Scotland Local Travel Agents

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With kimkim you will connect directly to a local specialist in Scotland who will personalize your trip to your specific tastes. Once we have a sense of who you are and what you're looking for, you'll be matched with the right local travel agent for you. Not everyone wants to get completely off the grid—but even if you want to hit the most popular sites and cities, kimkim ensures a customized experience, including lodging, guides, and transportation.
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Scotland Travel Insights

Edinburgh Castle
Map of 5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

From touring ancient castles to sampling local whisky to walking along serene beaches, there's plenty to do on a five-day trip to Scotland. You can keep things basic with a three-stop tour that takes you from the beautiful city of Edinburgh to the mountainous region of Glencoe. Or, make the most of your stay by visiting five destinations, including the Highland capital of Inverness and the coastal village of John O'Groats.

Trek to the iconic rocks of Old Mann of Storr in Skye and take in the views from within
Map of 1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Seven days in Scotland gives you ample time to see its historic cities, breathtaking mountains, magnificent castles, and stunning coastlines. How you spend your week depends on just how adventurous you want to be. You can visit three to four destinations from Edinburgh into the Highlands or take an active trip to two natural areas like Cairngorms or Craignure.

Learn how Mary Queen of Scots was crowned at Stirling Castle in 1542
Map of 10 Days in Scotland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Scotland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Ten days in Scotland is a great amount of time to delve into the country's diverse beauty and deep history. Opt for a fast-paced self-drive tour and explore the dramatic Isle of Skye and the bustling cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow on a highlights tour. Or, embrace serene landscapes as you island-hop through Oban, Mull, and Skye. Leisurely travelers will love exploring by train, while those eager to see it all can whizz around on an itinerary featuring the North Coast 500.

Discover Edinburgh, teeming with history as you explore Calton Hill and the Royal Mile
Map of 2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Scotland is enough time to experience the country's best adventures, from coast to coast. On a fast-paced self-drive highlights tour, tick off nine different destinations, or slow the pace but increase the activities on a West Highland Way tour or an active Scotland adventure. Those eager to see the highlights along the famous Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring can include Ireland in their itinerary, while travelers who prefer getting off the main trail will love an island-hopping adventure.

A Scot plays the bagpipes in Edinburgh
How Many Days to Spend in Scotland

From ancient castles to whisky distilleries and Highland Games (not to mention a mythical monster in Loch Ness), there's a reason bonnie Scotland is awash with "Outlander" fans. At roughly the same size as South Carolina, Scotland is small enough to explore the highlights in one week. However, you'll need at least two weeks to explore the mainland and one or even two extra weeks to take in the major islands.

Eilean Donan Castle in the western Highlands of Scotland
Best Time of Year to Visit Scotland

True, most colloquial Scottish terms for the climate refer to fickle—and mostly "dreich" (dreary)—weather, despite which the sun shines more than you may imagine: Palm trees even grow on the west coast, sustained by warm Gulf Stream waters and air. Scotland frequently defies its stereotypes and can be sublime in any season, each uniquely showcasing the country's rugged beauty. So don't let the Scots' talk about the weather put you off.

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
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Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
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Securely book your trip
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Scotland
Travel specialist Kateryna Garkavenko
active 4 hours ago

Kateryna Garkavenko

Travel is truly one of the most rewarding experiences we can have. It's amazing how much we can learn and grow from every trip, and I believe that most people will benefit from exploring new...

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Travel specialist Tetiana Smal
active 7 mins ago

Tetiana Smal

Ever since I can remember, I've been fascinated by the idea of discovering new places, meeting people from different cultures, and immersing myself in the beauty of our world. This passion led me...

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Travel specialist Aleksandra Shebaltseva
active 16 mins ago

Aleksandra Shebaltseva

As a passionate traveler, my approach is anchored in the belief that every journey is an opportunity for exploration and growth. With a penchant for immersing myself in diverse cultures and seeking...

