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Scotland

scotland

Overseas Adventure Travel, the leader in personalized small group adventures, has been changing lives through travel since 1978. Our 4 Scotland adventures—2 Small Group Adventures and 2 Small Ship Adventures—will take your small group into the heart of a destination to venture where the big tour groups can’t. No matter which adventure you choose, O.A.T. always offers our travelers:

  • Personalized travel experiences, with options to arrive early, add pre- or post-trip extensions, stopover in popular cities, and more.
  • Small group of no more than 25 travelers, allowing us to take you off the beaten path and immerse you in local culture.
  • Adventures tailored to the solo traveler, with FREE or low-cost Single Supplements and 23,000 single spaces being offered in 2024.
  • Expert Trip Experience Leaders, residents of the region you visit who will share their insights and bring your destination to life.

When you set out on an O.A.T. Scotland adventure, there are endless travel experiences waiting for you. Learn about Scotland's famous woolly native animals during A Day in the Life of a family owned and operated Highland cattle farm. Venture from the boisterous capital of Edinburgh to the far-flung Orkney Islands, an archipelago in the northeast of Scotland, and a land of forbidding black cliffs, rocky gray peaks, and endless green hills. And enjoy a traditional Scottish meal with a family in Edinburgh during a Home-Hosted Dinner. You can experience all of this and more when you journey to Scotland with O.A.T.

Get the Details On Our Scotland Adventure

Click 'Select to Compare' to see a side-by-side comparison of up to adventures below—including
activity level, pricing, traveler excellence rating, trip highlights, and more

Spend 15 days in Scotland on

Scotland Revealed: Legends, Lochs & Highland Landscapes

O.A.T. Adventure by Land

DAYS 15
FROM $5,395
PER DAY $360
  Traveler Reviews (146)

Spend 6 days in Scotland on

Maritime Jewels of the British Isles: England, Wales, Northern Ireland & Scotland

O.A.T. Adventure by Small Ship

DAYS 15
FROM $9,295
PER DAY $620
  Traveler Reviews (207)

Spend 10 days in Scotland on

Idyllic Great Britain: England’s Lake District, the Scottish Highlands & Orkney Archipelago

O.A.T. Adventure by Land

DAYS 17
FROM $6,595
PER DAY $388
  Traveler Reviews (8)

Spend 4 days in Scotland on

New! Norwegian Fjord Cruise and Scotland’s Orkney & Shetland Islands

O.A.T. Adventure by Small Ship

DAYS 14
FROM $10,295
PER DAY $736

Spend 7 days in Scotland on our
Pre-trip Extension

Scottish Highlands and Lowlands: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, National Parks & Glasgow

NIGHTS 7
FROM $3,495
PER DAY $500

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Find the Adventure That’s Right for You

Our Activity Level rating system ranks adventures on a scale of 1 to 5 to help you determine if a trip is right for you. See the descriptions below for more information about the physical requirements associated with each rating.

Activity Level 1:

1 2 3 4 5

Easy

Travelers should be able to climb 25 stairs consecutively, plus walk at least 1-2 miles over some uneven surfaces without difficulty. Walks typically last at least 1-2 hours at a time. Altitude can range from zero to 5,000 feet.

Activity Level 2:

1 2 3 4 5

Moderately Easy

Travelers should be able to climb 40 stairs consecutively, plus walk at least 2-3 miles over some uneven surfaces without difficulty. Walks typically last for at least 2-3 hours at a time. Altitude can range from zero to 5,000 feet.

Activity Level 3:

1 2 3 4 5

Moderate

Travelers should be able to climb 60 stairs consecutively, plus walk at least 3 miles over some steep slopes and loose or uneven surfaces without difficulty. Walks typically last for 3 or more hours at a time. Altitude can range from 5,000 to 7,000 feet.

Activity Level 4:

1 2 3 4 5

Moderately Strenuous

Travelers should be able to climb 80 stairs consecutively, plus walk at least 4 miles over some steep slopes and loose or uneven surfaces without difficulty. Walks typically last for 4 or more hours at a time. Altitude can range from 7,000 to 9,000 feet. Expect three or more one-night stays in some locations, and very limited free time for rest or independent exploration.

Activity Level 5:

1 2 3 4 5

Strenuous

Travelers should be able to climb 100 or more stairs consecutively, plus walk at least 8 miles over some steep slopes and loose or uneven surfaces without difficulty. Walks typically last for 4 or more hours at a time. Altitude can range from 10,000 feet or more.

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Scotland: Month-By-Month

There are pros and cons to visiting a destination during any time of the year. Find out what you can expect during your ideal travel time, from weather and climate, to holidays, festivals, and more.

Scotland in January-February

The winter months bring short days and dreary weather to Scotland. High temperatures hover in the low 40 degree Fahrenheit range, with frequent driving rain in the lowlands; in the Highlands, snow-covered peaks welcome skiers and snowboarders. Scots are fond of saying "there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing," so wintertime travelers are advised to dress in layers topped off with a waterproof coat.

