The ultimate Scotland itinerary

Where better to start off your journey than in the Scottish capital? Edinburgh is one of Scotland's much loved cities and is home to world-renowned summer festivals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as bags of history to uncover. Explore historic monuments, lovely green spaces, top-class dining experiences, fantastic shopping locations and much more in all the nooks and crannies across the city.

• Edinburgh Castle – just walking up the esplanade on approach, you know you're about to step into one of Scotland's most special historic buildings. Take in the views across the city and learn about the dramatic events which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments and dungeons. 
• Arthur’s Seat – probably not many city getaways involve climbing an extinct volcano, but we think the more adventurous of you are going to love it, especially on a clear day! Head to Holyrood Park, located near the bottom of the Royal Mile, and take in the best views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat. 
• Calton Hill – the whole city can be admired in all directions from the top of this hill, including key landmarks - Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle and the Three Bridges. There are views across the Firth of Forth in one direction and the Pentland Hills in the other. The good news is, it's a really quick wander, so you can have the rest of the day to explore the city. 

Journey southwards from Edinburgh to the glorious Scottish Borders and picturesque Dumfries & Galloway. From the rolling hills and moorlands that inspired Sir Walter Scott, to the friendly towns and glorious green countryside of Dumfries & Galloway - there are miles upon miles of landscapes in southern Scotland to explore.

• Melrose Abbey – originally founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, the abbey is believed to be the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Although largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385, you can take an audio tour around the site and see its striking architectural details up close. 
• Caerlaverock Castle - surrounded by its own moat and built in an unusual triangular shape, kids and adults alike will have a blast exploring the ruins of Caerlaverock Castle. There are multiple levels within the castle to explore as well as a short nature walk through the woods to the site of the old castle. 

Whilst you’re in the Scottish Borders: 

• Discover the magnificent ruined abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso along The Borders Abbeys Way. This 103 km walk takes you on a colourful journey through history dating back to the 12th century. Admire the picturesque scenery as you stop off to explore the pretty towns and villages.

The day starts bright and early as you travel north west to the cultural hub of Glasgow. Here you can explore a whole host of attractions and gems that capture the true personality of the city.

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum – Glasgow's trendy West End is home to Kelvingrove, a free museum packed with over 8,000 intriguing objects and artefacts. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of art, from the Dutch Old Masters and the French Impressionists, to perhaps its most famous piece, Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dali. 
• Riverside Museum and Tall Ship – The Riverside Museum is a visual feast - the building itself is one of the most striking modern buildings in Scotland. Inside, the museum houses all kinds of exhibits related to transport. Vehicles, bikes, and locomotives dating from different periods can be found. In addition, you can also explore the Clyde-built Tall Ship, which is berthed alongside the museum. 

Up next is Falkirk. Head north east from Glasgow to experience outstanding attractions, modern wonders, and historical treasures, as well as great shopping centres, award-winning boutiques, restaurants and more. Nearby, don't miss The Kelpies, the largest pair of equine sculptures in the world.

• The Falkirk Wheel – The Forth & Clyde and Union canals are linked together by The Falkirk Wheel, an impressive piece of engineering, which opened in 2002. Learn about and ride a canal boat on the world’s only rotating boat lift and enjoy activities by the canal, such as cycling, walking, canoeing, segway rides and playing in the water park. You can hire canoes, bikes and electric boats, so there’s no excuse for not taking to the water! Here you’ll also find a walk to see the remains of the Antonine Wall, which was created from earthen mounds in Roman times. 
• Stirling Castle – Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most historically important sites and was once a favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens who held grand celebrations at the castle. Meticulously restored, today you can meet costumed characters in the roles of bodyguards, court officials, maids of honour and servants who will bring the world of Scotland's 16th century court to life. 

Stay in the area a while longer and explore the gems of Stirling. It's a wee city with a big history, fascinating attractions and spectacular scenery to enjoy. Don't forget to explore the many places to shop, eat and drink as well as experience lively events throughout the year.

• National Wallace Monument - an outstanding landmark and one of Stirling’s most striking visits - commemorating the life of Sir William Wallace. 
• Bannockburn – The Battle of Bannockburn changed Scotland's history forever in 1314. Scotland's great warrior king, Robert the Bruce, led Scotland to victory against King Edward II and the English army. The visitor experience puts you at the heart of the action with cutting-edge 3D technology. 

This extraordinary national park is home to wild scenery, thrilling history and superb local food and drink. Loch Lomond is one of our most beautiful and iconic locations that has inspired love songs, as well as tales and stories throughout the years. At the heart of the park you can find Loch Lomond itself.

Did you know, the park is home to 21 Munros, 19 Corbetts and 22 large lochs?

• Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park – Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a hiker's paradise, with stunning vistas in every direction. Lace up your boots and explore the Luss Heritage Trail, a lovely short walk around a quaint loch-side village. Or, why not spend another day here and challenge yourself to something a little more strenuous? The most southerly Munro Ben Lomond, Ben A'an, and The Cobbler are all rewarding climbs nearby. 
• Inveraray Castle – feel like you're in a fairytale and visit one of Scotland's most romantic castles. Visitors will be able to view historic pieces of armoury, a fine collection of china, silver, tapestries and much more. If you fancy staying longer, the expansive estate offers first-class holiday accommodation to help you get a good night's rest. 

Start your day bright and early with a scenic journey northwards to Fort William. Here you can conquer Munros, taste some of the finest Scotch whisky, enjoy loch-side wanders, take a trip aboard the steam train that took Harry Potter to Hogwarts and much more.

