11 Days in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Self-Drive Scotland Highlights: Cities, Castles & Countryside

First-time visitors eager to make the most of their trip will appreciate the fast pace and variety of historic sites, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences on this self-drive highlights itinerary. You'll get acquainted with Scottish history and landmarks on a guided tour of Old Town and a visit to Stirling Castle, then stroll the Fife Coast Path and craft your own spirits at Lindores Abbey Distillery. You'll also have the chance to visit some of the 263 castles in Aberdeenshire, hike in Cairngorms National Park, learn about barrel making at Speyside Cooperage, and partake in a kilt-making workshop.

On arrival in Edinburgh, you'll hear tales of witches, warlocks, uprisings, and more on a guided tour of Old Town. The following day, collect your rental car and hit the road to Stirling Castle, where you'll learn of the battles and take in views of Stirling and the surrounding countryside. Stopping in St Andrews next, you'll enjoy a walk along the Fife Coast Path, followed by a whisky tasting at Kingsbarn Distillery. Then, craft your own spirits in a distillation workshop at Lindores Abbey Distillery and visit the medieval ruins of Arbroath Abbey before continuing to Aberdeenshire to tour some of the 263 castles there.

Get a glimpse of royal life with a stroll around the gardens and lochs of Balmoral Castle on Day 6, then take a hike in Cairngorms National Park. Sip single malt whisky at Glenfarclas Distillery and learn about barrel making at Speyside Cooperage before hitting the road again to the infamous Culloden Battlefield, where you can engage with the interactive exhibits. Continue to Inverness for a hike in Glen Affric and a kilt-making workshop at the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre. The final leg of your trip involves a return drive to Edinburgh with a stop at The Hermitage for a walk among giant Douglas fir trees. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Guided Grand Tour of Scotland

This alternate highlights tour includes the Isle of Skye and Glasgow and offers a nice mix of guided tours and free time to explore at their own pace. You'll spot wildlife on a bike ride around Rothiemurchus Estate, enjoy a whisky and chocolate pairing at Dalwhinnie Distillery, cruise Loch Ness, take a glass bottom boat ride at the Isle of Skye, and tour the Glen Coe wilderness. With a private driver, you can relax and enjoy the scenery (and the whisky tastings!).

Start your adventure in style with an afternoon tea at The Ivy in Edinburgh, complete with cakes, sandwiches, and Champagne. In the morning, your driver will take you to the National Wallace Monument, where you'll learn about the Battle of the Stirling Bridge. Next, your driver will take you to Rothiemurchus Estate. Here, you can walk or cycle the paths, keeping an eye out for osprey and other endemic wildlife. Indulge in a whisky and chocolate pairing at Dalwhinnie Distillery on Day 4, then take a step back in time as you wander through heritage buildings at the open-air Highland Folk Museum.

You're off to Inverness next, where you'll search for Nessie on a Loch Ness cruise and have a free day to visit the region's historical sites, such as the Clava Cairns, a sacred ancient cemetery (and possible "Outlander" inspiration). Transfer west to the Isle of Skye and admire the cliffs, sea stacks, and the underwater world on a glass-bottom boat tour. Get a taste of the island's terroir as you sample whisky at Talisker Distillery and tuck into a seven-course seafood dinner at The Three Chimneys restaurant. Round out your trip with a guided tour through Glen Coe, where rugged mountains and tales of Viking invaders and Gaelic warriors await. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Scotland's West Highland Way & Beyond

Avid hikers and historians will appreciate the outdoor experiences and historical sites on this active itinerary. Highlights include a three-day trek along the West Highland Way, a fishing excursion on the Isle of Skye, a wildlife safari in Cairngorms National Park, a private tour at Culloden Battlefield, and a historical stroll along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle.

