2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of Scotland

This 14-day greatest hits tour of Scotland covers it all, from visiting ancient castles and legendary lochs to walking the historic streets of Edinburgh and embarking on "Harry Potter"-themed tours.

Your Scotland adventure begins in Edinburgh, where you'll visit highlights like the medieval Old Quarter and 12th-century Castle. After touring historic countryside villages, you'll head to Stirling, where national hero Sir William Wallace defeated the British in 1297. From there, travel north through gorgeous Highland scenery to Inverness, next to the legendary Loch Ness, which you'll visit. The next three days are packed with train trips to the northern Scottish coast and charming seaside villages like John o' Groats.

Then head west to the Isle of Skye and see its rugged coastline, soaring mountain peaks, and majestic sea cliffs. Afterward, ride the Jacobite steam train, also known as the "Hogwarts Express," from the seaside village of Mallaig to Fort William. On day 13, you'll travel across the fertile volcanic valley of Glen Coe and admire the incredible mountain scenery and waterfalls. After a detour to snap photos of the lochs and mountains in Trossachs National Park, you'll transfer to Glasgow and discover its artistic heritage. The next morning you'll return to Edinburgh for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ultimate Scotland - Golf, Whisky, & Highland Treks

Enjoy a two-week ultimate tour of Scotland that mixes the good life with active adventures such as hiking the Highlands and refining your golf game at the historic St Andrews Links.

Golf fanatics rejoice because you're off to the historic St Andrews Links. Over a couple of days, you'll enjoy guided tours and play a few rounds at the famous Carnoustie Championship Course. Day four kicks off a three-day excursion along the 96-mile (154-km) West Highland Way. This hiking route passes through beautiful Highland scenery and includes ascents to mountain ridges offering sweeping views of peaks like Ben Nevis, which, At 4,414 feet (1,345 m), is the tallest mountain in the UK.

On day seven, head to the Isle of Skye. Explore the coast, eat at fine restaurants, get pampered at a day spa, and sample single-malt whiskies paired with artisanal chocolate. Then it's back to the mainland and a 4x4 wildlife safari in Cairngorms National Park. At 1,748 sq miles (4,528 sq km), this is the largest protected area in the UK. Rare animals here include the Scottish red deer and mountain hare. On day 11, you'll hit the links again at Speyside, in the heart of the Cairngorms. Then return to Edinburgh and spend the next couple of days on guided walking and photography tours. On day 14, you'll depart. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Tour of Scotland

Enjoy some bonding time with the whole family over 14 action-packed days in one of the most mesmerizing places in the world: Scotland.

Arrive in Edinburgh and enjoy a walking tour led by a local musician. Next, take the family through the Highlands to see medieval castles featured in the popular "Outlander" TV series. Parents will love stops at 18th-century villages and a visit to a distillery to sample high-end single malts. On day four, visit the Cairngorms National Park and the Caledonian Canal, a scenic waterway favored by Queen Victoria. Then ride e-bikes outside Inverness, tour the 15th century Urquhart Castle, and take a glass-bottom boat to the Isle of Skye. Here you'll explore highlights like Kilt Rock, Mealt Falls, and Fairy Glen.

After Skye, board the Hogwarts Express for the 42-mile (67-km) ride to Mallaig. End the day with an excursion to Green Island, a wildlife sanctuary home to dolphins, whales, and basking sharks. A boat ride around the Firth of Lorn and its nearby islands precedes a visit to Trossachs National Park, where you'll ride a historic steamship around Loch Katrine. After more country cycling, your family is off to Glasgow. Learn all about the creative heart of this metropolis on a fun art walk. Then return to Edinburgh and enjoy an optional walking tour before your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Scotland & Ireland 

This packed 14-day Celtic adventure combines the highlights of Scotland with the best of Dublin and southern Ireland.

The fun starts in Edinburgh with a musical tour and a trip to the Cairngorms National Park. Follow in the footsteps of Queen Victoria with a ride on the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness while admiring the Great Glen. A visit to the Isle of Skye includes sampling artisanal chocolates plus fine single malts and handcrafted gins. After a trip around Loch Nevis and the Coast of Mull, take a folk-music-themed walking tour of Merchant City, the oldest neighborhood in Glasgow. Cap that with a bike tour of landmarks like the 13th-century Cathedral, 15th-century Glasgow University, and the Victorian Necropolis.

Afterward, you'll head to another great Celtic city: Dublin. Walk its lively streets and visit the 13th-century Dublin Castle, 11th Century Christ Church Cathedral, and more. Then hit the road through the Wicklow Mountains and rolling green hills of County Kilkenny. Visit the river city of Cork and see St Patrick's Quay and University College. Day 12, return to Dublin for a food tour followed by a city walk led by a professional singer who will serenade you with classic Irish tunes. Then whet your whistle at the Jameson Distillery and Guinness Storehouse before catching your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands

Get ready for 14 days of the best outdoor excursions in Scotland, from hiking the famous West Highland Way to summiting Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest peak.

Upon arrival, you'll head out on the West Highland Way (WHW), hiking 37 miles (59 km) over three days. It will take you along remote moorlands, volcanic valleys, and shimmering lochs. One highlight is an ascent up the Devil's Staircase, the highest point on the trail at 1,797 feet (548 m). After the WHW, you'll ride the Jacobite train and then transfer to the Isle of Skye. You'll have three days here and can choose from activities like kayaking, cycling, or even a seaplane tour. On days seven and eight, you'll hike the southern coast and visit landmarks like the Old Man of Storr and Dunvegan Castle, Skye's only remaining inhabited castle.

On day nine, you'll travel east to Glasgow for a couple of days and see attractions like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a stunning example of Spanish Baroque architecture. The last leg of the trip is a flight to the Isle of Islay, off Scotland's west coast. During your final three days, you should tour one of the nine distilleries, which some say produce the best whisky in Scotland. You can also hike one of the many nature trails and/or grab a towel and enjoy one of Islay's unspoiled beaches. On day 14, you'll return to Glasgow and catch a connecting flight home. Learn more

More Great Scotland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Scotland? Check out these other Scottish itineraries, with walking tours, cultural journeys, and best-of trips to hit the highlights.