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Whether it’s the medieval grandeur of Edinburgh, the buzzing atmosphere of Glasgow or the castles and pubs of Stirling, Scotland is far more than simply stunning nature. On a city tour in Scotland, you will uncover hidden gems and local secrets you would never come across on your own activity holiday in Scotland.

Join local guides on foot or on two wheels, to take you to the parts of the city many tourists may miss and to learn about the little quirks and characteristics that give Scottish cities so much life. With a local, a city tour becomes much more than simply going from sight to sight. It becomes a look into someone’s home, with insights that prove invaluable when you’re looking for the very best things to do, places to see, spots to eat and drink in a new city.

With Not In The Guidebooks, you can turn an average city tour into one that helps you experience Scotland like a local, rather than just feeling like another tourist just passing through.

Off the beaten track city tours in Scotland

Currently, we offer off the beaten track city tours in the cities of Edinburgh and Stirling, where you can escape the crowds of tourists and join a local guide with an infectious enthusiasm for their home city.

In Edinburgh, jump on your bike and explore the beautiful Hollyrood Park and Edinburgh’s lesser-explored but just as compelling New Town, and get a real feel for one of the UK’s most stunning cities. For those that like to get even further off the beaten path, there’s an option to head beyond the city limits, to discover atmospheric woodlands and the lush country parks that surround the capital.

If it’s pubs, castles and fascinating history you’re after, then a day of exploring Stirling with a local is the perfect day for you. Explore medieval abbeys and ruined castles, learn about the Scots’ resistance to English rule, and visit the oldest pub in Stirling whilst getting to know what life in the city is like for a local.

What all our city tours share is the local touch that helps you truly get under the skin of a place. That helps you get to know a culture and what life in the city is really like, meaning that by the time you head home, you feel as though you really know the new city like a local.

Why choose Not In The Guidebooks?

We’re passionate about helping people find the most amazing experiences on their travels, through meeting local people, exploring new places, and discovering alternative activities that make holidays special. We do this by carefully selecting partners in countries around the world who are experts in their local area, sourcing interesting people who can guide you through immersive experiences.

We’ve got local partners all across Scotland, from the grace and poise of Edinburgh, all the way to the wilds of the Scottish Highlands. Choosing a Not In The Guide Books holiday in Scotland means you don’t have to choose between a beach holiday or an activity-filled break, you can get the best of both worlds with a unique trip.