Soul-Stirring Scotland: Edinburgh, Stirling, Fort William, Skye & Pitlochry - 11 Days

Highlights

• Walk the Royal Mile and enter Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood House
• Visit Stirling Castle, where the Great Siege took place in 1304
• Hike up Conic Hill and take a private yacht across Loch Lomond
• See the wild landscapes of the Isle of Skye, the Old Man of Storr
• Sample whisky straight from the cask at a special tasting

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh, Explore the Scottish Capital

Welcome to bonnie Scotland! You've arrived in the capital, Edinburgh, an ancient city with a castle built upon an extinct volcano and an exquisite palace, still used today by the British royals. Edinburgh is well known for its historic buidlings, exciting festivals, and thriving arts scene. It's a place rich with history that very much exists in the present. Take a private transfer to your hotel and check in, then set out to explore. Edinburgh has two UNESCO designations—one for its charmingly chaotic medieval Old Town, and another for the Georgian New Town.

Tomorrow you'll explore the Old Town, so today you could use your time to tackle Arthur's Seat, a short yet challenging two-hour volcano hike that takes you up to the rocky summit, some 824 feet (251 m) high, with panoramic views of the capital. Or take a relaxed walk through charming Dean Village, along the Water of Leith, and past St Bernard's Well to Stockbridge, a cool neighborhood where you'll find a high street with trendy cafés, boutiques, and bars, and the picture-perfect Circus Lane. Later, find a local pub for a soul-warming Scottish meal and enjoy a first dram of whisky.

Day 2: Visit the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle & Holyrood House, Warrior Session

The Old Town is Edinburgh's heart and soul, so start the day with a walk down the Royal Mile. Start at the top, where Edinburgh Castle lies, and enter the fabled walls of the most besieged castle in Britain (it was attacked 23 times throughout history!). After a few hours in the castle, start your wander down the mile. You can drop into the magnificent St Giles Cathedral, and touch the toe of the David Hume Statue for luck. Stop for a pint at the World's End, set within a 16th-century building that's part of Edinburgh's ancient Flodden Wall.

Finally, finish the mile at the gates of Holyrood House, the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland. It's open to the public so long as the royals aren't staying over. Then, meet Master at Arms Paul MacDonald and set off to the battlefield. You'll hold an original basket-hilted sword, used by a notable Scottish swordsman during one of his last duels in the 17th century, and see it clash in battle. With this Scottish warrior workshop you'll listen to the ghost piper play and get ready for the battle to begin.

Day 3: Day Trip to the Scottish Borders, Sheepdog Herding Demonstration

After breakfast, collect a rental car and journey south of Edinburgh on a day trip to discover some border gems. Your self-drive adventure leads you first to Pentland Hills Regional Park, a living, working landscape with almost 25,000 acres (10,000 ha) of countryside to explore. Continue another hour south to the Gothic Melrose Abbey, a place built between 1136 and 1146 (by Cistercian monks at the behest of King David I). It has a long and colorful history, and was once considered to be one of Scotland’s most majestic buildings with intricately carved decorative details.

Nearby, pause at Scott's View, named after author Sir Walter Scott who loved the Scottish Borders, then drive west to Traquair House, the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland. It has stood here since at least 1107, when Alexander I of Scotland signed a royal charter at Traquair. After, visit a working farm to see talented sheepdogs at work. Herding is an ancient tradition of training dogs to modify their natural inclinations, and you'll see friendly and intelligent border collies round up hundreds of woolly subjects under the careful watch of the shepherd. Return to the city later on in time for dinner.

Day 4: Drive to Stirling, Guided Stirling Castle & William Wallace Monument Tour

Just an hour's drive from Edinburgh, Stirling Castle is where the Great Siege took place in 1304 when Edward I besieged the fortress. He commanded his troops to attack the castle, and after four months of brutality, Stirling was theirs. Your Scottish road trip starts today as you hit the road toward Sterling, where you'll meet a guide and hear about how some of Scotland’s most epic events unfolded and the lives of the nation's most romantic, courageous, and memorable figures. Start at the glorious castle, with its Royal Palace, Chapel Royal, and the Regimental Museum.

After, visit the National Wallace Monument, which commemorates the life of the patriot and martyr Sir William Wallace. It overlooks the scene of Wallace’s greatest victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and an exhibition details how the fight was fought and won and the legacy of Wallace. You'll also see Stirling Bridge itself before waying goodbye to your guide and finding somewhere for dinner in town.

Day 5: Day Trip to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Conic Hill Walk & Loch Cruise

Beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park jointly claimed the title of Scotland's first two national parks back in 2002. This area of natural splendor is prized for its landscape of contrasts where the lowlands meet the highlands, with mountains, lochs, forests, glens, and breathtaking views at every turn. Make the one-hour drive from Stirling to the lake, where you'll start with a three-hour hike up Conic Hill. Set on the Highland Boundary Fault, from the top you'll enjoy fantastic views over Loch Lomond. Keep an eye out for wildlife and birds on the way up and back!

Stop in the picturesque village of Luss or Balmaha for a relaxed lunch. Wander around either to discover how the locals live and the rich history of both places. Then, set off on the lake with a private yacht. After seeing this unique landscape from above on Conic Hill, you'll experience the wild beauty from the water when you board your private two-hour cruise. Enjoy sailing across the huge lake, then return to Stirling in the evening. 

