Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Travel Update

  • Search Suggested Results View All Results
  • EUR (€)
  • GBP (£)
  • Self-Drive i
  • Guided Small Groups i
  • Scotland & Ireland i
  • All types & themes
  • All UK Tours
  • Best Sellers
  • Special Offers
  • Book With Confidence i
  • Why book with us i
  • Booking Terms i
  • Scandinavia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Manage Booking
  • Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

Self-drive Tours in the UK

Experience the best of England, Scotland and Wales on these UK self-drive tours. Stay in towns and cities brimming with old-world charm and enjoy soaking up the sights along the way. Plus, you’ll have opportunities for afternoon tea, countryside strolls and pub visits. Your dedicated, local travel consultant will arrange your trip, which includes accommodation, car rental and 24/7 support.

Clean grey shield icon

24 tours available

Prices per adult based on bookings for two

  • Scotland self-drive tours
  • Ireland self-drive tours
  • All Europe self-drive tours

OTHER WAYS TO TRAVEL

  • UK guided small group tours
  • All UK travel packages

Sorry, we found no tours matching your criteria.

Try adjusting or clearing your filters

Classic Britain

England, scotland & wales, complete britain, express britain, classic britain at leisure, complete britain at leisure, classic scotland, scottish highlands & isle of skye, grand tour of scotland, scottish highlands & north coast 500, classic scotland at leisure, complete scotland at leisure, scottish highlands, north coast 500 & outer hebrides, complete scotland, scenic scotland - express, loch ness & the highlands, express scotland, classic scotland & the orkney islands, the outlander trail, classic scotland & ireland, express scotland & ireland, complete scotland & ireland, express scotland & st andrews, scottish highlands & isle of skye - winter, classic scotland & outer hebrides, express scotland - winter, grand tour of scotland & ireland, scottish highlands, isle of skye & wild atlantic way, ultimate tour of scotland & ireland, scottish highlands, north coast 500 & wild atlantic way, need any help so far talk with our local experts.

Live chat with travel consultants

Send your queries using our contact form

Call us toll-free to ask your questions

About British Self-drive Tours

Take the wheel on these carefully curated road trips and you’ll soon be making lifelong memories as you discover the UK. Explore ancient heritage sites, vibrant cities and stunning national parks on your getaway, with help from a UK-based travel consultant who will arrange it all for you.

When you book a driving tour of the UK with Nordic Visitor, you can expect:

• An authentic travel experience operated by a trusted local company • A dedicated travel consultant to arrange your trip • A detailed personal itinerary and hand-marked route map • Car rental with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance • Handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay • 24/7 phone support during your travels for peace of mind

To begin your trip with Nordic Visitor, follow these simple steps:

1. Pick your favourite Nordic Visitor package 2. Confirm (or customise) your package 3. Check your confirmation email 4. Book your flights 5. Get ready for your trip

Why Book With Us

Clean grey shield icon

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.

NV trusted logo icon

Trusted local travel experts

Since 2002, Nordic Visitor has been crafting unforgettable trips in Northern Europe. As experienced British tour operators, you can be sure that we have carefully chosen every accommodation, route and attraction. Plus, your personal UK-based expert will have plenty of local knowledge to share with you.

customize tour tools

Car insurance included

Your self-drive tour includes a rental car with our tried-and-tested partner. You also get Collision Damage Waiver insurance and unlimited mileage as standard. So with Nordic Visitor, you can take the wheel with confidence. Plus, you have the freedom to pick the type of rental car you want.

Tripadvisor great reviews icon

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.

Good hands heart icon

You are in good hands

Embrace your independence on a self-drive tour, where assistance is just a call away. If something unexpected crops up during your trip, contact a travel consultant on our 24/7 helpline. Whether it's an unforeseen event or weather issue, we will update your itinerary while keeping you safe and informed.

Secure payments lock icon

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 stars yellow icon

Handpicked hotels

Sleep soundly knowing that we have handpicked every hotel, guesthouse and B&B for its character and high standards of comfort and cleanliness. You’ll also find that each place you stay has easy access to parking and is in a convenient location for sightseeing. And, of course, you’ll get a warm welcome.

Customised tours icon

Flexible tour options

These self-drive tours are designed by our local travel experts, incorporating the best destinations and routes so you’ll get the most out of your time in the UK. And you can amend your itinerary online by adding optional activities or extra nights, and treat yourself by upgrading from Comfort Plus to Superior accommodation.

Reviews for UK Road Trips

These UK self-drive tours are brand new, but you can read feedback from our customers about their road trips in Scotland.

Laura United States

AMAZING. We stayed in hotels we probably would not have booked on our own and the host were fabulous and told us that... read more

AMAZING. We stayed in hotels we probably would not have booked on our own and the host were fabulous and told us that Annie was a pleasure to work with when booking our stay. All the hotels knew who we were and expected us. When our ferry got cancelled Annie made sure to call the hotel and notify us of a change of plans and gave us a very detailed route and got in contact with our next hotel to notify them that we would be late. We were very impressed!

Linda United States

We had a very successful trip and I attribute a lot of this to the preparations put into place by Nordic. It was nice... read more

We had a very successful trip and I attribute a lot of this to the preparations put into place by Nordic. It was nice to know everything was laid out for us and a map highlighted with our trip and hotels marked was a great thing to have.  Also, the suggestions of things we might like to see was great!! Once again, thanks for a great trip!

Tripadvisor logo horizontal

Highlights of Your UK Driving Tour

Get ready to discover the best of England, Scotland and Wales on a UK road trip. Embrace the freedom to travel at your own pace and soon you could…

  • Visit the top attractions in and around London such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle
  • Meander the Georgian streets of Bath , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and old Roman spa town
  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Lake District , much loved by famous poet William Wordsworth
  • Admire the view from York ’s medieval walls and check out the city’s countless pubs and lively markets
  • Look for Harry Potter filming locations in historic Edinburgh and the renowned university city of Oxford
  • Venture to places like Glenfinnan in the Scottish Highlands for rugged peaks and heather-clad valleys
  • Uncover Scottish history and folklore at iconic spots, including Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness
  • Delve into Welsh heritage at Conwy Castle and spend time in the charming seaside town of Llandudno
  • Soak up stunning scenery in British national parks, like the Peak District , Trossachs and Snowdonia (Eryri)

Frequently Asked Questions About Self-drive UK Tour Packages

You might like to know more before booking your British self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor. Here we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about visiting the UK and travelling with us.

What’s more, choose Nordic Visitor and you can Book With Confidence , safe in the knowledge that your payments are protected. If you want to learn more about our processes and payment details, check out these booking terms and FAQs .

1. Can you drive around the UK?

Yes! Thanks to an extensive road network, you’ll find that driving is one of the most convenient ways to explore the UK. Hire a car and you’ll be able to travel around the UK at your own pace, stopping whenever you like along the way.

Depending on where you’re going in the UK, you can expect different types of roads. Most major cities within the UK are connected by motorways or dual carriageways, which are often the quickest way to get from A to B. That said, you’ll usually enjoy a more picturesque journey by getting off these major routes.

When you book with Nordic Visitor, you can leave the route planning to us. Our local experts know the best roads to take around the country for both scenery and ease. You’ll even get a personalised road map that’s hand-marked with the recommended driving route for your trip.

For helpful information on driving in the UK, read our blog filled with travel tips from a local expert.

2. What side of the road do drivers use in the UK?

You drive on the left-hand side of the road in the UK. This means your rental car will be right-hand drive and you’ll change gears with your left hand.

While many locals drive manual (stick shift) cars, you’ll find that rental companies offer automatic vehicles as well. In fact, if it’s your first time driving on the left-hand side – or if you feel more comfortable driving an automatic – we recommend this.

3. How long does it take to drive across the UK?

At its widest point, the UK is around 300 miles (500 kilometres) across. And it’s around 600 miles (1,000 kilometres) long. But you won’t necessarily be driving to all corners of the country, so it depends where exactly you plan on visiting.

While you can drive along motorways to arrive at your next destination more quickly, we suggest that you follow a more meandering route away from these major highways. This way, you’ll get to enjoy scenic views as you journey through the beautiful British countryside. Of course, this means the duration of your trip depends on what you’d like to see and do in the UK.

4. How many days do I need for my road trip?

For a driving tour of England and Scotland, with the chance to see Wales as well, you’ll need at least 7 days. This will give you time to take in some of the top highlights in a short space of time. We do suggest that you stay longer than this, if you can, to have more free days to explore.

With 10 days, you could spend more time at key stops along the way. And with even longer, such as 2-3 weeks, you could delve more deeply into the local culture, enjoy travelling at a leisurely pace, and venture to more destinations and attractions.

Nordic Visitor’s UK travel experts have used their local knowledge to curate a range of itineraries, with various stops and durations. So you can pick the tour package that suits your interests and preferred pace. You can also add extra nights to extend your road trip.

5. Where are the best places to go for a British road trip?

Despite its relatively small size, you’ll find the UK is brimming with variety. So if you want to explore the best highlights, don’t limit yourself to just one region or country.

With so many distinct landscapes, towns and cities to discover, you’ll want to tour around to make the most of your time here. And you don’t need to travel far to do so!

With a rich cultural heritage going back further than Neolithic times, you can visit historic sites through the ages. For instance, you could admire the view from York’s medieval city walls and stroll past elegant Georgian townhouses in Bath and Edinburgh. You’ll also uncover places where the Romans and Vikings left their mark.

The UK’s natural scenery is just as diverse. Venture to Scotland’s west coast and you’ll glimpse sparkling lakes and rugged mountains. Meanwhile, head to the English midlands for gorgeous countryside dotted with pretty market towns.

Here’s a round-up of the top places for you to check out on your UK road trip:

Must-see cities: • London • Oxford • Bath • York • Edinburgh

Charming small towns: • Ambleside • Bakewell • Portree • Llandudno • Prestatyn

Beautiful national parks: • Lake District • Peak District • Yorkshire Dales • Trossachs • Snowdonia (Eryri)

Other top spots you won’t want to miss: • Stonehenge • Hadrian's Wall • Loch Ness • Isle of Skye • Portmeirion village

If you’re thinking about combining your British escape with an Irish self-drive tour , get inspired by these top spots and the best road trips in Ireland .

6. When is the best time to visit?

You can have an unforgettable British getaway at any time of year. But visit between April and October, and you’ll benefit from longer daylight hours and warmer weather compared to the winter. Plus, while some attractions are open year-round, you’ll find that others will close during the winter months.

So for the best sightseeing experience, we recommend travelling in spring, summer or autumn. Just pick the season that most appeals to you.

Spring – April to May – is often the driest time of year in the UK. But, don’t let this be the main reason you choose to visit in spring, as the weather can be changeable all year. Instead, come for the quieter attractions and blooming flowers.

Summer – June, July and August – is the most popular season for exploring the UK by car. This is because the days are long and temperatures tend to be warm. It’s also the school holidays during this time, so it’s peak time for family trips in the UK.

In British towns and cities, summer brings a vibrant atmosphere and outdoor festivals showcasing food, music and art. Meanwhile, the countryside and coastline come alive with visitors and locals, soaking up nature in the better weather.

Autumn – late September to October – is similar to spring, in that there tends to be fewer visitors around. And as the temperature drops, you’ll see forests turning from green to vibrant shades of yellow and orange.

To find out more about the seasons, read this blog on the best time to visit the UK .

7. How do I plan a UK road trip?

When it comes to planning your dream trip to the UK, you’ll want to consider a few things. For instance, where you’ll visit, what you’ll do along the way, and the route you’ll take around England, Scotland and Wales. You’ll also need to plan your accommodation and rental car.

Instead of doing all the work yourself, why not leave the planning to us? You’ll have a dedicated travel consultant, based here in the UK, to organise your itinerary and make the arrangements for you.

Their insider knowledge means that whatever trip you choose, you’ll get to experience the best the UK has to offer in the time you’ve got. Plus, no matter the itinerary you select, you’ll enjoy a mix of stunning landscapes and captivating towns and cities.

Your personal travel consultant will book your accommodation, car rental, and any excursions before you arrive. With your UK itinerary taken care of, all you need to do is look forward to your trip.

8. What is covered with car rental for my self-drive tour?

Go for a driving tour of Great Britain with Nordic Visitor and you’ll get car hire with our tried-and-tested partner as standard. What’s more, your car rental package comes with the following:

  • • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
  • • Unlimited mileage
  • • Authorisation for 2 drivers

If you have questions about hiring a car, you can also speak to one of our UK-based travel consultants.

9. Do I need an international driver’s licence in the UK?

If your national driving licence is valid, in date and recognised in the UK, you don’t need to get an international driving licence (IDP). This will let you drive any small vehicle listed on your licence, including our rental cars.

For England, Scotland and Wales, you can use your driving licence for up to 12 months from the day you enter the country.

Bear in mind that the rules are different in Northern Ireland. Find out more on the government website .

10. Are there any age limits regarding car rental in the UK?

Yes, there are some age requirements for car rental on these UK self-drive tours. And please bear in mind that no matter what age you are, you’ll need a driving licence that’s valid in the UK.

You can hire a vehicle from any of Nordic Visitor’s rental car categories if you’re aged between 25 and 79.

If you are 23 or 24 years old and have held your driving licence for at least 1 year, you can rent a car with a young driver surcharge of £25 per day. You’ll be able to choose from Nordic Visitor car rental categories A, B, C and F.

The minimum age to rent a car in the UK is 21. And you’ll find there are specific rental companies who can organise vehicle hire and insurance for you if you’re 21 or 22. In this case, we’d be happy to arrange the rest of your tour and advise you on where to book your rental car.

If you are aged 80 or over, you can pick a car from any of our rental categories. A doctor’s note is no longer required by our local car hire partner. But you’ll need to let them know of any medical conditions and confirm that you’re acting on your doctor’s guidance.

11. Can I make changes to my tour?

Yes, you can adjust your package online. Choose from a wide range of optional activities, upgrade your accommodation, and add extra nights in places along your route.

For instance, we recommend spending more time in Oxford at the start of your trip. There’s so much to discover – you could try out a punting boat trip on the River Cherwell and check out the fascinating Bodleian Library. Plus, there’s the pub that’s well-known for being one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s and C.S. Lewis’s favourite places to meet.

London – the iconic cosmopolitan capital – is bursting with things to do and sights to see. Add extra nights here at the end of your trip to soak up as much of it as you can. Use your extra time here to visit world-renowned museums and galleries, grand royal palaces and famous British shops.

What’s more, if you want to immerse yourself in nature, you could extend your stay in places such as Fort William or the Lake District.

12. Can I choose the arrival date?

Absolutely! Begin your UK self-drive tour whenever you like between April and October. Each tour has an online calendar where you can see up-to-date availability for that trip. Simply choose the date that works best for you.

13. When should I organise my flights?

We recommend holding off on booking flights until you have received a tour confirmation email from your dedicated travel consultant. That said, it’s worth checking to see what flights are available before choosing your trip dates.

Once your tour is confirmed, you can go ahead with making travel arrangements for your UK getaway.

14. What should I pack for my road trip?

You’ll find that the weather in the UK can be changeable, and varies between different locations. It can be much warmer in the south of England than in the Scottish Highlands, for example. So it’s worth packing for a mix of conditions.

No matter what you’ve got planned for your trip, comfortable shoes are a must. And a combination of warm and light layers will be handy for exploring sights in the city and countryside.

We suggest bringing these key items:

  • Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Warm, insulated jacket
  • Fleece or woollen jumper
  • Light base layers
  • Lightweight trousers or shorts
  • Cosy hat, scarf and gloves
  • Sunglasses, sun hat and sun cream
  • Reusable water bottle
  • UK plug adapter

For evenings out, you might want to bring some smart outfits too.

Get in touch with us if you want to know more about these self-drive tours of England, Scotland and Wales. Our Edinburgh-based experts will be happy to answer your questions and help you plan your perfect UK road trip.

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

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Road trip articles

Top 8 things to see & do in the uk, 10 cool facts about england, visiting the uk: travel tips from a local expert, best time to visit the uk: your complete guide.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

here to help

  • Things to Do
  • Restaurants
  • Holiday homes
  • Travel Stories
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travellers' Choice
  • Help Centre

Grand Tour of Scotland - Nordic Visitor Tours

  • Europe    
  • Iceland    
  • Capital Region    
  • Reykjavik    
  • Reykjavik - Places to Visit    
  • Nordic Visitor Tours

This Scandinavia tour exceeded our family's vacation expectations. 1st and foremost, our tour... read more

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

Miles,our guide,was very helpful and informed. No glitches thanks to him. Bring your walking shoes... read more

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

Grand Tour of Scotland

We had an excellent experience with Nordic visitor, from planning through to the trip itself. We were provided with great information about all the places we could visit, the accommodation was of a consistent high quality , all the transport including the hire car and ferries worked well. We had one person Maria that we dealt with through planing the tour who was extremely helpful throughout.

As professional travel bloggers, we have seen more than our share of tour packages and Nordic Visitors put together an outstanding package for us. Our Nordic Visitors Travel Consultant, Helga, prepared a customized itinerary for us that started with hiring a 4x4 SUV with studded tires. It also included all of our hotel and excursion bookings along the way. When we arrived, the rental car company had a tote bag waiting for us with an Iceland mobile phone, road maps, an atlas, and a spiral bound book with our ten-day daily itineraries. Each day’s itinerary included suggestions for stops along our drive with vouchers for our pre-booked hotels. The 100 page book was also a complete travel guide of Iceland that included its own maps with tour suggestions and Icelandic travel tips. For timing, April was a good month for low tourist traffic but still a little early season for good weather. You can read more about our whole experience on our Travel Blog at OpenDoorTravelers. We would recommend Nordic Visitors and a 10 day self-drive trip around the Ring Road to our friends who are planning a trip to Iceland.

The guide was excellent and addressed our individual desires. Highly recommend the small group tours.

We (I, my wife, and our adult daughter) opted for the Iceland Express self-driving tour of the country. Klara, our advisor, led us through every step of the planning. Having every aspect of the trip planned and covered (from airport transfers to rental car pickup and drop off) made the experience a hassle-free and magical one. We stayed in a different lodging every night, and every one was superb - In fact, they seemed to get better every night, culminating in a WONDERFUL experience at the Hofsstatadir Guesthouse our last night before returning to Reykjavik. The country is simply stunning, with breathtaking views around every bend in the road. (I tried not to stop seemingly every few minutes to take a photo but failed miserably. Over a thousand photos in just six days!) Now we realize that our stay was far too short. We'll be returning in the near future and wouldn't think of not using Nordic Visitor again!

We are just finishing up 2 weeks in Scotland that we planned with the assistance of Nordic Visitor. It was so easy working with them in the planning stages. They were very responsive to our types of activities, places to stay and questions. We truly felt that this vacation was planned just for us, not a boxed program. The entire trip has gone without a flaw. The printed information provided to us before we left home was so easy to read and filled with lots of suggestions. Plenty of room to makes notes on the pages. And the map was highlighted in various colors so it was easy to read and follow. The places we have stayed have been jewels. Do you know that they personally stay at each place they recommend and talk to the owners. From the owners Nordic Viaitors have received glowing reports. I could go on and on but the bottom line is that this has been the best vacation. Please, do not hesitate to use them.

We booked the Iceland Full Circle tour and couldn't have been more pleased with Nordic Visitor's services. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the accommodations booked for us were excellent. Our agent (Hilmar) was prompt with communication and sent helpful suggestions of things to see while planning our vacation. A driver greeted us at the airport to take us into Reykjavik, eliminating the need to lug our suitcases on a bus into the city. Our rental car came equipped with a cell phone, wifi mobile hotspot, and road guide filled with things to see. We loved having our accommodations mapped out for us without a planned sight-seeing itinerary, as it gave us the freedom to plan our adventures along the way. The nightly stops were broken out nicely and we had plenty of time to explore each day. I would highly recommend Nordic Visitor to anyone driving around the country - they did the legwork and we just focused on seeing what we wanted and having fun!

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Suggested Results

  • EUR (€)
  • GBP (£)

Self-Drive i

  • Guided Small Groups i
  • Privately Guided i
  • Multi-Day i
  • Scotland & Ireland i
  • Scotland, England & Wales i
  • Honeymoon i
  • Highlands i
  • Solo Travel i
  • All types & themes
  • All Scotland Tours
  • Best Sellers
  • Special Offers
  • Book With Confidence i
  • Scotland Travel Update i
  • Why book with us i
  • Travel Update
  • Booking Terms i
  • Sustainability Policy i
  • Scotland at a Glance i
  • Useful Information i
  • Scotland Attractions i
  • Scotland Blog i
  • Scandinavia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Manage Booking
  • Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

  • Classic Scotland

(10 days / 9 nights)

  • Travel Style

See the gems of Scotland at your own pace

Interested in exploring Scottish gems on a privately guided tour ?

Are you looking to join like-minded travellers on a guided small group version of this tour ?

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 1823 GBP

— why book with nordic visitor.

