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Introducing Scotland

The romantic landscapes and dramatic features of this small territory make travelers feel like the region is much larger than it actually is. Pair that with a friendly culture, plenty of outdoor adventure, and incredible seafood, and Scotland is the trip that stays with visitors long after they leave.

When is the best time to visit?
As a year-round destination with distinct seasons, travelers should pick the time they visit on what they plan to do. Spring, summer, and fall are better for outdoor recreation, while winter is a popular time to explore the holiday festivals and seasonal cheer.

Where to go in Scotland?
Delight your senses at the bright green rolling hills of the Isle of Skye, enjoy the fun-oriented culture of Glasgow, camp out or trek the mountains surround Loch Lomond, learn about the history and architecture of Edinburgh, and tour the distilleries of Islay.

Thinking about traveling around the United Kingdom? Learn more about planning a trip to England or Wales. Many travelers also combine their trip to the UK with a visit to Ireland.

How many days do I need?
You can briefly get to know Edinburgh in about 3 days, but to experience the breadth of opportunities Scotland has to offer, upwards of 1 or 2 weeks is much preferable.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Scotland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Etive Mor waterfall, Glencoe
Map of Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days
Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days

Discover the enchanting history and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands with this 8-day self-drive itinerary. Starting in Edinburgh,  drive north to the rugged highlands, where you’ll explore ancient castles, visit important battle sites, sail Loch Ness, and ride the world’s most scenic railway.

Scotland's Edinburgh Castle has stood for over 1,000 years
Map of Scotland & Ireland - 14 Days
Scotland & Ireland - 14 Days

Fourteen days is ample time to experience the best of Scotland and Ireland, be it touring Edinburgh, hiking the Highlands, or reveling in the historic streets of Dublin. The adventures are almost too many to list: wildlife safaris in national parks, boating across Loch Ness, cycling around Glasgow, and exploring the untamed beauty of the Isle of Skye. If that's not enough, you'll hit the road on a drive to some of the most beautiful locales in southern Ireland, like the Wicklow Mountains and County Cork.

Neist Point at Isle of Skye
Map of Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days
Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days

This seven-day adventure combines Scotland's most memorable tourist destinations with a tour of the countryside in the magnificent Scottish highlands. You will start your trip by exploring Edinburgh's galleries, castles, and pubs before heading to the spectacular castles in Inverness. You'll spend two nights in Portree, where you'll visit castles and famous geological sites and tour the hiking routes before traveling to Glencoe, which is home to spectacular scenery.

The ruins of Castle Urquhart at Loch Ness
Map of Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness & Skye - 7 Days
Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness & Skye - 7 Days

This week-long itinerary perfectly introduces Scotland's most scenic locales—blending a self-drive adventure with unforgettable guided excursions and experiences. Beginning and ending in the charming capital of Edinburgh, you'll set off into the rugged Highlands for a road trip to remember. Step back in time at the Culloden Battlefield, cruise the legendary waters of Loch Ness, and tour whisky distilleries on the Isle of Skye.

Driving toward Ben Stack on the NC500
Map of The North Coast 500: Road Trip through the Scottish Highlands  - 5 Days
The North Coast 500: Road Trip through the Scottish Highlands - 5 Days

Experience one of the world's most scenic driving routes on this 5-day journey along Scotland's North Coast 500. Beginning and ending in the Highland capital of Inverness, you'll follow the loop counterclockwise as you wind your way past mist-shrouded mountains, hidden lochs, and rugged coastlines. A relaxed pace allows you to take your time and explore plenty of sandy beaches, charming fishing villages, and unspoiled nature.

The Old Man of Storr overlooking Skye's coast.
Map of Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days
Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days

This active 9-day hiking itinerary travels through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. Starting in the heart of the Highlands, you’ll walk along the West Highland Way, experiencing the wild beauty of Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe. The first leg of your walking journey ends at the adventure capital of Fort William, where you’ll get the chance to scale Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. After a memorable ride on the historic Jacobite Express Steam Train, board a ferry for the Isle of Skye, where you’ll have three days to explore the rugged mountains, secluded coves, and idyllic villages of the Inner Hebrides.

