If there’s one country that has the magical power to whisk you away from reality and shower you with moments straight out of a chapter from a fairy tale, it’s Scotland. Located in the northern part of the United Kingdom, Scotland promises to leave every type of traveller awestruck with its magnificent landscapes, mystical castles, and medieval charm. Scotland’s allure doesn’t just stop at its breathtaking natural beauty, it extends to its deep-rooted cultural heritage, its architectural history, and its stirring arts and literature history. World’s first ever UNESCO City of Literature, home to some 2,000 castles, the birthplace of golf, and the world’s largest whisky producer – Scotland is a living testament to the ‘small but mighty’. We have crafted the perfect Scotland itinerary for you to explore the splendour of some of the most beautiful Scottish cities and tourist magnets over 10 days.
Before you plan your fairytale Scottish adventure, get inspired by our selection of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
Best time to visit Scotland
Spring and autumn, i.e., from March to May or September to November, are the best seasons to visit Scotland. You can avoid the summer season, from June to August, as it’s the peak season and gets pretty crowded.
Scotland itinerary days 1 and 2 – Edinburgh
Most Scotland itineraries, road trips, and vacations start from either of the two tourist hotspots: Glasgow (extreme West) and Edinburgh (extreme East). This Scotland itinerary takes the East-to-West route and starts in Edinburgh. Upon arrival at the Edinburgh Airport, the easiest and most cost-effective way to get to the city is via the tram that connects the airport to the main city. Other options include buses and taxis, easily available outside the airport.
Royal Mile | Image credit: Herbert Frank, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL,via Wikimedia Commons
Day 1 of your Scotland itinerary starts in Edinburgh, the beautiful capital city where medieval history and charm meet vibrant culture. The best way to soak in the city’s vibe is by taking a stroll around the historic streets of Royal Mile. Nestled in Edinburgh’s Old Town, this street houses an array of narrow passageways and alleys (called closes), old medieval architecture, an array of tourist attractions and museums, cobbled stone roads, local and souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can stop by for late lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes to sample the country’s local staples like haggis (savoury pudding), Cullen skink (creamy soup), and scotch broth (another comforting soup). Some options for a wholesome Scottish meal at Royal Mile include The Witchery by the Castle, The World’s End Restaurant, and The Piper’s Rest Public House.
Maximise your limited time in Edinburgh and uncover Scotland’s capital with our packed one-day Edinburgh itinerary.
Next, head to Edinburgh Castle, built on an extinct volcano dating back thousands of years. Explore the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, and the Royal Palace. The castle’s battlements offer panoramic views of the city, making it an ideal backdrop for photos. Look out for the St. Margaret’s Chapel (located inside the castle), the oldest surviving building in Scotland. We recommend booking a guided tour to learn the castle’s many stories. Your next stop is the colourful Victoria Street featuring bright-hued buildings, boutique stores, and cafes. we recommend signing up for a pub crawl to experience Edinburg’s iconic pubs. For a quieter evening, head to a bar and sample the country’s national drink, whisky. Bow Bar on Victoria Street is a traditional Scottish pub and is said to have one of the largest whisky collections in Edinburgh.
Best hotels in Edinburgh: The Ibis Edinburgh Royal Mile, The Dunstane Houses. Courtyard Edinburgh, and Novotel Edinburgh Park.
Getting around in Edinburgh: The best way to get around Edinburgh is by walking or public buses. You can hire cabs whenever required. Hop-on-hop-of buses in the city connect you with major attractions.
Book your stay at ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile via Booking.com
Book your stay at ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile via Agoda.com
The Elephant House | Image credit: The Elephant House/Facebook
Harry Potter fan or not, start your day 2 with breakfast at The Elephant Room. Often termed the ‘Birthplace of Harry Potter’, this cafe is said to be the place where J.K. Rowling wrote the early chapters of the Harry Potter series. Alternatively, have breakfast at Mimi’s Bakehouse for baked delicacies like pastries, pancakes, or traditional Scottish breakfast.