  • Seamless travel experience
  • Handpicked hotels and routes designed by local experts
  • Reliable rental cars with trusted Scottish partner
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guide
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Service from local travel experts in Scotland
  • Great customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Explore some of Scotland’s  top sights  on the famous and breathtaking  Isle of Skye
  • Walk along the mysterious  Loch Ness  and visit the  castle  on its shores
  • Stroll up the  Royal Mile  and discover the capital city  Edinburgh
  • See the striking natural beauty of the  Scottish Highlands
  • Enjoy some quiet time in nature at the  Trossachs National Park
  • Photograph the picturesque  Dunnottar Castle
  • Explore the Capital of the Highlands,  Inverness , and its surroundings
  • Visit as many castles as you can on the  Castle Trail  in Aberdeenshire
  • Enjoy a road trip with peace of mind with your  personal itinerary  from a  local travel expert

Travel style

Best seller i , castles and royalty i , classic i , culture and history i , highlands i , honeymoon & romance i , isles i, driving distance, 892/557 km/mi, attractions.

Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.

Isle of Skye

Stirling & stirling castle, cairngorms national park, the royal mile & st giles cathedral.

Eilean Donan Castle

Old Man of Storr

Doune castle, trossachs national park, dunnottar castle, loch lomond, speyside & whisky, culloden battlefield & visitor centre, fort william.

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh

Make your way into Edinburgh city centre where your hotel will be located. Many travellers opt to take a taxi or use public transport, but for a more direct and comfortable ride, we will be happy to organise a private airport transfer for you. For those arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking through the city, strolling along the Royal Mile and exploring the Old and New Towns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city centre, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle .

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

Day 2: Scotland's Dramatic East Coast

Today, start your road trip driving up to Fife. Your first stop will be the quaint village of Falkland , where you can explore its Renaissance palace. From there, drive east to the town of St Andrews , famous for being the home of golf and of the oldest university in Scotland. As you continue north, pass by Dundee , a UNESCO City of Design. You can then take the direct route to Aberdeen , or take the coastal scenic route, which will take you past the St. Cyrus National Nature Reserve and the spectacular Dunnottar Castle , near Stonehaven.

Spend the night in the Aberdeen area.

Average driving distance: 235 km / 135 miles

Day 3: Royal Deeside, Castles & Whisky

Today will take you into the Scottish Highlands. First drive along the “ Deeside Tourist Route ”, an enchanting route through the Cairngorms National Park . On the way, there is a plethora of castles you could visit, including 16th-century Crathes Castles, and of course, the Scottish residence of the Royal Family, Balmoral Castle , which you can visit from April to July. You will then continue to Speyside , which is famous for its whiskies. You may want to visit one of the many distilleries (there are over 40 to choose from!), such as Glenfiddich or Aberlour.

Spend the night in the Inverness area.

Average driving distance:  240 km  / 150 miles

Day 4: Highlights of the Northwest Highlands

Today you get the choice between spending the day exploring Inverness surroundings or getting a taste of the North Coast 500 , one of Scotland’s most scenic driving routes. Around Inverness, you can visit the famous Battlefield of Culloden Moor and roam the Bronze-age cemetery Clava Cairns . You can also visit Cawdor Castle or take a walk at one of the golden sand beaches.

If you journey to the North Coast, we recommend visiting the breathtaking Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach. Explore the Inverewe Garden , a botanical garden which boasts over 2500 exotic plants and flowers. You can also drive through the imperious landscape of the Torridon Hills before returning to Inverness.

Spend another night in the Inverness area.

Average driving distance  along the west coast: 255 km / 160 miles Average driving distance  around Inverness: 105 km / 65 miles

Day 5: Loch Ness & Castles

Drive along the shores of Loch Ness where you can visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. You might also wish to take a boat tour to admire the views of the loch and try to catch a glimpse of Nessie, the Loch Ness monster, or go explore the nearby Urquhart Castle ruins. From there, continue your drive west toward the breathtaking Isle of Skye . On the way, you may want to stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle , a sight you will surely recognise from many films and TV shows.

Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Average driving  distance: 185 km / 115 miles

Day 6: The Isle of Skye

Today take full advantage of your day on Skye, a haven for nature lovers. You can visit the village of Portree, with its colourful buildings and boutiques before going on a drive around the northern part of the island via the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula. There you can enjoy a walk up to “ The Old Man of Storr ” rock pinnacle and see the beautiful Kilt Rock Waterfall . Other highlights include the Quiraing , the  An Corran Beach at Staffin, where you may spot ancient dinosaur footprints, and the mystical Fairy Glen .

Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Average driving distance:  70 km / 45 miles

Day 7: Sleat Peninsula & Glenfinnan

Head south to the Sleat Peninsula, admiring the beautiful beaches, lochs, and glens of the region. You may wish to stop on the way to enjoy a walk to the crystal-clear Fairy Pools at the foot of the Black Cuillin Hills or to sample Single Malt Whisky at the Talisker Distillery. In the afternoon, catch a ferry from Armadale to Mallaig on the mainland. On your journey, we recommend a stop at Camusdarach Beach. At Glenfinnan, you can admire the Glenfinnan Monument and Viaduct , the latter of which features in the Harry Potter film series.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Ferry duration: 30 minutes

Average driving distance:  135km / 85 miles

Day 8: Travel along Dramatic Glens

Today’s journey takes you past Scotland’s most famous valley, Glen Coe , which offers world-famous scenery. You could stop at the grave of Rob Roy at Balquidder and the beautiful Falls of Dochart in the village of Killin. Alternatively, you could travel the longer scenic route via the seaside town of Oban onto the historical valley of Kilmartin Glen and past the charming village of Inveraray. This region is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland, including cairns, standing stones, and castles.

Spend the night in the Trossachs National Park area.

Average driving distance  via Glen Coe: 130 km / 80 miles Average driving distance  via Kilmartin Glen/Inveraray: 285 km / 180 miles

Day 9: Trossachs National Park to Edinburgh

Today’s drive will bring you back to Edinburgh (you can choose to end your trip in Glasgow in the optional activities below). Drive through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, where you could stop to take a walk in nature, enjoy an optional steamship tour on Loch Katrine, or visit a local whisky distillery. For a fun photo opportunity, don’t miss Doune Castle , featured in Monty Python & the Holy Grail and Outlander. If time allows, you could also stop by Stirling Castle , one of Scotland’s top attractions, or the Kelpies, two impressive horse-head sculptures.

Average driving distance:  130 km / 80 miles

Day 10: Departure from Scotland

On your day of departure, we recommend taking the Airlink bus or a taxi directly from your hotel to reach the airport. If you would like to add any additional nights to your trip or to arrange a private transfer, you can do so during the booking process. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may have time for some last-minute shopping, to visit one of Edinburgh’s museums, or take one last stroll through the charming city centre.

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Private Airport Transfer: Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh

Private airport transfer: glasgow airport to edinburgh, classic afternoon tea, champagne afternoon tea, admissions to the royal yacht britannia, ghostly underground vaults walking tour, underground vaults historical walking tour, johnnie walker distillery – the journey of flavour, johnnie walker distillery – whisky makers’ cellar, edinburgh old & new town food tour, the scotch whisky experience – gold tour, the scotch whisky experience – silver tour, secrets of the royal mile, cardhu distillery – flavour journey, royal lochnagar distillery - warehouse tasting, deconstructed whisky tasting at aberlour distillery, glenfiddich distillery tour & tasting, the original glenlivet distillery tour, loch ness cruise, talisker distillery – distillery tour, oban distillery tour, switch your last night to glasgow, cruise on loch katrine, deanston distillery – warehouse 4 experience, private airport transfer: edinburgh to edinburgh airport, private airport transfer: edinburgh to glasgow airport, private airport transfer: glasgow to edinburgh airport, private airport transfer: glasgow to glasgow airport.

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

  • Accommodation (Comfort Plus/Superior) for 9 nights
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, 2 authorised drivers, CDW insurance and VAT for 8 days
  • All ferry crossings, as per itinerary
  • Carbon offsetting the package
  • Nordic Visitor's Scotland Travel Guide
  • Map of Scotland and detailed personal itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline
  • Taxes & service fees

Not included

  • Flights to/from Scotland
  • Transfers to/from airports (can be arranged on request)
  • Transfers to/from car rental pickup/drop-off locations
  • Meals & drinks (unless otherwise stated)
  • Entrance fees to attractions (unless otherwise stated)
  • Driving-related fees and expenses
  • Personal travel insurance

Optional Extras

  • Cancellation Protection

Essential information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this self-drive tour in Scotland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Scotland Travel Guide .

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in Scotland, along with planned activities, as specified in the itinerary.

As this is a self-guided tour, you’re welcome to stop whenever and wherever you wish along the way. Except for accommodation and booked activities, other highlights we’ve listed in the itinerary are suggestions based on Nordic Visitor favourites.

And rest assured that we’re with you every step of the way. Upon your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, hand-annotated map and our very own Scotland Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

The minimum age to hire a car in Scotland is 23. Please note that if you are 25 or younger, an additional fee and extra conditions apply.

For example, you need to have held your driving licence for at least 4 years. If you are 23 or 24, you can only hire vehicles up to the SUV category.

Scotland is beautiful all year long. That said, it’s good to be aware that the summer is the high travelling season, with July and August being peak months.

This means many of the highlights, such as the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh, will be extremely popular and might have limited availability. This could impact your booking of attractions, accommodation, restaurants, excursions and more.

For a more relaxing experience, we recommend booking your tour, plus any extra excursions, activities or entrance tickets, well in advance. You also might prefer to arrive during the shoulder season, which is during April–June and September–October.

If you do wish to travel in July or August, we will be happy to help you plan your trip to make it as smooth as possible.

During your Scotland tour, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

In Scotland, you can choose from single or double rooms. Twin, triple and family rooms are not commonly available. Please also note that in Scotland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America.

For example, a double room often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

Due to the historic nature of the properties we usually select, most of the rooms are only accessible by stairs. Lifts are not common in Scottish hotels. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are not able to walk up stairs.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! Just let your travel consultant know during the booking process. We’ll arrange any cots needed at your accommodation.

If you need multiple rooms, please note that we can't guarantee family rooms or interconnecting rooms at all accommodation. You may even have rooms on different floors.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. This will incur a small extra cost.

The roads in Scotland are usually in good condition all year long and are renowned for their road trip worthiness. In winter, though, storms, rain, snow and ice can cause adverse conditions. We recommend checking weather forecasts daily and not taking any risks when it comes to driving.

Please be aware that in the UK motorists drive on the left side of the road (and on the right side of the car). If you are not used to driving on the left, we highly recommend choosing a vehicle with automatic transmission for your self-drive tour.

If you want a manual transmission vehicle, keep in mind that you will need to shift gears with your left hand (floor pedals are the same).

Drivers will need to get used to the narrower roads of the UK as well as the rural single-track roads. If you meet another driver on one of these single-track roads, one of you needs to tuck into a passing place, which might be behind you. In these areas, you should also be careful of animals on the road.

It’s also a good idea to plan how you will navigate around Scotland ahead of time. Your travel consultant will prepare a detailed hand-annotated map of your route to help you stay on track.

We also recommend using navigation apps on your phone, such as Google Maps. Make sure to download the route ahead of time, in case you don’t have signal in the more rural areas.

For inexperienced drivers who still want to explore and discover Scotland, we recommend one of our guided small group tours or privately guided tours . On these tours you’ll have a local, experienced driver at the wheel.

This itinerary includes a ferry crossing. To board, you’ll need to arrive at the port marked in your voucher and on your map. You will need to arrive a certain amount of time ahead of your departure, and this time will be noted on your voucher. Simply drive your car in the queue to board the ferry at the right time.

Summer in Scotland might be warmer than you expect! While temperatures are unlikely to reach higher than 20°C (68 °F), heatwaves in Scotland are usually humid. This means it can feel hotter than it is, especially in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

That said, the weather is also very changeable, so you’ll want to come prepared for anything. Rain is always a possibility, and when the sun sets a warm jumper or jacket is a must. We’ve prepared a useful packing guide to help you decide what to bring with you.

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit. If something unexpected occurs, you can call our 24/7 helpline to speak directly with a Nordic Visitor staff member.

Whatever time of year you’re in Scotland, you’re likely to see lots of different types of weather. As you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors it’s a good idea to come prepared for a combination of weather conditions.

Here is a recommended packing list for a summer trip:

  • A warm jumper or fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
  • Good walking shoes or boots (especially if you intend to hike and go on nature walks)
  • Light scarf or thin sweater
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sunhat

In some areas of Scotland, such as the Highlands and islands, you might notice small, pesky insects called midges. They’re most active on summer evenings and tend to swarm near still water. You can avoid bites by wearing long-sleeves and trousers and by packing an insect repellent.

And here’s our recommendations for a winter getaway:

  • A warm, windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Thermal base layers and cosy jumpers
  • A scarf, gloves and hat
  • Sturdy boots and some woollen socks

For more information, check this packing list suggestion .

There are limited laundry facilities in Scotland’s countryside, though you’ll find laundrettes in the cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness. Some hotels do offer dry cleaning for an additional cost.

On your Scotland road trip, you should budget for petrol costs of around £1.60–£2 per litre.

As for meals, your breakfast is included at all your accommodation in Scotland. For the rest of your food, your spending money will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.

Budget between £15–£20 per person for each day’s lunch. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between £20–£25. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay £40–£50 or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

If you’re arriving from Canada, the United States, Australia or the European Union, you won’t need a visa to visit Scotland.

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Scotland on the website of the UK government .

Your passport must also be valid during the entirety of your stay in Scotland. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

During your tour, there will always be an Edinburgh-based travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can easily add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us . 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

You can get in touch with our Scotland travel experts ahead of your trip if you have any questions. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Scotland Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

  • Which credit cards are widely accepted in Scotland
  • What kind of electric adapters or converters you’ll need
  • The native languages of Scotland that you might hear alongside English
  • As well as tipping, local news sources and other useful information

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents.

Upon your arrival in Scotland, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Scotland Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Scotland?

After picking up your luggage, make your way to your accommodation in the Edinburgh city centre. If you’ve come from another airport, such as Glasgow, you can take the train or book a private transfer.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM.

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching public transport or a taxi to the airport.

All bookings are billed in British Pounds (GBP), the local currency in Scotland and the UK.

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from GBP to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

These should tide you over until you’re in Scotland to take your own pictures.

Edinburgh - Scotland

Edinburgh - Scotland

Driving in Scotland

Driving in Scotland

Quiraing on the Isle of Skye

Quiraing on the Isle of Skye

The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye

The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Firth of Forth Bridge

Firth of Forth Bridge

+9 more from this tour

Glencoe Valley

Balmoral Castle in Scotland

Fairy Pools

Urquhart Castle

Kilt Rock on the Isle of Skye

Greig Street Bridge

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Absolutely stunning tour! The cost to value was amazing, for a 10-day trip around the entire country it was so affordable. Our car rental was great, it gave us the room to tour around on our own time with optimal fuel efficiency. I filled up maybe twice. Our accommodation were impeccable. Each place was well kept, comfortable and the hosts/staff were incredibly kind. The extra tours we booked like the food and wine tour and Loch Ness cruise were wonderful additions to our touring and super fun. The entire tour was breathtaking, our guide gave us the most amazing options that we could tailor to our daily needs depending on how much driving, sightseeing, hiking, etc. we wanted to do.

Christina, United States

Classic scotland, october 2023, flexibility.

The tour was planned out so that we had the flexibility to stop and check out sites related to our interests. We had time to make it to our next accommodation while stopping along the way.

Mary, United States

Classic scotland, september 2023, everything went well.

Everything was well planned out. We had no hiccups and everything went well.

Audrey, United States

We will use nordic visitor again.

We love Nordic Visitor. We have travelled to Norway, Iceland and now Scotland using Nordic Visitor and we will use Nordic Visitor again for future trips. The hotels/guest houses were very nice, comfortable and convenient. Picking up/dropping off our car was straightforward. The guide with info on recommended sites, restaurants was very helpful and appreciated. Booking was easy peasy. Really love you guys!

Christie, United States

Very helpful.

Duncan was an excellent help. Very helpful, prompt and personable.

Kenneth, United States

Nordic visitor were accommodating.

While we had difficulties with the air travel arriving at our beginning destination, correspondence with the Nordic Visitor agents went smoothly allowing us to re-arrange the pre-booked airport shuttle to accommodate our altered arrival time.

Chris, United States

Accommodation.

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in good quality 3-star guesthouses or country hotels.

In this category, you can expect standard rooms in 4-star hotels or boutique guesthouses.

Enjoy your road trip with 2 authorised drivers and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) to reduce liability.

Toyota Yaris (manual) or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 4
  • Transmission: Manual

Vauxhall Astra (manual) or similar

  • Description: Compact
  • Passengers: 5

Toyota Auris (automatic) or similar

  • Transmission: Automatic

Ford Mondeo (automatic) or similar

  • Description: Standard

BMW 520 (automatic) or similar

  • Description: Premium

Vauxhall Grandland (automatic) or similar limited availability

  • Limited availability between 29 April - 2 June 2024
  • Description: Intermediate SUV

Mercedes Vito (automatic) or similar

  • Description: Premium Passenger Van
  • Passengers: 8
  • Transmission: Automatic*
  • *manual option available upon request

Price per person from

OTHER SUGGESTED TOURS

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, classic scotland at leisure, complete scotland, scottish highlands & north coast 500, grand tour of scotland, classic scotland / attractions.

Edinburgh Castle - Scotland

Classic Scotland / Included

Classic scotland / guided small groups, send request, send to inbox.

Would you like to refer to this tour at another time or on another device? Send the tour details directly to your email inbox for future references.

Share this tour with a friend. If you think they may be interested, send the tour details directly to your friend's email inbox for future references.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Email has been successfully sent!

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

here to help

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Scotland travel update | New tours of the UK!

Suggested Results

  • EUR (€)
  • GBP (£)
  • Self-Drive i

Guided Small Groups i

  • Privately Guided i
  • Multi-Day i
  • Scotland & Ireland i
  • Scotland, England & Wales i
  • Honeymoon i
  • Highlands i
  • Solo Travel i
  • All types & themes
  • All Scotland Tours
  • Best Sellers
  • Special Offers
  • Book With Confidence i
  • Scotland Travel Update i
  • Why book with us i
  • Travel Update
  • Booking Terms i
  • Sustainability Policy i
  • Scotland at a Glance i
  • Useful Information i
  • Scotland Attractions i
  • Scotland Blog i
  • Scandinavia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Manage Booking
  • Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

  • Highlights of Scotland

Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness & Isle of Skye

(10 days / 9 nights).

  • Travel Style
  • Guided Small Groups

Discover The Charm Of The Scottish Highlands

Let yourself be whisked off by a local and passionate guide who will ensure that you have the best experience possible around Scotland. You’ll join a small group of fellow travellers to spend 10 days roaming around the Highlands and Isle of Skye, taking in all the breathtaking views of renowned attractions and hidden gems. To top it all off, you will stay in unique accommodation, experiencing Scottish hospitality and enjoying gourmet local cuisine. Would you rather travel with your very own guide? Look up this private tour with a similar itinerary .

10 days / 9 nights

Price p.p. from

You save: 614 GBP per person

The amount will be charged in GBP

Approx 3481 GBP

— why book with nordic visitor.

  • Groups limited to 15 travellers
  • 100% guaranteed departures
  • Experienced driver & knowledgeable guide
  • Seamless travel experience
  • Handpicked hotels & routes designed by local experts
  • Quality & value for your money
  • Comprehensive itinerary, personalised map & travel guide
  • Service from local travel experts in Scotland
  • 24/7 helpline during your tour
  • Excellent customer reviews
  • Carbon offsetting included in each package

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Explore some of Scotland’s top sights on the famous and breathtaking Isle of Skye
  • Stay at unique properties & enjoy gourmet local cuisine
  • Sail on the mysterious Loch Ness to admire the surroundings
  • Discover Scotland's historic capital Edinburgh and stroll up the Royal Mile
  • Experience the striking natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands
  • Enjoy some quiet time in nature at the Trossachs National Park
  • Photograph the picturesque Dunnottar Castle
  • Taste the flavour of the country at a local whisky distillery
  • Visit the grand ancestral homes on the Royal Deeside Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire
  • Hassle-free travel experience with a local tour driver-guide

Travel style

Best seller i , castles and royalty i , classic i , countryside and natural scenery i , culinary experience i , culture and history i , heritage i , highlands i , whisky i, level 2/3 (classic) i, activity level, level 2/4 (moderate) i, max group size, attractions.

Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.

Isle of Skye

Culloden battlefield & visitor centre, fort william.

Loch Lomond

Dunnottar Castle

Trossachs national park, cairngorms national park, eilean donan castle, stirling & stirling castle, speyside & whisky, old man of storr.

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN SCOTLAND

When you arrive in Scotland, make your way to your accommodation in the  Edinburgh  city centre. Many travellers opt to take a taxi or use public transport, but for a more direct and comfortable ride, we will be happy to organize a private airport transfer for you.

For those arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking through the city, strolling along the  Royal Mile  and exploring the  Old Town  and  New Town , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit in the city centre, including the majestic  Edinburgh Castle . For a spectacular view over the city, we recommend going up  Calton Hill .

Tonight, you can enjoy dinner at one of Edinburgh’s many gourmet restaurants and spend the evening at your leisure.

Spend the night at  Nira Caledonia or similar.