Make the Most of Your Time in Scotland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
A Scot plays the bagpipes in Edinburgh
How Many Days to Spend in Scotland

From ancient castles to whisky distilleries and Highland Games (not to mention a mythical monster in Loch Ness), there's a reason bonnie Scotland is awash with "Outlander" fans....

Scotland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Sunrise, Loch Lomond
Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Scotland

Conjuring up romance effortlessly and with subtlety, Scotland is a stunning destination in which to celebrate your love for each other. For the backdrop to your honeymoon here,...

Our Latest Scotland Content

Start your trip with a walk along Edinburgh's Royal Mile, home of the Scotch Whiskey Experience
Map of Scottish Whisky Adventure in  Edinburgh, Inverness & Glasgow - 8 Days
Scottish Whisky Adventure in Edinburgh, Inverness & Glasgow - 8 Days

Spend eight fun-filled days indulging in the finest whisky Scotland offers, starting in Edinburgh with a visit to the Johnnie Walker distillery and a private whisky and artisan food tour. From there, pick up your rental car and drive to Inverness for a tour of two Speyside distilleries. This is where you can admire the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye while you taste smoky whiskies characteristic of the island's terroir. Finish the adventure in Glasgow by creating your own bottle of Clydeside whisky to take home.

Look for iconic Highland cows as you explore the rugged Isle of Skye
Map of Soul-Stirring Scotland: Edinburgh, Stirling, Fort William, Skye & Pitlochry - 11 Days
Soul-Stirring Scotland: Edinburgh, Stirling, Fort William, Skye & Pitlochry - 11 Days

This action-packed 11-day itinerary squeezes the best of Scotland into a fast-paced trip. Starting in Edinburgh, you'll strut down the Royal Mile before renting a car and beginning an epic road trip. Wander the halls of Stirling Castle, hike up Conic Hill for views of Loch Lomond, and admire dramatic Highland scenes in Glen Coe. Cross to the Isle of Skye to discover nature's beauty and meet a local artist. Then join a whisky tasting and wildlife safari around Pitlochry before returning to the capital.

Cover a lot of ground as you explore Scotland's Westy Highland Way and overnight in Bridge of Orchy
Map of 16 Days in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
16 Days in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With over two weeks in Scotland, you can visit up to 11 towns and cities on a fast-paced itinerary. First-timers will want to hit the highlights like castles in Edinburgh, Stirling, and Aberdeen, while whiskey lovers should experience Scottish culture by distillery-hopping. For a hiking focus, walk some of the scenic West Highland Way or have adventure experiences like canyoning at Bruar Falls. Add a trip to Ireland to drive its scenic southern coast that includes the famous the Ring of Kerry.

Scotland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 10 Days in Scotland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Scotland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Scotland
Travel specialist Stephen Molloy
active 1 day ago

Stephen Molloy

Urbanist by training, he spent most of his twenties traveling and living overseas. Bitten by the bug, he lived in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, California, Australia, DRC, Kenya, Pakistan...and...

read more...
Travel specialist Jane Davey
active 21 hours ago

Jane Davey

Born and raised in the UK, I’ve always had a love affair with the great outdoors. It’s no wonder I ended up in travel! Growing up, family holidays meant exploring the UK with my parents and...

read more...
Travel specialist Claire Monfray
active 1 day ago

Claire Monfray

Born and raised in France I grew up in a multicultural family. Passionate for languages, I realised later that this passion had for roots my will to connect with other people and cultures. This...

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Travel specialist Aleksandra Shebaltseva
active 2 hours ago

Aleksandra Shebaltseva

As a passionate traveler, my approach is anchored in the belief that every journey is an opportunity for exploration and growth. With a penchant for immersing myself in diverse cultures and seeking...

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Trip Reviews for Scotland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Great Trip!!
Scotland | Mar 10 - Mar 21, 2025

Linda
Linda H.
Brookhaven, GA | Reviewed on Apr 05, 2025
We had a great time in both Ireland and Scotland. Aleksandra was extremely helpful both before, during, and after our trip. She was accessible to help us arrange additional transportation during our trip and to answer any questions we had. The hotels that she booked were excellent and the itinerary was great. I would highly recommend using KimKim for your travel needs. Read more

We had a great time in both Ireland and Scotland. Aleksandra was extremely helpful both before, during, and after our trip. She was accessible to help us arrange additional transportation during our trip and to answer any questions we had. The hotels that she booked were excellent and the itinerary was great. I would highly recommend using KimKim for your travel needs.

Hotel Reviews
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Great hotel in a perfect location for walking. Staff was extremely helpful and friendly.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kingsmills Hotel
Inverness

This was a nice hotel and was within walking distance of downtown Inverness if you enjoyed walking. It was about a 20 minute walk to the downtown area. Hotel was nice and the staff was friendly and helpful.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Greshornish House Hotel
Edinbane

Hotel was in a beautiful location off the beaten path. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Room was very nice and spacious and the food served in the restaurant was very good.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Imperial Hotel
Cork

Awesome hotel in a perfect location. Great staff as well. Breakfast was very good and there was a really nice selection of pastries from the local English Market. Room was very spacious and comfortable.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Leinster
Dublin

Hotel was in a great location for walking and seeing the sites. Room was small, but very comfortable. The hotel was very nice and the staff were very helpful. Our flight was too early in the am to get to enjoy the breakfast.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
The Vaults Tour
The Vaults Tour
Edinburgh

Fun tour with a really great guide.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Cruise
Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Cruise
Inverness

Very enjoyable way to spend the morning.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva

Two Week Vacation to London and Scotland
Scotland | Mar 20 - Apr 2, 2025

Michelle
Michelle M.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 04, 2025
Working with Tetiana for my first KimKim organized trip was wonderful. Absolutely great! Tetiana was very attentive regarding any questions I had. Her reply was always very quick and professional. During the planning months, Tetiana found options to suit our requests and needs and offered a lot of expertise. She know the UK very well and I am so happy with the suggestions she made.
We spent our first 6 days in London. Tetiana arranged for a private driver to pick us up at Heathrow and...
Read more

Working with Tetiana for my first KimKim organized trip was wonderful. Absolutely great! Tetiana was very attentive regarding any questions I had. Her reply was always very quick and professional. During the planning months, Tetiana found options to suit our requests and needs and offered a lot of expertise. She know the UK very well and I am so happy with the suggestions she made.
We spent our first 6 days in London. Tetiana arranged for a private driver to pick us up at Heathrow and booked us in to very comfortable accommodations in Kensington. The location was perfect! The next day we had an amazing private driver named Dean take us out to Highclere Castle for a tour. I am a huge Downton Abbey fan so thoroughly enjoyed that day trip. The second day, Tetiana organized us for a Rabbies tour to The Cotswolds & Oxford. I was travelling with my 26 year old son, and we both enjoyed seeing this part of England very much! For the next few days, we figured out transit and made our way to all of the amazing sights we wanted to see in London.
Our second week was spent in Scotland. Tetiana arranged train tickets for us to head to Edinburgh. Any time I had uncertainties or questions, I communicated with Tetiana via Whatsapp and she helped us immediately. She arranged a walking tour for us that afternoon which was incredible! I asked Tetiana to help me find a real castle for us to stay in, and Melville Castle was perfect. Our two-bedroom suite was gorgeous and spacious and everything we did and saw in Edinburgh was just amazing. Our next three days were spent in Inverness. The Highlands of Scotland are just beautiful. The people were so incredibly friendly and I can't wait to go back!
Our last day was spent in London again and we really liked The Sanctuary House that Tetiana found for us. It is a very excellent location if anyone wants to be near all the most popular landmark sights.

