6 Days in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Scotland's Cities, Lochs & Castles: Glasgow to Edinburgh Road Trip

This classic itinerary is an excellent option for travelers interested in a mix of guided city tours and outdoor leisure time. You'll have a chance to hit the historical highlights of Glasgow on a walking tour, visit the rugged landscapes of the Quiraing, cruise Loch Ness, hike around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and delve into the history of medieval Edinburgh. Additionally, you'll gain an appreciation for Scotch whisky with tours and tastings at Clydeside Distillers and Ben Nevis Distillery.

Your journey begins in Glasgow, where you'll learn about the city's architectural styles, merchant trading history, and distilleries on a tour that ends with a whisky tasting. The following morning, drive to Fort William, stopping in Luss to snap photos of Ben Lomond mountain. In Fort William, you can get up to speed on local history at the West Highland Museum and visit the Ben Nevis Distillery for a tour, tasting, and dinner. The next day, a private driver will take you on a guided trip to the Isle of Skye, including the otherworldly landscapes of the Quiraing and a stop at the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle.

Traveling east, you'll drive to Pitlochry, stopping at Loch Ness to learn about the legendary Loch Ness Monster (and see if you can spot her!). You'll then detour through the Cairngorms National Park, where you can take a walk and search for golden eagles and other wildlife. The last leg of your road trip brings you to Stirling Castle, one of the UK's most well-preserved Renaissance buildings, and finally, Edinburgh, where you'll take a walking tour, visit medieval Edinburgh Castle, and climb to the top of Arthur's Seat before readying for departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Scottish Whisky Tour Road Trip

Designed for whisky enthusiasts, you'll imbibe a dram or two on this Scotch whisky-centered road trip. For guided tours and tastings, you'll visit some of the country's top distilleries in Edinburgh, Stirling, Inverness, and Speyside. You'll also learn about the artisan coopering process and get to sample a range of aged whiskies, making this the perfect trip for those wanting to immerse themselves in Scotland's whisky culture.

Kick off your Scottish Whisky Tour Road Trip in Edinburgh with a guided tasting and tour of the Scotch Whisky Experience along the historic Royal Mile. Set off for Stirling the next day, passing 15th-century castles and stately homes, such as Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Taste Deanston Distillery's aged whiskies, including drams from Deanston and its sister distilleries, Bunnahabhain and Tobermory. Your next stop is Inverness, where you'll learn about the craft of coopering (making or repairing a cask/barrel) in the Speyside Cooperage and sample their exclusive 10-year-old single malt whisky.

You'll also embark on a guided tour of the Speyside Whisky Trail, visiting renowned distilleries like the Tomatin Distillery and Glenfiddich Distillery and pausing for lunch at Mash Tun whisky bar in Aberlour. On your final full day, drive back to Edinburgh and drop your car at the hotel so you can enjoy one last whisky experience, this time at Glenkinchie Distillery, where you'll learn the various stages of their whisky production and taste some of Scotland's finest. On the scenic transfer back to the city center, consider taking the time to stop at viewpoints and capture a few last photos before departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Scotland Outdoor Adventure: Pitlochry, Fort William, Glencoe & Edinburgh

Active travelers will enjoy exploring Scotland's natural beauty on this outdoor adventure. Highlights include a trek up Ben Vrackie mountain, a wildlife safari in Cairngorms National Park, a bike ride in Ben Nevis, a hike in the Highlands, kayaking the Great Glen, snorkeling in Ganavan Bay, and cycling the countryside around Edinburgh.

Pick up your rental car on arrival in Edinburgh and drive to Stirling Castle for a historical tour and a hike up Ben Vrackie mountain. Afterward, admire the Victorian architecture of Pitlochry and enjoy a whisky distillery tour. The next day, drive to Cairngorms National Park for a wildlife safari, then continue to Fort William, where you can sample whisky, climb Ben Nevis mountain, or ride on the iconic Jacobite Steam Train (also known as the Hogwarts Express to "Harry Potter" fans). Take a bike ride in Ben Nevis; depending on your skill level, you can even bring a bike on The Red Giant gondola for a downhill ride.

Next, drive to Glencoe Valley, where you can hike in the romantic unspoiled Highlands and kayak the Great Glen. On Day 5, you'll gear up to snorkel in Ganavan Bay's crystalline waters amid kelp forests and seagrass before driving back to Edinburgh for a stroll through the Old Town and one last dinner at a pub. Your trip concludes with a guided bike tour of the surrounding countryside along a disused railway line the following morning. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Historic Highlights of Scotland Self-Drive Tour

Ideal for history buffs, this self-drive tour will take you from Edinburgh's historic streets to the rugged Highlands, with highlights including a private tour of Culloden Battlefield, a Loch Ness cruise (and perhaps a Nessie sighting!), and visits to iconic castles and the Bronze Age Clava Cairns site. From the mysteries of the Loch Ness monster to the tales of ancient legends in Edinburgh, this trip offers a deep dive into Scotland's heritage.

Get acquainted with Edinburgh and its tales and legends on a walking tour of its labyrinthine streets that includes stops at St. Giles' Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle. On the morning of Day 2, with your rental vehicle, you'll drive to Stirling, where you'll visit Stirling Castle and the Royal Palace, learn about the famous siege, and peruse the galleries of the National Wallace Monument. From there, drive to Pitlochry, pausing en route to photograph views of verdant hills, ancient mansions, and cascading rivers. Your next stop is Clava Cairns, one of Scotland's best early Bronze Age sites and inspiration for the "Outlander" series.

You'll also tour the Culloden Battlefield, where the last battle on British soil occurred in 1746, before arriving in Inverness. Hear the legends of Nessie from a local skipper on a Loch Ness cruise, then visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle dating to the 13th and 16th centuries. Continue to Fort William, where you'll enjoy views of Ben Nevis, observe mussel farming and creel fishing on the loch, and capture photos of the famous Old Boat of Caol. Lastly, drive to Glasgow and visit the People's Palace of historic Glasgow Green, then take a walk in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens before your flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Scotland Culture Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness, Fort William & Glasgow

Another classic route option, this itinerary infuses cultural discovery from years past and today. You'll embark on a guided musical walk of Edinburgh, tour the Bannockburn Battlefield, and check out border collies at work in Leanach Farm. You'll sample whisky at Dalwhinnie Distillery, search for Nessie on a Loch Ness cruise, attend a performance by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and taste your way around Glasgow on a food tour.

Kick off your Scotland cultural tour in Edinburgh and experience the acoustics of the capital's Old Town on a musical walking tour with a singing storyteller. The following morning, you'll pick up your rental car and drive to Stirling for a visit to the castle and a guided walk on the historic Bannockburn Battlefield. Pause for lunch in Pitlochry, followed by a whisky masterclass and tasting at Dalwhinnie Distillery. Drive to Leanach Farm on Day 3, where you'll observe a sheepdog demonstration, and then continue to Cawdor Castle, a traditional Scottish castle inhabited by the Cawdor family for over 600 years.

Board a boat in Dochgarroch and hear tales of the legendary Loch Ness monster on a guided cruise before driving to Fort William. Here, you'll learn about local life from the collections at the West Highland Museum, then hit the road to Glasgow. Your journey culminates in a guided food tour and a Royal Scottish National Orchestra performance at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. On your last day, if time allows, stroll the Highland Cattle Walk trail in Pollock Country Park before returning to Edinburgh to drop off your rental car and catch your departing flight. Learn more

More Great 6-Day Scotland Itineraries

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