Tours of Scotland with a difference

There are hundreds of different ways to see Scotland, from bargain coach trips to fully tailored activity holidays and catering for all needs.

If you are planning a visit to explore Scotland, why not consider trying something completely different?

Fishing tours

If you like the peace and tranquillity that fishing offers, you'll love Scotland. Scotland has some of the best salmon and trout fishing in the world. There are many tours operating in the Highlands, south west and coastal areas. Whether you are a beginner or already an expert, fishing tours provide transport, accommodation, equipment, permits and expert guidance.

Good places to start include fishing.net and Fishing Scotland.

Backpacker tours

If you’re on a tight budget and planning to backpack around Scotland, there are options to help you get to more remote places. Some tours will take you to as far as the Western Isles, and the Orkneys. 

See the Backpackertours website

Cycle tours

Scotland has some of the best and most challenging long-distance cycle routes in the world. There are also plenty of easy routes. All abilities are catered for in the many cycle tours available. Choose from leisurely coastal paths to forest mountain biking and long distance touring. Find out about cycle routes on Sustran's Routes2ride website.

Cycle tour operators will take you to places of interest or outstanding beauty. Tours usually include accommodation, food and bike rental, and some will drive you to a starting point if you don’t have a lot of time. It's a great way to see Scotland without the sound of a humming engine. Try Cycle Scotland, Wildcat tours, and hooked on cycling.

Motorbikes and motor trikes

If the idea of speeding along winding, open roads with the wind in your hair appeals to you, you could join a motorbike tour. Trips often involve catching the ferry to the beautiful Hebridean islands or to Skye.

If that sounds too much like hard work, perhaps a chauffer-driven a motor trike is more your style. Choose from a city tour or longer trips into the countryside. Visit: www.triketoursscotland.com

Ghost tours

Edinburgh is possibly the most famous Scottish location for ghost tours amongst foreign visitors. But it is by no means the only place. Ghost tours are also run by Blackfriars Tours in St Andrews, Aberdeen Ghost Walks and Haunting Breaks in Peebles.

Wildlife tours

Wildlife tours let you see the incredible Scottish wilderness as well some amazing local wildlife. Choose from a huge variety including:

• Whale and dolphin watching off the inner Hebrides
• Bird watching throughout Scotland
• Land rover safaris in the forest or the mountains
• Cruises and scuba diving around the island of St Kilda in the Outer Hebrides

Related links

• For General information about visiting Scotland go to Visit Scotland
• Scottish Tourism Guide
• Information about Scotland by region on the Places in Scotland page
• Travelling around Scotland page of Visit Scotland