Perhaps the best way to cope with Scotland's winter weather is to hunker down by a roaring fire in one of the country's countless traditional pubs. Hearty Scotch fare like haggis, mince and tatties (ground beef and mashed potatoes), and clootie dumplings (a steamed pudding) is made for cold days, and a dram of whisky provides a warming glow. 

Holidays & Events

  • January 25: Burns Night is an annual celebration of Scottish poet Robert Burns. The festivities include a haggis supper accompanied by a reading of "Address to a Haggis," many whisky toasts, and a rousing rendition of "Auld Lang Syne."
  • Late February: The Fort William Mountain Festival is a celebration of mountain culture and the spirit of adventure, with film screenings, workshops, competitions, and even winter hiking.

Scotland in March-May

Although the Highland peaks are still frosted with white this time of year, the snow begins to melt throughout most of Scotland, leaving a carpet of daffodils and bluebells in its wake. Mild breezes bring the daily temperatures into the mid-50 degrees Fahrenheit range. 

Springtime is a wonderful season for exploring Scotland's outdoors, with woodland creatures emerging from their winter dens, new lambs appearing in pastures, and migratory birds returning north. The contrast of snowy peaks and green, flower-bedecked valleys is irresistible for mountain hikers, known locally as "fell-walkers." In oft-rainy Edinburgh, April brings a succession of dry days in which to enjoy a hike up Arthur's Seat or a sedate stroll through the blooming Princes Street Gardens.

Holidays & Events

  • May 1: Beltane is the Gaelic fire festival, marking the end of winter. A chosen May Queen and Green Man lead a parade that ends with the lighting of a bonfire—accompanied by much feasting and merrymaking, of course.
  • First weekend of May: The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival celebrates the world's finest single malt scotch whiskies, many of which come from this very region (Speyside is home to 84 working distilleries, after all). Attendees enjoy tastings, distillery tours, live music, and whisky-appreciation classes.

Scotland in June-August

As Scotland's spring turns into summer, daylight hours stretch into the evening; this far north, a summer day lasts up to 17 hours. The weather is mild and still changeable, but overall remains pleasant with temperatures rising toward 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Wildflowers and soft purple heather bloom throughout the summer, and the countryside is one green vista after another, from gentle hillocks in the lowlands to craggy peaks in the Highlands.

With so much daylight, there is ample time for bird-watching, outdoor exploration, and sightseeing. This is also the best time of year to visit Scotland's islands, as the seas are calm for boat crossings and island shops are open. Late summer is Scotland's busiest time for tourism, as the world-renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Edinburgh Festival Fringe attract festival-goers by the thousands.

Holidays & Events

  • August: During the same three-week period in August, the Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival Fringe bring music, comedy, dance, theater, and performance art to Edinburgh. The International Festival hand-selects its acts, while the Fringe is open to just about any performer who wants an audience. While the International Festival is more prestigious, the Festival Fringe lays claim to being the world's largest arts festival, with over 2,500 shows to choose from.
  • August: At the same time as Edinburgh's two performing arts festivals, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo presents a series of military tattoos (military music performances) on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

Must See

Throughout the summer, whales feed off of Scotland's coasts. From the Shetland Isles to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, whale-watchers can spot minke whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, humpback whales, and orcas.

Scotland in September-October

Autumn burnishes the hills and glens of Scotland in tawny shades of red, copper, and bronze. This is the season for hunting and eating duck, pheasant, deer, and hare—plus the freshest local seafood including oysters, herring, and mackerel. Temperatures in autumn are cool (between 40 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit) and while September is often sunny, October sees frequent rainfall.

Holidays & Events

  • First Saturday in September: Regularly attended by the British monarch, the Braemar Gathering is the biggest and most important iteration of the Highland Games, which take place throughout Scotland all summer long. The celebration of Gaelic culture involves competitions of all kinds, including bagpiping, Highland dancing, hammer throw, and dog herding.

Scotland in November-December

After the leaves fall, Scotland is painted in shades of gray, from leaden skies to smoldering seas. The countryside is quiet, with rural areas all but closing down to visitors. But the approach of the holidays brings a glow to city streets, as Glasgow and Edinburgh host festive Christmas markets. Skiers and snowboarders celebrate the advent of winter at Scotland's five ski areas, which see close to a hundred snowy days every year. 

Holidays & Events

  • November 30: Saint Andrew's Day is Scotland's national holiday in recognition of its patron saint. By law, all buildings in Scotland must display the saltire (the X symbol on the Scottish flag), and the day is marked with traditional Scottish food, music, and dance.
  • December 30-January 1: Hogmanay is Scotland's biggest holiday, a relic from the country's Viking past that incorporates elements of the Gaelic Samhain holiday and the traditional German Yuletide. The celebration begins with a torchlit procession and continues with fireworks, concerts, and dancing.

Must See

With three days of festivities engulfing the country, Hogmanay is a can't-miss Scottish holiday. Concerts, fireworks, and street parties overtake most cities and towns, while bonfires and torch processions provide a decidedly pagan flavor. And here in Scotland, where Gaelic persists as a local language, singing"Auld Lang Syne" at midnight on New Year's takes on an even richer meaning.