In 2025, you will stay at voco Edinburgh Haymarket or similar

Day 2: SCOTLAND‘S DRAMATIC EAST COAST

Today, your guide will pick you up to start your epic trip around Scotland. The tour will start with a drive across to the Kingdom of Fife where the first stop will be in the quaint village of  Falkland . There you will visit the Renaissance Falkland Palace, the country residence of the Royal Stuarts.

You will then head east to explore the historic town of  St Andrews , famous for being the home of golf and home to the oldest university in Scotland. As your guide continues north, you will pass Scotland’s first city of design  Dundee  before making a stop at the spectacular  Dunnottar Castle  for a fantastic photo opportunity. When you reach the hotel near Aberdeen, you will take part in a private whisky tasting for a flavour of the locally produced Speyside malts before enjoying a gourmet dinner.

Spend the night at Norwood Hall Hotel or similar.

Included: •  Breakfast at your accommodation •  Entrance to Falkland Palace •  Dinner and private whisky tasting at your accommodation

Average travel & exploration time: 8 hours

Day 3: ROYAL DEESIDE, CASTLES & WHISKY

Today you will journey further into the Scottish Highlands, all the way to  Inverness , the "Capital of the Highlands". The journey will take you through  Royal Deeside  for an enchanting drive into the  Cairngorms National Park , famous for its wildlife, high peaks and beautiful Highland landscapes. On the way you will stop at the 16th-century  Crathes Castle , where you will have time to explore the tower house and its grounds.

Your guide will then continue through Speyside, the heart of Scotland’s whisky-making country and home to over 40 distilleries. Your group will go on a tour of one of these local distilleries, Cardhu , with the opportunity to taste single malt whisky, known in Scotland as ‘water of life‘. When you reach the hotel near Inverness, the group will enjoy a gourmet dinner.

Spend the night at The Palace Hotel & Spa  or similar.

Included: •  Breakfast at your accommodation •  Entrance to Crathes Castle •  Whisky tasting and tour of Cardhu Distillery •  Dinner at your accommodation

Average travel & exploration time:  8 hours

In 2025, you will stay at the Drumossie Hotel or similar.

Day 4: HIGHLIGHTS OF NORTHEAST HIGHLANDS

This morning, the tour will take us to the haunting Battlefield of  Culloden  Moor, the site where the last battle on British soil occurred in 1746, which also marked the end of the Highlander way of life. We’ll have some time to explore the visitor centre before getting back on the road. The next stop will be a visit to an even older site, the Bronze-age cemetery,  Clava Cairns . This site includes passage graves, ring cairns and standing stones dating back roughly 4,000 years, making it older than Stonehenge.

In the afternoon, the guide will drive us north to explore the beautiful Black Isle Peninsula and head to Chanonry Point, where dolphins can sometimes be spotted at low tide in the Moray Firth.

Included: •  Breakfast at your hotel  •  Entrance to Culloden Battlefield • Dinner at your accommodation

Day 5: FROM LOCH NESS TO SKYE

Experience some of Scotland’s most famous attractions today. Your guide will take you to the mysterious  Loch Ness , where you will hop aboard a boat tour. This is your chance to take photos of the dramatic surroundings and see if you can catch a glimpse of Nessie.

Next up the guide will drive through verdant countryside before making a stop at the iconic  Eilean Donan Castle , a sight you will surely recognise from films. Then you will finally reach the Isle of Skye where dinner will be served at tonight’s accommodation.

Spend the night at Hame on Skye  or similar.

Included: •  Breakfast at your hotel •  Dinner at your accommodation •  Loch Ness boat tour

Day 6: THE ISLE OF SKYE

Today you will have a full day to take in the magic of Skye, a haven for nature lovers. A new guide will take over for the day, starting with some time in  Portree , where you can wander around, admiring the colourful houses and seaport.

The group will then take you to the northern part of the island, the breathtaking  Trotternish Peninsula . This is where so many of the island’s mythical and spectacular landscapes lie.

Driving over the  Quiraing , admire some of the jaw-dropping natural sights. You will see the waterfall plunging over the 90-metre (295-foot)  Kilt Rock  sea cliffs and pass by the iconic “ The Old Man of Storr ” rock pinnacle. You might even get to see some dinosaur footprints at the  An Corran Beach  at Staffin. You’ll return to your accommodation for the night and enjoy dinner as a group. 

Included : •  Breakfast at your hotel •  Dinner at your accommodation

Day 7: MARINE WILDLIFE & GLENFINNAN

Today, you will head south to the Sleat Peninsula of Skye. On the way you can admire the beautiful beaches, lochs, and glens of the region. At the foot of the Black Cuillin Hills, your guide will take you on a short walk to the crystal-clear  Fairy Pools .

Then hop on the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig on mainland Scotland. On the drive to  Fort William , you will stop at  Glenfinnan . Here you can visit the Glenfinnan Monument, overlooking the beautiful Loch Shiel, and admire the  Glenfinnan Viaduct  high above. You may recognise it from the Harry Potter film series. Tonight, the group will enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Spend the night at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel  or similar.  

Included:                                                                                                                             •  Breakfast at your accommodation •  Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig (30 minutes) •  Dinner at your accommodation

In 2025, you will stay at the Ballachulish Hotel or similar.

Day 8: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS & LOCH LOMOND

Today’s journey will take you down to Inveraray , on the shore of Loch Fyne.   On the way, you will travel through  Glen Coe , Scotland’s most famous valley offering breathtaking scenery. You may recognise it from films like Skyfall and Harry Potter . Here, you will go on a guided 20-minute walk, a perfect chance to take photos.

Then on the way south, you will have the chance to stop at Kilchurn Castle . It is a 15th-century fortress with a majestic backdrop. Finally, you’ll arrive in Inveraray where you can explore at your leisure before enjoying dinner with your travel companions.

Spend the night at The George Hotel  or similar.

Included:                                                                                                                             •  Breakfast at your accommodation •  Dinner at your accommodation

In 2025, you will stay at Loch Fyne Hotel or similar.

Day 9: TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK TO EDINBURGH

Today’s drive takes you through the impressive Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park , so you can take in more of its stunning scenery. First, stop in Luss , a charming medieval village on the banks of Loch Lomond.

Later, you will stop by the beautiful city of  Stirling , where you will visit the impressive  Stirling Castle  sitting atop the hill and overlooking the town below. The last stop on this tour will be the Kelpies , 2 impressive horse-head statues that will capture your attention.

Back in Edinburgh, your driver-guide will drop you off at your accommodation. Tonight you can enjoy dinner at one of Edinburgh’s many gourmet restaurants and spend the evening at your leisure.

Spend the night at Nira Caledonia or similar.  

Included:                                                                                                                              •  Breakfast at your accommodation  •  Entrance to Stirling Castle

Day 10: DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND

On your final day in Scotland, make your way back to the airport for your departure flight. You can also arrange a private airport transfer or additional nights in Scotland while booking your tour. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may have time for some last-minute shopping, a visit to one of Edinburgh’s many attractions, or to take one last stroll through the charming city centre.

Included : •  Breakfast at your accommodation

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Private Airport Transfer: Edinburgh Airport to Edinburgh

Private airport transfer: glasgow airport to edinburgh, classic afternoon tea, champagne afternoon tea, johnnie walker distillery – the journey of flavour, johnnie walker distillery – whisky makers’ cellar, ghostly underground vaults walking tour, underground vaults historical walking tour, edinburgh old & new town food tour, the scotch whisky experience – gold tour, the scotch whisky experience – silver tour, secrets of the royal mile, private airport transfer: edinburgh to edinburgh airport.

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

  • Accommodation for 9 nights
  • Daily Breakfast
  • 7 evening meals included (drinks excluded)
  • Professional English-speaking guide, as per itinerary
  • Transportation in a premium mini-coach, as per itinerary
  • Private whisky tasting at Norwood Hall Hotel
  • Entrance to Falkland Palace
  • Entrance to Crathes Castle
  • Distillery tour and whisky tasting at Cardhu Distillery
  • Loch Ness boat tour
  • Entrance to Culloden Battlefield
  • Ferry ride from Armadale to Mallaig
  • Entrance to Stirling Castle
  • Map of Scotland and detailed personal itinerary
  • Carbon offsetting of your tour
  • 24/7 helpline
  • Taxes & service fees

Not included

  • Flights to/from Scotland
  • Transfers to/from airports (can be arranged on request)
  • Meals & drinks (unless otherwise stated)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Any services not listed above as “Included”

Optional Extras

  • Cancellation Protection

Essential information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this small guided group tour in Scotland. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Scotland Travel Guide .

On a small guided group tour with Nordic Visitor, you can sit back and enjoy an immersive itinerary alongside a group of like-minded travellers. There will be no more than 15 in a group, so your guide can get to know you all personally.

Your guide will be an expert in Scottish history and culture. They’ll share their local knowledge and stories with you, and take you to hidden gems across each country. They will also act as the logistical organiser for the group. They’ll ensure everything is running smoothly and that you’re having a good time in Ireland.

You’ll also enjoy the service of an experienced driver. They know the roads well and will make sure you’re always comfortable throughout your journey.

Due to the nature of this tour and activities included, it’s not recommended for families with young children. That said, it is suitable for well-travelled, active children of 13 years or older. If in doubt, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Please note that the local legal drinking age is 18. It means that those aged 17 and under will not take part in distillery tours.

To make sure you and your fellow travellers have a comfortable journey, we need to limit the size and amount of luggage in the bus.

Each guest can bring one suitcase or large bag that can be stored in the back of the minibus. The guidance size for the larger luggage is that it should not exceed 158 cm (62 in) when adding the length, width and height. It should not weigh more than 20 kg.

You can also bring one smaller item (like a small backpack) inside the van for daily essentials like camera, wallet, medications and so forth. Unfortunately carry-on suitcases (cabin bags) are too large to store in the van’s overhead racks.

If you have more luggage, we ask that you please make arrangements to store it during the guided portion of the tour.

Please note that you should be able to carry your own suitcase at accommodation and between transport.

If you have any questions about luggage your Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be able to assist you.

During your Scotland tour, you’ll stay in accommodation hand-picked by our local travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience.

You can view the detailed list of hotels for this trip under the accommodation tab.

In Scotland, you can choose from single or double rooms. Twin, triple and family rooms are not commonly available. Please contact your travel consultant if your group contains 3 or more people.

Please also note that in Scotland room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America. For example, a double room often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

Due to the historic nature of the properties we usually select, most of the rooms are only accessible by stairs. Lifts are not common in Scottish hotels. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are not able to walk up stairs.

This tour includes a few guided walks along the itinerary. This means you must be prepared and able to walk between 1-3 kilometres (0.6–2 miles) daily. You also need to be able to carry your own luggage when boarding the vehicle and at each accommodation.

Summer in Scotland might be warmer than you expect! While temperatures are unlikely to reach higher than 20°C (68 °F), heatwaves in Scotland are usually humid. This means it can feel hotter than it is, especially in Edinburgh or Glasgow.

That said, the weather is also very changeable, so you’ll want to come prepared for anything. Rain is always a possibility, and when the sun sets a warm jumper or jacket is a must. We’ve prepared a useful packing guide to help you decide what to bring with you.

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit. If something unexpected occurs, you can call our 24/7 helpline to speak directly with a Nordic Visitor staff member.

Whatever time of year you’re in Scotland, you’re likely to see lots of different types of weather. As you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors it’s a good idea to come prepared for a combination of weather conditions.

Here is a recommended packing list for a summer trip:

  • A warm jumper or fleece
  • A waterproof jacket
  • Good walking shoes or boots (especially if you intend to hike and go on nature walks)
  • Light scarf or thin sweater
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sunhat

In some areas of Scotland, such as the Highlands and islands, you might notice small, pesky insects called midges. They’re most active on summer evenings and tend to swarm near still water. You can avoid bites by wearing long-sleeves and trousers and by packing an insect repellent.

And here’s our recommendations for a winter getaway:

  • A warm, windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Thermal base layers and cosy jumpers
  • A scarf, gloves and hat
  • Sturdy boots and some woollen socks

For more information, check this packing list suggestion .

There are limited laundry facilities in Scotland’s countryside, though you’ll find laundrettes in the cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness. Some hotels do offer dry cleaning for an additional cost.

On your tour of Scotland, breakfast at your accommodation is included each day. You will also enjoy some group dinners, included in your package. These meals will usually either be a set dinner menu or a dinner buffet with a good variety of local fresh ingredients (drinks not included).

Please notify your travel consultant at the time of booking of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Other meals are not included and are at your own expense. Your driver and guide will make sure to stop along the way for you to pick up snacks, drinks and lunch.

The amount of spending money you’ll need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to.

We recommend budgeting between £15–£20 per person for each day’s lunch. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between £20–£25. Meanwhile at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay £40–£50 or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages.

If you enjoy your experience with your guide, it’s a nice idea to give them a tip.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can ask your guide or call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline.

The Edinburgh-based travel expert on call will handle any unforeseen situations for you, such as unusual weather or events.

If you’re arriving from Canada, the United States, Australia or the European Union, you won’t need a visa to visit Scotland.

Visiting from another country? You can find the complete list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Scotland on the website of the UK government .

Your passport must also be valid during the entirety of your stay in Scotland. It’s a good idea to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

As you’ll be travelling as part of a guided group tour, your itinerary for this portion of your trip is set. But you can still customise other parts of your package.

For instance, you could add extra nights in Edinburgh before or after the guided portion of your trip. This will give you more time to explore the Scottish capital at your own pace. You can add these additional days while booking your package online.

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

Nordic Visitor offers 10–20% deposits so you can reserve your trip as early as it’s convenient for you. The remaining balance is due 30 days before you travel. 

Many tours are also open for the following year if you like to plan well ahead. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us . 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

At that time, they’ll confirm the availability of your tour. Then the booking process starts, which may take a few weeks. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. You will also receive more information about what to expect during your trip.

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

You can get in touch with our Scotland travel experts ahead of your trip if you have any questions. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Scotland Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

  • Which credit cards are widely accepted in Scotland
  • What kind of electric adapters or converters you’ll need
  • The native languages of Scotland that you might hear alongside English
  • As well as tipping, local news sources and other useful information

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents.

Upon your arrival in Scotland, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Scotland Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Scotland?

After picking up your luggage, make your way to your accommodation in the Edinburgh city centre. If you’ve come from another airport, such as Glasgow, you can take the train or book a private transfer.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM.

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will need to check out from your room, but will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before catching public transport or a taxi to the airport.

All bookings are billed in British Pounds (GBP), the local currency in Scotland and the UK.

Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from GBP to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

These should tide you over until you’re in Scotland to take your own pictures.

Portree in Scotland

Portree in Scotland

Glenfinnan Memorial

Glenfinnan Memorial

Man in a Scottish kilt

Man in a Scottish kilt

Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh

Arthurs Seat in Edinburgh

Glenfinnan Viaduct - Scotland

Glenfinnan Viaduct - Scotland

+7 more from this tour

The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye

Doune Castle

Quiraing Mountains and Landscape

Edinburgh Castle

Scotland Guided Small Group Bus

Whisky Casks

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Fantastic tour guide

Our guide was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the history of the places we visited. He kept me and my brother both interested and entertained. Tour guide Dan was appropriately concerned about my safety as I use a cane and have some balance issues. However, he accepted my assurance that I could navigate the paths and I appreciated that respect. Requests at hotels (for non-slip bath mats and extra blankets) were always fulfilled without difficulty. 

June, United States

Highlights of scotland, september 2023, great tour.

Great tour, great hotels and meals provided were great!

Chip, Singapore

This was a great tour. The high qualIty of our guide and drivers, hotels and general communication put this company at the top of the various tours we have taken.

Elizabeth, United States

Exceptional tour.

Everything about our Highlights of Scotland tour was exceptional! We were greeted at the Edinburgh Airport by our very friendly airport transfer and taken to our hotel. It was so nice after a long travel from the US to have someone at the airport waiting for us. The transport back to the airport after our tour... another very friendly and entertaining driver! It was everything we hoped it would be and so much more!

We also want to whole heartedly commend Chris in the Edinburgh office for taking such good care of us as we prepared for our Highlights of Scotland tour. We were always well informed of deadlines that needed to be met for the trip. Chris also answered our questions sent by email quickly. We never had to wonder about any of the questions we had in regard to finances, transportation to and from the airport, safety, insurance, what to pack, restrictions if any and adding extra days in Edinburgh after the tour ended. Chris was wonderful. 

Margaret, United States

Highlights of scotland, august 2023, five star experience.

Nordic Visitor created the perfect Scotland itinerary with the perfect guide, driver, accommodation and overall experiences. Highly recommend, 5/5!

William, United States

Enjoyable experience.

We really appreciated the small group aspect which we think made the trip more enjoyable. We were able to interact with fellow travellers very easily which added to the overall experience.  

Gerry, Canada

Accommodation.

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

Nira Caledonia Hotel

Situated in the New Town of Edinburgh, the Nira Caledonia is a boutique hotel house in an elegant Georgian townhouse. Its central location, only a short stroll from Princes Street, will be...

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

Norwood Hall Hotel

Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel is a 4-star accommodation located just outside the city centre of Aberdeen in the northeast of Scotland. The elegant surroundings of pine woodlands and gardens...

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

Palace Hotel and Spa

The Palace Hotel is located at the heart of the city of Inverness, by the River Ness and across from Inverness Castle. Dating back to the 19th century, you’ll find a stunning combina...

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

Hame on Skye

Your hotel on the Isle of Skye is located 5 mins south of the western town of Dunvegan, near the shores of Pool Roag by Loch Vatten. Hame on Skye offers an incredible location, amidst the...

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

Bridge of Orchy Hotel

Bridge of Orchy Hotel is a picturesque Scottish Highlands accommodation. Located between the Trossachs National Park and Glen Coe, the hotel is set against a superb backdrop. The complex...

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

The George Hotel

The George Hotel is located at the heart of Inveraray, along the mighty Loch Fyne. Set on the main street, the hotel is one of the many beautiful, white-washed buildings of this lakeside t...

The hotels mentioned are our first priority for this tour. Please note that although we have included specific accommodations in the tour, these are subject to change in some cases. We reserve the right to substitute a named property in the same locality for one of a similar standard. We will send you the final list of hotels before you arrive for your tour.

Guaranteed departures

Group size is limited to a maximum of 15 people

  • Arrival Start date Departure End date Price Per person from Availability Remaining spaces
  • Sunday 30 June 2024 Tuesday 9 July 2024 Sold out
  • Sunday 7 July 2024 Tuesday 16 July 2024 Sold out
  • Sunday 14 July 2024 Tuesday 23 July 2024 4095 GBP 3481 GBP Contact us
  • Sunday 28 July 2024 Tuesday 6 August 2024 4095 GBP 3686 GBP 7 spaces left Book Now
  • Sunday 11 August 2024 Tuesday 20 August 2024 4258 GBP 3619 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 18 August 2024 Tuesday 27 August 2024 4258 GBP 3832 GBP 6 spaces left Book Now
  • Sunday 25 August 2024 Tuesday 3 September 2024 Sold out
  • Sunday 1 September 2024 Tuesday 10 September 2024 Sold out
  • Sunday 8 September 2024 Tuesday 17 September 2024 4095 GBP 1 space left Book Now
  • Sunday 15 September 2024 Tuesday 24 September 2024 Sold out
  • Sunday 22 September 2024 Tuesday 1 October 2024 4095 GBP 2 spaces left Book Now
  • Sunday 13 April 2025 Tuesday 22 April 2025 3774 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 27 April 2025 Tuesday 6 May 2025 3774 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 4 May 2025 Tuesday 13 May 2025 3774 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 11 May 2025 Tuesday 20 May 2025 3774 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 18 May 2025 Tuesday 27 May 2025 3774 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 25 May 2025 Tuesday 3 June 2025 3774 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 1 June 2025 Tuesday 10 June 2025 4095 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 15 June 2025 Tuesday 24 June 2025 4095 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 22 June 2025 Tuesday 1 July 2025 4095 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 20 July 2025 Tuesday 29 July 2025 4095 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 17 August 2025 Tuesday 26 August 2025 4248 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 24 August 2025 Tuesday 2 September 2025 4248 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 7 September 2025 Tuesday 16 September 2025 4095 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 14 September 2025 Tuesday 23 September 2025 4095 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 21 September 2025 Tuesday 30 September 2025 4095 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 28 September 2025 Tuesday 7 October 2025 4095 GBP Available Book Now
  • Sunday 5 October 2025 Tuesday 14 October 2025 3774 GBP Available Book Now

View more departures Show less departures

Request info

OTHER SUGGESTED TOURS

Wonders of scotland, wonders of scotland & ireland, ultimate celtic adventure, highlights of scotland / attractions, highlights of scotland / accommodation.

Edinburgh Castle - Scotland

Highlights of Scotland / Included

Highlights of scotland / guided small groups, send request, send to inbox.

Would you like to refer to this tour at another time or on another device? Send the tour details directly to your email inbox for future references.

Share this tour with a friend. If you think they may be interested, send the tour details directly to your friend's email inbox for future references.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Email has been successfully sent!

