Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a private tour of Scotland usually comes with a few questions, so we've put together answers to the ones we hear most often. Below you'll find everything from booking and pricing to pick-up locations and what to expect on the day, whether you're planning a single day out or a longer trip through the Highlands and islands. If you can't find what you're looking for, get in touch and we'll answer personally.

Can I book a tour for just two of us?

Yes. Group size never changes the private nature of the tour. Whether it's two of you or seven, the pace, the stops and the itinerary are built entirely around your group.

Do you offer tours from Glasgow as well as Edinburgh?

Yes. We regularly pick up from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and we're happy to collect you anywhere else in Scotland that suits your plans, including hotels outside the main cities.

How far in advance should I book a private tour?

Popular dates, especially through the summer months, can fill up quickly, so we'd recommend booking as early as your travel dates are confirmed. If you're planning something last minute, it's still always worth getting in touch to check availability.

Can I customise my own itinerary?

Yes, every tour can be adjusted to suit what you actually want to see. If you have a particular castle, distillery or filming location in mind, let us know when you enquire and we'll work it into your day.

How much does a private day tour cost?

Day tours are priced at £695, covering up to 8 guests, so the cost is shared across your group rather than charged per person.

How much do multi-day tours cost?

Multi-day tours are priced at £895 per day, again for up to 7 guests.

What's included in the price?

Your guide and private vehicle for the full day are included in the price. Entry fees to castles, distilleries and attractions, along with meals and accommodation on multi-day trips, are not included, so you can choose what suits your budget and interests as you go.

Do I need to pay a deposit to book?

Get in touch and we'll talk you through how booking and payment works for your specific tour. [Placeholder: confirm your actual deposit policy here, I haven't invented a figure]

What's your cancellation policy?

We understand that travel plans can change. Get in touch directly if you need to amend or cancel a booking and we'll explain how this works for your tour. See our full cancellation policy here.

Do you offer shore excursions for cruise passengers?

Yes, we welcome cruise passengers arriving at Scottish ports for private shore excursions, run just like our day tours, with plenty of time built in to have you back at the ship before it departs.

Which cruise ports do you pick up from?

We cover Greenock, South Queensferry, Newhaven, Leith and Rosyth, so wherever your ship docks in Scotland, we can arrange a private excursion from there.

Can you pick us up from a hotel, train station or airport?

Yes. Hotel pick-up is the most common request, but we're just as happy to collect you from a train station or airport, whatever works best for your trip.

How long are your multi-day tours?

Our multi-day tours range from 3 to 7 days (but can be as long as you want them to be) covering everything from a focused Outlander adventure to a longer road trip taking in the Highlands, Skye, and further afield to Orkney or the Hebrides.

Does the price include accommodation?

Accommodation isn't included in the daily rate, which means you can choose places to stay that suit your own budget and style, from cosy bed and breakfasts to something a little more luxurious.

What's a typical day like on a multi-day tour?

Each day is built around a mix of driving, sightseeing and free time, with your guide handling the route and the stops so you can relax and enjoy the scenery. The pace is flexible throughout, and if you'd rather linger somewhere longer or skip a stop, just say so.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Scotland's weather can turn quickly, and our guides plan around it wherever possible. Most tours can go ahead in most conditions, though anything involving a boat crossing, such as a trip to the Isle of May, does depend on conditions on the day.

Can you accommodate dietary requirements?

Yes, just let us know in advance, and we'll factor it into any lunch stops or recommendations along the way.

Is Scotland accessible for visitors with mobility needs?

Many of Scotland's towns, castles and viewpoints are accessible, though some historic sites do have uneven ground or steps that can't be avoided. Let us know your specific needs when you book and we'll plan a route and stops that work for you.

What should I wear or bring on a tour?

Layers and a waterproof jacket are always a good idea, whatever the season. Comfortable shoes matter too, especially on tours that include castle grounds, coastal walks or a walk up to a viewpoint.

Do you offer Outlander filming location tours?

Yes, we run dedicated Outlander tours taking in filming locations such as Culross, Hopetoun House, Blackness Castle and Midhope Castle, either as a day tour or built into a longer multi-day trip.

Can you help trace family history or ancestry?

Yes, our genealogy and heritage tours are built around your own family history, visiting ancestral villages, graveyards or clan sites connected to your surname or story.

Do you run whisky tours?

Yes, whisky and food experiences are one of our specialities, visiting distilleries across Scotland's whisky regions with a guide who knows the industry well.

Can you arrange a golf tour to St Andrews or Gleneagles?

Yes, golf tours can be arranged to St Andrews, Gleneagles and other courses, alongside sightseeing stops if you'd like to make a full day of it.

Are your guides qualified?

Our guides aren't formally badged through the Scottish Tourist Guide Association, but bring over a decade of hands-on guiding experience between them, along with genuine local knowledge built up over years of living and working across Scotland.

Who will be my guide?

Tours are run personally by James and Lesley, the husband-and-wife team behind Tour Guide Scotland. You'll know in advance who's guiding your trip, and you'll be dealing directly with them from your first enquiry onwards.

Still have a question we haven't covered? Come as a guest, leave as a friend, that's how every tour with us feels, and it starts with a simple message. Get in touch and we'll answer personally, or browse our tours to start planning your trip.