Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye

Spend a fantastic 8 days in Scotland to explore at your own pace. 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 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. When you arrive on the island, why not take some time to wander around Portree, the colourful main village of Skye?

Spend the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 185 km / 115 miles  

DAY 4: ISLE OF SKYE

You have the full day to discover Skye and all its natural wonders. You won't want to miss the northern Trotternish Peninsula. This is where some of Skye's most famous sights are located. This includes the "Old Man of Storr" rock pinnacle, the rugged Quiraing, beautiful Kilt Rock waterfall, and intriguing Fairy Glen.

Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles

DAY 5: 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, we recommend a 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.

Ferry from Armadale to Mallaig: 30 minutes

Driving distance: 135 km / 85 miles

DAY 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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.