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

here to help

  • Scotland Tourism
  • Scotland Hotels
  • Scotland Bed and Breakfast
  • Scotland Vacation Rentals
  • Flights to Scotland
  • Scotland Restaurants
  • Things to Do in Scotland
  • Scotland Travel Forum
  • Scotland Photos
  • All Scotland Hotels
  • Scotland Hotel Deals
  • Last Minute Hotels in Scotland
  • Things to Do
  • Restaurants
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Travel Stories
  • Rental Cars
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travelers' Choice
  • Help Center

Nordic Visitor reviews - Scotland Forum

  • Europe    
  • United Kingdom (UK)    
  • Scotland    

Nordic Visitor reviews

  • United States Forums
  • Europe Forums
  • Canada Forums
  • Asia Forums
  • Central America Forums
  • Africa Forums
  • Caribbean Forums
  • Mexico Forums
  • South Pacific Forums
  • South America Forums
  • Middle East Forums
  • Honeymoons and Romance
  • Business Travel
  • Train Travel
  • Traveling With Disabilities
  • Tripadvisor Support
  • Solo Travel
  • Bargain Travel
  • Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
  • United Kingdom forums
  • Scotland forum

' class=

I took one look at the price and nearly fell off my chair. This is very serious money for a 7day tour. It looks to be a straight forward itinerary covering all the tourist tick list places.

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

I did a quick dummy booking for June on one of their popular self drive tours using the "quality" option for accommodation. Comes to just under £2000 per person.

Doing your own thing looks to be a lot cheaper. It may not suit of course but an option to bear in mind.

I see the equivalent guided group tour is over £3000 per person.

They seem to be highly rated for tours of Iceland but like the OP there doesn't seem to be a great deal of feedback for Scotland .

The key thing for me on any tour would be where the accommodation is each night. Some companies seem to use pretty remote locations and can be flexible in their descriptions.

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

I had a look at several of the hotels on the itinerary and yes they are all nice places - but I didn't like the "or similar" line under each. Which gives them the option of sticking you somewhere possibly rather different!

Otherwise, my immediate reaction was - HOW MUCH...!

Oh and Loch Ness/Eilean Donan on the itinerary did not inspire me with confidence - as they are by no means "wonders" - although some of the other places listed most certainly are.

Kathy, have a look at Rabbie’s tours; I only know of them through the forums, but I’ve seen them recommended quite a lot.

Once we aren’t so keen to drive, it’s an option we’re considering, as they seem to offer quality tours in smallish groups.

I wish you good luck finding something that suits you, we love visiting Scotland .

I was also taken aback by the cost but the official blue badge organisation gives this price guide https://www.driver-guides.org.uk/fees-scotland.html

Although this company is just under £500 per day https://www.serenityscotland.co.uk/price.html so I think if you shopped around you could get a better deal

I think we will still be well within the guidelines you provided.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

  • Response to your lies 8:45 pm
  • Golf partner for Castle Course May 30 or 31, 2025? 7:56 pm
  • half a day in glencoe using public transportation 7:45 pm
  • Portree to Edinburgh Drive- thoughts/ recs 7:01 pm
  • Is Tron Kirk Market Still Open? 6:59 pm
  • Best family overnight Castle Experience with 4 teenagers 6:44 pm
  • Scottish break with kids - trip report 5:53 pm
  • Gearrannan Blackhouse Village 5:32 pm
  • Live Music 4:58 pm
  • Lagavulin bus stop? 4:44 pm
  • The Open at Royal Troon park and ride sites 4:44 pm
  • Things inside to do 4:43 pm
  • Who knows the Dunfermline area? 4:26 pm
  • Ullapool to Scrabster, 2 nights in Kirkwall reassurance 4:03 pm
  • What are the most beautiful places to go in Scotland ? 14 replies
  • Most Scenic Drives In Scotland 15 replies
  • Tipping in Scotland 70 replies
  • Scotland for 9 or 10 days 9 replies
  • Train Travel from St. Andrews (Leuchars) to Glasgow Airport 9 replies
  • winter in scotland 21 replies
  • 7 days in Scotland where to go? HELP!!!!!!! 11 replies
  • Car rental liability insurance question 12 replies
  • Must pack items for Mid-September to early October trip? 16 replies
  • When does heather bloom? What are the Fall length of days? 5 replies

Scotland Hotels and Places to Stay

  • Warning!! Read this before you hire a car
  • Trip Reports
  • Driving in Scotland
  • One foreign visitor's perception of Scottish Roads
  • Scottish top 5
  • What can I do in 'wild' Scotland?
  • The forgotten corner of Scotland which everyone passes by..?

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Ireland travel update | New tours of the UK!

  • Search Suggested Results View All Results
  • EUR (€)
  • GBP (£)
  • Self Drive i
  • Guided Small Groups i
  • Privately Guided i
  • Castles & Royalty i
  • Countryside & Nature i
  • Culture & History i
  • Ireland & Scotland i
  • All Types & Themes
  • All Ireland Tours
  • Best Sellers   i
  • Special Offers
  • Book With Confidence i
  • Ireland is open i
  • Why book with us i
  • Travel Update
  • Booking Terms i
  • Sustainability Policy i
  • Ireland at a Glance i
  • Useful Information i
  • Ireland Attractions i
  • Ireland Blog i
  • Scandinavia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Manage Booking
  • Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

Tours of Ireland and Scotland

Let the rugged coastlines, misty mountains and historic cities of Ireland and Scotland capture your imagination. Soon you could be exploring these Celtic nations on one unforgettable trip, organised by a local expert. Choose from these Ireland and Scotland tours, with accommodation, local transport and 24/7 support included.

Clean grey shield icon

Ireland and Scotland Combination Tours

Experience the warmth of Celtic hospitality on a getaway to Ireland and Scotland, guided by our insider knowledge. Expect ancient castles, traditional folk music, gorgeous countryside and so much more.

Classic Scotland & Ireland - Private

Classic scotland & ireland, best of ireland & scotland, express scotland & ireland, complete scotland & ireland, grand tour of scotland & ireland, scottish highlands, isle of skye & wild atlantic way, ultimate tour of scotland & ireland, scottish highlands, north coast 500 & wild atlantic way, express scotland & ireland – private, complete scotland & ireland – private, wonders of scotland & ireland, ultimate celtic adventure.

Level 2 (Classic)

Encounter the best of Scotland on these specially curated trips. You could soak up Scottish culture in the captivating capital of Edinburgh and discover the enchanting beauty of the Highlands.

Highlights of Scotland

Scottish highlands, loch ness & isle of skye, wonders of scotland, classic scotland, scottish highlands & isle of skye.

Uncover the charm of the Emerald Isle on these tour packages. A friendly Irish welcome, vibrant towns and cities, and breathtaking scenery await you.

Scenic Ireland

Classic ireland, complete ireland, wonders of ireland, cliffs of moher & the ring of kerry, need any help so far talk with our local experts.

Live chat with travel consultants

Send your queries using our contact form

Call us toll-free to ask your questions

About Your Ireland and Scotland Vacation

Whether you long to spend time in nature, meet friendly locals, or delve into your ancestry, you’ll find what you’re after in Scotland and Ireland. Discover these destinations with Nordic Visitor and you’ll have a dedicated travel consultant to make all the tour arrangements for you. So all you need to do is sit back and look forward to the trip of a lifetime.

When you book one of these Ireland and Scotland tour packages, you get:

• An authentic travel experience planned by an established and trusted agency • A dedicated travel consultant to arrange your trip • A detailed personal itinerary online with all of your bookings • Handpicked accommodation for a relaxing stay • Included local transport and flight between Ireland and Scotland organised for you • 24/7 phone support for peace of mind

Nordic Visitor has made it easy to start planning your getaway. 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

Clean grey shield icon

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.

nv trusted logo sized

Trusted travel experts

Nordic Visitor has been a leading tour operator in Northern Europe since 2002. Benefit from the insider knowledge of our Edinburgh-based consultants, who’ll use their expertise to arrange your vacation in Scotland and Ireland. With the logistics taken care of, you can just relax and look forward to your trip.

Customised tours icon

Customisable tour options

These tours showcase the very best of Ireland and Scotland. But you can make your itinerary your own by customising a package with extra nights and handpicked excursions. And if there’s something specific you want to include, don’t hesitate to mention it to your dedicated travel consultant.

Tripadvisor great reviews icon

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.

Good hands heart icon

You are in good hands

Travel with peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that if something unexpected crops up, you can call our 24/7 helpline. You’ll be able to speak to a travel expert, who’ll handle any unforeseen situations for you. This might include moving your accommodation and rearranging activities if needed.

Secure payments lock icon

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 stars yellow icon

Handpicked hotels

While you’re travelling your hotel room becomes your home from home, so we understand how important it is to get this right. You can rest easy knowing that we have vetted and specially chosen each place. You’ll also be able to pick the level of accommodation that works best for you.

Ireland and Scotland Tour Reviews

Find out what our wonderful travellers loved most about their time in Ireland and Scotland.

Judy United States

Nordic Visitor was great. Having a personal tour organiser made everything feel very personal, like we had a close... read more

Nordic Visitor was great. Having a personal tour organiser made everything feel very personal, like we had a close associate looking after us. Every T was crossed and every I was dotted with the organisation by Nordic Visitor. Every one of the places we stayed in was beyond expectations. The boutique hotel in Dublin was amazing. My favourite was the Inn in Inverness and the lovely innkeeper Gail. The breakfasts were delicious. Loved our little hybrid car in Scotland. Everyone was so friendly. I called the 24 hour number once and was promptly helped with my inquiry. Good job Nordic Visitor and Chris!

Kenneth Canada

Extremely satisfied with all aspects of the tour. Very professional and thorough. The maps and guide book were... read more

Extremely satisfied with all aspects of the tour. Very professional and thorough. The maps and guide book were invaluable and made the tour very easy to navigate. Locations of accommodation were superb, all near restaurants, attractions and shopping.

Tripadvisor logo horizontal

Scotland and Ireland Trip Highlights

Choose how you want to explore these Celtic countries, and get ready to encounter their timeless allure for yourself. Head to Ireland and Scotland and soon you could…

  • Stroll along the Royal Mile to reach Edinburgh Castle in Scotland’s historic capital
  • Head to the shores of iconic Loch Ness , where you’ll find the 13th-century Urquhart Castle
  • Uncover astounding natural beauty in Glen Coe and the Cairngorms National Park
  • Gaze up at the Cuillin mountains , a jagged ridge on the stunning Isle of Skye
  • Visit Dublin , the Irish capital, and listen to live music in the buzzing Temple Bar district
  • Roam the Ring of Kerry ’s hidden coves, golden beaches and craggy islands
  • Stop off in the colourful city of Galway and hike trails in Connemara National Park
  • Marvel at the towering Cliffs of Moher on Ireland’s windswept Atlantic coast
  • Venture to the top spots in Northern Ireland, including Belfast and the Giant's Causeway

Advice for Ireland and Scotland Vacations

Prepare for your Celtic adventure by reading these handy travel guides.

Weather & Climate

What kind of temperatures can you expect in Ireland?

What to Pack

Bring the right clothing and gear for all seasons and activities

Time Zone & Daylight

Find out what time zone Ireland is in and when to expect sunrises and sunsets

Find out about tax-free shopping and popular Irish souvenirs

Frequently Asked Questions About Ireland and Scotland Vacation Packages

If you’d like to know more before you start booking your trip, check out this list of the most frequently asked questions about Ireland and Scotland vacations. You can also browse these handy Ireland and Scotland travel guides for useful tips and information.

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 about our booking process, payments and more.

1. Where are Scotland and Ireland?

You’ll find Scotland and Ireland in northwestern Europe. Scotland is located at the northern end of the mainland UK (United Kingdom), which also includes England and Wales.

The island of Ireland, sometimes known as the “Emerald Isle”, lies to the west of the UK and is home to two countries. These are the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland which is part of the UK.

2. How far is Ireland from Scotland?

At their closest point, across the sea, the island of Ireland and Scotland are only about 12 miles (19 kilometres) apart. But this is between two remote locations: Torr in Northern Ireland and the Mull of Kintyre, a Scottish peninsula.

When you’re travelling between the two countries, you’ll likely be flying from Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, to Dublin, the Irish capital. The journey usually takes 1 hour. As the crow flies the distance is around 192 miles (309 kilometres).

3. Should I go to Ireland or Scotland?

Maybe you’re torn between visiting either Ireland or Scotland . Both are known the world over for their warm hospitality, iconic whisky distilleries and Celtic castles.

But there’s plenty more to discover, and each nation has its own special charm. So you could have an even more amazing experience exploring both Scotland and Ireland on the same trip!

If it’s culture you’re after, why not time your trip to coincide with one of Scotland’s famous festivals or a Highland Games event?

You could also immerse yourself in Ireland’s arts and foodie scene in the vibrant Irish city of Galway. And if you’re a literature buff, you’ll find lots to keep you busy in Dublin, whether you’re at the International Literature Festival or exploring the library at Trinity College .

When it comes to natural wonders, Ireland and Scotland definitely don’t disappoint either. In fact, both nations are brimming with stunning scenery.

For instance, Glenfinnan and the Trossachs National Park are stand-out locations for untamed beauty in the Scottish Highlands. And places such as the Cliffs of Moher on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way will take your breath away.

Check out these 10 reasons to visit Ireland and 7 beautiful places in Scotland to find out what else Ireland and Scotland have to offer.

4. How can I visit Ireland and Scotland?

The best places to start your trip to Ireland and Scotland are Dublin or Edinburgh. Not only are these cities straightforward for you to get to, but they’re also must-see destinations in themselves. You’ll find both capitals have top-notch dining opportunities, engaging museums and historic landmarks, among other highlights.

There are international flights to Edinburgh and Dublin from North America, Europe and further afield. If you can’t find direct flights, you could fly via other major hubs in Europe, such as London, Paris or Amsterdam.

It’s also possible to arrive into Glasgow Airport. If you do fly here, you can opt to begin your trip in Glasgow when you book online. Or if you’d like to start your tour elsewhere in Scotland or Ireland, speak to your dedicated travel consultant to ask about customising your itinerary.

Once you get to either Scotland or Ireland, frequent flights between their capital cities make it easy to travel between the two. When you book a privately guided tour with Nordic Visitor, the flight from Glasgow to Dublin is included in your tour package.

You can also travel between Ireland and Scotland by ferry. For instance, choose a Nordic Visitor small group tour and you'll take a ferry from the Emerald Isle to Scotland. And with your guide leading the trip, you can leave the logistics to them as you sail between Belfast and Cairnryan.   

Head to these pages for in-depth details on travelling to Scotland or Ireland from the USA . And if you’re coming from elsewhere, find out how to get to Scotland or Ireland in these travel guides.

5. Where should I visit in Ireland and Scotland?

Ireland and Scotland are packed with unmissable attractions and gorgeous landscapes. On these Nordic Visitor tours, you’ll make the most of your stay by combining cultural highlights with time spent in nature.

To get you started, here are some of the best places to go in Ireland :

•  Dublin •  Galway •  Cork •  Ring of Kerry •  Dingle Peninsula •  Antrim Coast •  Cliffs of Moher •  Kilkenny •  Aran Islands •  Giant's Causeway

Check out these must-visit locations in Scotland:

•  Edinburgh •  Glasgow •  Inverness •  St Andrews •  Stirling •  Glen Coe •  Fort William •  Cuillin mountains •  Cairngorms National Park •  Loch Ness •  Dunnottar Castle

Get inspired by these ideas for amazing things to do in Edinburgh .

6. When is the best time to visit Ireland and Scotland?

The months of April to October are excellent for a getaway to Ireland and Scotland. The milder weather and longer days through spring, summer and autumn are ideal if you want to explore the countryside and sightsee into the evening.

You’ll also find that more excursions and outdoor activities are possible at this time of year. And that attractions, such as museums, castles, and distilleries, often have extended opening hours.

In Scotland and Ireland, spring – April and May – tends to be the driest time to visit. And if you travel in April, you can see the top sights when there are fewer visitors around. You’ll also find that the countryside is becoming even greener and spring blooms are popping up.

Summer – June to early September – is a great time to visit for cultural events and festivals. You can also expect a lively atmosphere in Ireland and Scotland’s bustling cities. But it’s worth bearing in mind that midges, small flying insects, are most active during the summer months, so remember to bring repellent if you'll be heading into the coutryside.

From mid-September to October, you’ll start to experience cooler autumnal temperatures and see the leaves changing colours. Along with early spring, this time of year is known as the shoulder season, meaning you’ll get more of the sights to yourself.

Meanwhile, a winter trip to Scotland is ideal if you’re looking for a cosy getaway between November to March. You could see Edinburgh’s top attractions at their quietest and perhaps even glimpse Scotland’s famous castles dusted in snow. Or why not have an unforgettable Christmas or New Year trip to Scotland ?

For more information on what each season has to offer, don’t miss these articles:

  • • Best time to visit Ireland: Your complete guide
  • • Best time to visit Scotland: Your complete guide

7. What is the best way to see Ireland and Scotland?

The best way to explore Ireland and Scotland depends on the kind of travel experience you’d like.

For instance, a self-drive tour in Ireland and Scotland is ideal if you want the freedom to go at your pace. And while you’ll be taking the wheel yourself, you can relax knowing we are there for you every step of the way. If you need assistance during your trip, you can reach us anytime by calling our 24/7 helpline.

Plus, you’ll get a dedicated travel consultant who will book your accommodation and arrange car hire with one of our trusted local partners. We also give you a detailed itinerary and roadmap, complete with personal recommendations. This makes an independent road trip the perfect choice for seeing the top sights with spontaneous stops along the way.

If you’d prefer not to drive, opt for a small group tour of Scotland and Ireland where you’ll travel in a comfortable minibus with a dedicated driver. By choosing an escorted trip, you’ll benefit from the local knowledge of your Scottish and Irish tour guides, learning even more about Celtic culture.

Or if you’re after the ultimate personalised travel experience, go for a privately guided tour package in Ireland and Scotland.

As well as having the sole attention of your guide, your dedicated travel consultant can tailor your itinerary to suit you. And they’ll even handpick a two guides who share your interests. This means you’ll have a local guide and driver in Scotland and another in Ireland.

8. How many days do I need to see Ireland and Scotland?

There’s so much to see and do in Ireland and Scotland that you’ll want to allow at least 10 days for your getaway. Although, if you can spare the time, then 2 weeks or more is even better. For instance, you could spend around 1 week in Scotland and then 1 week in Ireland .

With this extra time, you could explore further afield, packing even more memorable destinations into your trip. Or opt to travel at a slower pace, spending longer in regions you want to get to know better.

If you’d like to embark on the ultimate Scotland and Ireland road trip, then we recommend allowing around 3 weeks. This way you could delve further into Celtic culture and venture to even more exciting corners of these beautiful countries.

9. How do I plan a trip to Ireland and Scotland?

If you’re planning your dream trip to Scotland and Ireland, make the most of your precious free time by letting our travel experts take care of the details for you.

Book with Nordic Visitor and you’ll have your very own Edinburgh-based travel consultant who’ll organise your trip. This includes your accommodation, local transport, and flight between Glasgow and Dublin, along with any activities.

So once you’ve decided when to go and how you’d like to travel – self-drive, guided small group or privately guided – you can leave the rest to us.

10. Can I customise my tour?

Yes, you can personalise your Ireland and Scotland itinerary when booking your package online, or by speaking to your dedicated travel consultant.

For instance, you could tailor your self-drive tour with excursions or additional nights throughout your vacation. Meanwhile, on small group trips, you can extend your stay with extra nights at the start or end of the guided portion of the tour.

If you’re looking for the ultimate tailor-made travel experience, then choose a private guided tour of Scotland and Ireland . By combining both of these countries on one expert-curated itinerary, you’ll have an unforgettable trip. And to make sure you’re travelling with a knowledgeable local guide the entire time, you’ll have one guide in Scotland and another in Ireland.

Plus, no matter how you decide to explore Scotland and Ireland, your dedicated travel consultant will give you personalised recommendations for your trip.

If you have something specific in mind, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to share your interests and Celtic travel wishlist. You might also be interested in speaking to a dedicated travel consultant who’ll create a bespoke tour of Scotland or Ireland for you.

11. Can I choose the arrival date?

Absolutely! You can travel on a Nordic Visitor self-drive or private guided tour of Ireland and Scotland anytime from April through to October.

For guided small group tours of Scotland and Ireland, pick the departure that works for you from the list of available start dates between April and June. Or to go on a guided trip in either Ireland or Scotland, you can pick a start date from April to October. If you have a particular time of year in mind, please make sure to book early in case that departure fills up.

To see which start dates are available for the tour you are interested in, you can check its availability calendar online.

12. When should I organise my flights?

Before booking your tour package, it’s a good idea to check what flights are available. That said, we recommend waiting until after your trip is confirmed to make your travel arrangements.

Once you’ve received a confirmation email from your dedicated consultant, you can go ahead and choose your preferred flights. And remember, your local travel expert is there to answer any questions you might have.

Good to know: Travel between Scotland and Ireland is included in all of these Ireland and Scotland vacation packages. Depending on the tour you choose, you'll travel either by plane or ferry.  

13. What currency is used in Ireland and Scotland?

The Republic of Ireland is one of the European countries which uses the Euro (€), abbreviated as EUR.

Meanwhile, the countries of Scotland and Northern Ireland are in the UK, where the local currency is the pound sterling (£). This is shortened to GBP.

