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Private Guided Tours of Scotland

Experience breathtaking panoramas on your private tour of Scotland, where each leg of the journey is tailored to your travel wishes. A handpicked personal guide will accompany you, their expert local insights helping you to make unforgettable memories.

11 tours available

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17 days

Prices per adult based on bookings for two

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Scotland
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Best seller
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
4.9
Apr - Oct

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

4134GBP

Eur

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Free upgrade
Best seller
8 days / 7 nights
Apr - Oct

4134GBP

GBP

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Scotland
Privately Guided
5 days / 4 nights
Apr - Oct

Scenic Scotland Express - Private

2222GBP

Eur

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5 days / 4 nights
Apr - Oct

2222GBP

GBP

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Scotland
Free upgrade
Best seller
Privately Guided
10 days / 9 nights
5.0
Apr - Oct

Classic Scotland - Private

5301GBP

Eur

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Best seller
10 days / 9 nights
Apr - Oct

5301GBP

GBP

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Scotland
Free upgrade
Privately Guided
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

Complete Scotland - Private

8015GBP

Eur

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Free upgrade
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

8015GBP

GBP

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Scotland
Privately Guided
7 days / 6 nights
Apr – Oct

Outlander Experience

3027GBP

Eur

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7 days / 6 nights
Apr – Oct

3027GBP

GBP

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Scotland
Privately Guided
8 days / 7 nights
Nov - Mar

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye Winter - Private

4022GBP

Eur

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8 days / 7 nights
Nov - Mar

4022GBP

GBP

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Scotland
Privately Guided
7 days / 6 nights
Nov - Mar

Express Scotland Winter - Private

3322GBP

Eur

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7 days / 6 nights
Nov - Mar

3322GBP

GBP

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Scotland
Free upgrade
Privately Guided
7 days / 6 nights
Apr - Oct

Express Scotland - Private

3520GBP

Eur

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Free upgrade
7 days / 6 nights
Apr - Oct

3520GBP

GBP

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Scotland & Ireland
Free upgrade
Privately Guided
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

Classic Scotland & Ireland - Private

8283GBP

Eur

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Free upgrade
14 days / 13 nights
Apr - Oct

8283GBP

GBP

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Scotland & Ireland
Free upgrade
Best seller
Privately Guided
17 days / 16 nights
Apr - Oct

Complete Scotland & Ireland – Private

Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye & Wild Atlantic Way

10586GBP

Eur

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Free upgrade
Best seller
17 days / 16 nights
Apr - Oct

10586GBP

GBP

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Scotland & Ireland
Free upgrade
Privately Guided
12 days / 11 nights
Apr - Oct

Express Scotland & Ireland – Private

6986GBP

Eur

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Free upgrade
12 days / 11 nights
Apr - Oct

6986GBP

GBP

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About Your Private Escorted Tour

Immerse yourself in Scottish culture with a specially chosen local guide on hand to share the country's secrets. On your private escorted tour, you'll see and learn about the history of each attraction and explore to your heart’s content.

Travel your tailor-made route in a comfortable vehicle, which your guide will expertly drive while pointing out facts and stories.

When you book a private guided tour with Nordic Visitor, you can expect:

• An authentic travel experience operated by a trusted local company
• A dedicated travel consultant who will arrange your tour
• An expert local guide to escort you and offer unique insights
• A comfortable journey in a spacious premium-standard vehicle
Handpicked accommodation for a peaceful stay
24/7 phone support during your adventure for peace of mind

Nordic Visitor has made it as easy as possible to book a private tour. Start your journey by following these simple steps:

1. Pick a tour or ask a consultant for help
2. Confirm (or customise) your package
3. Check your confirmation email
4. Book your flights
5. Get ready for your trip

Why choose Nordic Visitor

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Book With Confidence

Secure your trip your way with Nordic Visitor. Book a tour with as little as 10% deposit. With a 20% deposit or more, you will receive our cancellation insurance free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.

Book With Confidence

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Trusted local travel experts

Nordic Visitor is a leading travel agency, with over 20 years of experience crafting bespoke tours in Northern Europe. Enjoy first-class treatment from your Edinburgh-based travel consultant. They’ll handpick your guide to match your interests and use their in-depth knowledge to plan your dream trip to Scotland.

