Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
This was my first trip with Explore but I hope it will not be my last. The trip was great, the food and accommodations were better than expected, and the guides were exceptional.
City sightseeingWalking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Inverness, Ullapool, Cul Mor, Ga
Inverness, Ullapool, Cul Mor, Gairlochy, Isle of Skye
Venture from Edinburgh to the far reaches of Scotland’s enchanting islands on the "Western Isles & Orkney (Hotel) - 9 days" tour. Over nine days, you’ll uncover the magic of Iona, Mull, Skye, and Orkney while staying in comfortable 3-star hotels. Immerse yourself in dramatic landscapes, stroll through ancient ruins, and experience the captivating stories that shape Scottish culture.
With a relaxed pace and easy physical activity, this small-group trip is especially suited for experienced travelers and seniors who appreciate history and natural beauty. Expert guides bring each destination to life, from rugged coastlines to charming villages, ensuring every moment is memorable.
What sets this tour apart? Its unique itinerary—melding island adventure with cozy accommodations—offers a seamless blend of discovery and comfort as you explore Scotland’s best-kept secrets.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Curious about Scotland’s untamed far north? The "Scotland's Far North - 10 days" tour invites you to experience the country’s most remote and storied landscapes. Starting in Edinburgh and journeying through Inverness, Ullapool, Portree, and beyond, this small group exploration uncovers Loch Ness (in search of 'Nessie'), the ancient heritage of Orkney, and the wild beauty of the Outer Hebrides.
With a leisurely pace and easy activity level, this adventure is ideal for seasoned travelers and seniors seeking both comfort and discovery. Guided walks along pristine beaches, visits to Neolithic sites, and immersive storytelling bring history and legend together.
The USP? A rare opportunity to traverse Scotland’s most enigmatic islands and northern reaches in a single, expertly guided tour package.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
For those who crave a deeper connection with Scotland’s landscape and heritage, the Scottish Islands Encompassed - 17 Days tour offers unrivaled exploration. Traverse the isles of Islay, Mull, Iona, Skye, Orkney, Lewis, and Harris, visiting famous castles, distilleries, and UNESCO sites along the way. Sample Scotland’s renowned whisky at four different distilleries and keep an eye out for ‘Nessie’ at Loch Ness. With a gentle pace ideal for seniors and experienced travelers, this small-group explorer tour is defined by its depth and variety. The unique selling point: an all-encompassing itinerary that weaves together natural beauty, local traditions, and historical wonders for a truly authentic Scottish experience.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Set out on a 9-day exploration from Edinburgh through the wild and storied landscapes of Scotland’s Western Isles & Orkney. This guided tour traverses Ullapool, Kirkwall, Inverness, and more, unveiling the ancient wonders and rugged beauty of Iona, Mull, Skye, and Orkney. Discover ancient ruins, dramatic coastlines, and the distinctive culture of each island, all with the expertise of seasoned guides.
This easy-paced trip is designed for those who value a comfortable yet inspiring journey—ideal for seasoned travelers and seniors eager to uncover the heart of Scotland. Accommodation, transport, and meals are all included, allowing you to focus fully on the experience.
The signature highlight? An immersive route through multiple islands, showcasing Scotland’s unmatched variety of scenery and heritage within a single comprehensive tour package.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The Scottish Islands Grand Tour - 14 Days invites you to discover the wild beauty and storied past of Scotland’s enchanting isles. From Edinburgh, journey through Iona, Mull, Skye, Orkney, and the Outer Hebrides, exploring ancient castles, UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Brodgar and Stenness, and even searching for the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Perfect for experienced travelers and seniors seeking an easy-paced yet immersive sightseeing tour, this small-group experience is rich with breathtaking landscapes and cultural encounters. The tour’s USP: comprehensive island hopping that uncovers Scotland’s most captivating destinations, all expertly guided for a seamless, memorable trip.
Sightseeing Tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Craving island adventure and Highland charm? The "Outer Hebrides & Skye Explorer - 6 days" trip sweeps you from Edinburgh to Portree, Ullapool, and the Outer Hebrides, with accommodation in welcoming guesthouses. Savor breathtaking views of the Grampian Mountains, go monster-spotting at Loch Ness, and explore the wild, windswept beauty of Lewis and Harris. Pristine beaches, dramatic landscapes, and the mystical Isle of Skye await, with waterfalls and rugged peaks rounding out the experience.
Ideal for experienced travelers and seniors looking for a relaxed yet enriching journey, this easy-paced tour ensures every day delivers a new discovery.
The USP? An extensive island-hopping experience covering both the Outer Hebrides and Skye, offering a rare, panoramic tour of Scotland’s most picturesque outposts.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Venture into the wild beauty of northern Scotland and the mystical Orkney Islands with the "North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney (Hotel) - 5 days" tour. Designed for seniors and seasoned explorers, this easy-paced journey from Edinburgh includes stays in comfortable 3-star hotels. Highlights range from seeking out the Loch Ness monster to spending the night in Inverness, the ‘Capital of the Highlands.’ Cross into Orkney by ferry to marvel at the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney, including the ancient village of Skara Brae. The USP: a seamless blend of neolithic wonders, legendary landscapes, and Scottish hospitality, all within a compact, expertly guided itinerary.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Get ready to discover the wilder side of Scotland on the "North Scotland, Loch Ness & Orkney - 5 days" small-group tour. Tailored for experienced travelers and seniors, this easy-activity trip sets out from Edinburgh and uncovers the legends of Loch Ness, the dramatic tales of Glencoe, and the remote beauty of John o'Groats. Ferry over to Orkney to explore 5,000-year-old Skara Brae and the UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney before returning to the Highlands’ breathtaking scenery. What makes this trip stand out is its unique access to ancient sites and awe-inspiring landscapes, all enjoyed in a friendly and relaxed small-group setting.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
For those drawn to the romance of the Scottish Highlands, the "Scottish Highlands From Edinburgh - 5 days" tour delivers both ease and adventure. Starting in Edinburgh, this easy-paced trip invites experienced travelers and seniors to explore the Isle of Skye, hunt for ‘Nessie’ at Loch Ness, and soak up the charm of Ullapool’s fishing village. Visit ‘tropical’ Plockton with its surprising palm trees, and trek through Skye’s historic and scenic routes. Learn about the Glencoe massacre in Fort William before returning to the capital. The defining feature: a perfect mix of iconic Highland scenery, local history, and relaxed group exploration.
Explorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
