Scotland flaunts so many stunning regions, it’s hard to pick one out as more beautiful than the rest. You might prefer holidays in Scotland’s Highlands, home to iconic Loch Ness and the peaks of Glen Coe. Or maybe the Isle of Skye’s dramatic landscapes appeal most to you, or the medieval skyline of Edinburgh.

Discover more of the most beautiful places in Scotland on our experts’ blog.

It’d be impossible to see all of Scotland in one go. But to experience as much of it as possible, consider spending 2 weeks to 3 weeks in Scotland. This way you’d get to discover the Highlands and islands in one incredible trip. Or stay for 1 week in Scotland and come back to explore more again the next time!

You don’t have to look far to find adventure, breathtaking views or fascinating heritage sites in Scotland.

We’d highly recommend you to visit the Highlands of Scotland on your trip, as this is where you’ll find so many striking landscapes. Scottish Highlands holidays promise stunning views of hillsides dotted with log cabins, intriguing historical sites, and family-friendly activities.

Additionally, touring the Scottish isles would give you the chance to experience breathtaking coastal scenery as well as distinct island cultures. You could walk on the Isle of Harris’s sandy beaches and listen to traditional Gaelic music in the local pubs, or explore Neolithic sites in the Orkney Islands.

Here are some of the top places to visit on holiday in Scotland:

• Edinburgh
• Glen Coe
• Isle of Harris & Lewis
• Loch Lomond
• Cairngorms National Park
• Fort William & Ben Nevis
• Glenfinnan
• Isle of Skye
• North Coast 500
• Orkney Islands

A Scotland staycation is just the ticket if you’re based in the UK and looking for a short break or longer trip close to home. Scotland has plenty of incredible destinations to explore, from the Scottish Borders in the south to the Shetland Isles in the north.

For some inspiration, read our article on the best Scottish staycation ideas for UK visitors.

Thankfully there isn’t a bad time to visit Scotland! Each season has its own appeal, whether that’s the long days of summer, winter’s peaceful atmosphere, the pretty flowers of spring, or the fiery colours of autumn.

The best time to visit Scotland depends on the sort of things you’d like to do and where you want to go. For an active holiday, we recommend spring, summer or autumn when the weather is milder and there are more daylight hours to explore.

Alternatively, exploring Scotland in winter is ideal for peace and quiet. Fewer people are on the roads and at top attractions, so it will feel more private for you. Plus you can experience the twinkling lights of vibrant cities and relax beside an open fire in your cosy countryside accommodation.

For more inspiration, check out these Scotland guides by season:

Scotland in summer: what to do and where to go

Scotland in winter: what to do and where to go

Why visit Scotland in spring or autumn

Organising your holiday to Scotland involves logistical and practical planning. You need to book your transport, accommodation and activities, as well as figuring out your route and all the places you want to visit. You should allow plenty of time for research and making all the arrangements.

Or you could leave all the trip-planning to an experienced travel agency, saving yourself the time and hassle. When you choose a Nordic Visitor tour, we handle all the itinerary arrangements, while you relax and look forward to your trip.

Our Scotland travel experts are based in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, and have unrivalled knowledge of the country. They love Scotland and would be delighted to plan your getaway for you. You’ll have a personal travel consultant who will come up with bespoke ideas to make your holiday unforgettable.

This way, you don’t need to contact a series of holiday cottages, car rental companies and experience providers. Our travel team does it all for you!

The price of your Scotland holiday package will vary depending on the duration of your trip and customised inclusions. You can find your price by choosing an itinerary on this page and inputting your preferred dates.

While we can’t guarantee how much day-to-day costs will be, we can assure you that Nordic Visitor trips provide excellent value. Your Scotland tour always includes handpicked accommodation, daily breakfasts, a detailed personal itinerary and access to our 24/7 helpline.

Additionally, our private Scotland tours include the cost of a personal driver-guide for the duration of your trip. You also get private airport transfers included as part of the package.

Alternatively, choose one of our guided small group tours of Scotland and you’ll get entrances to attractions, activities, and some evening meals included.

Or, if you opt for a self-drive tour of Scotland, the package price includes the cost of your rental car – with unlimited mileage, CDW insurance, and VAT. Throughout your trip you’ll also have a GPS and a Scottish Heritage Pass, providing free entry to many attractions.

For more information on costs and currencies, explore our travel guide.

Yes, your self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor includes car rental with our tried-and-tested hire car suppliers in Scotland.

You receive a collision damage waiver (CDW) and an excess waiver to reduce liability to zero. On top of that, you enjoy unlimited mileage, authorisation for two drivers, and a GPS navigation system for peace of mind. We don’t cover your road trip music: that is all up to you!

When you rent a car for your self-drive tour of Scotland with Nordic Visitor, there are some requirements that you should be aware of.

To rent a car in Scotland, you must hold a valid and full driving licence for a minimum period of 4 years. This reduces to 1 year if you are over 23 years of age.

Drivers aged 23 or 24 can take a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, subject to a young driver surcharge of £25 per day. You can hire vehicles in our rental car groups A, B, C or F.

The minimum age to rent a car in Scotland is 21. So if you're aged 21 or 22, we would be delighted to arrange your tour and provide you with information on how you can arrange your own car rental with specific suppliers who can cater to those aged 21 and 22.

If you are aged 80 or above, you can rent a car in Scotland so long as you provide medical proof that you are fit to drive. Please note this should be issued no earlier than 4 weeks before your travel date. You can hire vehicles in our rental car groups A, B or C.

Learn more about vehicle groups and car rental in Scotland on our travel guide.

Alternatively, you could leave the driving to a local expert when you pick one of our privately guided trips or guided small group tours of Scotland.

Your dedicated travel consultant will gladly customise your holiday according to your tastes and preferences. Don’t hesitate to tell them about any interests you have, such as photography or Scottish ancestry.

You might have a specific experience in mind, such as staying in a castle or enjoying sunrise in a beautiful location. Our Scotland travel experts can advise you on the best spots as they know the country inside out. They will be delighted to create a personalised itinerary for you!

Discover our photographer’s guide to Scotland or read about Scottish clans and ancestry on our blog.

Yes, you can choose your preferred arrival dates. Our Scotland packages are available to purchase on our website so you can select your dates online.

If you’ve already got a tour but now need to change your dates, contact your travel consultant as soon as possible to rearrange your trip.

We advise you to book your flights after your Nordic Visitor tour has been confirmed. It’s a good idea to search for flights in the meantime, so you know what’s available. But wait until your travel consultant has secured your tour booking before you actually purchase any flights.

This way your dedicated travel consultant will be able to introduce themselves to you and send you all of your package details. Therefore, you can make a more informed choice when reserving flights in and out of Scotland. If you have any questions you can always contact us for advice.

When packing for your trip to Scotland, it’s best to be prepared for all eventualities. Scotland’s climate can be a little unpredictable, even in summer, with the chance of sunshine, rain, wind, or even snow (in winter).

Here’s our recommended packing list for your holiday to Scotland:

• Warm layers
• Waterproof trousers and jackets
• Sensible footwear
• Small rucksack
• Hat, scarf and gloves
• Umbrella

You could also bring a swimsuit too in case you want to go wild swimming or visit a hot tub. You may also wish to bring smart outfits for dining out or attending a special event.