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Great reviews

Our dedicated teams deliver excellent service quality, and this is reflected year after year when TripAdvisor awards us with their Certificate of Excellence. We also take great pride in our customer feedback: 97% of our travelers say they would recommend us to friends and family.

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Personalised Tours

Tell us your Scotland travel dreams, and we’ll make them a reality. Our local experts curate tailored itineraries to give you the best private tour experience, complete with a knowledgeable guide. Plus, your dedicated consultant can personalise one of these private Scotland tours from Edinburgh to suit your interests.

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Full financial protection

With Nordic Visitor, you have peace of mind knowing your holiday arrangements with us are 100% financially protected. Your payments are safeguarded as we comply with European Union laws on Package Travel regulations. This guarantees you a refund in the unlikely event of insolvency.

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You are in good hands

Enjoy peace of mind during your tour, as you’ll always be able to reach a travel consultant by calling our 24/7 helpline. So should any unexpected weather issues or events arise, they will work with your guide to modify your itinerary. This way you can be sure you’ll still have the trip of a lifetime.

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Handpicked hotels

Recharge your batteries and enjoy Scottish hospitality in hotels and family-run guesthouses chosen for their comfort, cleanliness and friendly atmosphere. And rest easy knowing that we visit each accommodation regularly to ensure they are of the highest possible standard for you.

Scotland Privately Guided Tour Reviews

Read what our customers have to say about our privately guided tours.

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StephanieUnited States

We had a wonderful time on our private tour with Brian. He is an exceptional guide. He shared an extensive knowledge... read more

We had a wonderful time on our private tour with Brian. He is an exceptional guide. He shared an extensive knowledge of Scotland, and made the country come alive. We saw more with him than we would have on our own, and we felt that he catered the tour to make sure that we saw what we wanted to see. We couldn't have been more pleased! The folks with Nordic were exceptional over all, and we look forward to booking another tour with your company in the future.

L

LouiseCanada

We thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed our guide's knowledge and expertise. Brian was extremely informative,... read more

We thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed our guide's knowledge and expertise. Brian was extremely informative, patient, and entertaining. He was very considerate of the fact that we were 2 active but older women. He was also very kind to other travellers who realized he was a guide and would stop him to ask advice. Although this was to be my only trip to Scotland, thanks to his influence and fascinating instruction on the Highlands and Highlanders, I know I need to see more. I would let Nordic Visitor give more advice on the tour must sees. We met with the Edinburgh office staff - Maria, Anna, and Kris - after our tour was done, again Brian going above and beyond to bring us to meet them, days after our tour was over. I cannot say enough good things about all the help they gave us.

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Your Scotland private tour highlights

With your personal guide by your side, it’s time to embark on a Scottish adventure. Imagine the beautiful scenery and memorable experiences you’ll enjoy along the way. Soon you could…

Frequently Asked Questions About
Scotland Escorted Tours

Before booking one of these private tours of Scotland you might want to know more. Scroll down and you’ll find answers to the questions that we get asked most often. For more in-depth information, we’ve compiled this helpful Scotland Travel Guide for your convenience.

It’s also good to know that when you choose Nordic Visitor, you can Book With Confidence, safe in the knowledge that your payments are protected. Please read our FAQs and booking terms for details on our booking process, payments and more.

Scotland is a safe country for visitors, and you can rest easy knowing there’s a good public healthcare system in place. For tips and advice before you travel, we recommend reading this short guide to health and safety in Scotland.

On a privately guided trip, you and your chosen travel companions will be accompanied by an expert guide. Your guide will be there throughout your trip, sharing their insider knowledge with you.

Your dedicated travel consultant will select your tour leader to match your personal interests where possible, whether that’s Scottish ancestry, photography or something else.

Each day your driver-guide will take you to the region’s top attractions, and perhaps even some hidden gems, telling stories and answering questions as you go. All of this extra insight that your guide provides will bring Scotland to life and make your trip extra special.

If you love the idea of discovering Scotland with a guide, but would prefer to meet like-minded travellers, then we recommend a Scotland small group tour. This involves exploring Scotland in a spacious minibus driven by a guide. And with groups of up to just 15 guests, you’ll still get to enjoy one-to-one time with your guide.