I can't thank Tetiana enough! She followed my request list perfectly and Jackson & I had an stress-free, wonderful vacation.

Hotel Reviews
Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel
Inverness

Dated. I understand that Inverness is very old, but the rooms definitely need an upgrade. As well, the restaurant options were not what we expected. Breakfast was excellent, but in the evening the restaurants were too upscale for what we were looking for after long days out on tours. As well, the stairs with luggage were not expected. There is no elevator.

Authenticity & Character
This hotel definitely needs to be updated.
Location
Staff
Very attentive, kind and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Twin beds are very small. Rooms are very small. Bathroom is a great size though.
Ember Locke
London

This location is perfect. It is in the Kensington area with wonderful pubs, restaurants, grocery stores and easy transit access within minutes. It is safe and very walkable. The restaurant in this hotel is very good. There is also a wonderful coffee bar in the lobby.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms could use some updating. The hotel was kept very clean; the rooms are just dark and a bit dated.
Melville Castle
Edinburgh

The hotel itself was gorgeous. Staying in a castle was more affordable than I thought it would be and our two-bedroom suite was stunning! We dined at the downstairs restaurant on our last night there and the food was excellent! The Library bar is attractive and the atmosphere was casual and relaxing! I also loved that dogs were allowed and we got to visit with a few owners and snuggle their pups. My only disappointment was the staff. Michelle was a very nice receptionist, but the other staff members did the bare minimum. Our very first impression was disappointing. No one greeted us at check in or offered to help us with our bags. Two young people stood there and watched us, without offering help or even a "welcome or hello". There was an elevator, but we still had to manage our bags with 4 stairs into our suite on our own. The staff were younger and more interested in visiting with each other; their attentiveness was lacking. As well, the outside areas of the hotel were also lacking pride. The outer small buildings looked dishevelled; pieces of the roof broken off, hoses and pails lying around etc. Unforunately this was the view from our bedroom windows and that didn't leave a great impression. However, the daily cleaning service was perfect.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
As noted above. Our first impression was a receptionist who sat behind her desk and didn't acknowledge us until we said hello. Two other young people were on their phones and talking with each other but also didn't say hello or offer to help us with our bags. This was a disappointing first impression for our first time staying in a castle! The breakfast staff however were lovely and a lady named Michelle who worked later in the day & evening was very kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our two bedroom suite, the Library Bar and the breakfast room.
The Sanctuary House Hotel
London

Excellent location! Wonderful "extras" in the rooms that we didn't see at our other hotels.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Receptionist was "flat". Just not a great first impression when checking-in. The pub attached to the hotel had amazing, friendly staff.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was fabulous! Clean, great style, and really nicely stocked with extras!
Activity Reviews
Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle
London

I highly recommend this tour!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dean White was the driver our KimKim specialist hired for us and he was just so fun to be with.
Explore Glen Affric, Culloden, and Clava Cairns Tour
Explore Glen Affric, Culloden, and Clava Cairns Tour
Inverness

Absolutely LOVED this full day trip. Our guide Ryan was funny, an excellent driver and wonderful at engaging with the tourists!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Private Tour
Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Private Tour
Edinburgh

Our private walking tour was great! Our guide was on time, very enjoyable and informative. The only thing I would have liked is if it was booked at least half an hour to an hour sooner. We only had about 45 minutes at the castle once we got up there before closing time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Stirling Private Tour
Stirling Private Tour
Edinburgh

Our private guide Michael was SO friendly and wonderful. He was personally from Stirling and loved living there. He picked us up at our hotel and was dressed so professional. After seeing Stirling Castle, he took us to a local bakery that was incredible and he was just so professional, experienced and funny! A Great Day!!! Loved the area and highly recommend seeing Wallace Monument and the castle!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Churchill War Rooms & WW2 Westminster Small Group Tour
Churchill War Rooms & WW2 Westminster Small Group Tour
London

