Scottish Highlands & West Coast at Leisure

A two-week self-drive itinerary around Scotland is ideal for those who want to discover at their own pace. Stop when you want and visit the attractions that truly interest you.

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

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: EXPLORE THE SCOTTISH CAPITAL

You have all day to explore Edinburgh at your leisure. You could join a walking tour to dig your teeth into the history of this old Scottish city or visit famous attractions, such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

You can easily travel around the city centre on foot, so we recommend strolling along the historic Royal Mile or walking up Calton Hill for a fantastic view over Edinburgh.

Spend another night in Edinburgh.

DAY 3: 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 4: 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 5: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NORTHWEST HIGHLANDS

Today you can choose your own adventure. You could spend the day visiting the highlights around Inverness. This includes the infamous Battlefield of Culloden Moor and Clava Cairns, a series of ancient tombs and standing stones.

Or you could opt to explore part of the North Coast 500, one of Scotland's most scenic drives. Today you could experience the imperious landscape of the Torridon Hills, visit the exotic Inverewe Garden, and admire the Corrieshalloch Gorge.

Spend another night in the Inverness area.

Driving distance around Inverness: 105 km / 65 miles

Driving distance on the west coast: 255 km / 160 miles

DAY 6: THE BEAUTY OF LOCH NESS

This morning you can spend some time exploring Inverness and its surroundings, such as the Black Isle Peninsula. You'll then drive south passing by the famous Loch Ness. You could pop by the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition or visit the nearby Urquhart Castle. You could also opt to take a scenic detour along the picturesque Glen Affric.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Driving distance: 155 km / 95 miles  

DAY 7: FORT WILLIAM AT 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 8: 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 9: ISLES OF IONA AND STAFFA

Today you have a day at your leisure on Mull. You can choose to drive around the island and discover 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 10: 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. On the way, you could also stop by the picturesque Kilchurn Castle. Its location by Loch Awe makes for stunning photos.

Spend the night in the Trossachs area.

Ferry from Craignure to Oban: 45 minutes

Driving distance: 245 km / 150 miles

DAY 11: DAY AT LEISURE IN THE TROSSACHS

Spend the day enjoying all that the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park has to offer. From its natural beauty to culture attractions. Start the morning with a walk in the ancient village of Luss, overlooking Loch Lomond.

Later there are many activities to choose from. You could go hiking, book a boat tour on either Loch Lomond or Loch Katrine, or try the local whisky at Deanston Distillery. Don't miss Doune Castle, another fun castle you may recognise from its fair share of TV and film appearances.

Spend another night in the Trossachs National Park area.

Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles

DAY 12: TROSSACHS TO GLASGOW

Spend some time exploring the historic city of Stirling today. There are many popular attractions located here, from the hilltop Stirling Castle to the William Wallace Monument, a name you may know from Braveheart.

Later pass by the Kelpies, two impressive horse-head sculptures, before arriving in Linlithgow. It is a slight detour, but worth the visit. It is best known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

Spend the night in Glasgow.

Driving distance: 115 km / 70 miles

DAY 13: VISIT GLASGOW

Today you have a full day to explore Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. It boasts some amazing architecture and museums as well as a fun shopping scene and nightlife.

Make sure to walk around George Square, and visit the nearby Gallery of Modern Art. You could also pop into the Lighthouse (walk to the top for amazing views over the city). If you have time, travel by subway to the West End, a beautiful area of Glasgow that is home to one of Scotland’s oldest universities, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and the Botanic Gardens.

Spend another night in Glasgow.

DAY 14: 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 another museum, or take one last stroll through the buzzing city centre.