This tour is designed to fit as many of the top sights as possible in 10 days. Your private guide will recommend and adjust stops along the way based on your interests. The itinerary includes the capital city Edinburgh, the rugged Highlands, and the Isle of Skye.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH
Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, you will be greeted by a private driver who will take you to your hotel in the city centre. If you arrive 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
Today your private driver-guide picks you up to start your adventure! You'll first head into Fife to 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
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours
DAY 3: ROYAL DEESIDE & CASTLES
Welcome into the Scottish Highlands! Your guide will take you 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. Later, you'll arrive into Speyside, a region famous for its whisky production. Chat to your guide about where you want to stop.
Spend the night in the Inverness area.
Driving distance: 240 km / 150 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours
DAY 4: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS
You can pick which highlights you want to visit near Inverness. Your guide could take you to wander around the infamous Battlefield of Culloden Moor and stroll between the standing stones of Clava Cairns. Or cross the Moray Firth to discover the Black Isle peninsula.
Spend another night in the Inverness area.
Driving distance around Inverness: 105 km / 65 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7 hours
DAY 5: LOCH NESS AND THE ISLE OF SKYE
Drive down along Loch Ness to go 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.
Later, your guide takes you to Skye, stopping along the way at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle.
Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.
Driving distance: 185 km / 115 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours
DAY 6: THE ISLE OF SKYE
You have the full day to discover Skye and all its natural wonders. You could explore the colourful Portree, the main village of the island, before heading north to 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 another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.
Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7 hours
DAY 7: SLEAT PENINSULA AND GLENFINNAN
This morning, you head south to the Sleat Peninsula of Skye. You could enjoy a walk to the Fairy Pools, admire the Black Cuillin Hills, or sample whisky at the Talisker Distillery.
In the afternoon, you'll hop on a ferry back to the mainland. Before you reach Fort William, you'll get to stop at Glenfinnan. Here you'll spot the famous viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films, and the Glenfinnan monument.
Spend the night in the Fort William area.
Included: Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, duration 30 minutes
Driving distance: 135 km / 85 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours
DAY 8: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS
Explore magnificent and historic valleys today. First, you'll get to take in the impressive views of Glen Coe before continuing east through the mountains. There are plenty of worthwhile stops along the way, like the Falls of Dochart or Balquhidder.
Spend the night in the Trossachs area.
Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7 hours
DAY 9: 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 boat tour on Loch Katrine, or a visit at a local distillery. But make sure not to miss Doune Castle and Stirling Castle.
Spend the night in Edinburgh.
Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles
Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours
DAY 10: 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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