Scotland vacation packages

➔ Things to see in Scotland | Insider tips for Scotland

Best time to visit

The most reliable window is April to September, with May often the sweet spot: long days, blooming landscapes, fewer tourists, and typically fewer midges than peak summer. If you want festivals and city buzz, August is huge in Edinburgh—but it’s also crowded and pricier. For hiking and road trips with fewer pests and fewer people, June or September can be ideal.

➔ Best time to visit Scotland | Best time for the Shetland Islands

Top destinations

Edinburgh is the classic start: historic Old Town vibes, viewpoints like Arthur’s Seat, and easy day trips. From there, most trips head north into the Highlands—think Glencoe’s dramatic valley, Loch Ness folklore, and the Isle of Skye’s rugged coastline. Glasgow is a great add-on for culture, food, and a different (more local) city energy. If you’re going farther north or want a quieter route, Inverness and Aberdeen can be strong bases.

➔ Edinburgh | Glencoe | Loch Ness | Isle of Skye | Glasgow | Inverness | Aberdeen

Types of trips

Scotland is made for road trips—especially in spring and fall when the roads feel calmer and the scenery is at its best. If you prefer less driving, a heritage-focused train trip can be a great way to combine cities and scenic routes. For romance, pair Edinburgh with a Highlands stay (or a castle/whisky angle). For families, summer is easiest for longer daylight and warmer temps—just book early.

➔ Scotland road trips | Road trip itineraries | Scotland city breaks | Family vacations | Romantic escapes | Honeymoons

Things to do

Go for a mix of “Scotland icons” and hands-on experiences. Castle-hopping and loch viewpoints are easy wins, but guided activities can make the trip feel more personal—like a Loch Ness cruise, a distillery visit, or a wildlife tour. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, the Jacobite steam train route and the Glenfinnan Viaduct are a must.

➔ Activities in Scotland | Scotland castle tour | Distillery road trip | Luxury whisky tour | Edinburgh → Isle of Skye road trip

Travel costs in Scotland

A typical one-week mid-range trip is around $1,460 per person (excluding flights), or roughly $209 per day. Budget travel can start around $66 per person/day, while luxury often begins around $328 per person/day. A compact rental car is often the biggest daily cost—but it’s also what unlocks the best remote scenery.

➔ Scotland travel costs

Good to know

Pack for wind and rain year-round, and plan flexible days—especially in the Highlands and on Skye. Midges can be a real nuisance in peak summer (especially August), which is why May/June or September are often more comfortable. If you’re traveling during festival season in Edinburgh or peak summer, book hotels and rental cars early—prices and availability move fast.

➔ Scotland itinerary (7 days) | Scotland itinerary (9 days) | Scotland road trip (9 days)Less