Explore more with our selection of the best things to do in Scotland.
The Royal Yacht Britannia | Image credit: Steve Daniels, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons
From exploring palaces, museums, whisky-tasting tours, and sunsets atop hilltops to visiting nearby countryside, there are plenty of things to do in Edinburg on day two of your Scotland itinerary. Options include the Palace of Holyroodhouse for those interested in Scotland’s royal history and architecture, and the Royal Yacht Britannia offering free audio guides to understand the royal life at the sea. Grab lunch at Hula in Victoria’s Street for some delicious vegan delicacies and the much-recommended rainbow bowls.
Kelpies statues | Image credit: Mike McBey/Flickr
Next, drive to ‘The Helix’, a huge outdoor complex with food trucks, shopping stores, and more. The main attraction of this place is the 30-meter-long Kelpie statues of horse heads. You must sign up for a Whisky tour when in Edinburgh. Either visit an array of whisky distilleries to understand the history and production of this national drink or simply take a tour. A tour with The Scotch Whisky Experience should do the job. Other activities to include in your Scotland itinerary to make the most of the daytime include the Witches Old Town Walking Tour (to learn about the city’s history of witches), Grassmarket (a hub for lively cafes, stores, and pubs), and Dean Village (a quaint gram-worthy countryside a 20-minute walk away).
Late evening, head to Calton Hill to get postcard-worthy panoramic views of the beautiful city and watch a mesmerising sunset. It’s just a 15 to 20-minute walk from the old town. After sunset, experience the city’s nightlife at lively hubs like George Street, Cowgate, or Rose Street. For local pub experience, Greenmarket should be your go-to. For a spooky and fun experience, sign up for a haunted tour to explore the underground vaults and the haunted areas in the city. Psst, some tours also include whisky in it.
Scotland itinerary days 3-5: St Andrews, Inverness, Portree
St Andrews | Image credit: Peter Gordon, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons
Start early on day 3 and leave for St Andrews, a two-hour drive from Edinburgh. Considered the birthplace of golf, the city is home to the oldest golf courses in the world, dating back to the 15th century. Even if you are not a golf player, sign up for a beginner’s course and tee off at the world-famous St. Andrews link, where golf has been played for over 600 years.
Explore more with our guide to the world’s most challenging golf courses.
Next, sample some seafood or go for the good old Scottish fare at restaurants like The Bothy (for pretty ambience), The Tailend Restaurant & Fish Bar (for fish and chips), Seafood Ristorante (for locally sourced seafood dishes), and The Grange Inn (for Scottish fare). Next, visit the University of St. Andrews (the third-oldest university in the United Kingdom after Oxford and Cambridge, established in 1413), explore the tranquil St. Andrews Botanical Garden, relax at West Sands Beach, and explore Blair Castle. When strolling around the city centre, you can pick up some souvenirs like golf keychains or golf balls.
The Fife Coastal Path | Image credit: Stuart Westwater, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons
Spend the evening enjoying cocktails at one of the many pubs in St Andrews, go on a Ghost tour if you missed one in Edinburgh, or if the weather permits, choose the magical experience of stargazing along the famous Fife Coastal Path, a 117-mile (188 km) coastal stretch featuring dramatic cliffs, fishing villages, and pristine beaches.
Best hotels in St. Andrews: Fairmount St. Andrews, Premier Inn, Ardgowan Hotel, and Rufflets.
Getting around in St. Andrews: It’s a small city, and walking is the best way to get around. You can also opt for local buses and taxis.
Book your stay at Fairmont St Andrews, Scotland via Booking.com
Book your stay at Fairmont St Andrews – Scotland via Agoda.com
Loch Ness | Image credit: Vaidotas Mišeikis/Flickr
Day 4: The next stop in your Scotland itinerary is Inverness, a charming city that’s also referred to as the ‘capital of the Scottish Highlands’. Start by grabbing lunch at The Mustard Seed, a riverfront restaurant facing the River Ness. Next, head to the world-famous Loch Ness, home to the legendary monster, Nessie. Go for a boat cruise on the loch, visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition and tick off the Urquhart Castle, offering stunning views of Loch Ness. Other important historic landmarks nearby include the famous Battlefield of Culloden, the 4000-year-old Clava Cairns cemetery, and the Inverness Castle.
