Classic Scotland

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 fully explore the stunning Highlands, dip your toes into the beautiful Scottish isles and learn more about the local culture and history.

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 Cairngorms National Park. The area is dotted with castles, such as Crathes Castle and Balmoral. 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: 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. Along the way, 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 5: LOCH NESS AND THE ISLE OF SKYE

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.

Later, you'll drive to the Isle of Skye, stopping along the way at the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle.

Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 185 km / 115 miles  

DAY 6: ISLE OF SKYE

You have the full day to discover Skye and all its natural wonders. You could explore the colourful Portree, the main village of the island, before heading north to the Trotternish Peninsula. This is where some of Skye's most famous sights are located. This includes the "Old Man of Storr," the Quiraing, Kilt Rock waterfall, and the Fairy Glen.

Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles

DAY 7: SLEAT PENINSULA AND GLENFINNAN

This morning, head south to the Sleat Peninsula of Skye. You could enjoy a walk to the Fairy Pools, admire the Black Cuillin Hills, or sample whisky at the Talisker Distillery.

In the afternoon, you'll hop on a ferry back to the mainland. Before you reach Fort William, you'll get to stop at 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.

Included: Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig, duration 30 minutes

Driving distance: 135 km / 85 miles

DAY 8: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS

Explore magnificent and historic valleys today. First, you'll get to take in the impressive views of Glen Coe. You could then drive directly to the Trossachs, or take the longer, scenic route. The detour is worth it to visit the beautiful town of Oban and the Kilmartin Glen. This region is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland.

Spend the night in the Trossachs area.

Driving distance via Glen Coe: 130 km / 80 miles

Driving distance via Kilmartin Glen: 285 km / 180 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.