
Colourful port of Tobermory
© Nordic Visitor
Isle of Mull, Scotland
Scottish Highlands & West Coast at Leisure
Take your time to discover the highlights of the majestic Scottish Highlands and rugged west coast with this two-week road trip organised by the local experts at Nordic Visitor. Go island-hopping, visit castles, and immerse yourself in local culture.
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.
From £2395 per adult
Departure days
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
April — October
Contact details
139/2 George Street
Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
Scotland
EH2 4JY
Tour information
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Tour company information
Nordic Visitor UK
Nordic Visitor provides tailored tour packages in Scotland. Our travel experts are based in Edinburgh and will craft a personal itinerary for you based on your vacation or holiday needs. All our travel packages are tested by our consultants to ensure your Scottish getaway is everything you dreamed of and more. Choose from self-drive, small group or private tours. You'll also find a range of special interest packages including tours focusing on castles, whisky, cuisine, Outlander and more!
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