Travel advice for Scotland
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Scotland
written by
Olga Sitnitsa
updated 26.04.2024
Experience the captivating landscapes of Scotland, a country where age-old customs blend seamlessly with modern life. In this guide, we offer 5 different 7-day itineraries, each designed to immerse you in a diverse patchwork of Scottish experiences. Whether it's the bustling streets of Edinburgh, the tranquil highlands, or the historic appeal of Stirling, get ready to fully immerse yourself in your journey through Scotland.
Travel ideas for Scotland
Created by local experts
Is 7 days enough for Scotland?
A 7 days itinerary in Scotland is a condensed but intense experience, allowing you to explore several key sights and regions. While this timeframe won't be able to cover all of Scotland's vast beauty and historical sites, it is enough to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, stunning scenery, and historical moments.
A well-planned week could include visits to iconic cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, exploring the majestic Highlands, and perhaps even a trip to one of the idyllic islands. Although you'll have to prioritize and choose your experiences wisely, 7 days can certainly be an unforgettable and varied introduction to Scotland's unique charms.
However, for those who want to delve deeper into remote areas or take longer hikes, a longer stay will be beneficial.
Feeling overwhelmed by the daunting task of planning the perfect Scottish itinerary? Why not entrust it to us? With our customized tailor-made travel service, you can simply enjoy your trip and we'll take care of all the planning and booking. Carefully designed by local travel experts, our trips are fully adaptable to your every whim.
Edinburgh Castle © VisitScotland
Itinerary #1: The Grand Scottish Tapestry
Start your Scotland trip in Edinburgh, where your first day will take you along the historic Royal Mile - a vivid introduction to Scotland's capital city. The next morning in Edinburgh promises adventure: climb Mount Arthurs Seat for panoramic views, then tour the modern Scottish Parliament.
On the third day, head to Stirling to immerse yourself in Scotland's rich history by visiting Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, symbols of national pride. On your fourth day in Oban, switch to a coastal atmosphere, admire the picturesque Mackaig Tower, and sample exquisite local seafood.
On day five, the Isle of Skye awaits with its breathtaking scenery at Old Man Storr and historic Dunvegan Castle. On day six, head to Inverness to discover the mysteries of Loch Ness and the majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle.
End your adventure on day seven in the serene landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park in Aviemore before returning to Edinburgh, your heart filled with the spirit and beauty of Scotland. Book this trip.
Beautiful ruin of Melrose Abbey in Scotland © Shutterstock
Itinerary overview
Check out this 7 days itinerary in Scotland:
Day 1
- Arrival in Edinburgh; explore the historic Royal Mile.
- Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 2
- Morning hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramic views.
- Afternoon tour of the modern Scottish Parliament.
- Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 3
- Morning transfer from Edinburgh to Stirling.
- Visit the Wallace Monument and explore Stirling Castle.
- Overnight in Stirling.
Day 4
- Transfer from Stirling to Oban.
- Admire the picturesque McCaig's Tower and sample exquisite local seafood.
- Overnight in Oban.
Day 5
- Morning ferry or drive from Oban to the Isle of Skye.
- Visit the breathtaking Old Man of Storr and historic Dunvegan Castle.
- Overnight on the Isle of Skye.
Day 6
- Transfer from the Isle of Skye to Inverness.
- Explore the mysteries of Loch Ness and the majestic ruins of Urquhart Castle.
- Overnight in Inverness.
Day 7
- Drive from Inverness through the Cairngorms National Park, stopping in Aviemore.
- Return to Edinburgh, concluding your Scottish adventure.
Heading to Scotland anytime soon? Don't miss our important planning tips.
Durness, Scotland© Shutterstock
Itinerary #2: Scottish Legends and Lore
Begin your exploration of Scotland in Glasgow, where on your first day your journey begins with the fascinating exhibits of Kelvingrove Museum. The next day find yourself amidst the natural beauty of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, where exciting hiking trails await, revealing serene landscapes.