A local tour guide will make your journey come alive, as you’ll get to see Scotland through the eyes of someone who calls it home!

As well as being your private chauffeur, your guide will share Scottish folklore stories, alongside facts about the country’s history and natural landscape. And, of course, they’ll take you to the top spots for photographs.

Plus, you can relax knowing that your licensed guide has been chosen by us to meet our high service standards. All of this means you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip!

Visit Scotland and you’ll be able to soak up its diverse landscapes and coastline, along with a number of treasured heritage sites.

Exploring Edinburgh – the Scottish capital – is a must. Packed with UNESCO-listed sites, one of the best ways to see the city is on a walking tour. If this is something you’d like to do, let your travel consultant know and they’ll add a guided city excursion to your itinerary.

Here’s a list of more things to do and the best places to go in Scotland:

  • • Wander Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket district and head to Calton Hill for stunning views
  • • Visit Scotland’s largest lake, Loch Lomond, in the Trossachs National Park
  • • Head to the legendary Loch Ness and learn about the myths that lie within
  • • Take an Isle of Skye tour and you’ll be treated to breathtaking scenery
  • • Watch as the Jacobite train (or “Hogwart’s Express”) steams through Glenfinnan
  • • Experience Glen Coe, an enchanting valley where mountains and rivers await
  • • Tour a whisky distillery or two on the Isle of Islay and taste the island’s famous single malts
  • • Stroll along the beaches and charming streets of the seaside town, St Andrews
  • • Uncover the dramatic real-life filming locations that feature in the iconic Outlander series
     

In fact, for fans of this hit TV show, a Scotland Outlander trip is a wonderful way to go behind the scenes. Your expert guide will take you to the series’ most beautiful and historic filming locations, including Perthshire and the Clava Cairns. Plus, you could check out some of the best places to eat on the Outlander Trail.

Or perhaps you’d like to dive into the world of Scottish whisky. In this case, a privately guided whisky tour of Scotland is one of the best ways to make the most of your time here.

This is because your guide will give you the insider scoop on the top single malts and take you to a number of distilleries. Not only that, but you’ll also be free to enjoy a “dram” (glass) or two as your guide does all of the driving.

Check out these articles for tips on where to go and what to do in Scotland, depending on the season:

Historians estimate that there were once over 3,000 castles scattered across Scotland. While not all of these remain, you’ll still have plenty of options if castles are one of the reasons you’re visiting Scotland.

You’ll find Scotland’s castles in all shapes and forms. These include fully restored and maintained sites that are open to the public, private family homes, lavish hotels, and even active army barracks.

Meanwhile, others have fallen into ruin. But these can make for some of the most dramatic sights. For example, head to Dunnottar Castle, perched atop the Aberdeenshire sea cliffs, to see for yourself.

To get an idea of the best ones you should visit, be sure to read this guide to the top Scottish castles. For instance, if you’re spending time in the capital city, don’t miss Edinburgh Castle, home to the United Kingdom’s oldest crown jewels.

You could also check out the castles and royal residences used as filming locations in the hit TV series The Crown

Yes, it’s possible to see the northern lights in Scotland during the winter months. But it’s good to know that glimpsing the aurora here is considered a rare treat. This is because the Arctic Circle is where sightings are most frequent, and Scotland lies south of here.

So, if seeing the aurora borealis is high on your wish list, we recommend one of these northern lights packages in Iceland, Norway or Lapland.

Finding the perfect time to visit Scotland depends on where you’d like to go and what you’d like to do on your trip. And while Scotland does experience distinct seasons, the weather is often variable. So much so, that you may hear the locals describing the weather as “four seasons in a day”.

Summer is the most popular time for a trip to Scotland. But travel anytime between April and September, and you can expect milder temperatures and drier weather compared to the winter.

The countryside will be at its most colourful during spring and summer, flaunting wildflowers, heather-clad hillsides and vibrant greenery. As well as being a great time for enjoying the outdoors and wildlife watching, you could attend a Scottish festival or lively Highland games.