It’s Scotland, and it’s always whisky o’clock. Start your late evening sampling some of the finest whisky in Scotland. Iconic and renowned joints like The Malt Room, The Castle Tavern, or The Glen Mhor Hotel & Apartments offer a curated selection of whiskies from across Scotland. Enjoy a hearty dinner at one of the riverfront restaurants like Cafe One, The Waterside Restaurant, or The Kitchen Brasserie.
Explore more with our guide to the best time to visit Europe.
Best hotels in Inverness: The Wee Lodge, Kingsmill Hotel, River Ness Hotel, Loch Ness Country Hotel, and Beaufort Hotel.
Getting around Inverness: Walking, public buses, taxis, and cycling are the best ways to navigate around the compact city of Inverness.
Book your stay at Kingsmills Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Kingsmills Hotel via Agoda.com
On day 5, embark on a beautiful journey to the Isle Of Sky, one of the most breathtaking islands in Scotland. Also called ‘The Misty Isle’, this magical destination is found in every Scotland itinerary and is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, rugged mountains, and pristine lake views. The best way to reach the Isle of Sky is a three-hour bus ride from Inverness to Portee, where most people stay when travelling to explore the Isle of Sky. Most attractions around the Isle of Sky take up a good four to five hours, so make sure you allot a minimum of two to three days to explore the Isle of Sky.
The Isle Of Sky | Image credit: Alex Berger/Flickr
Once in Portree, head for lunch and a cup of coffee at Cafe Arriba. Next, explore the Portree Harbour, offering stunning views of the nearby hills and colourful houses along the waterfront. Multiple boat tours offer experiences like exploring the wildlife, dolphin-spotting, volcanic sea walls, coastline, and seafood delicacies. The best time to take these tours is during the sunset. Once back at the harbour, spend some time shopping and exploring a series of quaint shops and homegrown brands selling handmade products and trinkets. If you’re a coffee lover, do go to Birth, a speciality coffee house that comes highly recommended. Take a 40-minute drive for dinner at The Three Chimney, one of the finest restaurants in Scotland. Alternatively, go to The Isles Inn in Portree, popular for fast food and live music.
Best hotels in Portree: Breton House, Coolin View Guest House, High Beach House, Raasay House Hotel, and Portree Hotel.
Getting around in Portree: Portree doesn’t have the best public transport system, so walking, cycling and taxis are the best options.
Book your stay at Raasay House Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Raasay House Hotel via Agoda.com
Isle of Sky on days 6-7
The Fairy Glen | Image credit: ScrewJ/Flickr
Start day 6 of your Scotland itinerary with a 30-minute drive to The Fairy Glen, a mystical landscape promising verdant, grassy, and conical hills. Climb these ‘fairy hills’ for some amazing panoramic views of the countryside, including the nearby Quiraing and Trotternish Ridge. Next, head towards Quiraing, one of the most spectacular and picturesque hikes in the Isle of Sky, a 20-minute drive from the Fairy Glen. You can either witness it from your car or take the three-hour moderate-level hike characterised by rugged verdant mountains, towering cliffs, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Next, make super quick stops at Kilt Rock (a majestic sea cliff) and Mealt Falls (a magical waterfall that cascades from the former), only 15 minutes away to capture stunning views. After a magical, yet adventurous day, head back to Portree and rest it out.
Neist Point | Image credit: Lionel Ulmer, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons
Start day 7 with a quick breakfast at Portree, and drive straight to one of the most popular and iconic hikes in Isle of Sky, the Old Man of Storr. Whether an adventure geek or not, this landmark attraction is found in almost every Scotland itinerary. Boasting rolling verdant mountains, breathtaking ocean views, and dramatic cliffs, this heavenly landscape is straight out of a Game Of Thrones episode. Depending on your fitness level and speed, you’ll take approximately two hours to reach the top. You can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the top, including the Trotternish Ridge, the Sound of Raasay, the Isle of Raasay, and the distant Cuillin Mountains.
