13 Days in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Culture & Creativity Tour in Scotland

This Scotland cultural highlights tour is ideal for art and history enthusiasts who prefer a slower pace. Immersive experiences include a visit to Alnwick Castle (a filming location for the TV series "Downton Abbey"), gallery-hopping in Aberdeen, a tour of the historic Culloden Battlefield, a private tour of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's works, and a deep dive into the folk music scene on a walking tour of Glasgow. Nature lovers will especially appreciate a walk to a waterfall on the Isle of Skye and a boat cruise in The Trossachs National Park.

After your flight to Edinburgh, ease into your trip with afternoon tea at Edinburgh Castle. In the morning, you'll step back in time on a tour of the underground streets of Mary King's Close, then hop on a bus to Holy Island, where you can taste mead brewed by monks and visit Alnwick Castle, the setting of scenes from the TV series "Downton Abbey." Your next stop is Aberdeen, where you'll browse art galleries before taking a day trip to Balmoral Castle to walk the manicured grounds. Aberdeenshire is home to over 260 castles, and you'll have the chance to visit several, including the medieval Dunnottar Castle.

Catch a train to Inverness for a visit to the Culloden Battlefield, followed by free time to feast on Scottish fare at a pub. Then, you're off to search for the famed monster of Loch Ness before immersing in the Isle of Skye's natural beauty with a walk at Lealt Falls. After a train ride to Glasgow, you'll see some of the artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh's works on a private tour. You'll also have time to visit other art spaces and galleries, including The Modern Institute, and delve into the folk music scene on a walking tour. Cap off your trip with a cruise amid the islands and mountains of Loch Lomond. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Scotland's West Highland Way & Beyond

Outdoorsy travelers and whisky drinkers will appreciate the activities on this West Highland Way itinerary. After passing through moorlands and trekking steep terrain on a hike along the West Highland Way, you'll sample whisky at the Torabhaig Distillery and fish for salmon on the Isle of Skye. Then, you'll spot golden eagles on a wildlife safari in Cairngorms National Park and taste from the world's largest collection of Scotch at the Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection. You'll also learn Scottish history with a guided walk along Edinburgh's Royal Mile and tours of significant sites like Stirling Castle.

On arrival in Glasgow, you'll have time to explore the city at your own pace, perhaps browsing historical artifacts at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and dining on hearty Scottish food such as haggis (a savory pudding of sheep liver, heart, and lungs mixed with beef or mutton and seasoned with onions and spices). The following morning, you'll take the train to Bridge of Orchy, where you'll begin your hike along the West Highland Way. You'll trek through remote Rannoch Moor and the mountainous terrain of Glen Coe, ascending the highest point on the trail, the Devil's Staircase.

The second half of your trip takes you to the Isle of Skye via train, where you'll sip whisky at the Torabhaig Distillery and fish for salmon and sea trout in the River Snizort. From there, your driver will whisk you to Inverness for a boat tour of Loch Ness before continuing to Cairngorms National Park. Here, you'll search for red deer, golden eagles, and other wildlife on a 4WD safari. Then, you'll hop a train to Stirling for a tour of the medieval castle. Finally, wrap up your adventure in Edinburgh with a guided walk along the Royal Mile and a whisky tasting at Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Scotland Road Trip: Cairngorms, the NC500 & Isle of Skye

This active self-drive adventure is best suited to energetic and outdoorsy travelers eager to make the most of their time. You'll explore Edinburgh on foot and by bike, then get behind the wheel to loop north with an itinerary of memorable excursions and experiences along the way. Try fishing in the River Spey, take a walking tour of Inverness, go snorkeling at Clachtoll Beach, master sea kayaking on the waters around the Isle of Skye, hike to a glacial pool near the Cuillin mountains, take a nature walk in Glen Coe, experience Loch Lomond on horseback, and visit Glasgow's sites by bike. 

Get to know Edinburgh's Old Town on a walking tour along the Royal Mile that includes stops at old sugar houses, breweries, and mansions. Then, jump on a bike and cruise through tunnels and along the canals while your guide shares the city's history and tidbits. The following day, you'll collect your rental car and start your road trip. Your first stop is the River Spey for some trout fishing; if you fancy a fish dinner, your guides will cook up your fresh catch. Then, you'll continue to Cairngorms National Park for a wildlife safari, bumping along in a 4WD across moorlands and through pine forests.