Day three turns into an adventure as you board a historic Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig, traveling along some of Scotland's most scenic routes. On day four you'll travel to the Isle of Skye, where the mystical Faerie Glen and dramatic scenery of Quiraing await.
On day five, delve into the mysteries of Loch Ness on a monster hunt before exploring the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle. On day six, your journey takes you to Pitlochry, where you can savor the flavors of Scotland with a visit to Edradour Distillery and explore the grandeur of Blair Castle.
Complete your Scottish odyssey on day seven in Edinburgh, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture at the National Museum of Scotland before returning to Glasgow, taking with you memories of a country woven with history, mystery, and natural beauty. Book this trip.
Loch Lomond, Scotland © Shutterstock
Itinerary overview
Check out this 7 days itinerary in Scotland:
Day 1
- Begin at Kelvingrove Museum.
- Overnight in Glasgow.
Day 2
- Travel to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park for hiking.
- Overnight near Loch Lomond.
Day 3
- Transfer to Fort William.
- Board the Jacobite steam train to Mallaig.
- Return and overnight in Fort William.
Day 4
- Travel to the Isle of Skye.
- Visit Faerie Glen and Quiraing.
- Overnight on the Isle of Skye.
Day 5
- Head to Loch Ness for monster hunting and Urquhart Castle.
- Overnight in Inverness.
Day 6
- Travel to Pitlochry.
- Visit Edradour Distillery and Blair Castle.
- Overnight in Pitlochry.
Day 7
- Transfer to Edinburgh, visit the National Museum of Scotland.
- Return to Glasgow for your journey’s end.
Loch Tulla, Scottish Highlands @ VisitScotland
Itinerary #3: Coast to Coast
Your journey through Scotland begins in Edinburgh, where on day one you'll experience the architectural and cultural delights of the New Town. On day two, head east to North Berwick, where historic Tantallon Castle and a seabird center offer coastal tranquility and wildlife encounters.
On day three, you'll travel to Aberdeen, known for its maritime heritage; visit the Maritime Museum and the quaint historic village of Footdy. On day four, the journey continues north to Inverness, where you'll experience the wonders of nature during a dolphin-watching excursion in the Moray Firth.
On day five, head to Ullapool and embark on an unforgettable boat trip to the picturesque Summer Isles, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the remote Scottish landscape. On day six, the mystical islands of Lewis and Harris await, where the ancient stones of Callanish and the unspoiled sands of Luskentyre Beach paint a picture of timeless beauty.
Your adventure culminates on day seven when you return to Edinburgh via Inverness, completing a journey filled with Scotland's natural and historic riches. Book this trip.
Aberdeen, Scotland © Shutterstock
Itinerary overview
Check out this 7 days itinerary in Scotland:
Day 1
- Explore New Town's architectural and cultural delights in Edinburgh.
- Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 2
- Travel east to North Berwick.
- Visit Tantallon Castle and the local seabird center.
- Overnight in North Berwick.
Day 3
- Transfer to Aberdeen, exploring its maritime heritage.
- Visit the Maritime Museum and Footdee.
- Overnight in Aberdeen.
Day 4
- Travel to Inverness.
- Experience dolphin watching in Moray Firth.
- Overnight in Inverness.
Day 5
- Head to Ullapool.
- Embark on a boat trip to the Summer Isles.
- Overnight in Ullapool.
Day 6
- Journey to the Isle of Lewis and Harris.
- Explore the Callanish Stones and Luskentyre Beach.
- Overnight on Lewis and Harris.
Day 7
- Return to Edinburgh via Inverness, concluding your Scottish adventure.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland © Milosz Maslanka/Shutterstock
Itinerary #4: Castles in the Sky
This 7 days itinerary in Scotland, takes you to Edinburgh, where on day one the iconic Edinburgh Castle sets the tone. On day two, your adventure continues with a visit to the historic Linlithgow Palace before heading to the picturesque town of Stirling to prepare for further exploration.
