Summer Tours in Scotland
Visit Scotland at this time of year, and you can look forward to mild weather, verdant scenery and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Plus, you can relax knowing that every detail of your package is arranged for you by the local experts at Nordic Visitor.
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Book With ConfidencePlan your travels with peace of mind
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Trusted local travel expertsProfessional service from local experts
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Great reviewsWe are proud of our reviews and customer satisfaction
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You are in good handsHelp is on hand with our 24/7 helpline
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Flexible tour optionsTailor your trip to suit your interests
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Full financial protectionYour payments are protected with financial safety as standard
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Handpicked hotelsStay in carefully selected accommodation on your trip
Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye
1645GBP
1450GBP
Eur
Grand Tour of Scotland
Scottish Highlands & North Coast 500
3684GBP
3369GBP
Eur
Highlights of Scotland
Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness & Isle of Skye
4232GBP
4037GBP
Eur
Complete Scotland
Scottish Highlands & North Coast 500
2999GBP
2804GBP
Eur
Wonders of Scotland
Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness & Isle of Skye
2998GBP
2803GBP
Eur
Classic Scotland & Outer Hebrides
2418GBP
Eur
Classic Scotland & The Orkney Islands
2509GBP
Eur
Express Scotland - Private
3700GBP
3385GBP
Eur
Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private
4345GBP
4030GBP
Eur
Best of Edinburgh - Loch Ness & Highlands
1022GBP
Eur
Taste of Scotland - Castles & Highlands
821GBP
Eur
Edinburgh Complete - Loch Ness, Highlands & Glasgow
1462GBP
Eur
Classic Scotland at Leisure
2758GBP
Eur
Classic Scotland - Private
5570GBP
5180GBP
Eur
Complete Scotland at Leisure
Scottish Highlands, North Coast 500 & Outer Hebrides
3656GBP
Eur
Express Scotland & St Andrews – Private
4371GBP
4056GBP
Eur
Express Scotland & Ireland
2895GBP
Eur
Complete Scotland & Ireland
3712GBP
Eur
Grand Tour of Scotland & Ireland
Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye & Wild Atlantic Way
4566GBP
Eur
Ultimate Tour of Scotland & Ireland
Scottish Highlands, North Coast 500 & Wild Atlantic Way
5559GBP
Eur
Express Scotland & Ireland – Private
7156GBP
Eur
Classic Scotland & Ireland - Private
8457GBP
8067GBP
Eur
Complete Scotland & Ireland – Private
Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye & Wild Atlantic Way
10692GBP
10302GBP
Eur
Scenic Scotland - Express
Loch Ness & the Highlands
977GBP
Eur
Scenic Scotland Express - Private
2338GBP
Eur
Wonders of Scotland & Ireland
Ultimate Celtic Adventure
5352GBP
4962GBP
Eur
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Contact usAbout Your Scotland Summer Vacation
Visit Scotland in summer and you could hike in the Scottish Highlands, stroll along sandy beaches, and attend vibrant festivals. Whether you opt for a self-drive trip, small group tour or privately guided vacation, you’ll find an expert-curated package with something for you.
When you book a summer holiday in Scotland with Nordic Visitor, you get:
• An authentic travel experience planned by a trusted local agency
• An Edinburgh-based travel consultant to arrange your tour
• A personalised, detailed online itinerary and travel guide
• Quality, handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay
• Itinerary and activity recommendations tailored for summer
• 24/7 phone support for peace of mind
Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your trip. Simply follow these steps:
1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor tour
2. Confirm your package
3. Check your confirmation email
4. Book your flights
5. Get ready for your trip
Why choose Nordic Visitor
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 Protection free of charge. You can also pay the full price right away to guarantee today’s exchange rate. Terms & conditions apply.
Trusted local travel experts
Established in 2002, Nordic Visitor has been designing trips in Northern Europe ever since. Your Edinburgh-based travel consultant will use their local knowledge to plan your Scotland tour for you. So, not only will your trip be hassle-free, but you’ll also enjoy insider recommendations.
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.
You are in good hands
We’ve got you covered if something crops up on your trip. Call our 24/7 helpline for support and a travel expert will be on hand to assist you. Whether it's an unexpected event or weather issue, they’ll update your tour arrangements while keeping you safe and informed.
Flexible tour options
Nordic Visitor’s Scotland tours are designed to include scenic routes and top attractions. And your Edinburgh-based travel consultant will use their local knowledge to make your trip unforgettable. You can also customise your package by adding extra nights, optional excursions, and more when you book online.
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.
Handpicked hotels
Experience the best of Scottish hospitality, whether you’re staying in a specially selected cosy inn, family-run guesthouse, or luxurious castle hotel. Plus, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve handpicked each based on its location and our high standards of comfort and cleanliness.
Scotland Summer Tour Reviews
Read what our wonderful guests had to say about their summer breaks in Scotland.
KristenUnited States
I enjoyed my tour of Scotland so much! Booking with Nordic Visitor was so easy. Their itinerary showcased highlights... read more
I enjoyed my tour of Scotland so much! Booking with Nordic Visitor was so easy. Their itinerary showcased highlights across the country, so I feel like I experienced the best of the best! The communication from our tour consultant, Duncan, was prompt and detailed. It was so comforting knowing that Nordic Visitor was only a phone call away 24/7.
