Complete Scotland - Private

This tour is designed to fit as many of the top sights as possible in 10 days. Your private guide will recommend and adjust stops along the way based on your interests. The itinerary includes the capital city Edinburgh, the rugged Highlands, and the Isle of Skye.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, you will be greeted by a private driver who will take you to your hotel in the city centre. If you arrive 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

Today your private driver-guide picks you up to start your adventure! You'll first head into Fife to 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

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8-9 hours

DAY 3: ROYAL DEESIDE & CASTLES

Welcome into the Scottish Highlands! Your guide will take you 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. Later, you'll arrive into Speyside, a region famous for its whisky production. Chat to your guide about where you want to stop.

Spend the night in the Inverness area.

Driving distance: 240 km / 150 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

DAY 4: TRAVEL TO ORKNEY

Today, you head all the way north mainland Scotland to catch the ferry to Orkney. Along the way, you could stop at the fairytale-like Dunrobin Castle.

Make sure to admire the beautiful views over the Pentland Firth while on the ferry. Once you reach Stromness on Orkney, your driver will take you to Kirkwall, the capital and former Viking stronghold. You have the rest of the day to explore.

Spend another night in the Kirkwall area.

Included: Ferry from mainland to Orkney, duration 1.5 hours

Driving distance: 205 km / 130 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 9 hours

DAY 5: A DAY ON ORKNEY

Spend your entire day discovering the highlights of Orkney, from its stunning scenery to ancient landmarks. The most famous area is the UNESCO-listed "Heart of Neolithic Orkney". Comprised of Skara Brae, a prehistoric village, the Ring of Brodgar stone circle, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the chambered cairn of Maeshowe.

Spend another night in the Kirkwall area.

Driving distance: 56 km / 35 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

DAY 6: NORTH COAST 500

Today you journey back to the mainland by ferry and take on part of the North Coast 500, one of Scotland's most scenic drives. You'll find gold sand beaches to make you feel like you're in the Caribbean, a backdrop of mountains, and stunning views all around. We recommend stopping to visit the largest sea cave in Britain, Smoo Cave, as well as the 15th-century Ardvreck Castle.

Spend the night in the Ullapool area.

Included: Ferry from Orkney to Scrabster, duration 1.5 hours

Driving distance: 250 km / 150 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 9 hours

DAY 7: GAELIC CULTURE ON LEWIS

This morning, you'll catch a ferry from Ullapool all the way to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. This part of the Outer Hebrides is renowned for its thriving Gaelic culture. Spend time visiting the town before driving west to see the spectacular Callanish Standing Stones. We also recommend learning more about the history of the island at the Black Arnol Museum.

Spend the night on Lewis or Harris.

Included: Ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway, duration 2.5 hours

Driving distance: 165 km / 100 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 9 hours

DAY 8: HARRIS AND THE GOLDEN ROAD

Today, you head south to discover the second half of the island, Harris. Explore the small village of Tarbert before journeying along the Golden Road. This journey offers striking island scenery. And don't miss the Luskentyre Beach, with its white sands and turquoise waters.

Spend another night on Lewis or Harris.

Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

DAY 9: ISLAND HOPPING TO SKYE

This morning, you'll take a ferry to another stunning island, Skye. Upon your arrival in Uig, your guide will take you around the northern part of the island known as 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 the night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Included: Ferry from Tarbert to Uig, duration 1 h 40 minutes

Driving distance: 80 km / 50 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 9 hours

DAY 10: ISLE OF SKYE

You have the full day to take in more of the legendary Isle of Skye. Explore Portree, the colourful main town of the island. You could also head to the Sleat Peninsula to enjoy a walk at the Fairy Pools, admire the Black Cuillin Hills, or sample whisky at the Talisker Distillery. In the northwest, you could visit the romantic Dunvegan Castle.

Spend another night on the Isle of Skye or nearby.

Driving distance: 70 km / 45 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7 hours

DAY 11: THE BEAUTY OF LOCH NESS

Journey back to the mainland. We recommend Eilean Donan Castle as your first stop of the day. It is a picturesque sight and one of the most recognised castles in Scotland.

Your guide will then take you to the famous Loch Ness to 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.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Driving distance: 260 km / 160 miles  

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 9 hours

DAY 12: TRAVEL ALONG DRAMATIC GLENS

Explore magnificent and historic valleys today. First, you'll get to take in the impressive views of Glen Coe before continuing east through the mountains. There are plenty of worthwhile stops along the way, like the Falls of Dochart or Balquhidder.

Spend the night in the Trossachs area.

Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 7 hours

DAY 13: 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 boat tour on Loch Katrine, or visit the local Deanston Distillery. But make sure not to miss Doune Castle and Stirling Castle.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

Driving distance: 130 km / 80 miles

Average travel & exploring duration: estimated 8 hours

DAY 14: 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.