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2025 2026

Edinburgh from the Castle, David Roberts, 1796–1864, Yale Centre for British Art ©

Doune Castle, Johnny Briggs ©

Edinburgh Castle from Greyfriars cemetery, wood engraving c. 1890.

Scotland Tours

Join us on a small-group cultural tour of Scotland, where expert lecturers and their fresh perspectives allow insight into this country’s unrivalled cultural and natural richness.

Browse Scotland tours by theme

Exploring Scotland on a cultural tour

On our escorted tours of Scotland, we journey beyond the jagged coastlines: staying on Skye, study the breathtaking ruins of Armadale Castle, or join a private tour of Orkney’s ongoing archaeological digs. Back on the mainland, we traverse heather-clad interiors and looming mountains: Dunnotar, Haddo and Floors Castle are all visited on our tour of Scottish Castles and Houses.

On a tour of Scottish gardens from ornate and subtropical Inverewe, to the walled gardens of Cawdor, Highland horticulture is bound to surprise. Names rich in history—Culloden, Balmoral, and the iconic Jacobite steam train—distinguish our Scotland history tour, which follows the story of a nation across centuries of change.

The towns and cities of Scotland also present an enthralling proposition. We scour the best galleries on our Scottish art tour: Aberdeen and Glasgow are packed with wonders, from works by Margaret MacDonald and Charles Rennie Mackintosh to Chinese ceramics and Rembrandts. In Edinburgh, we walk medieval streets from the castle to graceful Georgian squares.

Meet our Scottish Tour experts

Our experts are poised to illuminate. Desmond Shawe-Taylor, former keeper of the Queen’s pictures, leads us through Scotland’s art galleries, whilst David Forsyth, formerly of National Museums Scotland, takes us on an epic journey in celebration of the touchstones of Scottishness.

Spotlight on Scotland

Kelvingrove Art Gallery

The holdings are extensive and wide-ranging, the painting collection internationally significant with major works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Salvador Dali, a good selection of French Impressionists and dazzling displays of the Glasgow Boys and the Scottish Colourists.

Visited on: 'Art in Scotland'

Eilean Donan

This picturesque tidal island and its reconstructed castle (the original was destroyed in the early 18th century during the Jacobite Risings), at the meeting of three sea lochs, is one of the most photographed places in Scotland. It also features in films such as Highlander.

Visited on: 'Scotland: History & Heritage'

Dunrobin Castle

Dunrobin Castle, home of the Earl of Sutherland, is the most northerly of Britain’s great houses, externally largely the work of Sir Charles Barry. He also designed the formal gardens in his favoured Italianate style in 1850.

Visited on: 'Gardens in the Highlands'

Jacobite steam train

This historic steam locomotive follows the route of the West Highland Line. Breathtaking views of lochs, mountains and moors along with the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct makes this one of the world’s greatest train journeys.

Visited on: 'Scotland: History & Heritage'

Ness of Brodgar Neolithic settlement

A working archaeological site which is unearthing some surprising insights into Neolithic ceremonial life. We tour the site with Nick Card, the director of the dig.

Visited on: 'Orkney: 5,000 years of culture'

Haddo House

Home of Prime Minister Lord Aberdeen, Haddo is a Palladian composition of the 1720s with a pedimented principal block, quadrants and service wings. The house was enriched in the 1880s and filled with fascinating items.

Visited on: 'Scottish Houses and Castles'

Important information

Local currency

Pound Sterling (£)

Timezone

GMT+1

Plug Socket Type

Type G

A selection of our bases in Scotland

Central & Lowland

Intercontinental Edinburgh

Kimpton Blythswood Square, Glasgow

Apex Dundee

Parklands, Peth

Hotel du Vin, St Andrews

Old Course Hotel, St Andrews

Highland Scotland

Ness Walk, Inverness

Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

Skeabost House Hotel, Skye

The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa, Aberdeen

The Borders & South

Schloss Roxburghe

Orkney

The Lynnfield, Kirkwall

Gardens in the Highlands
Gardens in the Highlands
Art in Scotland
Gardens in the Highlands
Gardens in the Highlands
Art in Scotland
" Colin Crosbie is extremely knowledgeable but I was most impressed by how generous he was with his time and willingness to continue the discussion after a visit. " Gardens in the Highlands - Horticulture and garden design in northern Scotland
" The entire experience was delightful. Colin Crosbie was extremely knowledgeable, passionate, and friendly. The gardens, the weather, and transportation were superb. " Gardens in the Highlands - Horticulture and garden design in northern Scotland
" Very interesting to see so much of Scotland, plus some wonderful art collections. " Art in Scotland - Great cities, spectacular museums
" Colin Crosbie was outstanding. His knowledge, experience and passion made a winning combination. " Gardens in the Highlands - Horticulture and garden design in northern Scotland
" Superb choice and variety of gardens, featuring interesting planting and design, varied locations. " Gardens in the Highlands - Horticulture and garden design in northern Scotland
" How fortunate we were to luck into Desmond Shawe-Taylor As our lecture! Desmond was supremely well-informed, Interesting, charming, warm in matter, and receptive to our questions " Art in Scotland - Great cities, spectacular museums
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