16 Days in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

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

This classic self-drive tour across beautiful Scotland brings you from bustling cities to historic castles and serene countryside. History buffs and nature lovers will enjoy witnessing the best of historic Edinburgh, Stirling and its castle, Aberdeen's castles and coastal villages, and outdoorsy Fort William. Highlights include a guided tour of the Bannockburn Battlefield, a scenic walk from the Fife Coast Walk, a tasting at Glenfarclas Distillery, seeing the Glenfinnan Viaduct railway made famous by Harry Potter, and a climb to the top of an ancient volcano called Arthur's Seat for views of Edinburgh.

Welcome to Scotland! Begin by exploring Edinburgh's historic Old Town, Stirling Castle, and the William Wallace Monument. Visit the famous Bannockburn Battlefield for a historian-guided tour before heading to coastal St Andrews to hike the Fife Coast Path. On Day 5, venture to Aberdeen, stopping at Lindores Abbey and Arbroath Abbey. You'll have a full day to tour Aberdeenshire's castles, then another at coastal villages, such as Crovie on the North Sea. Aberlour is next via Cairngorms National Park and Balmoral Castle, a cherished royal retreat. Sample whisky at Glenfarclas the following day, capping the day off in Aviemore.

Continue to Inverness on Day 10, stopping first to pay your respects at Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Rising, and the prehistoric Clava Cairns ("Outlander" fans will have some fun here). Once in Inverness, see the Scottish Kiltmaker Visitor Centre and Cawdor Castle, famous for its links to Shakespeare's Macbeth. Drive south to the "adventure capital," Fort William, via Eilean Donan Castle. Afterward, spend a day visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous from the Harry Potter movies and nearby monuments and lakes. Spot seals on Loch Linnhe before driving to Glasgow for a night and returning to Edinburgh to hike Arthur's Seat. Learn more

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

Venture through Scotland's wild and beautiful landscapes, including the West Highland Way, on this fast-paced alternative highlights itinerary. Active travelers will enjoy a three-day hike along the scenic West Highland Way trail, a cruise around the Isle of Skye, and a walk along Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Highlights include a wildlife cruise to see one of the rarest birds of prey in the United Kingdom, a half-day kayaking trip in the Scottish Isles, and a visit to a traditional whisky distillery. 

With a night in Glasgow, enjoy a traditional meal accompanied by folk music, followed by horseback riding on terrain overlooking The Trossachs National Park the next day before you board a train to Bridge of Orchy, a historic village on the West Highland Way. A challenging three-day hike on the West Highland Way brings you through wild and remote Rannoch Moor, Glen Coe's mountain scenery, and the loch-side town of Fort William. Day 6 sees you picking up a rental car and driving to the Isle of Skye for a wildlife boat tour from Mallaig. Afterward, explore Skye's historic castles and natural sights and enjoy a kayaking excursion.

You'll stop at 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle on the way to Torridon, enjoying the dramatic mountain scenery. Then, head to Inverness for a Loch Ness cruise and visit Urquhart Castle. You'll join a private guided tour of the infamous Culloden Battlefield on Day 11 before driving to the Victorian town of Pitlochry via Rothiemurchus Estate in beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Immerse yourself amid idyllic nature on a two-hour walk at The Hermitage and warm up with a dram at Deanston Distillery en route to Stirling to see a castle. Your adventure ends with two nights in Edinburgh, affording time to explore Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Scotland Self-Guided Road Trip

Adding Oban to the itinerary, you'll experience hiking, biking, paddling, and cruising on this action-packed road trip around Scotland. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurous activities such as biking the John Muir Way, joining a wildlife safari in Cairngorms National Park, salmon fishing in Killiehuntly, and exploring the Isle of Skye by e-bike. You'll also experience Edinburgh via cycle tour, paddleboard in Glasgow, and cruise amid wildlife in Oban.