You can find out more about the local currency and which credit cards are widely accepted in these guides to money in Ireland and Scotland .

14. What should I pack for my tour?

Between April and October, you could enjoy some of the year’s best weather in Scotland and Ireland . So while you can expect relatively mild temperatures, you’ll want to come prepared for changeable conditions.

This is why, no matter the season, we recommend bringing: 

  • • Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
  • • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • • Warm, insulated jacket
  • • Fleece or woollen jumper
  • • Light base layers
  • • Cosy hat, scarf and gloves
  • • Sunglasses
  • • Rucksack
  • • Reusable water bottle
  • • UK plug adapter (this will work in Ireland and Scotland)  

For more information, check out these guides to packing for Ireland and Scotland .

Get in touch with us to start planning your tour, or to find out more about these Scotland and Ireland trips. Our Edinburgh-based travel experts will be happy to assist you.

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

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog articles

Ireland’s wild atlantic way: your guide, 10 cool scottish facts, 15 best castles in ireland you should visit, best time to visit scotland: your complete guide.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

here to help

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

  • Travel Update
  • Search Suggested Results View All Results
  • EUR (€)
  • GBP (£)
  • Self-Drive i
  • Privately Guided i
  • Guided Small Groups i
  • Northern Lights i
  • Honeymoon & Romance i
  • Ice & Snow Hotels i
  • Multi-Country Tours i
  • All Travel Styles
  • Show all tours
  • Best Sellers
  • Special Offers
  • Scandinavia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Book With Confidence i
  • Why book with us i
  • Booking Terms i
  • Sustainability Policy i
  • Manage Booking
  • Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

11 Amazing Europe Itinerary Ideas

Encompassing around 50 countries, Europe is home to vibrant cities, dramatic landscapes and captivating history. With so many top destinations close together, a European getaway is perfect for ticking multiple countries off your wish list.

In this round-up, you won’t find the continent’s most-visited destinations, such as Paris, France or Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Instead, uncover stunning regions of Northern and Central Europe, including Scandinavia, Iceland, the Alps, the UK and Ireland.

No matter where you go on your Europe itinerary, expect a dazzling mix of natural wonders, cool cities and old-world charm. What’s more, some of these places are among the happiest countries in the world – another great reason to visit!

Read on for 11 trip ideas from our local travel experts. With a selection of 1-week, 10-day, 2-week and 3-week recommendations, you’ll find an itinerary to suit you.

  • Make the most of your time away on a hassle-free multi-country tour of Europe

Arnarstapi village, Snæfellnes peninsula, Iceland

10-day Europe itineraries

If you have 10 days in Europe, it’s best to immerse yourself in a single region, rather than hopping around the continent. Check out these 10-day multi-country itineraries.

1. Tour 3 Scandinavian countries

In Northern Europe, the kingdoms of Scandinavia – Norway , Sweden and Denmark – are known for their rugged natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities and white winters. No 10-day Scandinavia itinerary would be complete without time in each country.

Start in Stockholm , Sweden’s chic capital. Spend a day or two exploring the city, including the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Gamla Stan) and the grand Royal Palace . Then, hop by plane or high-speed train to Copenhagen , a Danish city famed for its canals and coffee culture.

From Denmark, take an overnight cruise to Norway where you’ll spend the second half of your trip among deep fjords and Viking cities.

Arrive in the Norwegian capital of Oslo . From there, journey to bustling Bergen – also known as the “Gateway to the Fjords” – soaking up majestic scenery along the way.

  • Head north year-round with these Scandinavian summer and winter tours
  • Related: Things to see and do in Stockholm

Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden

2. Uncover the highlights of the United Kingdom

Where should you go on your first trip to Europe? With its English-speaking locals, dynamic cities, and rambling countryside, the UK is a good bet. Plus, there’s the added bonus of visiting multiple countries on one trip.

With 10 days to explore the UK, you could dedicate 6 to England and 2 each to Scotland and Wales.

In England, visit the mighty metropolis of London, with its world-class museums, theatres and restaurants. And don’t miss the picturesque university city of Oxford or the ancient standing stones known as Stonehenge.

You’ll find Scotland and Wales have their own distinct charm. Imagine weaving your way through Edinburgh ’s medieval heart on a walking tour or glimpsing heather-clad hills in the Highlands. Meanwhile, in Wales, make time to amble around seaside Llandudno and gaze up at craggy peaks in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.

  • Experience England, Scotland and Wales on a self-drive tour of the UK
  • Related: Visiting the UK – Travel tips from a local expert

The Bodleian Library in Oxford, England

3. Visit the German, Austrian and Swiss Alps

If it’s snow-capped peaks you’re after, whisk yourself off to the Alps .  This mountain range stretches across 8 countries in the heart of Europe.

With 10 days, embark on a 3-nation adventure, touring the best of the Bavarian, Swiss and Austrian Alps. Base yourself in lakeside towns and mountain villages. Not to mention majestic cities like Munich, Innsbruck and Salzburg.

While there’s plenty to see in these cities, make sure to take day trips into nature as well.

For instance, in Switzerland, ride the Jungfraujoch Railway to 3,463 metres (11,361 feet) above sea level for breathtaking mountain views. And relax on the shores of turquoise lakes, like Lake Geneva or Lake Thun.

Not far from the German city of Munich, you’ll find the fairytale palace of Neuschwanstein surrounded by forest. And from Innsbruck, you could take a cable car up Nordkette peak, or drive to the pretty Alpine village of Vipiteno.

  • Awe-inspiring scenery awaits on a self-drive tour of the Alps
  • Related: Fun facts about the Alps

Mountain railway in Switzerland

2-week Europe itineraries

If you have more time to dedicate to your European getaway, try these 2-week itineraries.

4. Explore Celtic culture in Scotland and Ireland

Scotland and Ireland are separated by just 19 kilometres (12 miles) of sea, so combining them is a no-brainer. On a 2-week trip, discover lush landscapes and delve into the shared heritage of these Celtic neighbours.

We recommend dividing your time evenly between the 2 destinations. In Scotland, a week gives you enough time to experience dramatic Highland scenery, as well as must-see attractions in Edinburgh and Glasgow .

Then, fly to the charming city of Dublin , where you’ll kickstart the Irish part of your journey. Or board a ferry heading to Belfast , the capital of Northern Ireland.

In Ireland, don’t miss the highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way , including the jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher and windswept Aran Islands . Stop off in Galway , a vibrant west-coast city that’s a hub for Ireland’s food and music scenes.

  • Combine these Celtic nations on a tour of Scotland and Ireland
  • Related: Planning a trip to Ireland and Scotland

Dun Aonghasa fort, Inishmore, Aran Islands

5. Add Finland and Estonia to your Scandinavian getaway

With an entire 2 weeks, you could extend the previously mentioned Scandinavian itinerary to include the Baltic states of Finland and Estonia . Facing each other across the Gulf of Finland, they offer an eastern-inflected perspective on the Nordics.

Overnight ferries are one of the most convenient ways to travel between the Baltics and Scandinavia. Hop abroad in modern Helsinki and sail across the Baltic Sea to the medieval city of Tallinn . From Estonia’s walkable capital, it’s easy to continue onto Scandinavia.

In Finland, it’s easy to see why Helsinki is a UNESCO City of Design . Here, sleek modern design sits alongside historical landmarks. Spend a day in the city centre, sightseeing at Parliament House or Sibelius Park, before setting out for postcard-perfect Tallinn.

  • Travel at your own pace on an independent tour of Scandinavia
  • Related: Scandinavian cities you need to visit

Aerial view of Tallinn, Estonia

6. Hop between Iceland and Greenland

In the North Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find Iceland and Greenland on the edge of Europe. For the ultimate adventure, visit both otherworldly island nations on one extraordinary trip. Picture yourself hiking along iceberg-strewn fjords, unwinding in natural hot springs, and going on whale-watching boat trips.

With 3 to 4 days in Greenland, take time to learn about Innuit culture in UNESCO-listed Ilulissat, an Arctic village on Ilulissat Icefjord. And hike to the Greenland Ice Sheet , which covers over 80% of the country’s land surface.

Enjoy the remaining 10 days of your trip soaking up the best of Iceland. One idea is to tour the Ring Road , the highway that loops around the country. Stunning waterfalls, striking volcanoes, black sand beaches, and more are waiting for you.

With 10 days left for travelling to Iceland and driving around the country, you could add a 1-day detour to the lesser-known Snæfellsnes peninsula .

  • Visit both nations on a tour of Greenland and Iceland
  • Related: Iceland vs Greenland – Where should you go?

Boat sailing past icebergs in Greenland

3-week Europe itineraries

Discover even more of Europe by extending your trip to 21 days. Dive into these 3-week itineraries for inspiration.

7. Take it slow through Scandinavia and Iceland

Experience Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland and beyond on a 3-week journey in the Nordics. Expect medieval cities, coastal cruises and breathtaking train rides. It promises to be the trip of a lifetime!

As described earlier, you can hop between Stockholm and Copenhagen, before setting sail for Norway. Spend a week among the epic fjords and snow-capped mountains. Then, jet off to the Land of Fire and Ice for a Ring Road adventure in Iceland.

  • Discover the Nordics on an expert-curated tour of Scandinavia and Iceland
  • Related: The Nordic countries – Your ultimate travel guide

Northern lights over Stokksnes, Iceland

8. Spend 3 weeks in the beautiful Alps

If you’re wondering which Central European countries to visit together, the Alpine nations make a lot of sense.

A 3-week road trip is one of the best ways to experience the region at a leisurely pace.  This way, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the dazzling landscapes of Switzerland , Austria, Germany and Italy.

Begin in the magnificent Bavarian city of Munich, before heading into Switzerland. Over 3 weeks, you’ll have time to take the scenic route through the Swiss Alps. Get ready to marvel at iconic mountains like the Eiger or Matterhorn.

What’s more, the sparkling lakes of northern Italy are just across the border. Stroll the villa-dotted shores of Lake Como. Then, circle through Austria and Liechtenstein before returning to Germany, where you can fly home having visited 5 countries.

  • Choose from self-drive and small group tours of the Alps
  • Related: Must-see mountains in the Alps

Alpine village with the Matterhorn in the background, Switzerland

9. Experience English-speaking Europe in Ireland and the UK

As neighbouring English-speaking countries in Western Europe, the UK and Ireland make for a perfect pairing. Plus, 3 weeks will give you time to visit top attractions, uncover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Allow 2 weeks to see the highlights of England, Scotland and Wales. Then head across the Irish Sea for a full week exploring lush landscapes, lively towns and rich musical traditions.

  • See the Emerald Isle for yourself on a tour of Ireland
  • Related: Best places to visit in the UK

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Highlands, Scotland

Bonus itineraries for 1 week in Europe

If you want to visit Europe but only have a week to spare, check out these recommended 7-day trip ideas.

10. Take a Scandinavian cruise

What is the best European cruise itinerary? On a continent surrounded by stunning coastline – including the French Riviera, Italy’s Cinque Terre and the Greek islands – you’re spoiled for choice. But look north, and you’ll discover one of the most captivating coasts on the planet – Scandinavia.

On a Scandinavian cruise, you can visit Norway, Denmark and Sweden, soaking up the scenery and culture as you go.

Or why not choose one country to explore more deeply? Norway’s epic fjords and coastal cities make it a top destination for your next cruise. You could sail between Bergen and Trondheim , along the country’s jaw-dropping west coast.

  • Hop aboard one of these coastal cruises in Scandinavia
  • Related: Why Bergen is called the “Gateway to Norway’s Fjords”

Cruise ship sailing through Geirangerfjord, Norway

11. Plan a one-country trip

Deciding to dedicate 7 days to getting to know a place can be rewarding – and show you sights that few others see.

For instance, you could take a Swedish road trip and experience what this Scandinavian country has to offer outside of the capital. Alternatively, spend a wintry week in the Norwegian region of Svalbard snowmobiling and chasing the northern lights .

Colourful seaside village – Bootshäuschen, Sweden

See the best of Europe with Nordic Visitor

Whether you’re interested in 3-week adventures or a shorter escape, Nordic cruises or Alpine road trips, your dream itinerary awaits.

So, how can you plan a trip in Europe? Book a multi-country tour with Nordic Visitor and we’ll make it easy.

Choose a getaway that matches how you like to travel. For flexibility and the freedom to go at your own pace, select an independent or self-drive European tour .

Or, travel with your very own guide on a private tour of Europe . You could also explore with like-minded travellers on a small group tour led by a local guide.

Wherever you go, our travel experts will use their local knowledge to arrange your ideal getaway. Get in touch with us to start planning your multi-country tour. 

catherine blog profile

Born and raised in Scotland, Catherine has a background in trip organisation and design. When not travelling, or writing about travels, you can find her rock climbing and exploring remote corners of Scotland. Her top travel experiences include cycling along India’s Brahmaputra River, wandering the souks of Marrakech, and mountaineering in the Alps.

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

BEST OF SCANDINAVIA CLASSIC

  • USD ($)
  • CAD ($)
  • AUD ($)

CLASSIC BRITAIN AT LEISURE

Complete alps at leisure, related posts, the nordic countries: your ultimate travel guide.

Blogs , Iceland , Scandinavia , Sweden , Norway , Greenland , Finland , Denmark , Destinations , Scotland , Road Trips , Guides , Ireland , Switzerland , United Kingdom , Alps

Amazing Adventure Honeymoons in Europe That They'll Love

8 best road trips in europe to add to your wish list, northern europe: best places to go in 2024.

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Norway travel update

Suggested Results

  • EUR (€)
  • GBP (£)
  • Fjord Cruise & Train i

Self-Drive i

  • Guided Small Groups i
  • Coastal Cruises i
  • Northern Lights i
  • Norway in a Nutshell® i
  • Lofoten Islands i
  • All Types & Themes
  • All Norway Tours
  • Best Sellers
  • Special Offers
  • Book With Confidence i
  • Why book with us i
  • Travel Update
  • Booking Terms i
  • Sustainability Policy i
  • Norway at a Glance i
  • Useful Information i
  • Norway Attractions i
  • Norway Blog i
  • Scandinavia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Manage Booking
  • Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

  • Norway Road Trip - Grand

(17 days / 16 nights)

  • Travel Style

Unrivaled Vistas and Leisurely Drives

This 17-day road trip leads you to some of the most breathtaking fjord landscapes in Norway. Starting and ending in Oslo, you will have ample time to soak in breathtaking vistas along Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and Hardangerfjord. Attractions include the cascading waterfalls of Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil as well as the villages of Flåm, Loen and Røros, time in the beautiful cities of Bergen, Trondheim and Oslo, as well as a visit to the Olympic town of Lillehammer. This tour also includes driving exciting routes like Trollstigen, the Atlantic Ocean Road and Eagle Road.

17 days / 16 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 4046 EUR

— why book with nordic visitor.

  • Hassle-free & seamless self-drive experience
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
  • Quality & value for your money
  • Specialists in Norway self-drive holidays
  • Great customer reviews 
  • Carbon offsetting included

— Cancellation Protection

  • Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
  • Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

  • Explore the scenic fjord landscapes along Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord
  • Stroll through Norway’s grand capital, Oslo and visit charming Bergen
  • Visit the dramatic deep fjord of Geiranger and explore the charming village
  • Drive the exciting routes of Trollstigen , the Atlantic Ocean Road and Eagle Road
  • Survey the lovely views surrounding Loen
  • Marvel at the magnificent waterfalls Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil
  • Explore the medieval city of Trondheim
  • Experience the quaint village of Flåm
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage site Bryggen
  • Spend time in the Olympic town of Lillehammer
  • Enjoy Norway at a leisurely pace , with extra days to join optional activities

Travel style

Classic i , culture and history i , fjords i, driving distance, 1984/1233 km/mi, attractions.

Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.

Atlantic Ocean Road

Aurlandsfjord, geirangerfjord, flåm railway (flåmsbana), trollstigen, eagle road (ørnevegen), lillehammer.

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

Day 1: WELCOME TO OSLO

When you arrive at Oslo Gardermoen Airport, pick up your rental car and make your way to Oslo ’s city centre where your hotel is located. If you arrive early, we recommend exploring Oslo by foot, spending the afternoon at sights including the  Royal Palace , Akershus Fortress ,  Oslo City Hall , Oslo Opera House, and the  Aker Brygge  area. Other notable attractions include the beautiful Vigeland Sculpture Park and Karl Johans Street.

Spend the night in Oslo.

Day 2: OLYMPIC TOWN OF LILLEHAMMER

Start your road trip by driving to  Lillehammer,  the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Here you can visit  The Norwegian Olympic Museum  and the Lysgårdsbakken Olympic area as well as the Lillehammer Art Museum. You could also wander through the  Maihaugen open-air museum  which includes a collection of more than 200 houses from as far back as the 12th century, including the Garmo stave church. After sightseeing, you could stop by one of Lillehammer’s cosy restaurants for a meal and Lillehammer Bryggeri for a local pint of beer. 

Spend the night in Lillehammer

Driving distance: 168 km / 104 mi Estimated driving duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes (without stops)

Day 3: RØROS

Get ready to explore the Rondane National Park and Swedish border, as well as the small mountain town of  Røros . This former mining settlement is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a charming atmosphere with well-preserved old wooden houses and narrow streets home to many artist workshops.

We recommend visiting  Olav’s Mine  and learning about the past at Røros Museum Smelthytta, which gives a window into the history of this town.

Spend the night in Røros

Driving distance: 264 km / 164 mi Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

Day 4: TRAVEL TO TRONDHEIM

After breakfast at your hotel, head north towards  Trondheim , the "Capital of the Vikings". Enjoy exploring this vibrant port city that was once the capital of Norway during the Viking Age, back when the city was called “Nidaros”. Here you will find the remarkable  Nidaros Cathedral – with architecture to rival Notre Dame de Paris. Other attractions include the Ringve Museum and Gardens, the Trøndelag Folk Museum, the charming neighbourhood of  Bakklandet  by the old wharf and much more.

Spend the night in Trondheim

Driving distance: 154 km / 96 mi Estimated driving duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes (without stops)

Day 5: EXPLORE THE CAPITAL OF THE VIKINGS

Enjoy another open day in  Trondheim , Norway’s third largest city. If you’re looking for some relaxing activities, you can take a short boat trip to the old fortress island of  Munkholmen  (the Monk’s Islet). Or hop on the tram at St. Olavs Gate for a scenic 20-minute ride up to Lian in the Bymarka forest, offering panoramic views of the city. Trondheim also features an excellent selection of restaurants that specialise in regional dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

Spend another night in Trondheim.

Day 6: JOURNEY SOUTH TO KRISTIANSUND

Begin your journey south along the beautiful west coast of Norway towards the island town of  Kristiansund  with its bright, colourful houses. Kristiansund is often referred to as the "opera town", and for a very good reason as the town offers frequent opera performances, an opera festival and an outdoor rendition of "Donna Bacalao" every year. Kristiansund is also known for its tasty clipfish and we recommend trying their local version of fish and chips called “fishan”.

Spend the night in Kristiansund

Driving distance: 198 km / 123 mi Estimated driving duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes (without stops)

Day 7: ATLANTIC OCEAN ROAD & ÅLESUND

Today you will drive the famous  Atlantic Ocean Road , with the vast open sea on one side and majestic mountains on the other. Then head to the historically significant fishing village of  Bud , which was the most important trading centre between Bergen and Trondheim in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Next, drive to the city of  Molde to take the car ferry to Vestnes and continue your journey to the captivating town of  Ålesund . This city was almost completely rebuilt after a huge fire in the early 1900s and now has a distinctive character. The architecture features a myriad of turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation, like something out of a fairytale. Here you also have the opportunity to visit the Atlantic Sea Park and enjoy stunning views from  Fjellstua .

Spend the night in Ålesund

Driving distance: 175 km / 109 mi Estimated driving duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes (without stops)

Day 8: TROLLSTIGEN & GEIRANGER

If you enjoy twists and turns, you will be impressed with a drive on  Trollstigen , “the Troll Ladder”, one of the most visited attractions in Norway. Trollstigen takes you over the mountain to the Romsdalen valley and Åndalsnes, passing 11 exhilarating hairpin bends on the way. After the scenic drive, we recommend a stop at Jordbærstova in Valldal. During the strawberry season you can try a number of dishes in which strawberries are the main ingredients, and you simply have to try the strawberry cake!

Next, take a short ferry between Eidsdal and Linge before driving down the twisty Eagle Road to  Geiranger .

Spend the night in Geiranger

Driving distance: 186 km / 116 mi Estimated driving duration: 3 hours and 40 minutes (without stops)

Day 9: GEIRANGER AT LEISURE

Today you can explore Geiranger to your heart’s content. We recommend soaking in the fantastic fjord scenery during a morning hike or on an optional excursion like kayaking. If you want pampering, the spa at Hotel Union is ideal to relax and get a treatment or two. You could follow that up with a trip to the chocolate factory in town for a little more indulgence.

To take in the vast surroundings, we recommend visiting the Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba . It’s Europe’s highest fjord viewpoint by road and you will enjoy sweeping views of  Geirangerfjord , as well as across to the mountains and the mighty Blåbreen glacier. Later, return to Geiranger through twisty roads and beautiful mountain scenery.

Spend another night in Geiranger.