Day 6: Guided Glen Coe Tour, Drive to Fort William, Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct

Rise early to drive two hours from Stirling to Glen Coe, a place considered the most hauntingly beautiful of the Scottish glens. Here mist often covers the 10-mile-long (16 km) glen, formed by lava flow and shaped by millions of years of erosion. You'll join a guide to tour the ridges of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach, and Aonach Dubh—collectively known as the Three Sisters of Glen Coe. They'll teach you about the Highlands and share tales about Scotland as you explore this beautiful green valley straight out of a medieval storybook.

After, you'll have time to walk the 90-minute trail at Glencoe Lochan. Set off on easy waymarked trails through ornamental woodland, where the wooded shores contrast with the wild and dramatic mountains of the glen. From here, drive an hour north to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland, and a spot made famous by the "Harry Potter" movies. Time it right to see the Jacobite Steam Train chug across the 100-foot-high (30 m) arches. After, admire the Glenfinnan Monument at Loch Shiel, then drive 30 minutes back to Fort William for the night.

Day 7: Drive to the Isle of Skye, Explore Portree, Hike to the Old Man of Storr 

Today you'll cross to the Isle of Skye, a 2.5-hour drive from Fort William. This ethereal isle is famous for its rugged, mountainous terrain and coastline of high cliffs, sea stacks, and picturesque fishing villages. Pull up at the colorful island capital, Portree, for lunch, then journey onward to explore the island. Head north to where you'll see the Old Man of Storr, a rocky basalt pinnacle that features in many photographs of Skye. It stands at an elevation of 2,359 feet (720 m) and at a height of about 160 feet (48 m). Set off on a popular 90-minute walk to see this iconic place.

After, continue north to the Quiraing. Set on the Trotternish Peninsula, this curious landscape is the result of a few landslips, creating a place that feels supernatural. Many people visit just the first section of the path, but a complete hill circuit goes further, passing the Prison, Needle, and other natural features before climbing back to return above the escarpment. If you have time for the three-hour hike, you can expect sensational views the whole time. After, return to Portree for the evening and check into your accommodation.

Day 8: Self-Drive Isle of Skye Adventure, Meet A Local Artist

Wake up early to eat breakfast and drive an hour west to the most westerly point of the Isle of Skye. Walk out to the Neist Point Lighthouse, built in 1909, where you'll soak up excellent views over Moonen Bay to Waterstein Head, and out over the Minch to the Western Isles. From here you might spot whales, dolphins, porpoises and even a basking shark. From here, your exploration of Skye continues with a scenic road trip. Drive 90 minutes south toward Torrin, following the single-track road B8083 from Broadford, slowly winding across the landscape in a relaxed manner.

Pause at passing places to gasp at the scenery while trying to capture its magnitude and stark beauty on camera. As the road approaches Torrin, a marble quarry can be seen to the left as the Cuillins rise spectacularly on the right. Stop for lunch or a coffee in town, and snap photos of Skye's ubiquitous white houses and sycamore trees. After, continue on the road to Elgol, a town perched on a steep hillside that was once an important port. Finally, you'll meet a local artist who is inspired by the landscape and has a fantastic studio that you'll visit. Return to Portree afterward and settle into a cozy pub for the evening.

Day 9: Drive to Pitlochry, Whisky Tasting, Highlands Safari

There's a big drive ahead, so wake up early and hit the road for Pitlochry. After 3.5 hours you'll reach the Blair Athol Distillery, which uses the pristine waters of the Allt Dour to craft phenomenal whiskies with a mellow, deep-toned aroma, strong fruity flavor, and smooth finish. After a guided distillery tour, you'll sit down to taste six brilliant whiskies, including a cask-strength whisky drawn straight from the cask. If you're the designated driver, you can ask for driver drams to enjoy later. 

Continue on past Pitlochry to the Aberfeldy area for an off-road safari through the stunning scenery of Perthshire. An experienced (and kilted) ranger will tear up remote tracks showing you the land, sculptured by the elements and steeped in history, culture, nature, and breathtaking views. If you're lucky you'll cross paths with the majestic red deer, famous grouse, elusive mountain hare, and golden eagle as you travel along private roads. After the two-hour safari, return to Pitlochry and check into your accommodation for the evening.

Day 10: Visit Scone Palace & The Hermitage, Chocolate Tasting

Make the drive south to the sumptuous Scone Palace and discover one of Scotland's most important stately homes and its history. Scone has served as the capital of the Pictish Kingdom, the seat of parliaments, and the crowning place of the King of Scots, including Macbeth and Robert the Bruce. See where the Stone of Scone, known as the Stone of Destiny, once stood, which now resides in Edinburgh Castle. After, continue north to The Hermitage at Dunkeld. This mystical stretch of Perthshire forest is an 18th-century park designed for the Dukes of Atholl.

Set off on a short walk past giant Douglas firs to the roaring Black Linn Waterfall. Deep in the woods, discover the 18th-century folly known as Ossian's Hall, which overlooks the cascade. After lunch, treat yourself with a special tasting at the Highland Chocolatier. This artisan producer trained in Belgium, Swiss, and French schools and makes gourmet chocolates for Michelin-starred chefs. Sample some of the finest couverture chocolates in the world with a chocolate tasting flight, then return to Pitlochry via a stop at the panoramic Queen's View. 

Day 11: Drive to Edinburgh, Depart

It's your final day in Scotland, and you've woken up in Pitlochry so there's a 90-minute drive ahead to return to the capital. Make your way to the airport with enough time to return your rental car, double-check that any precious whisky purchases are securely packed, and check into your flight home or onward. Safe travels!

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