HOW & WHEN TO TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND FROM USA
Nordic Visitor’s self-drive tours in summer (April - October) are the best options for Scotland vacations lasting longer than 8 - 10 days, or for travellers who want more flexibility for hiking, sightseeing and photography. Shorter road trips are also available in wintertime. Just keep in mind that motorists drive on the left side of the road in Scotland.
Most visitors adapt to driving on the left in Scotland fairly well, but if you don’t want to do the driving, then a privately guided tour or guided small group tour is a wonderful option. Led by professional local driver-guides, an escorted tour in Scotland is a great choice for travellers interested in Scottish heritage, Highland culture or whisky tasting tours.
WHAT’S INCLUDED IN SCOTLAND VACATION PACKAGES
All of your Scotland accommodations will be pre-arranged by your dedicated Nordic Visitor travel consultant, and you’ll know exactly how you’re getting to your overnight locations — and which attractions are found on the way — with a personalised itinerary and Scotland travel guide booklet. For self-drive tours in Scotland from USA, we’ll also provide you with a hand-marked map of Scotland and our own 24/7 helpline.
SCOTLAND VACATIONS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND INTERESTS
Want to add a few personal touches to your Scotland vacation from USA? Nordic Visitor’s Scotland tour packages can be tailored by our local experts with extra nights at select locations, alternative arrivals or departures from Glasgow, day tours in Edinburgh, and more. We can even a tailor an itinerary to a special occasion, such as a Scotland honeymoon from USA, or to specific interests, like golf vacations in Scotland or Scotland castle tours.
As a country with over 6,000 miles of coastline, rugged Highlands, idyllic lowlands, charming villages, historic cities and numerous islands (isles) off the north and west coasts, there are many routes you could follow to see Scotland’s top sights. It all depends on the attractions you prefer, your length of stay and the pace of your travel.
WHAT TO SEE ON TRIPS TO SCOTLAND FROM USA
Under a week: For most trips to Scotland from USA, the Scottish Highlands are the main attraction. Give yourself at least 4 - 5 days to see the top Highland attractions, with overnights in the Inverness, Fort William and Loch Lomond areas. With at least 6 days you can travel through the Highlands to the Isle of Skye or -- if you’re a whisky lover -- the Oban and Isle of Mull area. On such a route you can visit highlights such as Loch Ness, the Old Man of Storr rock formations on Skye, the picturesque valley of Glen Coe, Eilean Donan Castle and some filming locations from the popular Outlander TV series, such as Doune Castle.
1 - 2 weeks: For the classic Scotland experience, we recommend that tours to Scotland from USA last around 10 days. With this much time you can travel up the beautiful east coast to the city of St Andrews and the “Castle Trail” region of Aberdeenshire before heading into the Highlands and onwards. In 12 days or more you can also visit the Orkney Islands and drive along the scenic North Coast 500 route or travel even further to the quiet islands of Harris and Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
2 - 3 weeks: In 17 - 21 days you can do the ultimate tour of Scotland, including the east coast, Highlands and many of the major islands. You can even visit the far-flung Shetland Isles -- the northernmost point of Scotland and all of Britain.
