour manager.
Travel is typically by luxury coach, which usually includes air conditioning, WiFi capability, reclining seats, and an on-board washroom.
In addition to an experienced tour manager, local guides will join the group in key cities to provide insider information.
The benefits of a guided tour
- You don't have to plan every detail yourself: the operator takes care of routes, hotels, and many admissions.
- You travel with like-minded people, often making new acquaintances.
- You get an experienced tour director/manager who knows the area, the history, and the local context.
- The pacing is manageable - key sights, plus some free time.
- It can offer great value compared to booking yourself.
On the other hand, it is less independent than self-drive or backpack travel: you will follow a schedule, stay in specified hotels, and have less flexibility to linger or deviate.
That said, for many visitors (especially to Scotland, where some roads and ferries can complicate logistics), an escorted tour removes much of the stress.
Tours of England and Scotland
While our focus here is on Scotland, it's worth noting that there is a wide choice of England and Scotland tours that operate from London.
Most tours include the United Kingdom's most popular tourist destinations, such as Bath, Chester, the Lake District, Stonehenge, and York. As well as Scotland, of course.
Longer itineraries can also include Wales, Devon and Cornwall.
Considering an escorted tour can be a wise choice if you want to combine the UK's southern and northern highlights.
A popular choice is Amazing Britain, an eight-day itinerary that includes Stratford-upon-Avon, York, Durham, the Lake District, Ludlow, and Stonehenge. In Scotland, the tour features stays in Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as an excursion into the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
One-way journeys
If you would like to take a one-way journey between the two capital cities of London and Edinburgh, you can opt for a leisurely tour that features visits to many highlights of England and Scotland, including Bath and Stratford-upon-Avon, as well as the natural beauty of the Cotswolds and the Lake District.
The Taste of Britain is a 7-day itinerary from London to Edinburgh with overnight stops en route in Bath and Liverpool.
The Highlights of Britain small group tour provides a similar facility over 11 days, including a full free day in the historic city of York.
Escorted Tours of Scotland
With so many itineraries available, selecting the best tour for your needs can be somewhat daunting.
To help you, the travel experts at Scottish Tours have chosen five different tours that offer the best options, ranging from relaxed week-long journeys to comprehensive Highland and Island explorations.
Best of Scotland (7 Days from Edinburgh)
Features: Edinburgh*^, St Andrews, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Glen Coe, Stirling and Glasgow
Bonnie Scotland (7 Days from Glasgow)
Features: Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, Isle of Skye, Inverness, Loch Ness, Royal Deeside, Aberdeen, St Andrews and Edinburgh*^
Scottish Dream (8 Days from Glasgow)
Features: Glasgow, Loch Lomond Cruise, Inveraray Castle, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Culloden Moor, Blair Castle, Whisky Distillery, St Andrews and Edinburgh*^
Scottish Clans and Castles (10 Days from Glasgow)
Features: Glasgow, Stirling Castle, Whisky Distillery, Glen Coe, Eilean Donan Castle, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden Moor, Aberdeen, St Andrews and Edinburgh *^
Scottish Highlands, Islands and Cities (13 Days from Edinburgh)
Features: Edinburgh*^, Melrose Abbey, St Andrews, Glamis Castle, Cairngorms National Park, Culloden Moor, Loch Ness, North Coast 500 route, Orkney Islands excursion, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Glenfinnan, Oban, Isles of Mull and Iona, Glen Coe, Stirling and Glasgow
* Tour of Edinburgh Castle included
^ Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included during the Edinburgh Festivals
Scottish Island Tours
Scotland's islands are some of the most distinctive and evocative landscapes in Europe. From windswept coastlines and prehistoric sites to Gaelic culture, wildlife, and deep maritime heritage, each island group offers a unique identity and atmosphere.
Why Choose a Scottish Island Tour?
Visiting the islands independently can require complex ferry logistics, careful timing, and familiarity with remote travel routes. Escorted touring removes those challenges, ensuring a smooth and rewarding journey.
Benefits of an Escorted Island Tour
- Effortless logistics – Ferry crossings, accommodation and routing are expertly arranged.
- Local knowledge – Guides provide cultural insight, historical context and practical interpretation.
- Comfort – Quality transport and well-located hotels throughout.
- Efficient use of time – Travel plans are optimised to maximise sightseeing and minimise transit.
- Shared experience – Ideal for those who enjoy exploring as part of a friendly, like-minded group.
Visiting Scotland's islands is a unique travel experience. Here are three itineraries for you to consider in 2026.
Highlights of Orkney and Shetland (6 Days from Edinburgh or Glasgow)
Features: Overnight ferry to Lerwick, Shetland (visits to Scalloway Castle, Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head), Orkney Islands (visits to Maes Howe, Skara Brae, Rings of Brodgar and Stenness, St Magnus Cathedral and Italian Chapel)
Highlights of the Outer Hebrides (5 Days from Edinburgh or Glasgow)
Features: Islands of Harris and Lewis (visits to Callanish Standing Stones, Gearannan Black Houses, Shawbost Norse Mill, St Clement’s Church and Harris beaches) and excursions to the islands of Eriskay, Barra and Vatersay
Scottish Isles and Glens (12 days from Glasgow)
Features: Glasgow, Isle of Bute, Glen Coe, Eilean Donan Castle, Isle of Skye, Inverewe Gardens, Ullapool, North Coast 500 route, Orkney Islands (visits to Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar, St Magnus Cathedral and Italian Chapel), Dunrobin Castle, Loch Ness Cruise, Culloden Moor, Whisky Distillery and Edinburgh*^
Book your escorted tour of Scotland with Scottish Tours
If joining an escorted tour of Scotland whets your travel appetite, why not discuss your plans with a travel expert at Scottish Tours? They will be happy to offer advice on selecting the perfect Scotland tour for you.
Contact your Scotland-based travel expert by email or WhatsApp.
Take the first step today by browsing our website for your Scotland Tour.