Day 10: GEIRANGERFJORD

Enjoy your morning in the beautiful Geirangerfjord. If you wish to learn more about local culture and nature you could visit the Norwegian Fjord Centre. In the afternoon head to  Loen on a 65-minute ferry ride through the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord. Along the journey you’ll see famous waterfalls like the  Seven Sisters , the  Suitor , and the  Bridal Veil , along with abandoned fjord farms in the mountains. The sightseeing ferry ends in the small village of Hellesylt, from where you’ll drive south to  Loen .

Spend the night in Loen.

Driving distance: 61 km / 38 mi Estimated driving duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes (without stops)

Day 11: LOEN, GLACIERS & FJÆRLAND

You will kick off your morning in lovely Loen. We recommend an optional excursion on the magnificent  Loen Skylift , a cable car that will take you to the altitude of 1,011 metres (3,300 feet). You’ll have amazing views of the fjord and you could go hiking along the top. Your journey will continue south along  Jostedal  glacier, mainland Europe’s largest icecap, and the Fjærland road. We recommend stopping at the Norwegian Glacier Museum in  Fjærland  before reaching  Sogndal , a village beautifully situated by the  Sognefjord , Norway’s longest and deepest fjord.

Spend the night in Sogndal.

Driving distance: 128 km / 80 mi. Estimated driving duration: 2 hours (without stops)

Day 12: SOGNEFJORD AND FLÅM

Start the day with a short ferry from Sognefjord towards  Aurlandsfjord , an especially beautiful spot in Norway. We recommend a stop at the  Stegastein   Viewpoint  for more panoramic views before reaching the village of  Flåm . Here you could board the famous  Flåm railway  (Flåmsbana), a steep train ride between Flåm and Myrdal - a treat for photographers or train enthusiasts alike!

Later, your journey continues to Bergen through scenic villages including  Gudvangen ,  Stalheim  and Norway’s adventure capital,  Voss  .

Spend the night in Bergen.

Driving distance: 237 km / 147 mi. Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

Day 13: BERGEN AT LEISURE

Spend the day exploring beautiful Bergen. Here you’ll find  Bryggen , a UNESCO World Heritage Site with remarkably preserved old houses and a lively fish and flower market. We recommend riding the  Fløibanen funicular  up Mount Fløyen or taking the cable car up Mount Ulriken to enjoy stunning views over the city. Bergen is surrounded by 7 mountains, so this is an ideal place for hiking.

Bergen is also known for its cultural museums that cover the city’s history, architecture, music and art. We recommend visiting the Edvard Grieg Museum and the KODE art museum, Scandinavia’s largest museum for art and music. If you wish to explore the fjords further, optional fjord cruises are available.

Spend another night in Bergen.

Day 14: HARDANGERFJORD & GEILO

From Bergen, you will embark on a scenic drive along  Hardangerfjord  and past Hardangervidda National Park, a region of great natural beauty. On your way you will pass the impressive waterfall Vøringfossen – the highest in Norway with a 182-metre (600-foot) cascade – and the dramatic and narrow Måbødalen valley.

Upon reaching  Geilo,  we recommend visiting Geilojordet, an idyllic area with ancient buildings from the 1700-1800s.

Spend the night in Geilo.

Driving distance: 244 km / 151 mi. Estimated driving duration: 4 hours sand 10 minutes (without stops)

Day 15: BACK TO OSLO

Today it’s time to close the circle and head back to Oslo trough the Hallingdal valley. On this scenic route, you will drive past steep ski hills, through beautiful forests and over valleys with breathtaking views. We recommend visiting the town of Gol, known for being home to  Gol stave church , a Viking village and the Hahaug troll’s cave. From Gol, continue to Jevnaker where you can stop at Hadeland Glassverk to see the glassblowers carry out their traditional craft.

Continue to Oslo where you’ll return the rental car tonight. 

Spend the next two nights in Oslo.

Day 16: EXPLORE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF OSLO

This morning, get an early start to explore the Norwegian capital. We recommend booking a guided bus tour that will take you along the famous landmarks of the city. Highlights include the beautiful  Vigeland Sculpture Park , the  Royal Palace ,  Akershus fortress,  and  Oslo City Hall .

Another option is to tour Oslo on your own visiting the above highlights depending on your interests. Or head over to the Bygdøy peninsula to explore other top attractions like the Fram Polar Ship Museum and Kon-Tiki Museum.

Spend another night in Oslo.

Day 17: DEPARTURE FROM OSLO

When your time in Norway comes to an end, make your way to the airport. You could hop on the Flytoget Express train from Oslo Central Station or let us book you an easy and convenient private transfer. If your flight is in the afternoon, take the opportunity to do some last-minute shopping, visit one more of Oslo’s many museums or just relax at a café after this amazing journey.

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

City Walk - Trondheim

Kayak - seven sisters waterfall, rib boat safari - geirangerfjord, loen skylift, glacier hike – blue ice, rib boat safari - sognefjord, fjord safari by rib boat, family fjord paddle, flåmsbana railway journey, day thirteen, fjord sightseeing cruise, guided food & culture walk of bergen, day sixteen, oslo sightseeing tour – fram museum & norwegian museum of cultural history, oslo sightseeing tour – museums & fjord cruise, oslo sightseeing tour, oslo private walking tour, day seventeen, private airport transfer - oslo departure.

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

  • Accommodation (Comfort Plus/Superior) for 16 nights
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, CDW and VAT for 15 days (for two authorized drivers)
  • Pick up/drop off rental car at Oslo Gardemoen Airport
  • Carbon offsetting of your tour
  • Nordic Visitor's Norway Travel Guide
  • Map of Norway & detailed personal itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline
  • Taxes & service fees

Not included

  • Flights to/from Norway
  • Transfers to/from train stations, cruise terminals & hotels
  • Meals, drinks & entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
  • Fees for GPS, ferries, tunnels, toll roads, parking and any other driving expenses
  • Personal travel insurance

Optional Extras

  • Cancellation Protection

Essential information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this self-drive tour in Norway. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Norway Travel Guide .

We recommend you wait to book flights to Scandinavia, and other parts of your travels, until we can confirm your desired travel dates for this tour. This is due to varying availability for this package. Contact us for more details.

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in Norway, along with any other services specified in your itinerary, such as cruises and planned activities.

During your tour, we’re with you every step of the way. On arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map and detailed Norway Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

Driving in Norway might be slightly different than what you’re used to. For this reason, you’ll want to make yourself aware of local driving laws and potential road hazards, such as:

  • We drive on the right-hand side of the road
  • Low-beam headlights should be on at all times
  • Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h)
  • Speed and traffic violations have steep fines
  • There are over 900 tunnels in Norway, especially in the western fjords
  • Mountain passes can be narrow and winding
  • Tolls are automatically registered to your AutoPass, for roads and ferries

And finally, with all the beautiful scenery, you’ll want to take it slow and enjoy the drive!

For more information, we strongly recommend taking a few minutes to read through our guide to driving in Norway . You’ll also receive more guidance ahead of your arrival in the Norway Travel Guide.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will pick up your vehicle from the car rental office here. At the end of your rental period, you will return the car back to the airport.

We recommend using Google Maps or a search engine to find car parks near your accommodation. You can also ask your hotel for assistance. You might find you have a short walk between the car park and your hotel.

A GPS service is available for an additional fee. You can book this directly with the rental agent.

Alternatively, you may want to ensure you have adequate mobile roaming that you can use during your travels in Norway. This way you can use Google Maps or another navigation service on your phone.

It’s also good to note that Google Maps offers more up-to-date information as well as traffic navigation, compared to traditional GPS devices. You’re also able to pre-download maps of areas you will be visiting, so you can use them offline.

Please wait to book flights to Scandinavia until we can confirm your desired travel dates for this tour. This is due to varying availabilities on services included in this package. 

After making a booking with Nordic Visitor, it might take a few weeks to confirm your travel arrangements. We recommend booking your flights once your personal travel consultant gets in touch to confirm your itinerary.

If you have any questions about your flights and itinerary, please contact us for more details.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

On your Norway tour, you’ll stay in accommodation that’s been hand-picked by our travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience. 

During the booking process, you can select whether you want Comfort Plus or Superior accommodation. Comfort Plus usually consists of standard rooms in good quality and comfortable 3-star hotels. Superior is standard rooms in 4-star hotels combined with Superior rooms in premium 3-star hotels.

You will also be able to choose between single, double or triple rooms. Please note that in Norway room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America. 

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra single bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you have a passport from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Norway. This visa-free entry is valid for up to 90 days.

Visiting from another country? You can find out whether you require a visa to enter Norway on the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Select your home country to view details. If you do require a visa, you will be directed to your local embassy website to learn about the visa requirements.

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Norway. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. It's also possible to book this directly with the car rental agency. This will incur a small, extra cost.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Norway for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore and what you want to see and do in Norway.

During the summer months, June to August , you’ll have the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours of the year. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and taking full advantage of your days for sightseeing.

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book your summer trip in May or September . These shoulder season months generally have more tour and attraction availability.

Our self-drive tours are only available from May until September when driving conditions are ideal. That means that if you want to travel at other times of the year, you can pick from train and cruise tours or partially guided adventures .

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter. Travel to Norway at this time of year to see snowy mountains, sail along frosty fjords and try to spot the magnificent northern lights. If you head north in December and January , you could experience the polar night.

At this time of year, the conditions are also ideal for winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and more.

Read more about the best time to visit Norway on our blog.

From Oslo in the south, Norway stretches hundreds of kilometres into the Arctic Circle. The country is so long that it spans the latitudes of 58°N to 81°N. For that reason, daylight hours vary greatly depending on where you’ll be visiting. That said, summer in Norway brings long days with plenty of daylight. 

In the south, around Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger, you’ll experience 15–20 hours of daylight. If you visit the north, including locations such as Tromsø and Kirkenes, you can expect 20–24 hours of daylight. 

In fact, within the Arctic Circle, from mid-May to late July, you’ll experience the midnight sun. This is when the sun never fully sets. 

Norway’s long summer days give you plenty of time to explore. That said, you may want to pack a sleeping mask if you are a light sleeper or tend to wake up at dawn. 

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Norway .

During the summer months, you can expect fairly stable weather in Norway. That said, because the country spans such a large distance from north to south, temperatures are likely to vary depending on your location.

For example, the west coast is usually warmer thanks to the Gulf Stream, while the far north is usually cooler.

The months of June, July and August boast the warmest weather of the year. In Oslo, you can expect average temperatures around 16°C (61°F), with potential highs of 20–25°C (68–77°F). In Bergen, it is closer to 13°C (55°F) and in the north, around Tromsø, you can expect temperatures around 10°C (41-50°F) 

It’s also good to know that weather conditions are often changeable in Northern Europe, so you should come ready for sun, rain and wind. For more information on the local climate, read the page Norway weather conditions . 

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit. 

Summertime is the most stable time of year in Norway. That said, you should still be ready to experience all seasons in one day. Especially if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you’ll want to pack for a combination of weather conditions.

Bring lighter clothes for the warmer, sunny days, and extra layers for chilly nights in the mountains or for taking in the view from cruise ship decks.

Here is an essential summer packing list for your trip to Norway:

  • Shorts and trousers
  • Short and long sleeve tops
  • At least one warm jumper or fleece
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Light gloves, hat and scarf
  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
  • Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
  • Eye mask to sleep despite the long daylight hours
  • Electronic gear such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
  • A backpack for easy access to daily essentials
  • and don’t forget your camera!

An umbrella can also come in handy. If you are a wildlife watcher, you may wish to bring binoculars. 

For more information, check out this Norway packing list .

In most major Norwegian cities and towns you will be able to find coin-operated launderettes, with self-service facilities, and dry cleaners. Most hotels on your trip will also offer a laundry or dry cleaning service for an additional cost.

When you travel with Nordic Visitor, breakfast at your Norway accommodation is always included.  For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

That said, we recommend budgeting between 100–400 NOK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 500–1,000 NOK. Meanwhile, at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 1,500 NOK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages. 

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

We recommend waiting for a confirmation from your travel consultant to ensure your travel dates are available. You’ll then be able to purchase your flights with confidence.

If you like to plan well ahead, you’ll find that it’s possible to book many tours for the following year. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us . 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

We aim to complete bookings within a few weeks. During this time we take care of booking your accommodation, activities, and transport, confirming all parts of your journey. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. 

When we get back to you might depend slightly on how far ahead you’ve booked your travels and other tours running at the time. 

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

If you have any questions before your trip, you can get in touch with our Norway travel experts. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Norway Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

  • Which currency is used in Norway and which credit cards are widely accepted
  • What kind of electric adapters or converters you’ll need
  • Which languages do Norwegian speak (yes, English is one of them!)
  • How to get a refund on tax-free shopping
  • As well as tipping, buying snacks, and other useful information

After you have booked your tour, we will begin the booking process for your trip. We aim to complete the preparation within a few weeks. This includes reserving your accommodation and confirming all your services in Norway.

Once your trip details are finalised, we will prepare your personal itinerary and booking overview, and send all of this to you via email. When you arrive in Norway, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Norway Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Norway?

After picking up your luggage, you’ll collect your rental vehicle or head directly to your accommodation. Your personalised itinerary will be clear on your car rental details, pick up and drop off.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM.

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will usually need to check out from your room around 10–11 AM. If you’re staying in town longer, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before making your way to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euro (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

These pictures may be small, but Norway’s mountains & fjords are massive.

Eagle road in Geirangerfjord

Eagle road in Geirangerfjord

Geiranger in Norway

Geiranger in Norway

Sognefjord in Norway

Sognefjord in Norway

Geirangerfjord ©visitnorway

Geirangerfjord ©visitnorway

Loen skylift ©visitnorway

Loen skylift ©visitnorway

Stegastein viewpoint

Stegastein viewpoint

+10 more from this tour

Trollstigen Road in Norway

Summer in Lillehammer

Winter Olympic statue in Lillehammer

Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway

Alesund in Norway

Roros in Norway

Bergen in Norway

Oslo Opera House

Trondheim Norway

Road in Norway ©visitnorway

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Good communication

Website was very descriptive and easy to follow and select our desired trip. Agent maintained good communication with us and happily made some customisations based on our interests.

Jed, United States

Norway road trip - grand, june 2023, a wonderful and unforgettable trip.

The self-drive tour is great. The needs of the day (hotels, breakfast, directions, etc.) were all very well taken care of by Nordic Visitor. We had free time every day to explore on our own, which we love to do. If we missed some things that were recommended on the website, it does not really matter because we loved everything we did. On a few occasions we spoke to a few people who were not our personal advisor and they were also very helpful and knowledgeable. We thank the Nordic Visitor team for a wonderful and unforgettable trip! Liz and the team made everything run smoothly and stress free. They made everything easy, including marking the paper map with towns and places of interest. We felt that they took great care for our trip to go well and smoothly. Our advisor really paid attention to what we wanted and accommodated our itinerary accordingly.

Albert, United States

Norway road trip - grand, september 2022, so many amazing sights.

This was our second tour with Nordic Visitor. Last year we travelled to Scotland. This, just like Scotland, was a very comprehensive tour. It required good driving skills and a good physical condition. For those who love photography, the drives become longer, as there are so many amazing sights. The fact that almost all Norwegians speak English, made this trip much easier.

Julius, United States

Completely satisfied.

We have used Nordic Visitor twice, 2 years ago in Iceland and this year in Norway, and we were completely satisfied with both of them. We are planning to go to Sweden next year and we will definitely will use Nordic Visitor.

Omar, United States

Norway road trip - grand, may 2023, accommodation.

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with charming country hotels.

Standard rooms in four-star hotels in combination with Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

Enjoy the journey, in the rental car of your choice.

VW Polo (Automatic) or similar

  • Description: Economy
  • Passengers: 5
  • Suitcases: 2
  • Operation: Automatic

Suzuki Vitara (Automatic) or similar

  • Description: Compact

Toyota Corolla station wagon (Automatic) or similar

  • Description: Intermediate Wagon
  • Suitcases: 4

VW Passat station wagon (Automatic) or similar

  • Description: Standard Wagon
  • Suitcases: 3

Toyota RAV4 (Automatic) or similar

  • Description: Intermediate SUV

Price per person from

OTHER SUGGESTED TOURS

Scenic norway - classic, road trip & hurtigruten cruise, norway fjord route by car - classic, norway road trip - complete, scenic norway - grand, norway road trip - grand / attractions.

Trondheim during Summer

Norway Road Trip - Grand / Included

Norway road trip - grand / guided small groups, send request, send to inbox.

Would you like to refer to this tour at another time or on another device? Send the tour details directly to your email inbox for future references.

Share this tour with a friend. If you think they may be interested, send the tour details directly to your friend's email inbox for future references.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Email has been successfully sent!

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

here to help

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Travel Update

  • Search Suggested Results View All Results
  • EUR (€)
  • GBP (£)
  • Self Drive i
  • Guided Small Groups i
  • Independent Tours i
  • Scandinavian Triangle i
  • Honeymoon & Romance i
  • All Types & Themes
  • All Scandinavia Tours

Best Sellers

  • Special Offers
  • Book With Confidence i
  • Why book with us i
  • Booking Terms i
  • Sustainability Policy i
  • Scandinavia at a Glance i
  • Useful Information i
  • Scandinavia Attractions i
  • Scandinavia Blog i
  • Scandinavia
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom
  • Manage Booking
  • Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

Custom & Bespoke Tours of Scandinavia

Visit Norway, Sweden and Denmark with one of our custom tours of Scandinavia. Our Stockholm-based travel experts can craft and tailor an itinerary just for you. See the highlights of these Nordic countries, immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery, and make memories of a lifetime

CUSTOM TRAVEL PACKAGES TO SCANDINAVIA

Want inspiration for bespoke Scandinavian holidays? We’re here to help!

Denmark , Norway   and Sweden   make up this Northern European region that is wonderful to visit in one incredible tour. That’s thanks to them sharing a similar cultural heritage and being well connected to each other.

Our Stockholm-based Scandinavia experts can tailor your itinerary to your tastes and interests. You could join a guided small group tour , take the wheel on a self-drive trip , or opt for an independent experience of the region.

Plus, when you book a Scandinavia tour with Nordic Visitor, you get the peace of mind of tried-and-tested accommodation, transportation reservations, and many other benefits. You’ll also enjoy the personal service of your own dedicated travel consultant.

Keep browsing below to explore ideas for custom Scandinavian tours.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

  • Experts in tailor-made Scandinavia tours
  • Based in Sweden, Iceland & Scotland
  • Local staff with first-hand Nordic travel experience
  • Dedicated to providing personalised, quality service

VISIT THE GRAND SCANDINAVIAN CAPITALS

Explore the Scandinavian Triangle, a circuit made up of Stockholm in Sweden, Copenhagen in Denmark, and Oslo in Norway. Visit all three capital cities in one amazing trip tailor-made for you.

Capitals of Scandinavia

Best of scandinavia classic, train & cruise, capitals of scandinavia in winter, best of scandinavia classic - winter, capitals of scandinavia & norwegian fjords.

Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark

Best of Scandinavia & Finland Cruise

Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia

Best of Scandinavia & Baltic Cruise

Train, cruise & ferry, best of scandinavia at leisure, capitals of scandinavia & finland cruise, capitals of scandinavia & baltic cruise, cruise & ferry.

Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark

The Nordic Countries Classic

Train, cruise & self-drive.

Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia

The Nordic Countries Complete

Best of scandinavia & norway cruise, best of scandinavia & finland cruise - winter, capitals of scandinavia & finland cruise - winter, join an escorted tour of scandinavia.

Visit Scandinavia’s top attractions with a local guide and fellow travellers from around the world. Get to know Sweden, Norway and Denmark inside out.

Highlights of Scandinavia

Sweden, denmark & norway, highlights of scandinavia & finland cruise, finland, sweden, denmark & norway, highlights of scandinavia & baltic cruise, finland, estonia, sweden, denmark & norway, natural wonders of iceland, the ring road & snæfellsnes.

Level 2 (Classic)

Highlights of the Ring Road

Iceland's wonders in a week.

Level 3 (Express)

Wonders of the Norwegian Fjords

Norway in a nutshell® & expert tour guide, scenic south iceland, geysers, volcanoes & glacier lagoon, complete iceland, the ring road & the westfjords.

1166521 ISK

Northern Lights Circle Tour

Iceland's famous ring road, highlights of norway, hurtigruten cruise, norwegian fjords & expert tour guide, winter highlights & northern lights, ice cave & glacier lagoon.

Level 2 (Moderate)

Wonders of the Norwegian Fjords & Oslo

Wonders of the norwegian fjords & hurtigruten cruise, scandinavian travel experts.

As a travel agency based in the Nordic region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Scandinavia. We offer a variety of tours — both independent and guided — that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own Scandinavian travel experts. To ensure a stress-free trip, we handle all the local details for you — accommodations, activities, rental car (for self-drive tours), cruise/train tickets and other services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! If you decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location, for example, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Relaxing and fun journey

The Scandanavian winter tour package and it's connections made it very easy to see the 4 capital cities and Bergen. There were plenty of suggestions for things to see and do. There was a great mix of cruise and rail segments between cities giving us a chance to see other parts of each country. Staff reserved an extra rail and overnight for us as soon as we asked about it. All in all a very relaxing and fun journey.