• Ben Nevis - you’ve arrived at Fort William, part of the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, so it’s time to get active! Keen hillwalkers will relish the challenge of scaling Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland, which stands at 4,406 ft (1,343 m). Make sure to visit Walk Highlands for detailed maps, difficulty levels and walking advice before you climb. 

From Fort William, make your way along to Glenfinnan at the head of Loch Shiel to see stunning scenery and experience the magical atmosphere for yourself. Here you can see the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct up close, which also transports the famous Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig. Glenfinnan has also been the scenic backdrop for many scenes in the famous Harry Potter films and you can even hop aboard the real Hogwarts Express that was used in the films for an atmospheric journey across the viaduct.

• Glenfinnan Monument - stretch your legs and breathe in fresh Highland air as you visit the Glenfinnan Monument on the banks of Loch Shiel. Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite flag here in August 1745 (beginning the final Jacobite Rising), after arriving on the mainland from the Outer Hebrides. Climb the monument for views out across Loch Shiel and pop into the visitor centre to learn more about the 1745 Rising. 

Shrouded in mystery, myths and legends, Loch Ness is home to the famed creature that is the Loch Ness Monster. The loch is the UK's largest body of water and is around 700 ft. deep, so finding Nessie herself may take a while. Loch Ness is the perfect place for quiet, scenic walks, afternoon picnics and taking in the natural beauty around you.

• Urquhart Castle - the magnificent Urquhart Castle is located on the banks of the famous Loch Ness. Stand and soak in a thousand years of history - it has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland's past where clan rivalries saw bloody raids carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries. You might even witness a historic event yourself, should you spot the elusive Nessie, Loch Ness's most famous resident. 
• The Loch Ness Experience - in Drumnadrochit, find out more about the legends of Nessie, all the sightings - real or not - and find out where the stories and tales stemmed from all those years ago, at The Loch Ness Experience.

Stay in one of the local cottages, B&Bs or hostels and complete your stay by enjoying some delicious local food, and even try a dram or pint of some traditional Scottish drinks. 

It's an early start as you set off to Sutherland, near Lairg, for spectacular, sweeping landscapes, fantastic attractions, stunning gardens, scenic views, and traditional Scottish wildlife in every corner. 

• Dunrobin Castle - the magnificent Dunrobin Castle is the largest house in the Highlands. Crowned with a myriad of fairytale towers and turrets, Dunrobin is unique for resembling a vast French château rather than the baronial stronghold typical of the Highlands. It has a whopping 189 rooms, making it one of the biggest homes in the country. 
• Aviemore - spend time in the picturesque town of Aviemore set in the north west corner of the park. Surrounded by spellbinding scenery, it makes an excellent base for exploring the park and offers easy access to an incredible range of outdoor activities. Nearby is the Highland Wildlife Park where you can get tantalisingly close to Scotland’s rarest indigenous species including the Scottish wildcat and elusive capercaillie. 

The Cairngorms National Park is a haven for wildlife, dense woodland, picturesque lochs and miles upon miles of forest trails to explore. Twice the size of the Lake District, this national park has more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife hotspots, friendly villages, and distilleries than you can possibly imagine.

• Cairngorms National Park - try out a range of watersports at Loch Morlich or Loch Insh, let your inner adventurer out to play at Landmark Forest Adventure Park in Carrbridge, or stroll among the forests, loch, and mountains and see if you can spot any of the local wildlife. And in the winter months you can even try out skiing and snowboarding on real snow on the CairnGorm Mountain or The Lecht 2090 in Corgarff. 

As you head over to your next destination in Aberdeenshire, why not stop in at a whisky distillery on the way? Dalwhinnie Distillery and Royal Lochnagar Distillery are nearby and both boast lovely drams to taste (or takeaway if you’re driving). 

Did you know that the Cairngorms is where the majority of Scotland's wildcats call home? So make sure you keep your eyes peeled!

Aberdeen is shrouded in fascinating history, boasts streets lined with astounding architecture, all while featuring a picturesque coastline and harbour. Explore rolling hills, open farmland and towering mountains in the splendour of Aberdeenshire.

• Balmoral Castle - Royal Deeside is home to the famous Balmoral Castle, a firm favourite with the Royal Family. The estate has been in the family since 1848, after it was purchased by Queen Victoria. Enjoy a stroll around castle gardens, visit the ballroom and special exhibitions or relax with a drink in the coffee and gift shop. 

Head south to the wonderful city of Perth. Here you can explore fabulous city gems, glorious parks and green spaces, historically-significant attractions and much more, all with bustling markets and quirky shops to browse too.

• Scone Palace - Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings where Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II were once crowned. Scone breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. It is the family home of the Earls of Mansfield and the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings on the stone of Scone.  

The east of Scotland is a gem in itself, featuring picturesque coastline trails, world-renowned city hotspots, scenic hills and glens to explore and much more. Get ready to uncover the unique city of Dundee and the glorious region of Fife in the final stop of your tour.

• RRS Discovery – hop on board the ship which has travelled to the ends of the earth and back! Captain Scott and his hardy crew reached the then undiscovered polar region of Antarctica in the early 1900s in one of the most significant expeditions to have ever been undertaken. Wander through the ship, see objects that belonged to Scott and his men, and discover their brave tales of seafaring and difficulties in the Antarctic.  
• St Andrews Cathedral – a ‘must-see’ for any visitor, explore the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, which was once the largest church in Scotland. The cathedral’s museum houses an outstanding collection of medieval sculptures and relics which were found on the site. Make sure to climb St Rule’s Tower, which dates from the 12th century, to see amazing views across St Andrews and Fife.