Venture to Scotland in the autumn and you’ll see the country’s deciduous woodlands set ablaze with fiery autumnal shades. Or, travel in winter – December to March – if it’s brisk walks, frosty scenery and snow-dusted mountains that you’re after.

It’s also worth noting that Scottish whisky tours are possible from March to October. This is because some distilleries have downtime during winter and are closed to the public.

Discover more about Scottish tours in summer and winter breaks in Scotland by reading this helpful blog: Best time to visit Scotland – your complete guide.

The vehicle you will travel around Scotland in depends on the size of your party. We can cater for group sizes up to 15. But no matter how many of you are travelling, your car or minibus will be spacious, clean and comfortable.

Nordic Visitor privately guided trips can accommodate up to 7 people on an escorted tour of any length.

If there are over 7 of you, then it’s good to know that private tours are limited to a maximum of 6 days travelling with a guide. This is to ensure we comply with the UK’s minibus tour regulations.

You’ll meet your private tour guide the day after you arrive in Edinburgh. This lets you rest after your journey and gives you the freedom to spend a day touring Edinburgh yourself.

Tipping your guide is entirely up to you. In Scotland, providing a gratuity is not expected. Of course, if you’d like to show your gratitude with a tip, we’re sure your guide will appreciate it.

Yes, you can personalise your trip by extending your stay in Edinburgh at either end of your private tour. Or you might like to customise your itinerary by adding optional excursions. For example, you could have afternoon tea at Edinburgh Castle or take a guided walking tour of Edinburgh’s underground vaults.

Plus, if it’s more convenient for your onward travel arrangements, you could switch your final night’s stay to Glasgow.

For more information, or if you have something specific in mind, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to ask about bespoke tours in Scotland.

We recommend that you organise your flights once your package has been booked and confirmed by your dedicated travel consultant. This ensures that your tour is secured, and you have the correct timing information when you book your flights.

You can of course check for flight dates and times beforehand. And if you have any questions, you can contact your consultant for advice.

Flight times to Edinburgh, Scotland will vary depending on where you’re flying from, and what airline you’ll be travelling with.

This is a list of estimated journey times from some of the world’s largest airports:

North America

  • Toronto (YYZ) – 6 hours 40 minutes
  • New York (JFK) – 7 hours
  • Atlanta (ATL) – 10 hours 40 minutes
  • Vancouver (YVR) – 12 hours
  • Los Angeles (LAX) –13 hours
     

Europe

  • Amsterdam (AMS) – 1 hour 25 minutes
  • London Heathrow (LHR) – 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Keflavík (KEF) – 2 hours 20 minutes
     

Australia

  • Perth (PER) – 20 hours 30 minutes
  • Melbourne (MEL) – 24 hours
  • Syndey (SYD) – 25 hours 15 minutes
     

Asia

  • Dubai (DXB) – 9 hours 50 minutes
  • Delhi (DEL) – 12 hours
  • Beijing (PEK) – 12 hours 45 minutes
  • Tokyo Haneda (HND) – 15 hours 30 minutes
  • Hong Kong (HKG) – 16 hours 10 minutes
     

As well as flying into Edinburgh Airport, you could check flights to Glasgow International Airport. Journey times will be similar to those listed above but you might find that connections vary if you’re travelling from further afield.

If you do travel to Glasgow, you can get to Edinburgh city centre via good transport links. These include frequent trains and buses.

Scottish weather is renowned for being varied. Indeed, you could experience rain and blue skies with sunshine all in one day. With that in mind, it’s best to prepare for all seasons when packing for your trip.

Here’s a list of recommendations to get you started:

  • • Walking boots or shoes with good grip
  • • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • • Warm, insulated jacket
  • • Fleece or jumper
  • • Light base layers
  • • Cosy hat, scarf and gloves
  • • Sunglasses
  • • Rucksack
  • • Reusable water bottle
  • • UK plug adapter
     

You might also like to bring an umbrella, handy for city sightseeing on a rainy day. For more information, read our handy Scotland packing guide, complete with advice on what to bring depending on the season.

Contact us

Get in touch with us to start planning your private tour of Scotland. Speak to an Edinburgh-based travel expert who will be happy to advise on how you can personalise your trip.

Call

Our Scottish phone number is
+44 (0)131 344 4630

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