Your adventure begins in Edinburgh, where you'll join a bike tour of the city, covering 18 miles of hidden gems before hiking the famous John Muir Way. Next, enjoy an adrenaline-pumping canyoning experience at Bruar Falls near the charming town of Pitlochry, followed by a peaceful nature walk in The Hermitage on the River Braan. Day 5 takes you to Cairngorms National Park for a wildlife tour and an exciting hot-air balloon flight over the Scottish Highlands. Continue to Inverness for a full-day Loch Ness boat cruise and walking tour, followed by wild river fishing in Killiehuntly. 

Drive to the Isle of Skye for a clifftop walk along the Duirinish Peninsula and a guided e-bike tour of the Trotternish Peninsula, where you can snap pics of the iconic Old Man of Storr rock formation. You'll then travel south to Oban to snorkel off the coast and spot seals and sea birds on a wildlife cruise before driving to the hauntingly beautiful Glen Coe. Here, you'll get to kayak in the Great Glen and try your hand at paddleboarding in Loch Leven. Round off your trip with two nights in Glasgow, walking the mural trail to see the city's street art before driving back to Edinburgh on your final morning to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Great Scottish Whisky Adventure

This Scottish whiskey adventure is perfect for lovers of the golden nectar. Starting in Edinburgh, you'll journey through the Lowlands, Highlands, and islands, visit distilleries for tastings and tours, and experience castles, famous restaurants, and outdoor activities along the way. Enjoy three nights on the Isle of Skye, explore the best of Loch Lomond on a 4WD adventure, and savor a seven-course meal at one of the UK's top restaurants. 

Your Great Scottish Whisky Adventure begins in Edinburgh, where you'll start by sampling whiskies from iconic whisky regions at Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Then, you'll take a full-day whisky-tasting trip to the Scottish Lowlands, visiting the Glengoyne and Deanston distilleries. On Day 3, you'll pick up your car rental and head north to the charming town of Pitlochry, visiting Blair Castle and the Blair Athol Distillery. Then, discover the Scone Palace, explore The Hermitage forest, drive to Inverness, and taste single malts at Dalwhinnie. Continue with a full-day Speyside Whisky Trail tour, visiting the Speyside Cooperage before driving to the Isle of Skye.

Partake in a whisky tasting at Torabhaig Distillery and enjoy a day of salmon and sea trout fishing using Portree as your base. You'll also visit the Skyeskyns Waternish Tannery to see how sheepskins are transformed into leather, indulge in a seven-course dinner at The Three Chimneys, and take a distillery tour at the foot of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. Continue to Oban to tour the Oban Distillery before a full day discovering the islands of Mull, Iona, and Staffa. Then, drive to Stirling, possibly catching the Inveraray Highland Games, and explore Loch Lomond via 4WD before departing from Edinburgh. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Ultimate Scotland & Ireland Road Trip

Take the ultimate road trip through Scotland and Ireland to explore these countries' scenic landscapes and rich histories, from Edinburgh's Gothic architecture to the charming streets of Dublin. Highlights include a whisky tour on the islands of Skye and Raasay, a scenic drive around the Ring of Kerry and through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, and a food tour in Dublin. You'll also visit iconic landmarks such as Balmoral Castle and Blarney Castle and look upon the Book of Kells.

You'll get to know Edinburgh via a musical walking tour. Then, drive to Pitlochry, a Victorian town, and stop at the Scone Palace. Afterward, drive through Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, stopping at Balmoral Castle and scenic Aviemore. Cruise Loch Ness for an attempt to spot "Nessie" before visiting riverside Inverness and witnessing a sheepdog demonstration at Leanach Farm. Drive to the Isle of Skye to sample whisky, ride a ferry to Mallaig, and take a wildlife cruise before driving to Oban. Walk the lush trail to Steall Falls and drive to Glasgow to learn about bagpiping. 

Then, on Day 9, fly to Dublin, Ireland, for a history and culture-focused walking tour. The following day, visit the medieval buildings at the Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle on your way to Cork, where you'll hike to the ruins of Dunlough Castle. Enjoy views of mountain passes and quaint villages on Day 12 as you drive the Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring. After admiring colorful Killarney and venturing to Ross Castle in the countryside by horse, drive to Kilkenny, stopping at Dunmore Cave and a local orchard. Drive to Dublin for a food tour before viewing the Book of Kells and Trinity Long Room library. 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.