TerryUnited States
It was an amazing trip! My husband and I took the Highlights of Scotland tour in July and had a wonderful time! Our... read more
It was an amazing trip! My husband and I took the Highlights of Scotland tour in July and had a wonderful time! Our tour guide, Andy, was amazing. His knowledge of Scotland was top notch and kept us informed throughout the entire tour. Andy educated us on Scotland history, shared delightful stories and enlightened us with Scottish culture. The accommodation were all so nice. Each one a bit different, but comfortable and lovely. Each place had helpful and respectful staff. Our bus was very comfortable, lots of room and great windows for the amazing views of Scottish scenery. The drivers were great. So glad they were driving us around the country.
Certificate of Excellence
Your Scotland Summer Vacation Highlights
Travel to Scotland this summer and find out what delights are waiting for you. Think hillsides carpeted in flowering heather, lively cultural events and abundant wildlife-watching opportunities. Soon you could ...
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Explore Edinburgh, Scotland’s historic capital city, when the iconic Fringe festival is in full swing
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Venture to the Isle of Skye, where you could take a boat trip to spot seals and admire the Cuillin Mountains
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Uncover stories of the country’s dramatic past when you visit Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness
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Hike through pine forests in the Cairngorms National Park and see Scotland’s only free-roaming reindeer herd
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Tour the wild landscapes of the west coast and catch a glimpse of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain
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Stroll along the picture-perfect streets of St Andrews, a charming town flanked by sweeping sandy beaches
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Hear tales of folk hero Rob Roy when you visit the Trossachs National Park, home to Loch Lomond
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Sail north to the Orkney Isles, where you’ll discover Neolithic settlements and a rich cultural heritage
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Drive the North Coast 500 and marvel at sights like the Torridon Hills and Dunrobin Castle along the way
Advice About Visiting Scotland
Check out these handy travel guides to prepare for your Scottish adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Summer Breaks in Scotland
You might like to know more before choosing one of these Scottish summer tours. If so, read on and you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions listed here for your convenience. Or, for additional in-depth information, you can check out this helpful Scotland Travel Guide.
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. To find out about our booking process, payments and more, please read our FAQs and booking terms.
Summertime in Scotland spans the months of May, June, July, August and September, and is a popular time to visit.
You can also enjoy Nordic Visitor summer itineraries in the months of April and October. This is sometimes known as the “shoulder season”. At this time of year, the weather remains mild and you’ll be able to see the country’s top attractions with fewer visitors around.
Find out more about the best time to visit Scotland in this guide.
Visit Scotland in summer and you’ll notice that the days stretch out well into the evening. In fact, during the summer, there are between 14 and nearly 18 hours of daylight in Scotland.
On 21 June, the summer solstice and longest day of the year, the sun rises in Edinburgh at about 4:30 AM and doesn’t set until after 10 PM.
These are the hours of daylight for central Scotland during the summer months:
- • May: 15-17 hours
- • June: 17-18 hours
- • July: 16-18 hours
- • August: 14-16 hours
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• September: 12-14 hours
Head north, on a Scottish Highlands tour, and you’ll find the days will be slightly longer. On the other hand, travel south and you’ll find that the days are a little shorter.
While Scotland is rarely “hot”, you may occasionally get highs of around 25°C (77°F). In general, temperatures tend to reach a maximum average of 19°C (66°F) in July and August.
Scotland’s maritime climate means that even during the summer months, you’re unlikely to experience temperatures over 25°C (77°F).
Instead, you’ll find that mild to warm temperatures, between 11-19°C (52-66°F), are most common. Happily, these are ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Here are the average monthly temperatures for Edinburgh, the Scottish capital city, throughout summer:
- • May: 6-13°C (43-55°F)
- • June: 13-17°C (43-63°F)
- • July: 11-19°C (52-66°F)
- • August: 11-19°C (52-66°F)
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• September: 9-16°C (42-61°F)
You can find out more, including average monthly temperatures in other Scottish locations, in this guide to the weather in Scotland.
One of the advantages of visiting Scotland during the summer months is that there’s plenty to do. So whether you’re planning on staying for 1 week or 3 weeks in Scotland, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Summer is also when most attractions, such as museums and castles, have their longest opening hours. This is also true of the country’s iconic single malt whisky distilleries.
Although many distilleries are still open outside of the summer months, you may find they offer fewer tours and are only open on certain days of the week. So if you’re keen to tour a few Scottish distilleries, then travelling between April and October is a good time to visit.
