7 Day Travel Itineraries in Scotland

Looking for the perfect way to spend seven days in Scotland? If you want to road trip through the Highlands, explore the Isle of Skye, or see the best of the country in one week, read on for itinerary inspiration and ideas for your Scottish holiday — including some of the top places you can’t miss.

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Our top itinerary for 7 days in Scotland

Day 1 - Edinburgh - Start your Scottish adventure at one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, Edinburgh Castle, which watches over the surrounding city from its elevated vantage point. Afterward, walk along the Royal Mile, visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or climb to the top of Calton Hill for a great view of the city’s skyline.

Day 2 - St. Andrews - Tread in the footsteps of the world's golfing greats and head to St. Andrews en route to the glorious Scottish Highlands. A scenic drive takes you north and across the Firth of Tay, past the city of Dundee to Pitlochry.

Day 3 - Culloden - Continue your journey to the tragic battlefield of Culloden. Pay tribute to the brave men who lost their lives in the Jacobite Uprising, then journey past Scotland's infamous Loch Ness. The rugged beauty of Eilean Donan Castle will leave you speechless before you continue your journey to the coast and cross to the Isle of Skye.

Day 4 - Scottish Highlands - Commemorate World War II history at the Commando Memorial near Fort William, where you can admire spectacular views of Britain's highest peak - Ben Nevis. Next, take a journey through the volcanic ruins and precipitous mountains that lie just beyond Glencoe to see the 'Glen of Weeping,’ the site of the infamous 1692 massacre of MacDonalds by the Campbell clan.

Day 5 - Glasgow - Enjoy views of the People's Palace and Winter Gardens, the regal George Square and River Clyde, which served as the centre of shipbuilding for more than 200 years. Journey to Stirling, to see its hilltop fortress, which stands as a symbol of national pride. Stirling Castle was once the seat of Scottish kings and queens, including Mary, Queen of Scots. View the Wallace Monument from the castle walls, paying tribute to the Scottish hero who fought for Scotland's independence.

Discover the full itinerary here: Best of Scotland 2020

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7 day Scotland road trip itinerary

Day 1 & 2 - Whiskey Trail & Cairngorms National Park - Leave Edinburgh over the impressive Forth Road Bridge. Soon you will join the Old Military Road taking you over the seemingly endless scenic roads of the Cairngorms National Park and Scotland's highest mountain pass. Visit Braemar Castle nestled between forest and Scottish hills before heading towards the summer residence of the royal family - Balmoral Castle. End your day on a high note with a guided tour at one of the region’s revered whiskey distilleries.

Day 3 & 4 - Scottish Castle Route & Isle of Skye - Follow the shores of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle while you keep an eye out for Nessie, the country’s most infamous monster. Then, enjoy a scenic drive to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th-century fortress perched on a small tidal island in the western Highlands. Once you’ve taken your fair share of photos, drive over the famous road to Applecross (Bealach Na Ba Pass) before crossing the bridge to the Isle of Skye.

Day 5 & 6 - Back to Edinburgh via Glencoe Region - Today, get ready to drive through one of the most scenic regions in the country: Glencoe. There are remarkably beautiful landscapes and dramatic mountain peaks at every turn in this area, so make sure you’re camera is always at the ready. Pass by Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and stop at the iconic Stirling Castle on the way back to Edinburgh.

Discover the full itinerary here: NC500 Scotland Driving Tour - Scottish Highlands, Isle of Skye & Iconic Castles

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7 day Scotland itinerary for hikers and trekkers

Day 1 - Inverness - Arrive in the wonderful waterside town of Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Located on Scotland’s northeast coast where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth, this is the perfect base from which to explore the magnificent Scottish Highlands.

Day 2 & 3 - The Great Glen Way - Starting in Invergarry, set off to explore a section of the Great Glen Way, overlooking Loch Oich, to the historic Bridge of Oich. Continue along the Caledonian Canal towpath to Fort Augustus, at the southern tip of Loch Ness.

Day 4 - Fort Augustus - Spend the day exploring Fort Augustus’ walking trails or take a boat trip on the world-famous waters of Loch Ness to visit Urquhart Castle.

Day 5 & 6 - South Loch Ness Trail to Foyers - Follow the South Loch Ness Trail and enjoy spectacular views of the wild and starkly beautiful Highlands. Pass through the village of Whitebridge and through shaded forest, to Rabbie Burns' famous Falls of Foyers.

Day 7 - Caledonian Canal and The Beauly Firth - Hop on a bus back to Inverness and take in the stunning sights and scenery along the way, including the Ness Islands, ancient Craig Phadrig, and the sea locks at Beauly Firth.

Discover the full itinerary here: Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal Self-Guided Walk

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Edinburgh Castle, one of the country's most iconic landmarks

Helpful Info

Local languages: English, Scots, Scottish Gaelic
Popular destinations: Isle of Skye, Glasgow, Stirling Castle, Loch Ness, Edinburgh
Perfect for: Outdoor activities, Culture, History
Best time to visit: Summer (June to August)
Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)

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The Scottish Highlands open up a world where misty peaks meet ancient mysteries, with the Isle of Skye's raw landscapes showing off jagged cliffs and moody valleys. Our travelers often mention how the old standing stones across the region get their minds wandering, and there's always that fun chance of spotting something unusual in Loch Ness's dark waters. The Outer Hebrides have really caught on with folks looking for the real deal - you'll find original blackhouses that tell the story of island life, see Harris Tweed being made right on traditional looms and walk on empty beaches where yours might be the first footprints of the day. When our customers talk about the Jacobite Steam Train journey, they usually say it's their best-ever rail experience, winding through deep glens and past quiet lochs. Spring visits in April and May hit that sweet spot of nice weather with fewer tourists, while August brings out purple heather that makes the hills look like they're painted. Winter brings its own rewards with snow-topped mountains and warm pub fires, though you'll want to plan around shorter days and check road conditions in the back country.
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