Your next stop is Inverness, where you'll board a boat cruise on Loch Ness before hitting the North Coast 500, a famous route that offers coastal views. On arrival in Lochinver, walk the dunes (or do some snorkeling, if you don't mind the chilly water!) at Clachtoll Beach. In the morning, you'll drive to the Isle of Skye for a sea kayak excursion and a hike to Coire Lagan, a small glacial pool with views of the Cuillin mountains. Next, journey to Glen Coe for a guided nature walk, then to Loch Lomond for a horseback ride. Your road trip ends with a cycling tour of Glasgow before returning to Edinburgh. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Scottish Whisky Highlights Tour

This ultimate whisky road trip is for the true Scottish whisky aficionados. You'll learn about the whisky-making process, sample local spirits, and visit numerous distilleries along the way, including Glennfiditch on the Speyside Whisky Trail and Torabhaig Distillery on the Isle of Skye. While this is a whisky-focused trip, you'll also have the opportunity to visit some historic sites such as Blair Castle, try your hand at trout fishing, soar above Loch Lomond in a seaplane, listen to live music in Glasgow, savor seafood in Oban, and tour the 18th-century vaults under Edinburgh's old town.

Dive into the world of whisky with a tasting at Edinburgh's Johnnie Walker Princes Street. The next day, you'll descend into Old Town's 18th-century vaults for a tour that reveals the city's darker history. Then, visit a local bar and sample single malts from Scotland's major whisky-producing regions. Get a good night's rest; you'll pick up your rental car and drive to Pitlochry in the morning, stopping at Blair Athol Distillery for a tasting (drivers can take drams to enjoy at the hotel later). Continue to Dalwhinnie for a masterclass and tasting paired with artisanal sweets from Highland Chocolatier.

In Inverness, you can leave the car parked and join a distillery tour along the Speyside Whisky Trail. From there, you'll drive to the Isle of Skye, where you'll savor the island's unique flavors at Torabhaig Distillery. Take a break from whisky tastings to catch some fish in the River Snizort, then head to Oban, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and sip a single malt at the Oban Distillery. End your road trip on a high note with a seaplane ride over Loch Lomond, followed by live music in Glasgow and a Scottish tasting menu in Edinburgh that includes scallops, venison, and, of course, more whisky. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Ultimate Scotland & Ireland Road Trip

Travelers seeking a balance of culture, cuisine, history, and adventure will enjoy getting behind the wheel for this journey across Scotland and Ireland. In Scotland, you'll observe a sheepdog demonstration, hike to Steall Falls, sample whisky at local distilleries, and delve into Scottish music and history on a musical tour of Edinburgh and a folk music tour of Glasgow. Then, in Ireland, you'll visit famous castles and the medieval Rock of Cashel, dine in cozy pubs, shop for artisan-made souvenirs in Kenmare, drive the scenic Ring of Kerry, and sample soda bread, seafood, and other local favorites on a tasting tour of Dublin.

Hear Scottish history through song as your singing guide leads you on a musical tour around Edinburgh. After breakfast, grab your rental car and drive to Rothiemurchus Estate, where you can participate in outdoor activities such as quad biking and archery. Afterward, you'll spend a couple of days in Inverness, cruising Loch Ness on a catamaran and observing a sheepdog demonstration at Leanach Farm. Then, you'll drive to the Isle of Skye and embark on a whisky trail tour that also includes gin and chocolate tastings. In the morning, grab a picnic lunch and take the ferry to Mallaig for a wildlife boat tour.

Next up is Glen Nevis for a walk to Steall Falls, followed by the drive to Glasgow, where you'll enjoy a folk music tour and learn about bagpipe heritage at the National Piping Centre. Then, you'll catch a flight to Dublin and join a walking tour to hear about the city's evolution from a Gaelic village. Your Irish journey continues to Cork with a stop to admire the medieval architecture at the Rock of Cashel. Lastly, you'll round out your adventure with a drive along the Ring of Kerry—complete with coastal views and friendly Irish pubs—and a Dublin tasting tour that includes seafood and classic soda bread. Learn more

More Great 13-Day Scotland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Scotland? Check out these other 13-day Scotland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.