Day three is dedicated to Stirling, where you'll delve into the rich history of Stirling Castle and the intriguing Doon Castle, immersing you in Scotland's legendary past. On day four, the journey takes you to Inveraray, where the magnificent Inveraray Castle awaits, before heading to the picturesque town of Oban.
Day five will take you to the Isle of Mull with the majestic Duart Castle, before boarding a ferry to the mystical Isle of Skye. Day six is filled with the charm of Skye, you'll visit historic Dunvegan Castle and the legendary Eilean Donan Castle.
End the week by returning to Edinburgh through the breathtaking scenery of Glencoe on day seven, completing your journey through Scotland's mesmerizing castles and landscapes. Book this trip.
Skye Island in Scottish Highlands, Scotland © David Redondo/Shutterstock
Itinerary overview
Check out this 7 days itinerary in Scotland:
Day 1
- Visit Edinburgh Castle.
- Overnight in Edinburgh.
Day 2
- Head to Linlithgow Palace.
- Continue to Stirling for overnight.
Day 3
- Explore Stirling Castle and Doune Castle.
- Overnight in Stirling.
Day 4
- Travel to Inveraray to visit Inveraray Castle.
- Continue to Oban for overnight.
Day 5
- Visit Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull.
- Take the ferry to the Isle of Skye.
- Overnight on the Isle of Skye.
Day 6
- Explore Dunvegan Castle and Eilean Donan Castle.
- Overnight on the Isle of Skye.
Day 7
- Return to Edinburgh via the scenic route through Glencoe.
- End the journey in Edinburgh.
Cladach, Isle of Arran, Scotland © Shutterstock
Itinerary #5: Celtic Connections
Take a cultural journey through Scotland starting in Glasgow, where on day one your journey begins in the vibrant West End. On day two, you'll continue to explore Glasgow's rich heritage with a visit to the Riverside Museum and finish the evening at King Tut's legendary Wah Wah hut.
On day three you'll travel to the seaside town of Oban, where stunning views from McCaig's Tower and evenings are brought to life at local music venues, where the musical spirit of the town comes alive. On day four, the journey takes you to the Isle of Skye, where you can savor the flavors at Talisker Distillery and immerse yourself in the musical atmosphere of Skye.
On day five, Inverness awaits, where you'll visit the Culloden Battlefield and then enjoy vibrant live music at the Hootananny Club. On day six you'll head to Pitlochry, where you'll visit traditional pubs and soak up the atmosphere of Scottish folk tunes.
Finish your musical odyssey in Edinburgh on day seven with a Scotch Whisky Experience tour before returning to Glasgow enriched by the sounds and spirits of Scotland. Book this trip.
Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) of Glasgow at night, Scotland © Shutterstock
Itinerary overview
Check out this 7 days itinerary in Scotland:
Day 1
- Explore the vibrant West End in Glasgow.
- Overnight in Glasgow.
Day 2
- Visit the Riverside Museum.
- Spend the evening at King Tut's Wah Wah Hut.
- Overnight in Glasgow.
Day 3
- Travel to Oban.
- Enjoy views from McCaig's Tower.
- Experience local music venues.
- Overnight in Oban.
Day 4
- Head to the Isle of Skye.
- Visit Talisker Distillery.
- Delve into Skye's music scene.
- Overnight on the Isle of Skye.
Day 5
- Travel to Inverness.
- Visit Culloden Battlefield.
- Enjoy music at the Hootananny Club.
- Overnight in Inverness.
Day 6
- Move to Pitlochry.
- Explore traditional music pubs.
- Overnight in Pitlochry.
Day 7
- Travel to Edinburgh.
- Visit an exhibition of Scotch whisky.
- Return to Glasgow and complete your cultural journey through Scotland.
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