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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
View article
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 3 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...

read more...
Travel specialist Kateryna Garkavenko
active 10 mins ago

Kateryna Garkavenko

Travel is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences available to the human race. Most people will really benefit from any trips made. I am personally passionate about travelling and having...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Trip Reviews for Scotland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

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

John
John H.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 09, 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

Kateryna’s Holiday Design was Impeccable
Scotland | Dec 29 - Jan 5, 2025

Jane
Jane W.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2025
Kateryna provided me with stress-saving advice and assistance from the very outset. I had a very short time to organise a wonderful family trip for a large family with diverse ages. Kate absolutely nailed it!! From the luxury accommodation to the memory-creating activities like horse-riding in the highlands, our trip contained something for all of us and it was truly incredible. Read more

Kateryna provided me with stress-saving advice and assistance from the very outset. I had a very short time to organise a wonderful family trip for a large family with diverse ages. Kate absolutely nailed it!! From the luxury accommodation to the memory-creating activities like horse-riding in the highlands, our trip contained something for all of us and it was truly incredible.

Hotel Review
Cromlix
Dunblane

This was my pick from the trip. From the moment we walked through their doors, their hospitality was unmatched. They looked after us like we were part of their family. It was the best meal we ate for our entire trip too! We simply could not fault this place.

Authenticity & Character
Just the most beautiful renovated mansion you have ever seen. No detail has been ignored. The artwork was stunning.
Location
The location was a little out of town but still close to a village and not far from some wonderful attractions.
Staff
The best we encountered and everyone we encountered was super friendly. The staff at Cromlix were next level - just so well trained and professional.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Every room was immaculate and the entire place was beautifully maintained.
Activity Reviews
Edinburgh Secret Walking Food Tour
Edinburgh Secret Walking Food Tour
Edinburgh

We had a wonderful guide - Nichola who was such a passionate Scot with so much knowledge about the food and Edinburgh in general.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Highland Trekking and Trail Riding
Highland Trekking and Trail Riding
Scotland

This was an epic adventure. Getting to the location was not super easy but it was worth the snowy drive in on narrow country roads! The ride through the highlands was something we will never forget.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
He was incredibly knowledgeable about the land and environment upon which we were riding.
Local specialist: Kateryna Garkavenko
Kateryna
Kateryna Garkavenko
Local specialist in London | Replied on Jan 12, 2025
Dear Jane, Your words have absolutely made my day—thank you so much! It was my absolute pleasure to assist in planning your family’s Scottish adventure, and I’m overjoyed to hear how much you all enjoyed it. Knowing that the trip provided something special for every member of your family truly warms my heart. Cromlix sounds like it exceeded all expectations! I’m thrilled it became such a highlight of your journey and so good we have not changed it. I’m so happy to know it was everything... Read more

Dear Jane,

Your words have absolutely made my day—thank you so much! It was my absolute pleasure to assist in planning your family’s Scottish adventure, and I’m overjoyed to hear how much you all enjoyed it. Knowing that the trip provided something special for every member of your family truly warms my heart.

Cromlix sounds like it exceeded all expectations! I’m thrilled it became such a highlight of your journey and so good we have not changed it. I’m so happy to know it was everything you hoped for and more.

I’m also delighted to hear that your adventures, like the Edinburgh Secret Walking Food Tour and the Highland Trekking and Trail Riding, created such amazing memories. It sounds like Nichola brought Edinburgh to life for you, and the snowy Highland trek sounds like a dream come true—what an incredible way to experience the beauty of Scotland.

Thank you so much for sharing your kind words and detailed feedback. It means the world to me. I hope these wonderful memories stay with you and your family forever, and I’d be absolutely thrilled to help plan your next adventure when the time comes!

With love,
Kate

Absolutely loved how local our guided adventu...
Scotland | Sep 24 - Oct 1, 2024

Elizabeth
Elizabeth M.
Albuquerque, NM | Reviewed on Oct 07, 2024
Absolutely loved how local our guided adventures felt. True experts for wildlife and urban interest tours. We even saw the elusive grouse!
Everything was very professional and the accommodations (4) each fit the location and needs for the surrounding explorations. The luxury spot in Granton on Spey was such a treat and not anything I would have found in my own or chosen for myself. It was idealic.
I truly valued the expertise and the fun that were woven together; making the trip extra... Read more

Absolutely loved how local our guided adventures felt. True experts for wildlife and urban interest tours. We even saw the elusive grouse!
Everything was very professional and the accommodations (4) each fit the location and needs for the surrounding explorations. The luxury spot in Granton on Spey was such a treat and not anything I would have found in my own or chosen for myself. It was idealic.

I truly valued the expertise and the fun that were woven together; making the trip extra special.

Would use again in a heartbeat.

Hotel Reviews
Mount Barker Luxury B&B
Grantown on Spey

Just stay here. Look no further. THE most wonderful place, people, and comforts.

Authenticity & Character
Well designed and appointed.
Location
Walkable
Staff
Lovely host, could have stayed a month.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Luxury well deserved description.
Hebridean Inn
Broadford

Morgan is the greeter, bartender, and all around brand representative for this no nonsense spot. Whatever they pay her should be doubled. Comfortable with added convenience of the restaurant/bar. Recommend.

Authenticity & Character
It’s not the prettiest spot but gives you access to the gorgeous surroundings. No nonsense and still comfy.
Location
Staff
Make it come to life!
Cleanliness & Comfort
No worries here.
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Oct 07, 2024
Hi Elizabeth Thank you for your kind words. I just calculated that we worked on this over 1042 days (that means 2 years, 10 months, 7 days) between your first request and the end of your journey! And, it was a pleasure the whole time from the first call, until when I heard news from you during your journey. I appreciated getting the chance to create a tailor-made vacation for active folks in Scotland. It was a pleasure to book these guides, see these sites, and get you up amongst some... Read more

Hi Elizabeth

Thank you for your kind words. I just calculated that we worked on this over 1042 days (that means 2 years, 10 months, 7 days) between your first request and the end of your journey! And, it was a pleasure the whole time from the first call, until when I heard news from you during your journey.

I appreciated getting the chance to create a tailor-made vacation for active folks in Scotland. It was a pleasure to book these guides, see these sites, and get you up amongst some exceptional landscapes. I also note how much you enjoyed the lodgings!

Please do get in touch if you are keen to relive the experience, somewhere else!

Best Regards
Stephen Molloy
HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS