Scenic Scotland - Express

Tour Scotland's scenic Highlands in just 5 days to fit in as many of the sights as possible in your getaway. With a road trip like this, you get to stop when and where you want.

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: 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: LOCH NESS AND GLENFINNAN

Drive down along Loch Ness to go explore this area further. You could pop by the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, visit the nearby Urquhart Castle, or even opt for a boat tour for better views over this vast loch.

Then you'll continue south to Glenfinnan. Here you'll spot the famous viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films, and the Glenfinnan monument.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Driving distance: 150 km / 94 miles

DAY 4: GLEN COE AND STIRLING

Today’s drive takes you back to Edinburgh. You can also choose to end your trip in Glasgow if you want to explore Scotland's largest city.

First, pass by Glen Coe, the most famous valley in Scotland. And you'll soon see why! You'll then pass by the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Doune Castle and Deanston Distillery are two worthwhile stops in the park. You could also visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s top attractions.

Driving distance: 261 km / 162 miles

DAY 5: 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.