Best Tour Companies For Guided Travels In Scotland
Planning to head to Scotland any time soon for your next travel adventure? If you are, then you may want to think about booking a tour company to guide you through your trip. By hiring one of these companies, you are able to sit back and relax, knowing that activities, destinations, and anything to do with the trip is taken care of already.
But, it means that you have to take the time to find the best company out there to offer you this service. There are plenty of them, so it’s a case of reading reviews and figuring out who you want to go with. The good news for you is that we’ve done this for you, and we’ve got a list for you to browse through to make your life that much easier. Let’s get into looking at the options.
Right at the top of the list we’re going to be talking about Braw Scottish Tours. This company started out offering luxury driving tours in Scotland, but has since expanded to include the rest of the UK, and Ireland in their lineup. They have taken the time to create a range of itineraries that you can browse, and you can choose one of these if you’re happy with what you see. But, you also have the option to customise this so that it suits your interests and needs better, especially if you’re only staying for a limited amount of time.
The thing that we think sets this company out from the rest is the fact that they really seem to care about each and every one of their clients. They are dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the best possible time when using their service, going above and beyond for their clients without any hesitation at all.
Pros:
- Luxury driver guided tours across Scotland and the rest of the UK
- Drivers with in-depth knowledge of the local area to provide an authentic experience
- Fully customisable solution, giving you some level of control over your trip
Cons:
- Potential for hidden costs such as entrance fees and restaurants
- Not suitable for those who want to travel in large groups
Setting off with The Hairy Coo could be the best choice that you’ve ever made! If you’re happy with a bus tour that drives you through the Scottish countryside, providing you with in-depth knowledge of Scottish battles and Scottish history, allowing you to feel fully immersed in the history. The fantastic tour guides here will keep you engaged with where you are, and the time truly does fly by.
However, you do also have the option to book a more private tour if you would like a more intimate experience. The Hairy Coo are happy to cater to requests wherever they can, allowing you to customise your experience as much as they can within their power. The team truly is great, ensuring that you are having the best time from start to finish, when you’re ready to say goodbye. There are no boring moments with The Hairy Coo, that’s for sure.
Pros:
- Experienced, high-energy guides
- Comprehensive itineraries highlighting stunning Scottish landscapes
- You get the opportunity to interact with baby highland cows in some tours
- Brilliant organisation
Cons:
- Potential lack of flexibility in tour itineraries
- Loud music
- The size of the bus can put some people off
Focusing specifically on Scotland, Scotland’s Wild is a fantastic tour operator for those who would like guided tours of multiple areas in Scotland. The company goes above and beyond to ensure that they offer something for everyone including tours of filming locations in Scotland, Whisky tours and more, in addition to your regular tours.
This company offers guided tours for small groups, ensuring that each person gets to make the most of the experiences that they are having. You won’t be crowded by noisy people with this company, that’s for sure! They are all about highlighting the magic of Scotland, making it perfect for those who want to feel at one with the place.
Pros:
- Unique wildlife encounters
- High scenic quality
- Recreational activities
- Small groups making for a more peaceful experience
Cons:
- Have been admin issues in the past
- Lack of information on the website
- Potential for poor communication as has been experienced previously
Highland Explorer Tours offers you a journey like no other, this is an award-winning tour company specialising in all things Scottish. Their tours range from one day to eight days so you will never be short on things to see and do. Accommodation and breakfast is included in the price with this one, so you will always start the day with a full tummy. All you need to do is check out the amazing reviews this company has to know it is the right one to use.
Pros:
- Highly praised knowledgeable guides
- Hassle free booking including accommodation
- Small groups
Cons:
- Slightly larger groups than other companies, 30 is their maximum
- Long time on the bus due to far away destinations
- Limited dining options due to certain locations
Lastly, if you are wanting a guided tour of Scotland then Rabbie’s is the one for you. They are highly regarded as one of the best tour companies that covers areas of Scotland. Their main goal is small group travel and you certainly get this, you will have no more than 16 people alongside you on your trip. Ranging from one day to a whole two weeks, there will always be something amazing to see. You can create memories that last a lifetime with Rabbie’s trips around Scotland. Let’s check out some of the pros and cons.
Pros:
- Small tour sizes, no more than 16 passengers at once
- Ability to navigate smaller, more scenic routes
- Storytelling on the bus, the drivers are very knowledgeable
Cons:
- Accommodation and entrance fees are not included in the price
- A lot of driving each day to get to different locations
So there you have it, a comprehensive list of different tour operators and guides to take you all the way around Scotland.
