Scotland's size and efficient trains make it possible to visit at least four regions in 13 days. Whisky lovers will enjoy sampling spirits along the Speyside Whisky Trail. Arts and culture enthusiasts can experience Glasgow's music scene and go gallery-hopping in Aberdeen. Outdoorsy travelers can trek the West Highland Way and sea kayak off the Isle of Skye, while those seeking a multicountry adventure should consider a road trip that includes a Loch Ness cruise and a drive along Ireland's Ring of Kerry.

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.

Visit a number of art galleries and musuems, incuding Kelingrove in Glasgow
Visit art galleries and museums in Glasgow on this cultural highlights tour
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Edinburgh, Afternoon Tea at Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh
Day 2 Visit Mary King's Close, Free Time Edinburgh
Day 3 Full-Day Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria Tour Edinburgh
Day 4 Train to Aberdeen, Free Time Aberdeen
Day 5 Full-Day Balmoral Castle & Royal Deeside Tour Aberdeen
Day 6 Private Full-Day Aberdeenshire Tour Aberdeen
Day 7 Train to Inverness, Afternoon Tea Inverness
Day 8 Private Culloden Battlefield Tour, Free Time Inverness
Day 9 Full-Day Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle Tour Inverness
Day 10 Train to Glasgow, Discover Mackintosh's Legacy in Glasgow Glasgow
Day 11 Visit the Hunterian, Contemporary Art Tour, Scottish Trad Trail & Folk Music Tour Glasgow
Day 12 Full-Day Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Stirling Castle Tour Glasgow
Day 13 Train to Edinburgh, Depart  


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.

Spend three days of your trip hiking a section of the West Highland Way
Spend three days of your Scotland trip hiking a section of the West Highland Way
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Glasgow, Self-Guided Exploration Glasgow
Day 2 Train to the Bridge of Orchy, Explore Bridge of Orchy
Day 3 Hike the West Highland Way: Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse (Glen Coe) Glen Coe
Day 4 Hike the West Highland Way: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven Kinlochleven
Day 5 Hike the West Highland Way: Kinlochleven to Fort William Fort William
Day 6 Train to Mallaig, Ferry to the Isle of Skye, Whisky Immersion at Torabhaig Isle of Skye
Day 7 Salmon & Sea Trout Fishing Tour, Free Time Isle of Skye
Day 8 Transfer to Inverness, Private Tour of Culloden Battlefield Inverness
Day 9 Loch Ness Cruise, Visit Urquhart Castle Inverness
Day 10 Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Safari Tour, Transfer to Aviemore Aviemore
Day 11 Train to Edinburgh via Stirling Castle Edinburgh
Day 12 Scotch Whisky Experience, Royal Mile Walking Tour, Visit Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh
Day 13 Depart Edinburgh  


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

Plan your trip to Scotland
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

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. 

Take a self-guided hike in Coire Lagan while staying two nights on the Isle of Skey
Take a self-guided hike in Coire Lagan while staying two nights on the Isle of Skye
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Edinburgh, Private Walking Tour Edinburgh
Day 2 Ultimate Cycle Tour, Free Time Edinburgh
Day 3 Collect a Rental Car, Wild River Fishing Experience, Drive to Aviemore Aviemore
Day 4 Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Safari Tour, Drive to Inverness Inverness
Day 5 Full-Day Loch Ness Boat Cruise & Walk Tour Inverness
Day 6 Drive to Lochinver via the North Coast 500, Explore Beaches Lochinver
Day 7 Drive to the Isle of Skye, Guided Sea Kayak Experience Isle of Skye
Day 8 Self-Guided Coire Lagan Hike Isle of Skye
Day 9 Drive to Glen Coe, Private Guided Walk Glen Coe
Day 10 Drive to Loch Lomond, Horse Trekking Glen Coe
Day 11 Electric Mountain Bike Adventure, Drive to Glasgow Glasgow
Day 12 Glasgow Cycling Tour, Free Afternoon Glasgow
Day 13 Drive to Edinburgh, Depart  


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.

Combine nature tours and whisky tastings for the ultimate Scottish adventure
Combine nature tours and whisky tastings for the ultimate Scottish adventure
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Edinburgh, Johnnie Walker Tasting Experience Edinburgh
Day 2 Old Town Vaults Tour, Whisky Tasting Edinburgh
Day 3 Collect a Rental Car, Drive to Pitlochry, Blair Castle & Distillery Tour Pitlochry
Day 4 Drive to Inverness, Dalwhinnie Tasting Inverness
Day 5 Full-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Tour Inverness
Day 6 Drive to Isle of Skye, Whisky Tasting at Torabhaig Distillery Portree
Day 7 Salmon & Sea Trout Fishing Tour, Free Time Portree
Day 8 Ferry & Drive to Fort William, Ben Nevis Distillery Tour Fort William
Day 9 Drive to Oban, Half-Day Islands Adventure, Oban Distillery Tour Oban
Day 10 Loch Lomond Horse Riding & Seaplane Experience, Drive to Glasgow Glasgow
Day 11 Free Time, Live Music at Waxy O'Connor's Glasgow
Day 12 Drive to Edinburgh, The Wee Tour of Scotland Tasting Menu Edinburgh
Day 13 Depart Edinburgh  


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.

Drive yourself through the Scottish Highlands before heading to Ireland
Drive through the Scottish Highlands before heading to Ireland
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Edinburgh (Scotland), Musical Walking Tour Edinburgh
Day 2 Drive to Aviemore via Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park Aviemore
Day 3 Drive to Inverness, Loch Ness Cruise Inverness
Day 4 Sheepdog Demonstration, Visit the Highland Folk Museum Inverness
Day 5 Drive to the Isle of Skye, Skye & Raasay Whisky Trail Tour Isle of Skye
Day 6 Ferry to Mallaig, Wildlife Boat Trip, Drive to Oban Oban
Day 7 Hike to Steall Falls, Drive to Glasgow, Scottish Dinner & Folk Music Tour Glasgow
Day 8 Visit the National Piping Centre, Fly to Dublin (Ireland), Dublin Walking Tour Dublin
Day 9 Drive to Cork via Rock of Cashel, Tour Blarney Castle Cork
Day 10 Explore the Ring of Kerry & Skellig Ring Killarney
Day 11 Drive to Kilkenny, Visit Dunmore Cave & a Local Orchard Kilkenny
Day 12 Drive to Dublin, Food & Drink Tour Dublin
Day 13 Visit the Book of Kells & Trinity Long Room, Depart 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.

Map

Map of 13 Days in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Map of 13 Days in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas