Stop when you want to and visit what you want to see most with a self-drive tour of Scotland. With 12 days, you'll have plenty of time to explore the stunning Highlands, get a taste of the beautiful 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: NORTH COAST 500
This morning, explore the surroundings of Inverness. Visit the Battlefield of Culloden Moor and the nearby Clava Cairns, a series of ancient tombs and standing stones. Later, make your way to Ullapool. During this journey into the northwest Highlands, we recommend taking a walk at Rogie Falls and Corrieshalloch Gorge.
Alternatively, you could opt to explore part of the North Coast 500, one of Scotland's most scenic drives. Pass by the imperious landscape of the Torridon Hills and visit the exotic Inverewe Garden.
Spend the night in the Ullapool area.
Driving distance: 115 km / 70 miles
Driving distance on the west coast: 220 km / 140 miles
DAY 5: 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 6: 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 the Luskentyre Beach, with its white sands and turquoise waters.
Spend another night on Lewis and Harris.
Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles
DAY 7: 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 8: THE ISLE OF SKYE
You have the full day to take in more of the legendary Isle of Skye. Explore Portree, the colourful main town of the island. You could also head to the Sleat Peninsula to enjoy a walk at the Fairy Pools, admire the Black Cuillin Hills, or sample whisky at the Talisker Distillery. In the northwest, you could visit the romantic Dunvegan Castle.
Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.
Driving distance: 145 km / 90 miles
DAY 9: 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 10: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS
Explore magnificent and historic valleys today. First, you'll get to take in the impressive views of Glen Coe. You could then drive directly to the Trossachs, or take the longer, scenic route. The detour is worth it to visit the beautiful town of Oban and the Kilmartin Glen. This region is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland.
Spend the night in the Trossachs area.
Driving distance via Glen Coe: 130 km / 80 miles
Driving distance via Kilmartin Glen: 285 km / 180 miles
DAY 11: 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 12: 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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