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Travel specialist Jane Davey
active 2 hours ago

Jane Davey

Born and raised in the UK, I’ve always had a love affair with the great outdoors. It’s no wonder I ended up in travel! Growing up, family holidays meant exploring the UK with my parents and...

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Trip Reviews for Scotland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Honestly, I would not change one thing that A...
Scotland | Oct 15 - Oct 24, 2025

M
Mary G.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025
Honestly, I would not change one thing that Aleksandra set up for us. The trip was perfect and all the accommodations and tours were great. Read more

Honestly, I would not change one thing that Aleksandra set up for us. The trip was perfect and all the accommodations and tours were great.

Hotel Review
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Loved this boutique hotel and all the lovely people who work there. The food was superb too!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva

Scottish Adventure in October
Scotland | Oct 18 - Oct 24, 2025

Madeleine
Madeleine H.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Oct 26, 2025
Hello Tetiana, Thank you for putting together this overall very memorable and satisfying trip through Scotland. We had a wonderful time and left feeling that we got a thorough impression of Scotland’s cities and breathtaking landscapes. Everything worked out perfectly, and we truly appreciated the attention to detail throughout the itinerary. We do have a few minor comments and recommendations: First, we were unable to go inside Edinburgh Castle because our flight delay made it too... Read more

Hello Tetiana,

Thank you for putting together this overall very memorable and satisfying trip through Scotland. We had a wonderful time and left feeling that we got a thorough impression of Scotland’s cities and breathtaking landscapes. Everything worked out perfectly, and we truly appreciated the attention to detail throughout the itinerary.

We do have a few minor comments and recommendations:

First, we were unable to go inside Edinburgh Castle because our flight delay made it too stressful on the day of arrival. However, we thoroughly enjoyed the recommended city tour and even stumbled upon Greyfriars Bobby’s grave, which was a lovely surprise for us as dog lovers. That would be a wonderful addition to your list of sightseeing recommendations.

Second, on the third day, we left Stirling Castle and drove north to the Culloden Battlefield. The drive took over three hours due to road construction and traffic, which caused us to miss our 2 p.m. tour. Fortunately, we were able to join the 3 p.m. session instead, though this meant we missed visiting Urquhart Castle that afternoon. That turned out just fine, as we later saw the castle from the Loch Ness Canal Tour the next day.

Isle of Skye was the absolute highlight of our trip. We loved Portree, the Storr hike, and the scenery filled with sheep—it all felt wonderfully authentic. We decided to skip the Quiraing hike to keep the day more relaxed and ensure we had time for the Talisker tour, which was a great decision.

On the sixth day, driving from Portree to Glencoe, we came across the Highland Soap Company and decided to stop. We recognized the brand from the products used in all our hotels—from Edinburgh to Inverness to Portree—and enjoyed shopping there tremendously. It would be a fantastic addition to future itineraries.

Overall, the trip was beautifully arranged, and we’re so grateful for your excellent planning and thoughtful touches. Thank you again for helping us experience Scotland in such a memorable and personal way.

Hotel Review
Bracken Hide Hotel
Portree

This was the best hotel on the trip, and we were so happy to be able to stay there for two nights. This hotel, and the Isle of Skye in general, was so beautiful that we could have stayed there the full week as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Sea Breezes Restaurant
Sea Breezes Restaurant
Scotland

This restaurant was sadly closed during our stay on the Isle of Skye, so we cannot leave a proper review.

Local specialist: Tetiana Smal
Tetiana
Tetiana Smal
Local specialist in London | Replied on Oct 27, 2025
Hello Madeleine, Thank you so much for your kind message — I’m truly delighted to hear that your journey through Scotland was such a memorable and enjoyable experience. It’s wonderful to know that everything came together smoothly. I’m especially grateful for your thoughtful feedback and lovely suggestions. Including Greyfriars Bobby and the Highland Soap Company is an excellent idea, and I’ll be happy to incorporate those special touches for future travelers.
I’m glad that everything...
Read more

Hello Madeleine,

Thank you so much for your kind message — I’m truly delighted to hear that your journey through Scotland was such a memorable and enjoyable experience. It’s wonderful to know that everything came together smoothly.