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Edinburgh

The past lingers in every corner of Edinburgh, from its 11th-century hilltop castle down the Royal Mile to the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the neighboring Palace of Holyroodhouse, still home to the British monarch for one week every year. Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town and 18th century “New Town” may be a museum-quality UNESCO World Heritage Site, but they are very much alive and thriving.

Home to the world’s largest annual arts festival, Edinburgh was known for a time as the Athens of the North—a place for literature and learning, philosophy and thinking. There is certainly no shortage of inspiration here—the green hills and black cliffs that rise throughout town provide stunning views, and a dram of rich, peaty Scotch can turn anyone into a deep thinker. But it’s not all serious; the locals are renowned for their warmth and wry sense of humor.

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Glasgow

Scotland’s most populous city, bustling Glasgow is a haven for travelers seeking cosmopolitan sophistication with a side of welcoming locals. “People make Glasgow” is a popular saying around the city, but this buzzing metropolis is also home to an unmatched arts scene. Glasgow’s stone-paved streets are bursting with free-to-enter museums and galleries such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, which houses 8,000 artworks and artifacts within its ornate walls. Even the city itself is a piece of art: Elaborate stone Victorian buildings share streets with ornate structures built in the “Glasgow Style,” which is characterized by art nouveau influences. A UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow hosts an average of 130 weekly music events, many at the renowned Barrowland Ballroom where legends like David Bowie, The Clash, and Bob Dylan have performed.

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Inverness

Located in the northern Highlands, Inverness is a storybook city of modest stone homes and an enchanting castle that appears straight from a fairy tale. Adding to the city's magical charm, the legendary Loch Ness runs through the center of the city and is believed to be the home of a mystical aquatic monster.

In addition to its charming setting, Inverness also boasts a rich history. Just outside of the city is Culloden Battlefield. On April 16, 1746, the last major battle fought on mainland British soil occurred here, and as a result more than 1500 soldiers perished. This battlefield was the site of the final Jacobite uprising, an effort to restore the House of Stuart to the British throne. The battle only lasted one hour and came to a close when Government forces led by the Duke of Cumberland crushed the army of Prince Charles Edward Stuart.

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Oban

With a name that means “Little Bay” in Scottish Gaelic, Oban is a picturesque port situated on Scotland’s west coast. The bayside jewel is bedecked with striking Victorian architecture that emerges from lush green landscapes, and peppered with top-notch seafood spots and pubs to cozy up in with a pint. The unofficial capital of Scotland’s Western highlands, the town was built around the Oban distillery, where locals and travelers alike have been coming to sip iconic Scotch whiskey since 1794. The enchanting area’s history extends much further back, though, with evidence of cave dwellers from the Mesolithic times found throughout the town center, and the 13th-century Dunollie Castle standing proudly over the sea.

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St. Andrews

St. Andrews is a city rich in history and culture. In the 16th century, a clash of Protestant ideas and the traditional beliefs of Christianity ignited conflict throughout Europe. Considered to be the ecclesiastical capital, this city was the first location in Scotland to feel the impacts of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. For years, this religious conflict deeply affected the country's ruling parties.

St. Andrews is also home to the oldest university in the country and one of the oldest colleges in the world. The University of St. Andrews was founded here in the 15th century. During that time, Scottish students wanted to establish higher education opportunities in their own country instead of having to seek out education abroad. Notable alumni include a certain Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

And, you can't mention St. Andrew's history without including the history of golf. The Old Course is the location of the first game of golf, which was played in the 15th century. Follow in the footsteps of some of this sport's greats, like James Braid or Old Tom Morris, during a visit to this famous location.

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Urquhart Castle

Perched atop a cliff, the crumbling ruins of Urquhart Castle boast expansive views of Loch Ness. Its stunning beauty is matched by a fascinating past. The castle's 1000-year history has seen the face of Scotland change over time as this is the location that Irish abbot and missionary St. Columba is believed to have performed many miracles in the 1500s, and where clans clashed with the English in battles for power.

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Cairngorms National Park

Set amidst the rugged wilderness of the Cairngorms mountain range in the eastern Highlands, Cairngorms National Park is the largest national park in the United Kingdom—nearly twice the size of Luxembourg. This expansive natural playground offers a view into the diverse beauty of the Highlands, and offers a little something for everyone, regardless of their preferred level of activity, from rugged mountain hikes to peaceful strolls on forest and lochside trails.

Cairngorms also hosts a variety of unique wildlife, including red deer, red squirrels, pine marten, and capercaillie (a forest-dwelling grouse with brilliant plumage). The park is also home to the Cairngorm reindeer herd, the only such group of animals in the British Isles. Introduced to the region by a Swedish farmer in 1952, the herd of about 150 creatures now roams freely in the hills of the Cairngorms range.

In addition to an endless range of outdoor activities, Cairngorms offers visitors opportunities to broaden their cultural horizons, with small villages that offer insights into rural Scottish life, and a number of distilleries—including the world-famous Glenlivet distillery—that offer drams of famous Scotch whisky. The park also overlaps with a portion of Royal Deeside, the Scottish holiday home of the British royal family, for a look into how royalty spends its leisure time.

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