We misunderstood/so did Tetiana where we were suppose to meet our guide and didn't realize there was a one-hour walking tour involved before we went in to the War Rooms. Thankfully we found him just in time and it was all absolutely wonderful!!! :)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The Vaults Tour
The Vaults Tour
Edinburgh

This was so cool! Great guide on this tour and really fascinating to even think people lived and existed in these vaults in the 1700's!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour
Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour
Inverness

We had Ryan from Rabbies again on this trip. He is an amazing persona and an excellent, safe driver. We found this day far too long. Skye is nice, but being from Canada we didn't find it as "breath taking" as I had hoped. I think we could have spent the 12 hours doing something different and enjoyed that more. However, we met some really great people on the van tour and again, Ryan is the best tour guide we have ever had.

Quality of Experience
Our driver, Ryan.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tetiana Smal
Tetiana
Tetiana Smal
Local specialist in London | Replied on Apr 05, 2025
Dear Michelle, Thank you so much for your wonderful words! It was an absolute pleasure working with you and Jackson to plan this special adventure through England and Scotland. Your enthusiasm and openness made the process not only smooth but genuinely fun! I loved helping bring your Downton Abbey dreams to life at Highclere Castle, finding that perfect stay in a real Scottish castle, and tailoring every step to fit your pace and interests. I’m so happy to hear that everything went... Read more

Dear Michelle,

Thank you so much for your wonderful words!

It was an absolute pleasure working with you and Jackson to plan this special adventure through England and Scotland. Your enthusiasm and openness made the process not only smooth but genuinely fun!

I loved helping bring your Downton Abbey dreams to life at Highclere Castle, finding that perfect stay in a real Scottish castle, and tailoring every step to fit your pace and interests. I’m so happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that you felt supported along the way—that means the world to me.

Thank you for trusting me (and Kimkim) with your travel plans. I already look forward to the next time we get to explore a new destination together!

Warmest wishes,
Tetiana

Jane and Celina were outstanding. They hel...
Scotland | Dec 25 - Jan 2, 2025

John
John H.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 08, 2025
Jane and Celina were outstanding. They helped us with substantial last minute changes including adding an extra person and making sure all our lodging and activity reservations were modified to accommodate our request. We got great recommendations about things to do in Edinburgh. It is a fascinating city and we look forward to returning. Read more

Jane and Celina were outstanding.

They helped us with substantial last minute changes including adding an extra person and making sure all our lodging and activity reservations were modified to accommodate our request. We got great recommendations about things to do in Edinburgh. It is a fascinating city and we look forward to returning.

Hotel Review
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Authenticity & Character
Location
Great neighborhood near the university and across the street from the National Museum. Walk everywhere!
Staff
Helpful and courteous in every way.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Small group visit of Mary King's Close
Small group visit of Mary King's Close
Edinburgh

Fantastic experience. The perfect way to start your visit to Edinburgh. Learn history, geography, get oriented to the city.

Walk up Calton Hill
Walk up Calton Hill
Edinburgh

We should have done this earlier in our visit. A great way to see the city from a vantage point. And don't overlook the Old Calton Cemetery directly across as you approach on Princes Street.

A Show at the Edinburgh Playhouse
A Show at the Edinburgh Playhouse
Edinburgh

This was a rousing show. Great performances in a wonderful venue.

Local specialist: Jane Davey
Jane
Jane Davey
Local specialist in United Kingdom | Replied on Jan 10, 2025

Hi John

Thank you for taking the time to review your wonderful trip. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you and your family. We are delighted to know that you had the most amazing, memory-making time and your feedback is super helpful so thank you 🙏! The Hotel du Vin is a favorite of ours and we are super happy that you enjoyed it too!

We look forward to working with you again and wish you all the very best for future trips.

Thank you for choosing KimKim.

Kindest regards, Jane & Celina

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