Itinerary #1: Signature Scotland: Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Glencoe & Glasgow
With no shortage of famous places to visit, this coast-to-coast trip puts you in close proximity to Scotland's most historic landmarks, from the capital city to the Highlands.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive, Visit Edinburgh Castle & History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour | Edinburgh |
Day 2 | Edinburgh Food Tour | Edinburgh |
Day 3 | Self-Guided Dundee Tour & Old Course Walking Tour in St Andrews | Aberdeen |
Day 4 | Elgin Cathedral, Pluscarden Abbey, Dufftown Distilleries & Macallan Estate | Inverness |
Day 5 | Tour Culloden Battlefield, Lochness Cruise & E-Biking in Inverness | Inverness |
Day 6 | Visit Urquhart Castle, Skyeskyns Tannery Tour & Self-Care Massage in Skye | Isle of Skye |
Day 7 | Whisky, Gin & Chocolate Tour, Torabhaig Whisky Immersion & Sea Kayaking | Isle of Skye |
Day 8 | Jacobite Train Ride, Mallaig Wildlife Boat Trip & Private Guided Walk in Glencoe | Glencoe |
Day 9 | Sir Walter Scott Steamship Ride & C.R. Mackintosh Glasgow Tour | Glasgow |
Day 10 | Depart Edinburgh |
Get settled and use the next two days to make your way around Edinburgh, moving from medieval Old Town to the emerging foodie-friendly area of Stockbridge. Then, take your time to traverse Dundee, which features many fascinating museums, as well as the Dundee Science Centre. Next, snap some photos of the 13th-century Elgin Cathedral, a piece of architectural genius that's been a visitor attraction since the early 1800s.
Day five starts at a historic battleground site, continues with a cruise around the famed Loch Ness, and ends with an electric bike tour of Inverness. After some well-earned self-care time at Skye Serenity Spa, enjoy locally brewed whisky and gin at the Torabhaig Distillery, along with handmade chocolates from Glenshiel Chocolate Company. Next, board the Jacobite Train for an exciting excursion that eventually brings you to the cozy village of Glencoe. Finally, wrap up your 10-day getaway with a special dinner in the city of Glasgow. Learn more
Itinerary #2: Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Highlights & Islands
Get an authentic taste of Scottish cuisine and culture on a scenic adventure that takes you from the bustling city to a secluded island.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Edinburgh, Historian Guided Walking Tour | Edinburgh |
Day 2 | Edinburgh Food Tour, Drive to Inverness & Culloden Battlefield Tour | Inverness |
Day 3 | Drive to the Isle of Skye | Skye |
Day 4 | Skye & Raasay Whisky Trail | Skye |
Day 5 | Skyeskyns Tannery Visit & Three Chimneys Culinary Experience | Skye |
Day 6 | Drive to Oban, Boat Tour to the Coast of Mull | Oban |
Day 7 | Fly to the Isle of Islay | Islay |
Day 8 | Islay Whisky Tasting Tour | Islay |
Day 9 | Fly to Oban, Drive to Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
Day 10 | Depart Edinburgh |
Your adventure begins in Scotland's capital. You can visit the 16th-century Holyrood Palace and the imposing Edinburgh Castle before embarking on a culinary tour that gives you exclusive access to some of the city's best food spots. The scenery changes entirely on day three, with a relaxing drive to the breathtaking Isle of Skye, which sets the stage for a fun night in the portside town of Portree.
Learn about one of Scotland's oldest traditions during your visit to Skyeskyns Tannery and get a first-hand glimpse at sheepskin production and leather making. Then, drive south to Oban to see native animals like sea eagles, seals, and even dolphins. A full-day whisky tasting tour lets you sample some unique single malts produced by distilleries that have been around for centuries. Spend your last evening in Scotland with a night out where it all began. Learn more
Itinerary #3: Best of Scotland by Train
This train-based tour is an intimate way to appreciate Scotland's idyllic combination of dramatic coastlines, lush greenery, and stunning mountains.
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Glasgow, Self-Guided Tour | Glasgow |
Day 2 | Glasgow: Self-Guided Exploration | Glasgow |
Day 3 | Visit Stirling & Transfer to Highlands | Inverness |
Day 4 | Tour Loch Ness, Inverness & Culloden Battlefield | Inverness |
Day 5 | Explore Moray Firth & Elgin | Inverness |
Day 6 | Isle of Skye: Self-Guided Exploration | Isle of Skye |
Day 7 | Isle of Skye: Private, Guided Tour | Isle of Skye |
Day 8 | Jacobite Train & Transfer to Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
Day 9 | Edinburgh: Self-Guided Tour | Edinburgh |
Day 10 | Old Town Tour of Edinburgh and Depart | Edinburgh |
Kick off your 10-day stay with a self-guided tour of Glasgow. This bustling city has a range of exciting attractions, including the Gothic-inspired Glasgow Cathedral and the People's Palace Museum. Then, board the train to Stirling and step back in time as you visit historical sites like the National Wallace Monument—an homage to Scottish war hero Sir William Wallace. As you head toward the coast, an active day in Inverness sets the stage for a peaceful ride on the Kyle Line Train.
During your two days on the Isle of Skye, capture photos of the area's unique landscape, especially the volcanic site of Quiraing. Head west to see Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, which is the only remaining inhabited castle on the island. Day eight is visually stunning, as you can take in beautiful views of Loch Shiel and Loch Etive from the train. Everything comes to a close in Edinburgh, which has a wide array of must-see sights, cozy pubs, and classy restaurants to explore before you head home. Learn more
More Great Scotland Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Scotland? Check out these other Scotland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, castle and cathedral tours, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.