Next, head to the Neist Point, renowned for its pristine sunsets. On the tip of the point, you can witness an ancient lighthouse parked there since 1909. After an enchanting experience and a magical sunset, you can drive back to Portree and relax over a comforting and wholesome dinner. You’ve earned it!
Scotland itinerary days 8-10: Over to Glasgow
Glasgow | Image credit: Ian Dick/Flickr
After witnessing some of the most enchanting landscapes, it’s time to drive to Glasgow on day 8. In contrast to other cities renowned for their architectural heritage like Inverness and Edinburgh, Glasgow exudes a dynamic, fast-paced urban vibe with a thriving food scene and nightlife. Sample modern Scottish fare like haggis and halibut at the city’s iconic The Ubiquitous Chip restaurant.
Glasgow Cathedral | Image credit: Michael Hanselmann, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons
Explore some tourist landmarks like Glasgow Cathedral (a stunning 12th-century church known for its interiors and pristine glass windows), Kelvin Grove Art Gallery and Museum (a 22-gallery space housing an extensive collection of art and artefacts, Glasgow Necropolis (a cemetery offering panoramic views of the city), and Riverside Museum (transport-themed museum where you can appreciate vintage cars). Make a quick stop at Papercup Coffee Company for an authentic coffee experience.
For dinner, you must try Red Bus Bistro, a double-decker bus that drives across the city with a unique gourmet experience. This is a fun way to get introduced to Glasgow’s nightlife. Put on your party clothes and experience the city’s lively atmosphere as the sun goes down. Visit the major party and nightlife hubs like Merchant City, Buchanan Street, and West End. If you’re a whisky connoisseur, you must visit The Pot Still, a traditional Scottish pub that offers an extensive selection of whiskies. To experience the LIT underground club culture, visit Sub Club, popular for its electronic music scene and top-notch DJs.
Best hotels in Glasgow: The Ibis Styles, Native Glasgow, Radisson Blu, Hilton Garden Inn, and Boutique 50.
Getting around Glasgow: The city is known for its underground railway system. The best way to travel internally is using the subway, also called Clockwork Orange. The city is well-connected via buses as well.
Book your stay at ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square via Booking.com
Book your stay at ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square via Agoda.com
Trossachs National Park | Image credit: Alexey Komarov, CC0 1.0 UNIVERSAL Deed, via Wikimedia Commons
On day 9 of your Scotland itinerary, take a one-hour scenic drive to the Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first national park, offering a diverse range of landscapes like mountains, lochs, lush green vegetation, and forests. Relaxing by Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater lake, cruise away, set up a picnic spread, or simply stroll around and capture the beauty of this natural gem. This is an ideal spot to have a packed lunch, so consider packing some Scottish delicacies from a nearby cafe before heading to the park.
You can also explore an array of glens that the park houses, including Glen Finglas and Glen Dochart, offering enchanting viewpoints and landscapes. Explore the mountains, woodlands, and picturesque nearby villages; spot wildlife species, chase waterfalls, and more. Depending on where your interests lie, this natural wonder has something for everyone. After an eventful and adventurous day at the Trossachs National Park, drive back to the city. Rest for a while and then head out for a good dinner and some live music. Glasgow was labelled as the world’s best city for live music in 2024, so make sure attending a live music event finds its way into your Scotland itinerary. Some iconic places to experience the vibrant live music gigs are King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, The Hug and Pint, Nice ‘n’ Sleazy, The Barrowland Ballroom, and the O2 Academy Glasgow.