Just what we wanted

The plan was just what we wanted and the actual trip delivered just that. Nice balance of scheduled events and free time in the cities visited. Hotel locations were excellent and our tour guide was always available and helpful for additional questions and suggestions.  

First class

Communication was first class. Selection of accommodation was perfect. Great hotels in good locations.

Very easy process

We found the whole process very easy. The instructions and information provided was clear and made it easy to find hotels and transport links. The hotels were centrally located, close to transport links but were not noisy. Our personal travel consultant was very helpful and friendly. We liked the recommendations suggested in the daily itinerary.

Thoroughly recommend Nordic Visitor

We would recommend Nordic Visitor to anyone considering an introductory tour of Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo. Basics of logistics where well-stated. It was easy to commute from one capital to the next. Itineraries were clear yet flexible. We thought moving from one country to the next would be a challenge - it was not. Nordic Visitor arranged all that was needed, yet gave us the flexibility to do more or otherwise should we want. Again, we thoroughly recommend Nordic Visitor. We look forward to our next excursion in Scandinavia through Nordic Visitor.

Fantastic tour that included the highlights for each country we visited. I really feel like we have seen the best of the countries with the time we had. The activities were terrific. I felt supported by my tour planner, Irja, as we travelled.

Excellent vacation

We had an excellent vacation through Nordic Visitor. The expertise of our tour guide and small group size of 16 enhanced our experience. We had a good blend of free time and tour related programs. We did arrive 2 days early to Stockholm and stayed an additional 2 days in Bergen. We found this time beneficial to explore the areas more. 

A pleasure to work with

Working with Nordic Visitor, and specifcally Irja, was a pleasure. She did an excellent job presenting the information. It was nice to see her enthusiasm as she discussed activites the staff liked in each city. She responded to our questions promptly and in detail. The paperwork, itinerary, written day-by-day descriptions, vouchers, and tour info was all very well-thought-out and presented.

I would definitely recommend Nordic Visitor!

I was so happy during this entire trip. I wanted to travel to Norway before but I didn't understand how Norway in a Nutshell worked so the itinerary prepared by Irja was just perfect. She was always available to answer all my questions and the hotels and activities planned were perfect and easy for me as a solo traveller. I just had to enjoy each city. I would definitely recommend Nordic Visitor!

Very well planned

The tour was great and very well planned. We had enough time to explore the cities and the Swedish countryside. It was fun to drive and take the ferries as well.

The best vacation we've ever had!

This was the best vacation we've ever had and I'm planning a Norway trip for August 2024 as we speak. Thanks for a phenomenal time!

An amazing trip

We had an amazing trip in Swedish Lapland and the Scandinavian cities. Nordic Visitor's assistance helped us to have scheduled activities, but also free time to pick and choose what we wanted to do. It was a great balance of planning, with the inclusion of spontaneity!

Getting to Scandinavia

Many of Nordic Visitor’s tours of Scandinavia begin in Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and largest city. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main gateway for international air travel in Sweden and is served by dozens of airlines. Furthermore, it serves as a major hub for SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and Norwegian Air.

Here are examples of other airlines that fly to Stockholm Arlanda: United Airlines, British Airways, Air France, EasyJet, Lufthansa, KLM, Icelandair, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways

We recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. You can also use an airfare search engine, such as Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights are not included in Nordic Visitor packages, but all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in Stockholm, or another arrival city in Scandinavia, if you’d like to rest up after your air journey.

Different ways you can experience Scandinavia

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scandinavia below.

Guided Small Groups

Independent cruise, independent train, scandinavian triangle, what to do and see on tailor-made holidays of scandinavia.

The best way to enjoy a trip to Scandinavia is to visit Sweden, Denmark and Norway on the same tour. Why? Because these countries share a similar cultural heritage and are well-connected via modern motorways, railways and waterways.

As such, we highly recommend the Scandinavian Triangle , a route that incorporates the capitals of Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Travel between Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen via train, plane and ferry. Or you might prefer to do a road trip around the region. Spend your days enjoying walking tours, savouring delicious Scandinavian meals, or cycling along the pedestrianised streets and bike lanes.

Opt for one of our custom Scandinavia tours and you’ll discover a land brimming with gorgeous scenery.

Come in the summer to enjoy long daylight hours, wild swimming and al fresco dining. In the winter, expect a festive wonderland and smaller crowds at top attractions. You may even get a chance to spot the northern lights!

As a Northern European travel specialist, Nordic Visitor organises trips to this beautiful corner of the world. We have many more ideas and travel tips to help you explore Scandinavia your way!

  • First time in the Nordics? See our 7 amazing Scandinavia tour ideas for first-time visitors

Here’s one of our suggestions for a Scandinavian tour itinerary:

Day 1 - Fly to Stockholm, Sweden Upon arriving in Stockholm Arlanda Airport, head to your hotel in the city centre. Spend some time walking through Gamla Stan (the Old Town). Enjoy a fika (a Swedish coffee break) with a nice pastry at one of the local cafés in this medieval neighbourhood.

Day 2 - The highlights of Stockholm Spend a full day in the Swedish capital, discovering the city’s attractions and districts. You could join a sightseeing tour to see the best of Stockholm in a day, taking you to must-see spots like the City Hall, Royal Palace and trendy Södermalm quarter.

Or, a ferry ride will whisk you off to the island of Djurgården, home to the Nordic Museum and Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum. Meanwhile, a day trip to the Stockholm archipelago means you could swim in the Baltic Sea and hike through forests.

Day 3 - Fly to Copenhagen, Denmark Head to Stockholm Airport after breakfast and board a plane to Copenhagen. Once in Denmark’s capital, take a walk down the city’s popular Strøget street for a bite to eat, or go check out the fun and games at the world-famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park.

Day 4 - Discover Copenhagen Soak up the charms of Copenhagen today, either on your own or as part of a guided tour. You might want to visit Rosenborg Castle, the Botanical Garden and Torvehallerne food market.

We also recommend hopping on a boat tour to see Christiansborg Palace, the Royal Danish Opera House and the colourful Christianshavn Canal from the water.

Day 5 - Overnight cruise to Oslo, Norway Ahead of tonight’s journey, spend the day enjoying more of Copenhagen. Why not make like the bicycle-happy Danes and rent a bike?

You could check out the exquisite Amalienborg Palace, as well as the colourful Nyhavn harbour. If you’re a fan of Hans Christian Andersen, don’t miss the Little Mermaid statue, depicting the famous mythical character. Later, head to the port for your overnight cruise to Oslo.

Day 6 - Explore Norway’s capital city After your ship arrives early in the morning, the whole day is yours to roam Oslo. Take a walk to the bustling Aker Brygge waterfront area and visit the Akershus Fortress. Or, head to the Bygdøy peninsula to explore historic museums.

You could also visit one of the many cultural attractions of the city, from the Royal Palace to Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures at Frogner Park.

Day 7 - Scenic train journey to Flåm This morning, go to Oslo Central Station to begin your Norway in a Nutshell®  experience one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Look out the window to see picturesque landscapes and quaint villages like Gol and Geilo.

Change at Myrdal to board the Flåm Railway for one of the top highlights of the entire trip: a 900-metre (half-mile) descent to the picturesque village of Flåm, where you’ll stay for the night.

Day 8 - Norwegian fjord cruise Prepare to witness breathtaking Norwegian scenery today, as you hop on a cruise that takes you through the fjords. You’ll be able to admire the glittering waters, cascading falls and forested mountains of Sognefjord, passing through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Afterwards, it’s an exciting coach and train ride to Bergen.

Day 9 - Discover Bergen Known as the gateway to the fjords , Bergen is Norway’s charming second city with plenty of its own attractions to uncover. You can visit the medieval houses of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen, and take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views over the city and fjords.

There are also plenty of museums, shops and restaurants to check out on your last full day in Scandinavia.

Day 10 - Depart from Bergen, Norway Fly back home from Bergen-Flesland Airport, having enjoyed 14 days discovering the many delights of Scandinavia.

  • Not sure when to go to Scandinavia, or what you want to see? Read our ultimate guide to the best times and places to visit

What other ideas are there for Scandinavian tours?

There are so many more places to see in this part of Northern Europe. For example, you could delve deeper into the Nordic region, which is made up of Finland , Iceland , Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

One popular option is to travel further up the Norwegian west coast. Visit the Lofoten Islands and Tromsø in Northern Norway on a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise , for an exciting journey to the Arctic Circle.

Another alternative is to explore more of rural Scandinavia. Discover natural gems like the breathtaking Norwegian fjords and mountains.

Like the sound of an odyssey to the far north of Europe? Then we recommend short breaks to remote Svalbard, the kingdom of polar bears, or to Lapland .

Finnish and Swedish Lapland are perfect for winter getaways. You could have the chance to see the aurora borealis, soak up snowy landscapes, and meet Santa Claus.

Or hop on a plane and visit Iceland  as part of your Nordic experience!

Good to know : Most of our itineraries aren't set in stone, and there are many possibilities to tailor your plans. We can modify your tour if you'd prefer to arrive in a different city, spend more free time in one destination than another, or add other towns to your trip.

Just ask your Nordic Visitor travel agent for advice.

Interested in Scandinavia escorted tours?

To see the region from a local’s point of view and make some new friends along the way, a guided small group tour of the Scandinavian capitals is an excellent option! These tours run from May to August, so you can enjoy summer travel in Scandinavia.

Guided tours offer an enriching experience, allowing you to get the most out of your trip thanks to the expertise of a local guide. What’s more, as well as your tour director, you’ll be travelling alongside 16 people at most, so the trip is still personal for you.

  • Want the company of an expert guide and like-minded travellers? Here are 7 brilliant reasons to go on a European group tour

Prefer a custom self-guided tour of Scandinavia?

If you would like to discover Scandinavia on your own but prefer not to drive, then an independent tour is the perfect choice. Public transportation in Scandinavia is fast, reliable and punctual, so getting around by train and ferry is a great alternative to driving.

By opting for a train and cruise tour of Scandinavia, you’ll benefit from having your itinerary arrangements made for you but with the freedom to spend your days however you please. Nordic Visitor will book all your accommodation and travel tickets between destinations, and you can add on activities too.

Plus, by booking an independent tour of Scandinavia you’ll still be able to enjoy the usual Nordic Visitor benefits. These include access to our 24/7 helpline, a detailed personal itinerary, helpful travel guide and daily breakfast.

  • Travelling on your own? Find out why Scandinavia is perfect for solo travellers

How about a tailor-made Scandinavia road trip?

On a self-drive tour in Scandinavia , you’ll have the freedom to pull the car over at any attractions that catch your interest.

The best part? You won’t have to worry about where you’re going or sleeping, because your Nordic Visitor travel consultant has already sorted those local arrangements for you. You’ll also have access to our 24/7 emergency helpline should you need to call us at any point.

Your Scandinavia road trip could encompass a convenient circular route, starting and ending in Stockholm, Sweden. See the charming south of Sweden, before dipping in Denmark and exploring Norway’s countryside. Choose where you want to stop and for how long.

Here’s an example of a Scandinavia road trip that can be customised:

  • Day 1 – Arrive in Stockholm.
  • Day 2 – Day of exploration in Stockholm.
  • Day 3 – Pick up rental car and drive through southern Sweden. Overnight in Kalmar area of Sweden.
  • Day 4 – Overnight in Kalmar.
  • Day 5 – Overnight in Ystad, Sweden.
  • Day 6 – Overnight in Ystad.
  • Day 7 – Arrive in and explore Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • Day 8 – Journey by ferry to Oslo, Norway.
  • Day 9 – Overnight in Oslo.
  • Day 10 – Overnight in Oslo.
  • Day 11 – Start driving back toward Stockholm. Overnight in Örebro area of Sweden.
  • Day 12 – Overnight in Örebro.
  • Day 13 – Drop off rental car and spend the night in Stockholm.
  • Day 14 – Depart from Stockholm Airport.

If you want your Scandinavia road trip to include Helsinki, you could start in the Finnish capital and take a Baltic cruise to Stockholm from there. Or, drive from Oslo to Bergen and spend a few days discovering the world-famous fjords of Norway.

All of Nordic Visitor’s Scandinavia self-drive tour packages can be tailored by our local experts with extra nights at select locations or modified driving routes. If you have any particular attractions in mind, just contact us to ask. 

Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

— OTHER DESTINATIONS

See more of northern europe.

  • Like raw nature? Discover Iceland ’s jaw-dropping landscapes
  • Love epic road trips? Venture to Scotland and Ireland
  • Want a winter wonderland? Make for snowy Lapland
  • Keen to go off the beaten track? Explore wild Greenland and Svalbard

Our services

Whether you travel by train, cruise ship or car in your Nordic Visitor package, you can expect personal service from your own designated travel consultant and a tailor-made itinerary with quality travel documents. Our self-drive clients also receive a hand-marked map outlining the route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, we have long-standing professional relationships with trusted local tour operators , which are carefully selected by our staff for their high standards of service.

Book with Confidence

  • Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
  • 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
  • We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
  • Enjoy personal service from Scandinavian travel experts.
  • Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
  • We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

We’re here to help, so get in touch with our friendly team to book your package or add extra nights and activities to an existing booking.

Our Scandinavian phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog posts you might like

7 brilliant reasons to go on a european group tour, the ultimate scandinavia guide: the best times & places to visit, 7 amazing scandinavia tour ideas for first-time visitors, why scandinavia is perfect for solo travel.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

here to help

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

How to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in Scotland

Wild, windswept and wonderfully scenic, these islands have neolithic sites, curious wildlife and a culture all of their own.

A puffin with a bright orange beak is perched on the edge of a cliff in Scotland, with the dark blue sea below.

The 900-odd islands, islets and skerries amassed off the western and northern coasts of mainland Scotland are an eclectic bunch. In the north, the North Sea archipelagos of Shetland and Orkney have Viking history and names derived from Old Norse. To the west, the Atlantic-bound Outer Hebrides remain the stronghold of the Gaelic language, which is still spoken everywhere on the islands. And then there are the Inner Hebrides, tucked in closer to the mainland and running from whisky-soaked Islay in the south to the toothy peaks of Skye in the north.

It’s a region where connection matters. Some destinations have easy links to mainland communities; more ferries and flights mean more people and, generally, a more cosmopolitan feel. Others are flung further out to sea, islands off islands reached only via multiple ferries, and with a wholly different character.

At times, this topography has led to heartbreak. Take islands such as St Kilda and Mingulay, in the Outer Hebrides: home to small but determined local communities for millennia, both had to be eventually abandoned in the last century due to a gradual loss of self-sufficiency.

But it can also provide part of the charm, for it makes the journey part of the experience. A highlight of any visit to the islands is likely to be the trip out to them. Skye, for example, can be reached via a swooping road bridge that climbs to 115ft above Loch Alsh. If you fly into Barra, gateway to the Outer Hebrides, you’ll touch down right on a beach — the only such landing in the world.

Indeed, the beaches are a highlight across the archipelagos. Many look like they could be found on a screensaver, all buttery sand and aquamarine water. Some stretches of coastline are so sparsely populated and little visited, you might romp down their dunes and make the day’s first footprints.

Wildlife flourishes throughout, too. Expect to spot eagles overhead and puffins on the cliffs, plus all manner of marine life, from seals and dolphins to basking sharks and even whales. This also means you’ll find just-caught seafood on the menu everywhere, from cosy restaurants to village pubs.

We’ve picked some of the best trips to discover this region of wind and waves, but wherever you travel, there’s always another island waiting on the horizon. The temptation to carry on is as strong as the whisky.

Itinerary 1:   Far North & Orkney

Start point: Inverness End point: Inverness Distance travelled: 374 miles Average length: 7 days

Orkney is unlike anywhere else in Scotland. That’s partly down to its history: it was under Norwegian and Danish control for hundreds of years until the 15th century, and many Orcadians still claim Scandinavian ancestry. It’s also down to its location, across the Pentland Firth from Scotland’s northeast tip, with the largest town, Kirkwall, standing more than 200 miles north of Edinburgh.

Despite feeling far removed, it’s just 90 minutes by ferry from the Scottish mainland. By renting a car and using Inverness as your start and end point, you can easily combine exploring Orkney with a spin around Scotland’s far north, where the Flow Country is a highlight. It’s the world’s most intact and extensive blanket bog system, a peaty, pool-dotted expanse whose colour palette of mossy browns and earthy greens seems to shift like a kaleidoscope as clouds scud overhead.

Once you reach Orkney via ferry, the landscape is dominated by the North Sea, glinting on the horizon and pounding the shoreline, never too far from the road. On Mainland, Orkney’s largest island, a straightforward loop takes in the archipelago’s best-known sights, many of them historically significant, including the ancient village of Skara Brae — part of Orkney’s UNESCO-listed group of Neolithic sites — and Scapa Flow, where you can dive among shipwrecks. On Hoy, to the south of Mainland and accessible via ferry, one of the UK’s tallest sea stacks provides an easy marker for the end of your trip.

Highlights in the Far North & Orkney

1.   Forsinard Flows Hire a car in Inverness and head north to Scotland’s Flow Country, an expanse of rare blanket bog that’s currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. At its heart is an RSPB reserve where you can walk the mile-long Dubh Lochan boardwalk, spotting lizards, frogs and dragonflies at ground level, and hen harriers and golden plovers overhead. A viewing tower affords views across the peatland.

2. Skara Brae Take the 90-minute car ferry from Scrabster, on the mainland, to Stromness, in Orkney, then find Skara Brae huddled next to a blustery beach. We know Neolithic people had a form of fitted furniture thanks to a storm that hit Orkney’s Mainland in 1850. It uncovered this immaculately preserved 5,000-year-old village, where nine surviving homes are divided into clear rooms and feature stone dressers and box-beds. The visitor centre displays artefacts such as jewellery and tools.

A picture of the side of an old fishing boat in Orkney. The paint is rusting on both the exterior and interior, but the original bright purple colour can still be seen.

3. Kirkwall A 25-minute drive east takes you to Kirkwall, home to Orkney’s main harbour and airport and liveliest pub scene. You’ll also find Britain’s most northerly cathedral, the yellow-and-red sandstone St Magnus, founded in the 12th century. The town is the most bankable spot for a proper Orcadian live music session: pop into Skipper’s , The Bothy Bar or the Auld Motor Hoose to find out what’s on.

4. Scapa Flow Once a British naval base, Scapa Flow played a key role in both world wars. Today, these sheltered waters just south of Mainland are littered with shipwrecks, from blockships sunk to keep the Germans at bay to the German High Seas Fleet, deliberately scuttled here in 1919. Take a snorkel safari for a glimpse of these wrecks or get closer to them on a scuba dive with Kraken Diving .

5. Old Man of Hoy For the last leg of the trip, take the car ferry from Houton, on Mainland, to Lyness, on Hoy, then drive the 25 minutes to Rackwick. From here, hike along the cliffs — spotting fulmars and great skuas as you go — to the Old Man of Hoy, on the island’s west coast. This 450ft-tall red sandstone sea stack is best seen in late afternoon, when the sun brings out its rosy colour. Allow three hours return for the hike.

A picture of a curved beach in Scotland. The sea is dark blue whilst the greenery surrrounding the sand is plush and green.

Itinerary 2:   Outer Hebrides

Start point:   Barra End point: Stornoway Distance travelled: 137 miles Average length: 10 days

Some of Scotland’s finest scenery lies far off its western coast, across the crashing waters of the Minch strait on the fringes of Europe. If the climate were warmer, the Outer Hebrides would surely be overrun with sunseekers, home as they are to white sand beaches that could stand in for the Caribbean. Instead, with the average summer high a cool 16C, this 130-mile-long string of islands remains quiet year-round — and fiercely traditional.

The archipelago is the last stronghold of the Scottish Gaelic language, once the dominant tongue throughout most of Scotland. It sets the tone for encounters with islanders still engaged in traditional crofting, fishing and weaving, producing the world-famous Harris tweed — still handwoven using island-spun wool — and some of the tastiest seafood.

This is a journey to take your time over, making diversions to local art galleries and near-hidden Neolithic sites. Start by flying from Glasgow to Barra, then hop between South Uist, North Uist, Harris and Lewis via ferry and causeway, eventually flying back from Stornoway. Along the way, the road glides above the Atlantic, ribbons around rocky bays and hugs the foot of lofty, heather-cloaked mountains.

Highlights in the Outer Hebrides

1. Traigh Mhòr This beach, on the northern tip of Barra, is the only one in the world to double as a runway for scheduled flights. Begin your Hebridean adventure with a memorable touchdown, watching the sands rushing up to meet you as you descend over the Atlantic. Pick up a vehicle from Car Hire Hebrides and drive the 20 minutes to the main village, Castlebay. Its huddle of homes gazes out at Kisimul Castle , a fortress atop an islet and the only medieval castle remaining in the Outer Hebrides.

2. Beinn Langais Take the ferry from Castlebay to Lochboisdale, on South Uist, then drive 50 minutes to North Uist and check in to Langass Lodge , a former shooting lodge. Pull on some boots for a two-mile circular trail, taking in the 5,000-year-old Barpa Langais chambered cairn, Pobull Fhinn stone circle and Beinn Langais hill. North Uist is slung so low that the latter’s 300ft summit rewards you with a panorama of peatland and sinewy sea lochs.

