Stop when you want to and visit what you want to see most with a self-drive tour of Scotland. With 2 and a half weeks, you'll have plenty of time to explore the impressive Highlands, get to know the rugged Scottish isles, and learn more about the local culture and history.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH
Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, make your way to your hotel located in the city centre. For those arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking through the city, strolling along the Royal Mile and exploring the Old Town and New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city centre, including the majestic Edinburgh Castle.
Spend the night in Edinburgh.
DAY 2: SCOTLAND'S DRAMATIC EAST COAST
Your road trip starts today! Pick up your rental car and head into Fife. Here you could visit the lovely village of Falkland before stopping by the sea in St Andrews, famous for being the home of golf. Later, continue north, passing by Dundee and the St Cyrus National Nature Reserve. Don't miss the spectacular Dunnottar Castle for a fantastic photo opportunity.
Spend the night in the Aberdeen area.
Driving distance: 235 km / 135 miles
DAY 3: ROYAL DEESIDE & CASTLES
Welcome into the Scottish Highlands! You'll first drive along the Deeside Tourist Route, a charming journey through the Cairngorm National Park. The area is dotted with castles, such as Crathes Castle and Balmoral, the home of the Royal Family in Scotland. Later, you'll arrive into Speyside, a region famous for its whisky production.
Spend the night in the Inverness area.
Driving distance: 240 km / 150 miles
DAY 4: JOURNEY TO ORKNEY
Today, you head all the way north mainland Scotland to catch the ferry to Orkney. Along the way, you could stop at the fairytale-like Dunrobin Castle.
Make sure to admire the beautiful views over the Pentland Firth while on the ferry. Once you reach Stromness on Orkney, you can drive to Kirkwall, the capital and former Viking stronghold. You have the rest of the day to explore.
Spend the night in the Kirkwall area.
Ferry Scrabster to Orkney: 1.5 hours
Driving distance: 205 km / 130 miles
DAY 5: WONDERS OF ORKNEY
Spend your entire day discovering the highlights of Orkney, from its stunning scenery to ancient landmarks. The most famous area is the UNESCO-listed "Heart of Neolithic Orkney". Comprised of Skara Brae, a prehistoric village, the Ring of Brodgar stone circle, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the chambered cairn of Maeshowe.
Spend another night in the Kirkwall area.
Driving distance: 56 km / 35 miles
DAY 6: NORTH COAST 500
Today you journey back to the mainland by ferry and take on part of the North Coast 500, one of Scotland's most scenic drives. You'll find gold sand beaches to make you feel like you're in the Caribbean, a backdrop of mountains, and stunning views all around. We recommend stopping to visit the largest sea cave in Britain, Smoo Cave, as well as the 15th-century Ardvreck Castle.
Spend the night in the Ullapool area.
Ferry from Orkney to Scrabster: 1.5 hours
Driving distance: 250 km / 150 miles
DAY 7: GAELIC CULTURE ON LEWIS
This morning, you'll catch a ferry from Ullapool all the way to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. This part of the Outer Hebrides is renowned for its thriving Gaelic culture. Spend time visiting the town before driving west to see the spectacular Callanish Standing Stones. We also recommend learning more about the history of the island at the Black Arnol Museum.
Spend the night on Lewis and Harris.
Ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway: 2.5 hours
Driving distance: 165 km / 100 miles
DAY 8: HARRIS AND THE GOLDEN ROAD
Today, you head south to discover the second half of the island, Harris. Explore the small village of Tarbert before driving along the Golden Road. This journey offers striking island scenery. And don't miss Luskentyre Beach, with its white sands and turquoise waters.
Spend another night on Lewis and Harris.
Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles
DAY 9: ISLAND HOPPING TO SKYE
This morning, you'll take a ferry to another stunning island, Skye. Upon your arrival in Uig, we recommend exploring the northern part of the island known as the Trotternish Peninsula. This is where some of Skye's most famous sights are located. This includes the "Old Man of Storr," the Quiraing, Kilt Rock waterfall, and the Fairy Glen.
Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.
Ferry from Tarbert to Uig: 1 h 40 minutes
Driving distance: 80 km / 50 miles
DAY 10: EXPLORE THE WESTERN SIDE OF SKYE
Spend the day discovering more of Skye, a haven for nature lovers. Take some time to wander around Portree, the scenic and colourful main village of the island. Then we recommend driving to the west of the island. Here you could visit the romantic Dunvegan Castle, walk along the beautiful Claigan Coral Beach and even visit Neist Point, the most westerly point of Skye.
Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.
Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles
DAY 11: THE MAGIC OF SKYE
You have another full day to take in more of the legendary Isle of Skye. Head south this time to enjoy a walk at the Fairy Pools, admire the Black Cuillin Hills, or sample whisky at the Talisker Distillery.
Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.
Driving distance: 160 km / 100 miles
DAY 12: THE BEAUTY OF LOCH NESS
Journey back to the mainland. We recommend Eilean Donan Castle as your first stop of the day. It is a picturesque sight and one of the most recognised castles in Scotland.
You'll then make your way to the famous Loch Ness to explore this area further. You could pop by the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, visit the nearby Urquhart Castle, or even opt for a boat tour for better views over this vast loch.
Spend the night in the Fort William area.
Driving distance: 260 km / 160 miles
DAY 13: JOURNEY TO MULL
Start the day by hopping onboard another ferry which will take you to Mull. Admire the views along the way. Once you reach Craignure, you can start exploring this western island. First stop, the nearby Duart Castle perched by sea cliffs. We then recommend driving along the west coast for stunning scenery to reach Tobermory.
Spend the night on the Isle of Mull or in the Oban area.
Ferry from Oban to Craignure: 45 minutes
Driving distance: 180 km / 115 miles
DAY 14: ISLES OF IONA AND STAFFA
Today you have a day at your leisure on Mull. You can choose to drive around the island and discovering more of its beauty. Or you could take a short ferry to the Isle of Iona. This charming, tiny island is home to white sand beaches and a sacred abbey. From here, you could even book a boat trip to visit the uninhabited Isle of Staffa, renowned for its sea cave and basalt columns.
Spend the night on the Isle of Mull or in the Oban area.
Driving distance: 180 km / 115 miles
DAY 15: KILMARTIN GLEN AND LOCH LOMOND
This morning, take the ferry back to the mainland and drive along the scenic route to the historical valley of Kilmartin Glen. This region is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. You'll later pass by Inveraray before continuing on to Loch Lomond.
Spend the night in the Trossachs area.
Ferry from Craignure to Oban: 45 minutes
Driving distance: 245 km / 150 miles
DAY 16: TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK
Today’s drive will take you through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park back to Edinburgh. You can also choose to end your trip in Glasgow if you want to explore Scotland's largest city.
You'll have plenty of activities to choose from for an exciting last day. Take a walk through nature, enjoy a steamship tour on Loch Katrine, or visit the local Deanston Distillery. But make sure not to miss Doune Castle, featured in many movies and TV series. If time allows, you could also stop by Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions, or at the Kelpies, two impressive horse-head sculptures.
Spend the night in Edinburgh.
Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles
DAY 17: DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND
Today you say goodbye to Scotland. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may take your last few hours to do some last-minute shopping, visit one of Edinburgh’s many museums, or take one last stroll through the charming city centre.
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