Mother India Cafe | Image credit: motherindia
You will have half a day to explore more if you book a late-night flight on day 10. After a good breakfast or brunch at Roast + Conch, a quint cafe known for its chocolate-inspired dishes, or Riverhill Coffee Bar, a popular breakfast joint that serves sandwiches, pastries, and speciality coffee, sign up for a Mural Trail. Glasgow boasts beautiful, cool, and funky street art across its multiple corners, city buildings, streets, and alleys. Some street murals to watch out for are Today We’re In Love Aren’t We?, Bubbles, Billy Connolly and Dr Connolly I Presume?, Generation Green, Strathclyde University Wonderwall, and The World’s Most Economical Taxi. After appreciating these great pieces of art, grab a wholesome meal before you leave for the airport. Porter & Rye, Ubiquitous Chip, or Mother India Cafe are good options for lunch in Glasgow.
Things to remember when travelling to Scotland
The best way to explore Scotland is by renting a car and driving through the country. Auto Europe is a reliable car rental agency. You only need your home country’s license and an international driving license to drive in Scotland.
If you’re going to use public transport during most of your trip, consider buying a ScotRail ‘Spirit of Scotland’ Pass that covers trains, buses, and some ferries too.
Remember to carry a high-quality waterproof jacket and sturdy hiking shoes to hike and trek comfortably.
The weather in Scotland is capricious, so remember to be dressed for all kinds of weather. You may experience four types of weather in a single day. So, be prepared for rain, wind, sun, and cold.
Tap water is safe in Scotland, so simply carry a reusable bottle around and keep refilling it to avoid buying multiple plastic bottles.
Most landmarks will carry words like loch and glen. Lock = lake; Glen = valley; Ben = mountain.
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(Feature Image Credit: Radovan Zierik/Pexels )
Related: Why I Keep Coming Back To This Seaside Town In Scotland
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Question: How many days are enough to explore Scotland?
Answer: Ten to 14 days are enough to comfortably explore the main cities and tourist attractions in Scotland.
Question: What are the best things to buy from Scotland?
Answer: First things first, Whisky! Other local things to buy from Scotland are Tartan items, miniature bagpipes, Scottish tea, Highland cow-themed products like mugs, plush toys, magnets, etc., Celtic-inspired jewelry, and shortbread.
Question: What should I pack for my trip to Scotland?
Answer: Pack diverse clothing for all types of weather and experiences including rain jackets, warm clothes, sturdy hiking boots, and lightwear.
Question: How do I get around in Scotland?
Answer: The best way to explore Scotland is by renting a car and self-driving. However, the country is also well-connected via trains and buses.
Question: What is the process to obtain a Scotland visa?
Answer: To obtain a Scotland visa, you need to apply online and pay the visa fees. Post that it takes up to 3 months to receive the status of your visa.
Question: What are some adventure activities to do in Scotland?
Answer: Scotland offers many adventure activities including hiking through scenic trails, wildlife watching, surfing along Scotland’s coastline, kayaking at beautiful lochs and rivers, bungee jumping, and zip lining.
Question: What are the must-try food items in Scotland?
Answer: Haggis (the country’s national dish that is a savory pudding), Cullen Skink (a hearty soup), fish and chips, Scottish salmon (that is renowned globally for high-quality salmon), and Cranachan are some must-try food items in Scotland.
Question: What are the cultural attractions in Scotland?
Answer: Some cultural attractions in Scotland include the National Museum of Scotland, The Isle of Iona, The Scottish Border, and Edinburgh Castle.
Question: What are the offbeat experiences in Scotland?
Answer: The Red Bus Bistro, Scotland’s Secret Bunkers, monster-spotting at Loch Ness, visiting the Fairy Pools, and taking ghost tours are some offbeat experiences in Scotland.
Question: What are the best hotels to stay in Scotland?
Answer: Rusacks St Andrews, Glenapp Castle Hotel, The Balmoral, Prestonfield House, and Lundies House are some of the best hotels to stay in Scotland.
Question: What are the best restaurants in Scotland?
Answer: Three Chimneys, Ox and Finch, The Little Chartroom, Castle Terrace Timberyard, Fortitude, Noto, and The Peat Inn are some of the best restaurants in Scotland.
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Publish date : 2024-06-28 08:25:49
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