After touching down in Glasgow, take a train to Bridge of Orchy, your jumping-off point to the West Highland Way. In the morning, tackle challenging terrain on the trail to Kingshouse and be rewarded with the wilderness of Rannoch Moor, the mountain scenery of Glen Coe, and a good night's rest at a local inn. Then, trek to the Devil's Staircase, the highest point on the trail, before crossing a moorland and descending into Kinlochleven. Your final day of hiking takes you on a steep climb out of Kinlochleven and a walk between towering peaks along the Lairigmor pass before arriving in Fort William.

Take a train and a ferry to the Isle of Skye, where you'll toast your trek with a whisky tasting at the Torabhaig Distillery, then join a fishing expert for a River Snizort excursion. A 4WD safari in Cairngorms National Park offers the chance to learn about conservation efforts and observe golden eagles and other wildlife as you pass through Caledonian pine forests. Board a train to Stirling and take a scenic walk, beginning amid medieval buildings and ending with views from Stirling Castle. Cap off your trip with a whisky experience in Edinburgh and a walk along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Great Scottish Whisky Adventure

This distillery-hopping whisky adventure is ideal for whisky connoisseurs. You'll sample spirits at renowned distilleries that include Edradour and Blair Athol, make your own mini barrel at Speyside Cooperage, and tour the Raasay Whisky Trail. There are also opportunities to experience Scotland's natural environment with a sea kayaking tour at the Isle of Skye and a wild river fishing excursion in Killiehuntly. If you time your trip during the Highland Games at Blair Castle, you can attend this cultural celebration and sporting competition. 

Before you get your first sips of whisky, dive into Scotland's history and check out artworks in the Royal Collection on a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Then, tour the Holyrood Distillery and sample their locally-made spirits. On Day 2, pick up your rental car and head to Pitlochry, stopping at Scotland's smallest traditional distillery, Edradour, where you can sip single malts (if you're the driver, ask for "driver drams" to enjoy when you arrive at your hotel). Next, admire the gardens and Scots baronial architecture of Blair Castle before tasting whisky made from mountain water at Blair Athol.

Try your hand at wild river fishing in Killiehuntly, then continue to Speyside, where you'll build a mini barrel in a workshop at Speyside Cooperage and spend a full day distillery-hopping on the Speyside Whisky Trail. More whisky sipping and a sea kayaking adventure await on the Isle of Skye on Day 7, as well as whisky, gin, and chocolate tasting on the Isle of Raasay. Wrap up your journey with a seafood dinner (and more whisky!) in Oban, a hike in Trossachs National Park, and one final whisky tour and tasting at Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow before you depart. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Scotland & Ireland Road Trip: Cities, Castles & Parks

Perfect for history buffs and nature enthusiasts, this multicountry road trip includes historic walking tours in Edinburgh and Dublin, self-guided tours of the rock formations, waterfalls, and dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye and Trossachs National Park, a guided hike and wildlife spotting in Killarney National Park, and numerous opportunities to visit castles, including the purportedly haunted Leap Castle in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.

Grab your rental car on arrival in Edinburgh and meet your guide for a city tour that includes Edinburgh Castle and the subterranean vaults of the Underground City. The next day, head to Killiecrankie Gorge, where you can admire the views and learn about the battle that took place here before continuing to Inverness. Cruise Loch Ness and visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle, then drive to the Isle of Skye, where you'll appreciate its natural beauty on a self-guided tour that includes the rock pinnacle Old Man of Storr, the rushing waters of Kilt Rock Waterfall, and the volcanic terrain of the Quirang.

On Day 6, explore Trossachs National Park at your own pace, perhaps visiting the Falls of Dochart, before catching a flight to Dublin, Ireland, the following day. Join a walking tour that includes historic Dublin Castle, then drive to Cork, stopping to see the medieval walls of Kilkenny and the famous Blarney Stone. Meet a guide at Killarney National Park and hike to the lakes, where you may observe red deer and other wildlife. Finally, savor the slow-paced and fairy tale landscapes filled with hills and historic castles (including the haunted Leap Castle) as you travel through the Hidden Heartlands back to Dublin. Learn more

More Great Scotland Itineraries

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