How to Make the Most of Your Free Time on Tour
Oct 24, 2025
Discover how to make the most of your free time on a Scotland tour: explore towns, try local food, and enjoy independent adventures.
Scotland is filled with endless charm, rich history and stunning nature. Whether you’re drawn to its quaint towns, world-renowned whisky distilleries, or the breathtaking natural landscapes, there’s something to capture the heart of every traveler. Most of our guided Scotland tours have some free time during them, and you may wonder, “What should I do with my time?”
To help you make the most of your free time on tour, we’ve compiled some top tips to give you ideas and inspiration on how to spend your time.
Try Some Scottish Local Treats
One of the best ways to experience a new destination is through its food and drink, and Scotland certainly doesn’t disappoint. During your tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop in local towns, each brimming with cosy cafes and bakeries. Warm up with a steaming cup of coffee or tea as you explore or, sample some of Scotland’s quirky offerings like whisky-flavoured ice cream. Yes, you read that right, whisky tasting isn’t limited to a glass!
Savour Traditional Scottish Dishes
On multi-day tours, free evenings often mean you’ll be in charge of planning your own dinner. This is an excellent opportunity to sample some of Scotland’s iconic dishes, such as haggis, freshly caught seafood, or a hearty Cullen skink.
While it can be tempting to make reservations in advance, we recommend keeping your schedule flexible. Traffic, weather, or unexpected stops can shift the timing of your tour, and you don’t want to feel rushed or miss out on a local gem because of a tight booking. Instead, ask your tour guide for recommendations. Our local driver guides will know the best spots to eat and the must-try menu items.
Support Small Independent Businesses
Whether you’re browsing handcrafted jewelry, tartan scarves, or delicious artisanal chocolates, the shops you’ll find in Highland towns are full of character and charm. Purchasing a locally made souvenir is not only a wonderful way to remember your trip, but it’s also a meaningful way to support the local economy. Many of the items sold in these shops are made with local ingredients and materials, offering an authentic piece of Scotland to take home with you. So, as you wander through cobbled streets and charming lanes, be sure to pop into a shop or two.
Visit Local Attractions
Scotland has a lot of history, with iconic landmarks and fascinating attractions around every corner. Depending on your tour’s itinerary, your free time could include visiting a castle, exploring an ancient cathedral, or strolling through a beautifully preserved historic district. If you’re a whisky enthusiast, you might use this time to tour a local distillery and learn about the craft of creating Scotland’s signature drink. Each town and village you stop in will have its own unique character and attractions, so take advantage of the chance to explore.
Take a Wee Wander
Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the best. Use your free time to take a wee wander around the area, whether it’s walking through cobblestone streets, strolling along a peaceful loch, or discovering a quiet garden tucked away in a bustling town, there’s something magical about exploring a place on foot. It’s the perfect way to slow down and perhaps even discover some hidden gems!
Plan Ahead
If you know for certain where you are going to have some free time on your tour, some research in advance can help you identify where you would like to visit and what there is to see. At the same time, be prepared to adapt your plans. Sometimes spontaneous ideas are the best!
As mentioned before, your driver guide can give you some great advice and tips on what to do and where to go! Whether it’s tips on navigating the town or recommendations for must-visit spots, they’ll be happy to help you.
Embrace the Adventure
Ultimately, the key to making the most of your free time on tour is to embrace the adventure. Be open to new experiences, try something you’ve never done before, and let yourself fully immerse in the culture and beauty of Scotland. So, step off the bus, stretch your legs, and dive into all that Scotland has to offer!
Plan ahead, but stay flexible – ask your driver guide for recommendations, explore towns on foot, and sample local food and attractions.
It’s better to stay flexible. If you book a Highland Explorer Tour with us, our reservations team will inform you well in advance if prior reservations are recommended. However, in most cases, your driver guide can suggest local favourites, and spontaneous choices often lead to the most memorable meals.
If you book with Highland Explorer Tours, your itinerary will provide you with options - these range from castles to distilleries and even smaller boat excursion when you're on a longer Scotland tour. Some of these free-time activities can be reserved at the time of booking while others are pay-locally. Check with your guide for must-see sites near your stops and enjoy exploring at your own pace.
For trips booked with Highland Explorer Tours, this depends entirely on the the itinerary, and your guide will communicate meeting points and times clearly.