I’m especially grateful for your thoughtful feedback and lovely suggestions. Including Greyfriars Bobby and the Highland Soap Company is an excellent idea, and I’ll be happy to incorporate those special touches for future travelers.
I’m glad that everything worked out at Culloden despite the delay and that your time on the Isle of Skye was so special — it really is a magical place.

It was a true pleasure to help plan your adventure, and I hope Scotland will always bring back warm memories for you.

Warm regards,
Tetiana

This was a dream trip for us.
Scotland | Aug 25 - Sep 17, 2025

John
John H.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Oct 23, 2025
This was a dream trip for us to get a good look at the Scottish Highlands, Orkney Islands, the Outer Hebredes (Lewis and Harris) and Skye as well as a caste of the Fringe in Edinburgh and a chance to discover Glasgow. Jane and Marine-Heloise were very adaptable in their planning and set it up for a smooth experience. Well, except for driving on the opposite side of the road, which was both exciting and terrifying.
We were able to enjoy some of the Fringe activities in Edinburgh once we...
Read more

This was a dream trip for us to get a good look at the Scottish Highlands, Orkney Islands, the Outer Hebredes (Lewis and Harris) and Skye as well as a caste of the Fringe in Edinburgh and a chance to discover Glasgow. Jane and Marine-Heloise were very adaptable in their planning and set it up for a smooth experience. Well, except for driving on the opposite side of the road, which was both exciting and terrifying.
We were able to enjoy some of the Fringe activities in Edinburgh once we figured out how it all worked. Then drove north thru the Highlands for Scotch whiskey, historical sites and geologic wonders. All the while staying at a variety of lodging and enjoying the fabulous weather (clouds, rain, sun and rainbows). They really put together a great trip.

Hotel Review
Harbour House
Ullapool

This was a spectacular location on the water in a separate cottage. It was my wife's absolute favorite of the trip. It was an easy walk into town, had plenty of parking and breakfast was great. The unit was recently built and very modern inside but the view from the front patio (and large windows) was wonderful. We hope to stay there again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Welcome to the Orkney Islands
Welcome to the Orkney Islands
Scotland

Head immediately out for the Stenness Stone Circle and the Barnhouse Settlement, then head to the Ring of Brodgar. You will want to see them multiple times: in morning light and late afternoon to sunset. Also the village at Skara Brae. In Stromness, we ate at the Ferry Inn twice, good food, nice staff and good conversation. If you get to Kirkwall, eat at Lucano. Best Italian food on our trip and a good wine selection. Next trip we are likely to head on to the Shetland Islands for more exploring.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Breakfast/service at Stromness Hotel was only OK
Transport
Ferries were great, we were driving a rental car.
Three Isles Tour – Mull, Iona & Staffa
Three Isles Tour – Mull, Iona & Staffa
Oban

Beautiful trip out of Oban. We enjoyed the ferry crossing and bus trip across Mull - great scenery from the upper level! The ride out to visit Fingal's Cave was pretty choppy and the wave action was too strong for us to put ashore and walk to the cave. But staying safe was the first priority. Visiting Iona was the best part of the trip. Walking out and exploring the Abbey then stopping for a hand pie at St. Columba Larder was an unexpected treat. Finished with a glass of wine looking out over the water to Mull on a sunny afternoon. Here's another location we will plan for visiting again.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great bus driver!
Transport
Local specialist: Jane Davey
Jane
Jane Davey
Local specialist in United Kingdom | Replied on Oct 27, 2025

HI John

Thank you for taking the time to review your recent trip to Scotland. It was an absolute pleasure to have been able to work with you both again.

Your feedback is super helpful for us to assist future travelers and as usual your comments are insightful.

Marine-Heloise, myself and the team are delighted that you had an amazing time, despite getting used to driving on the opposite side of the road.

We look forward to you traveling again with us in the future.

All the best, Jane & Marine-Heloise.

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.