Scottish Highlands & West Coast

Stop when you want to and visit what you want to see most with a self-drive tour of Scotland. With 10 days, you'll have plenty of time to explore the impressive Highlands, get to know some of Scotland's western isles, and learn more about the local culture and history.

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: 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: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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.

Spend the night in the Trossachs area.

Ferry from Craignure to Oban: 45 minutes

Driving distance: 245 km / 150 miles

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 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 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.