3. St Kilda Continue north via road and ferry to Leverburgh, on the island of Harris, your base for the next couple of days. This is the departure point for day trips to the St Kilda archipelago, which rises sharply from the water 40 miles to the west. Once home to a thriving community, it now stands abandoned, the traditional Hebridean blackhouses gently crumbling. While it’s officially uninhabited, some life remains here, with almost a million seabirds — including the UK’s largest colony of puffins — cloaking the sheer cliffs and enormous sea stacks.

A cross-shaped stone circle similar to Stonehenge, but located in the Scottish isles.

4. Golden Road Starting around 30 minutes’ drive north of Leverburgh, the Golden Road is hailed as one of the isles’ best drives. Clinging to Harris’s eastern coast, its single track loops around sea lochs, the waterline occasionally broken by seals’ glossy crowns. Check out local art at Skoon Gallery & Studio and Finsbay Gallery and make time for the Harris tweed exhibition in Drinishader to learn about the beloved cloth.

5. Calanais Standing stones Swap Harris for Lewis with an hour-long drive north from Drinishader to the Calanais Standing Stones , a cross-shaped stone circle older than Stonehenge. We’ll probably never know why they were erected here some 5,000 years ago — astronomical observatory? Site of Neolithic worship? — but the intrigue has contributed to myths and legends. The mountains and lochs around it make it all a glorious sight.

6.   Uig Sands Drive another 30 minutes to get to this blissfully quiet beach, then hike across miles of pristine sands washed by teal waters to work up an appetite. Lunch is at Uig Sands restaurant: nab a window seat and order the Uig Lodge smoked salmon, then linger a night or two in one of four chic bedrooms, all of which have private patios and views across the bay.

Related Topics

  • FAMILY TRAVEL

You May Also Like

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

6 ultimate island-hopping itineraries for 2024

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

How to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in the Philippines

For hungry minds.

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

A Caribbean island-hopping adventure in St Vincent & the Grenadines

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

A practical guide to touring Scotland's islands, from midge-dodging to ferry bookings

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

How to plan a weekend on Scotland's wild Isle of Arran

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

Find secluded Greek island coves on a beach-hopping boat tour of pint-sized Paxos

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

Beach-hopping and Welsh shepherd's huts on a family break in the Llŷn Peninsula

  • Environment
  • Paid Content
  • Photography
  • Perpetual Planet

History & Culture

  • History & Culture
  • Mind, Body, Wonder
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Nat Geo Home
  • Attend a Live Event
  • Book a Trip
  • Inspire Your Kids
  • Shop Nat Geo
  • Visit the D.C. Museum
  • Learn About Our Impact
  • Support Our Mission
  • Advertise With Us
  • Customer Service
  • Renew Subscription
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Work at Nat Geo
  • Sign Up for Our Newsletters
  • Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

We've noticed that you're using an out of date browser. We recommend that you update to the latest version to enhance your browsing experience.

We've refreshed our website design so things may look a little different if you've been here before. We'll be making more improvements soon so watch this space.

grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

Fairy Pools

© Nordic Visitor

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Grand Tour of Scotland

Imagine immersing yourself in the Scottish culture and stunning landscape. With this 17-day tour of Scotland, you could take the wheel on scenic drives and go island hopping to Orkney, Lewis and Harris, Skye, Mull, and more.

Stop when you want to and visit what you want to see most with a self-drive tour of Scotland. With 2 and a half weeks, you'll have plenty of time to explore the impressive Highlands, get to know the rugged Scottish isles, and learn more about the local culture and history.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, make your way to your hotel located in the city centre. For those arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking through the city, strolling along the Royal Mile and exploring the Old Town and New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city centre, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

DAY 2: SCOTLAND'S DRAMATIC EAST COAST

Your road trip starts today! Pick up your rental car and head into Fife. Here you could visit the lovely village of Falkland before stopping by the sea in St Andrews, famous for being the home of golf. Later, continue north, passing by Dundee and the St Cyrus National Nature Reserve. Don't miss the spectacular Dunnottar Castle for a fantastic photo opportunity.

Spend the night in the Aberdeen area.

Driving distance: 235 km / 135 miles

DAY 3: ROYAL DEESIDE & CASTLES

Welcome into the Scottish Highlands! You'll first drive along the Deeside Tourist Route, a charming journey through the Cairngorm National Park. The area is dotted with castles, such as Crathes Castle and Balmoral, the home of the Royal Family in Scotland. Later, you'll arrive into Speyside, a region famous for its whisky production.

Spend the night in the Inverness area.

Driving distance: 240 km / 150 miles

DAY 4: JOURNEY TO ORKNEY

Today, you head all the way north mainland Scotland to catch the ferry to Orkney. Along the way, you could stop at the fairytale-like Dunrobin Castle.

Make sure to admire the beautiful views over the Pentland Firth while on the ferry. Once you reach Stromness on Orkney, you can drive to Kirkwall, the capital and former Viking stronghold. You have the rest of the day to explore.

Spend the night in the Kirkwall area.

Ferry Scrabster to Orkney: 1.5 hours

Driving distance: 205 km / 130 miles

DAY 5: WONDERS OF ORKNEY

Spend your entire day discovering the highlights of Orkney, from its stunning scenery to ancient landmarks. The most famous area is the UNESCO-listed "Heart of Neolithic Orkney". Comprised of Skara Brae, a prehistoric village, the Ring of Brodgar stone circle, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the chambered cairn of Maeshowe.

Spend another night in the Kirkwall area.

Driving distance: 56 km / 35 miles

DAY 6: NORTH COAST 500

Today you journey back to the mainland by ferry and take on part of the North Coast 500, one of Scotland's most scenic drives. You'll find gold sand beaches to make you feel like you're in the Caribbean, a backdrop of mountains, and stunning views all around. We recommend stopping to visit the largest sea cave in Britain, Smoo Cave, as well as the 15th-century Ardvreck Castle.

Spend the night in the Ullapool area.

Ferry from Orkney to Scrabster: 1.5 hours

Driving distance: 250 km / 150 miles

DAY 7: GAELIC CULTURE ON LEWIS

This morning, you'll catch a ferry from Ullapool all the way to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. This part of the Outer Hebrides is renowned for its thriving Gaelic culture. Spend time visiting the town before driving west to see the spectacular Callanish Standing Stones. We also recommend learning more about the history of the island at the Black Arnol Museum.

Spend the night on Lewis and Harris.

Ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway: 2.5 hours

Driving distance: 165 km / 100 miles

DAY 8: HARRIS AND THE GOLDEN ROAD

Today, you head south to discover the second half of the island, Harris. Explore the small village of Tarbert before driving along the Golden Road. This journey offers striking island scenery. And don't miss Luskentyre Beach, with its white sands and turquoise waters.

Spend another night on Lewis and Harris.

Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles

DAY 9: ISLAND HOPPING TO SKYE

This morning, you'll take a ferry to another stunning island, Skye. Upon your arrival in Uig, we recommend exploring the northern part of the island known as the Trotternish Peninsula. This is where some of Skye's most famous sights are located. This includes the "Old Man of Storr," the Quiraing, Kilt Rock waterfall, and the Fairy Glen.

Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Ferry from Tarbert to Uig: 1 h 40 minutes

Driving distance: 80 km / 50 miles

DAY 10: EXPLORE THE WESTERN SIDE OF SKYE

Spend the day discovering more of Skye, a haven for nature lovers. Take some time to wander around Portree, the scenic and colourful main village of the island. Then we recommend driving to the west of the island. Here you could visit the romantic Dunvegan Castle, walk along the beautiful Claigan Coral Beach and even visit Neist Point, the most westerly point of Skye.

Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles

DAY 11: THE MAGIC OF SKYE

You have another full day to take in more of the legendary Isle of Skye. Head south this time to enjoy a walk at the Fairy Pools, admire the Black Cuillin Hills, or sample whisky at the Talisker Distillery.

Driving distance: 160 km / 100 miles

DAY 12: THE BEAUTY OF LOCH NESS

Journey back to the mainland. We recommend Eilean Donan Castle as your first stop of the day. It is a picturesque sight and one of the most recognised castles in Scotland.

You'll then make your way to the famous Loch Ness to explore this area further. You could pop by the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, visit the nearby Urquhart Castle, or even opt for a boat tour for better views over this vast loch.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Driving distance: 260 km / 160 miles  

DAY 13: JOURNEY TO MULL

Start the day by hopping onboard another ferry which will take you to Mull. Admire the views along the way. Once you reach Craignure, you can start exploring this western island. First stop, the nearby Duart Castle perched by sea cliffs. We then recommend driving along the west coast for stunning scenery to reach Tobermory.

Spend the night on the Isle of Mull or in the Oban area.

Ferry from Oban to Craignure: 45 minutes

Driving distance: 180 km / 115 miles

DAY 14: ISLES OF IONA AND STAFFA

Today you have a day at your leisure on Mull. You can choose to drive around the island and discovering more of its beauty. Or you could take a short ferry to the Isle of Iona. This charming, tiny island is home to white sand beaches and a sacred abbey. From here, you could even book a boat trip to visit the uninhabited Isle of Staffa, renowned for its sea cave and basalt columns.

DAY 15: KILMARTIN GLEN AND LOCH LOMOND

This morning, take the ferry back to the mainland and drive along the scenic route to the historical valley of Kilmartin Glen. This region is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. You'll later pass by Inveraray before continuing on to Loch Lomond.

Spend the night in the Trossachs area.

Ferry from Craignure to Oban: 45 minutes

Driving distance: 245 km / 150 miles

DAY 16: TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK

Today’s drive will take you through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park back to Edinburgh. You can also choose to end your trip in Glasgow if you want to explore Scotland's largest city.

You'll have plenty of activities to choose from for an exciting last day. Take a walk through nature, enjoy a steamship tour on Loch Katrine, or visit the local Deanston Distillery. But make sure not to miss Doune Castle, featured in many movies and TV series. If time allows, you could also stop by Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions, or at the Kelpies, two impressive horse-head sculptures.

DAY 17: DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND

Today you say goodbye to Scotland. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may take your last few hours to do some last-minute shopping, visit one of Edinburgh’s many museums, or take one last stroll through the charming city centre.

Ab £3403 pro Erwachsener

Abreisedaten.

  • T Donnerstag

April — Oktober

Kontaktdaten

Tour information

  • Edinburgh & The Lothians
  • Edinburgh - City Centre
  • Edinburgh Airport
  • Architecture
  • Food and drink
  • Island Hopping

Ab £3403 Pro Erwachsener

Preise variieren je nach Saison

Haltepunkte

JavaScript muss aktiviert sein, um dies anzuzeigen. Sie können es in Ihren Browser-Einstellungen aktivieren.

Nordic Visitor UK

Informationen zum Anbieter

Nordic visitor uk.

Nordic Visitor provides tailored tour packages in Scotland. Our travel experts are based in Edinburgh and will craft a personal itinerary for you based on your vacation or holiday needs. All our travel packages are tested by our consultants to ensure your Scottish getaway is everything you dreamed of and more. Choose from self-drive, small group or private tours. You'll also find a range of special interest packages including tours focusing on castles, whisky, cuisine, Outlander and more!

Soziale Medien

Eintritt Nordic Visitor UK

Öffnungszeiten

Monday: 9am–5pm Tuesday: 9am–5pm Wednesday: 9am–5pm Thursday: 9am–5pm Friday: 9am–5pm Office closed during local Edinburgh holidays.

Andere Touren von diesem Anbieter ansehen

Express Scotland - Private

Express Scotland - Private

Fahrt ab: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

Take an express private tour around the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye...

Reisedauer:

£3862pp

Outlander Experience

Outlander Experience

Follow in the steps of Jamie and Claire Fraser with this private tour by Nordic...

£3301pp

Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye - Private

Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye - Private

With just over a week, you could explore Scotland's top attractions with a priva...

£4453pp

Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye Winter - Private

Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye Winter - Private

Explore the wintry landscape of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye with...

£4287pp

Der Inhalt vieler unserer Webeinträge wird von den jeweiligen Drittanbietern und nicht von VisitScotland bereitgestellt. VisitScotland übernimmt keine Verantwortung für (1) Fehler oder Falschdarstellungen in Webeinträgen und (2) die Inhalte externer Links innerhalb der Webeinträge ((1) und (2) werden im Folgenden unter „Inhalt“ zusammengefasst). VisitScotland schließt jegliche Haftung für Verluste oder Schäden aus, die durch Verlass auf den Inhalt entstehen. Der Inhalt dient nur zu Ihrer Information und wird von VisitScotland nicht unterstützt.

IMAGES

  1. 17 Day Self Drive : Grand Tour of Scotland : Nordic Visitor

    grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

  2. 17 Day Self Drive : Grand Tour of Scotland : Nordic Visitor

    grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

  3. 17 Day Self Drive : Grand Tour of Scotland : Nordic Visitor

    grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

  4. 17 Day Self Drive : Grand Tour of Scotland : Nordic Visitor

    grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

  5. 17 Day Self Drive : Grand Tour of Scotland : Nordic Visitor

    grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

  6. 21 Day Self Drive : Grand Tour of Scotland & Ireland : Nordic Visitor

    grand tour of scotland nordic visitor

COMMENTS

  1. 17 Day Self Drive : Grand Tour of Scotland : Nordic Visitor

    Discover the Scottish Highlands and Islands' way of life. This 17-day self-drive tour has been designed for those who want a complete experience of Scotland. If you want beautiful scenic drives, the chance to explore mythical ruins and learn more about Scotland's rich history, this itinerary is for you. During this tour you get all the exciting ...

  2. Grand Tour Of Scotland |17 Days / 16 Nights

    This self-drive tour in Scotland has it all. Enjoy historic cities as well as beautifully secluded villages. Take in the magnificent Scottish isles, the highlands, historic castles, dramatic coastlines and ruins of Old Norse and Stone Age settlements.

  3. 5 Best Road Trips in Scotland

    16 days across Scotland with the Grand Tour; Route 1: North Coast 500 & Islands - 6 days. Best Scottish road trip for: castle-spotters, trendy travellers and coastal views. As one of Scotland's newest routes, the North Coast 500 (or NC500 if you love a good acronym) has become increasingly popular with travellers, and for good reason.

  4. Scotland Summer Vacations & Tours 2024/2025 : Nordic Visitor

    Grand Tour of Scotland Scottish Highlands & North Coast 500. Price p.p. from. 3508 GBP. Eur. View map. Best seller. 17 days / 16 nights. Apr - Oct. Grand Tour of Scotland. ... Nordic Visitor's Scotland tours are designed to include top routes and attractions. But, you can easily customise your package online by adding extra nights, optional ...

  5. Grand Tour of Scotland

    Tour company information Nordic Visitor UK. Nordic Visitor provides tailored tour packages in Scotland. Our travel experts are based in Edinburgh and will craft a personal itinerary for you based on your vacation or holiday needs. All our travel packages are tested by our consultants to ensure your Scottish getaway is everything you dreamed of ...

  6. Scotland Travel Agency & Tour Operator : Nordic Visitor

    About Nordic Visitor. Nordic Visitor is an Iceland-based travel agency and has been creating excellent travel experiences for customers since it was established in 2002. Since then, we have grown across the Nordic region, while retaining our passionate belief that your trip should be memorable for all the right reasons.

  7. Scotland Self Drive Tours 2024/2025 : Nordic Visitor

    Grand Tour of Scotland Scottish Highlands & North Coast 500. Price p.p. from. 3403 GBP. Eur. View map. Best seller. 17 days / 16 nights. Apr - Oct. Grand Tour of Scotland. ... Drivers aged 23 or 24 can take a self-drive tour with Nordic Visitor, subject to a young driver surcharge of £25 per day. You can hire vehicles in our rental car groups ...

  8. UK & Great Britain Self Drive Tours 2024/2025 : Nordic Visitor

    When you book a driving tour of the UK with Nordic Visitor, you can expect: • An authentic travel experience operated by a trusted local company. • A dedicated travel consultant to arrange your trip. • A detailed personal itinerary and hand-marked route map. • Car rental with unlimited mileage and CDW insurance.

  9. Grand Tour of Scotland

    Nordic Visitor Tours: Grand Tour of Scotland - See 1,678 traveler reviews, 1,909 candid photos, and great deals for Reykjavik, Iceland, at Tripadvisor.

  10. Grand Tour of Scotland

    Nordic Visitor Tours: Grand Tour of Scotland - See 1,283 traveler reviews, 1,146 candid photos, and great deals for Reykjavik, Iceland, at Tripadvisor.

  11. Take a Virtual Tour of Scotland from Home : Nordic Visitor

    Day 1: Explore Edinburgh. Look how quick the journey was! You're already arriving in the beautiful and historic capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. You have all day to explore the nooks and crannies of the town. From the winding streets of the Old Town to the large Georgian streets of the New Town.

  12. Classic Scotland Tour

    Take a road trip through the famous landscapes in Scotland. This self-drive journey includes some of Scotland's most famous sights and routes, from the capital city to the rugged Highlands. Experience the beautiful Scotland on your own rental car.

  13. 21 Day Self Drive : Grand Tour of Scotland & Ireland

    Starting in Edinburgh, you'll discover the epic beauty of the Scottish Highlands, including a taste of the North Coast 500, and the Isle of Skye. You'll then fly to Ireland to visit Dublin, tour Northern Ireland and drive along the rugged west coast. Meet locals, take in sweeping views from high clifftops and explore the hidden gems that ...

  14. 7 Day Guided Group : Wonders of Scotland : Nordic Visitor

    Join this guided tour to see the Scotland you can't experience through guidebooks. You'll see classic sights as well as off-the-beaten-track spots, all with a local driver-guide to regale you with tales of history and folklore. Sit back and enjoy the views as you travel from the Scottish capital city to the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

  15. Experience the Highlights of Scotland with Nordic Visitor

    Explore the beautiful, historic sights of Scotland and make a few new friends on the way. Visit famous castle ruins, waterfalls, jagged mountains, lush garde...

  16. 10 Day Guided Group : Highlights of Scotland : Nordic Visitor

    Ultimate Celtic Adventure. 5352. Eur. If you want to get to know the real Scotland, this Highlights of Scotland Small Group Tour is for you. With the expertise of a local guide, you'll enjoy many of Scotland's top attractions and hidden gems. Enjoy the beautiful Scotland with expert tour lead.

  17. Nordic Visitor reviews

    2. Re: Nordic Visitor reviews. 4 years ago. I did a quick dummy booking for June on one of their popular self drive tours using the "quality" option for accommodation. Comes to just under £2000 per person. Hiring a car of the same spec and with an extra driver and Sat Nav comes to just under £400. Doing your own thing looks to be a lot cheaper.

  18. Ireland & Scotland Tour Packages 2024/2025 : Nordic Visitor

    Nordic Visitor has been a leading tour operator in Northern Europe since 2002. Benefit from the insider knowledge of our Edinburgh-based consultants, who'll use their expertise to arrange your vacation in Scotland and Ireland. With the logistics taken care of, you can just relax and look forward to your trip.

  19. 15 Amazing Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland : Nordic Visitor

    Good to know: On a New Year's tour package with Nordic Visitor, you could celebrate NYE in Scottish style. Included is a private 3-course dinner with wine, and VIP tickets to the Hogmanay Snow Ball in Edinburgh. 4. Discover Scottish history at the National Museum.

  20. 11 Amazing Europe Itinerary Ideas : Nordic Visitor

    1. Tour 3 Scandinavian countries. In Northern Europe, the kingdoms of Scandinavia - Norway, Sweden and Denmark - are known for their rugged natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities and white winters. No 10-day Scandinavia itinerary would be complete without time in each country. Start in Stockholm, Sweden's chic capital.

  21. Grand Tour of Scotland

    Imagine immersing yourself in the Scottish culture and stunning landscape. With this 17-day tour of Scotland, you could take the wheel on scenic drives and go island hopping to Orkney, Lewis and Harris, Skye, Mull, and more.

  22. Norway Road Trip

    Unrivaled Vistas and Leisurely Drives. This 17-day road trip leads you to some of the most breathtaking fjord landscapes in Norway. Starting and ending in Oslo, you will have ample time to soak in breathtaking vistas along Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and Hardangerfjord. Attractions include the cascading waterfalls of Seven Sisters and Bridal ...

  23. Custom Scandinavia Tours & Bespoke Travel Packages

    Custom & Bespoke Tours of Scandinavia. Visit Norway, Sweden and Denmark with one of our custom tours of Scandinavia. Our Stockholm-based travel experts can craft and tailor an itinerary just for you. See the highlights of these Nordic countries, immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery, and make memories of a lifetime.

  24. How to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in Scotland

    A viewing tower affords views across the peatland. 2. Skara Brae. Take the 90-minute car ferry from Scrabster, on the mainland, to Stromness, in Orkney, then find Skara Brae huddled next to a ...

  25. Grand Tour of Scotland

    Nordic Visitor provides tailored tour packages in Scotland. Our travel experts are based in Edinburgh and will craft a personal itinerary for you based on your vacation or holiday needs. All our travel packages are tested by our consultants to ensure your Scottish getaway is everything you dreamed of and more. Choose from self-drive, small ...