Scottish Highlands

A self-drive tour is an excellent way to discover the Scottish Highlands at your own pace, allowing you to stop when and where you want.

This tour includes a Historic Scotland Pass so you can visit some of the country's most famous attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, and many more.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, make your way to your hotel 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: INTO THE HIGHLANDS

Your road trip starts today! Pick up your rental car and head into the Scottish Highlands. On the way you can stop at the charming village of Dunkeld or to visit the 13th-century Blair Castle.

Arriving near Inverness, you could visit the Battlefield of Culloden Moor, to see where the last battle on British soil occurred in 1746, marking "the beginning of the end for the Highlands." Nearby you could also roam around Clava Cairns, a series of tombs and standing stones dating back roughly 4,000 years.

Spend the night in the Inverness area.

Driving distance: 251 km / 156 miles

DAY 3: THE BEAUTY OF LOCH NESS

This morning spend some time exploring the surroundings of Inverness including the Black Isle Peninsula. At low tide, dolphins can be seen in the water here. You'll then drive south to Fort William passing by the mysterious Loch Ness. If there is time, you could visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, go on an optional boat tour or explore the nearby Urquhart Castle ruins. You could also opt to take the scenic drive via the picturesque Glen Affric.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Driving distance: 155 km / 95 miles  

DAY 4: A DAY AT YOUR LEISURE

You can take the day to explore the surroundings of Fort William as you see fit. You could hop on the Jacobite Steam Train for a leisurely afternoon. Adventurers may want to hike up Ben Nevis or discover Glen Nevis.

Alternatively, you could take a day trip to the Isle of Skye. Stop by the famous Eilean Donan Castle before visiting the main town of Skye, Portree. Take in the beautiful sights of the island with this long day of exploration.

Spend another night in the Fort William area.

Driving distance around Fort William: 85 km / 55 miles

Driving distance to and from Skye: 380 km / 235 miles

DAY 5: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS

This morning, travel through the world-famous Glen Coe. With its stunning scenery, it is a must-see!

You can then drive directly to the Trossachs National Park, or take the longer scenic road. This way, you'll travel through the seaside town of Oban and onto 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, including cairns, standing stones, and castles.

Spend the night in the Trossachs National Park area.

Driving distance via Glen Coe: 130 km / 80 miles

Driving distance via Kilmartin Glen: 285 km / 180 miles

DAY 6: TROSSACHS NATIONAL PARK TO EDINBURGH

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 7: 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.