These are just a few ideas for things you can do on your summer trip to Scotland:
- • Attend one of Scotland’s best festivals, like the famous Edinburgh Fringe
- • Explore the Scottish Highlands on foot, with trails for all abilities to choose from
- • Embark on a tour of the Scottish isles and enjoy an island-hopping adventure
- • Stroll around charming coastal villages, with an ice cream in hand
- • Attend a Highland games event, like the Braemar Gathering in Royal Deeside
- • Learn about legends, clan struggles and royal history on a Scotland castles trip
- • Soak up awe-inspiring scenery in Scotland’s far north on the North Coast 500
If you're based in the UK and thinking of a summer staycation holiday in Scotland, there is so much to discover right on your doorstep. You could enjoy things to do in Edinburgh over a long weekend, but we also recommend taking time to explore Scotland's natural wonders as well.
For top tips and information about what to expect at this time of year, you can read this summer in Scotland guide.
There’s plenty to see and do all year round in Scotland. But by choosing to travel in summer, you’ll be able to make the most of soaking up the scenery when the countryside is at its most vibrant.
Where to go depends on whether you’re looking for a countryside retreat, cultural getaway or an island adventure. Or you could combine all three on a Nordic Visitor summer tour of Scotland.
The Scottish mainland’s top spots for nature
Scotland has plenty to offer you when it comes to natural beauty.
When you imagine Scotland’s wild spaces, what comes to mind first might be verdant valleys, shimmering lakes (“lochs”), and ancient Caledonian pine forest.
A North Coast 500 trip is a wonderful way to see the stunning landscapes of Scotland’s far north. But there’s even more for you to discover here including these iconic places:
- • Glen Coe
- • Glenfinnan
- • Cairngorms National Park
- • Trossachs National Park
- • The Hermitage
- • Loch Ness
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• Fort William
Captivating island destinations in Scotland
Venture off the mainland and you’ll be treated to even more magnificent scenery. You can expect coastlines punctuated with sheltered coves, white sand beaches lapped by turquoise sea, and towering cliffs dotted with seabirds.
Scattered off the shore, you’ll find uninhabited rocky outcrops, far-flung sanctuaries for wildlife, and archipelagos with thriving island communities. So why not include these recommended Scottish islands in your summer itinerary?
- • Isle of Skye
- • Outer Hebrides
- • Isle of Islay
- • Orkney Islands
Take a look at the best beaches in Scotland on our experts' blog.
Popular Scottish cities
A visit to Scotland isn’t just about taking in jaw-dropping landscapes though. One of the best ways to appreciate the country’s cultural heritage is by heading to Scotland’s towns and cities. We recommend combining a short break in the city with several days exploring the Highland scenery.
Imagine visiting castles with a history stretching back hundreds of years, or wandering winding cobbled alleyways. You can do all of this, and more, when you visit these Scottish cities:
Yes, you can choose the arrival date that works best for you depending on the trip and time of year that you want to travel. Each tour has an availability calendar, so after selecting the package that’s right for you, simply pick your preferred start date.
Summer itineraries are possible from April to October – this includes most Scotland self-drive packages and privately guided trips. Meanwhile, for small group guided tours in Scotland, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of scheduled departure dates between April and September.
You can easily check up-to-date availability for each tour package by looking at its online calendar.
Yes, Nordic Visitor tours are designed to be flexible. But it's good to know that each itinerary already includes the best routes and attractions, along with a few hidden gems.
It’s easy to customise each package when you book online. This way, you can tailor your tour by adding extra nights, optional excursions, or treating yourself to an accommodation upgrade.
It’s worth bearing in mind that some trips give you more freedom to customise your itinerary than others. For example, on small group tours, extra nights can be added at the start or end of your trip. Meanwhile, on self-drive trips and private guided packages in Scotland, you can add extra nights at other overnight stops.
Get in touch with one of our Edinburgh-based travel experts for personal recommendations on what activities or excursions are best for you.
We advise checking flights for availability before booking your tour, but it’s best to hold off on purchasing them until after your trip is finalised. Once your travel consultant has confirmed your package by email, you can go ahead and purchase your flights.
If you have missed out on flights, please get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to accommodate a change of dates.
Scotland’s weather is changeable year-round. So although you might be travelling in summer, you could experience a mixture of bright sunshine and rain in one day.
This means that when you’re out and about, wearing layers is key. For instance, one moment you might be comfortable dressed in a few layers topped by a waterproof jacket. Then later, you could be down to a T-shirt and reaching for your sunglasses.
In fact, there’s a local saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes”. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to carry a small daypack containing warm and waterproof layers around with you. This way you’ll have extra layers at hand in case of rain or cool temperatures.
You’ll also want to bring a pair of walking shoes or boots if you plan to do a bit of hiking on your trip. After all, this is one of the best ways to enjoy Scotland’s gorgeous summer scenery.
No matter where you’re going in Scotland you should be prepared for rain or shine, even if you’re travelling in summer.
We recommend packing the following:
- Walking boots or shoes with good grip
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm, insulated jacket
- Warm fleece or jumper
- Light base layers
- Warm hat, scarf and gloves
- Sunglasses
- Rucksack
- Reusable water bottle
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UK plug adapter
For more information, check out this helpful Scotland packing guide, complete with seasonal tips on what to bring during summer.
Contact us
Get in touch with us, whether you’d like to book a summer tour of Scotland or are interested in tailoring a package. Our Edinburgh-based travel experts are ready to answer any questions you might have.
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