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Introducing Scotland

The romantic landscapes and dramatic features of this small territory make travelers feel like the region is much larger than it actually is. Pair that with a friendly culture, plenty of outdoor adventure, and incredible seafood, and Scotland is the trip that stays with visitors long after they leave.

When is the best time to visit?
As a year-round destination with distinct seasons, travelers should pick the time they visit on what they plan to do. Spring, summer, and fall are better for outdoor recreation, while winter is a popular time to explore the holiday festivals and seasonal cheer.

Where to go in Scotland?
Delight your senses at the bright green rolling hills of the Isle of Skye, enjoy the fun-oriented culture of Glasgow, camp out or trek the mountains surround Loch Lomond, learn about the history and architecture of Edinburgh, and tour the distilleries of Islay.

Thinking about traveling around the United Kingdom? Learn more about planning a trip to England or Wales. Many travelers also combine their trip to the UK with a visit to Ireland.

How many days do I need?
You can briefly get to know Edinburgh in about 3 days, but to experience the breadth of opportunities Scotland has to offer, upwards of 1 or 2 weeks is much preferable.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Scotland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Etive Mor waterfall, Glencoe
Map of Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days
Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days

Discover the enchanting history and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands with this 8-day self-drive itinerary. Starting in Edinburgh,  drive north to the rugged highlands, where you’ll explore ancient castles, visit important battle sites, sail Loch Ness, and ride the world’s most scenic railway.

Scotland's Edinburgh Castle has stood for over 1,000 years
Map of Scotland & Ireland - 14 Days
Scotland & Ireland - 14 Days

Fourteen days is ample time to experience the best of Scotland and Ireland, be it touring Edinburgh, hiking the Highlands, or reveling in the historic streets of Dublin. The adventures are almost too many to list: wildlife safaris in national parks, boating across Loch Ness, cycling around Glasgow, and exploring the untamed beauty of the Isle of Skye. If that's not enough, you'll hit the road on a drive to some of the most beautiful locales in southern Ireland, like the Wicklow Mountains and County Cork.

Neist Point at Isle of Skye
Map of Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days
Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days

This seven-day adventure combines Scotland's most memorable tourist destinations with a tour of the countryside in the magnificent Scottish highlands. You will start your trip by exploring Edinburgh's galleries, castles, and pubs before heading to the spectacular castles in Inverness. You'll spend two nights in Portree, where you'll visit castles and famous geological sites and tour the hiking routes before traveling to Glencoe, which is home to spectacular scenery.

The ruins of Castle Urquhart at Loch Ness
Map of Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness & Skye - 7 Days
Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness & Skye - 7 Days

This week-long itinerary perfectly introduces Scotland's most scenic locales—blending a self-drive adventure with unforgettable guided excursions and experiences. Beginning and ending in the charming capital of Edinburgh, you'll set off into the rugged Highlands for a road trip to remember. Step back in time at the Culloden Battlefield, cruise the legendary waters of Loch Ness, and tour whisky distilleries on the Isle of Skye.

Driving toward Ben Stack on the NC500
Map of The North Coast 500: Road Trip through the Scottish Highlands  - 5 Days
The North Coast 500: Road Trip through the Scottish Highlands - 5 Days

Experience one of the world's most scenic driving routes on this 5-day journey along Scotland's North Coast 500. Beginning and ending in the Highland capital of Inverness, you'll follow the loop counterclockwise as you wind your way past mist-shrouded mountains, hidden lochs, and rugged coastlines. A relaxed pace allows you to take your time and explore plenty of sandy beaches, charming fishing villages, and unspoiled nature.

The Old Man of Storr overlooking Skye's coast.
Map of Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days
Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days

This active 9-day hiking itinerary travels through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. Starting in the heart of the Highlands, you’ll walk along the West Highland Way, experiencing the wild beauty of Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe. The first leg of your walking journey ends at the adventure capital of Fort William, where you’ll get the chance to scale Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. After a memorable ride on the historic Jacobite Express Steam Train, board a ferry for the Isle of Skye, where you’ll have three days to explore the rugged mountains, secluded coves, and idyllic villages of the Inner Hebrides.

Make the Most of Your Time in Scotland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
A Scot plays the bagpipes in Edinburgh
How Many Days to Spend in Scotland

From ancient castles to whisky distilleries and Highland Games (not to mention a mythical monster in Loch Ness), there's a reason bonnie Scotland is awash with "Outlander" fans....

Scotland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Sunrise, Loch Lomond
Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Scotland

Conjuring up romance effortlessly and with subtlety, Scotland is a stunning destination in which to celebrate your love for each other. For the backdrop to your honeymoon here,...

Our Latest Scotland Content

Start your trip with a walk along Edinburgh's Royal Mile, home of the Scotch Whiskey Experience
Map of Scottish Whisky Adventure in  Edinburgh, Inverness & Glasgow - 8 Days
Scottish Whisky Adventure in Edinburgh, Inverness & Glasgow - 8 Days

Spend eight fun-filled days indulging in the finest whisky Scotland offers, starting in Edinburgh with a visit to the Johnnie Walker distillery and a private whisky and artisan food tour. From there, pick up your rental car and drive to Inverness for a tour of two Speyside distilleries. This is where you can admire the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye while you taste smoky whiskies characteristic of the island's terroir. Finish the adventure in Glasgow by creating your own bottle of Clydeside whisky to take home.

Look for iconic Highland cows as you explore the rugged Isle of Skye
Map of Soul-Stirring Scotland: Edinburgh, Stirling, Fort William, Skye & Pitlochry - 11 Days
Soul-Stirring Scotland: Edinburgh, Stirling, Fort William, Skye & Pitlochry - 11 Days

This action-packed 11-day itinerary squeezes the best of Scotland into a fast-paced trip. Starting in Edinburgh, you'll strut down the Royal Mile before renting a car and beginning an epic road trip. Wander the halls of Stirling Castle, hike up Conic Hill for views of Loch Lomond, and admire dramatic Highland scenes in Glen Coe. Cross to the Isle of Skye to discover nature's beauty and meet a local artist. Then join a whisky tasting and wildlife safari around Pitlochry before returning to the capital.

Cover a lot of ground as you explore Scotland's Westy Highland Way and overnight in Bridge of Orchy
Map of 16 Days in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
16 Days in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With over two weeks in Scotland, you can visit up to 11 towns and cities on a fast-paced itinerary. First-timers will want to hit the highlights like castles in Edinburgh, Stirling, and Aberdeen, while whiskey lovers should experience Scottish culture by distillery-hopping. For a hiking focus, walk some of the scenic West Highland Way or have adventure experiences like canyoning at Bruar Falls. Add a trip to Ireland to drive its scenic southern coast that includes the famous the Ring of Kerry.

Scotland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 10 Days in Scotland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Scotland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Scotland
Travel specialist Jane Davey
active 4 hours ago

Jane Davey

Born and raised in the UK, I’ve always had a love affair with the great outdoors. It’s no wonder I ended up in travel! Growing up, family holidays meant exploring the UK with my parents and...

read more...
Travel specialist Aleksandra Shebaltseva
active 2 hours ago

Aleksandra Shebaltseva

As a passionate traveler, my approach is anchored in the belief that every journey is an opportunity for exploration and growth. With a penchant for immersing myself in diverse cultures and seeking...

read more...
Travel specialist Stephen Molloy
active 1 min ago

Stephen Molloy

Urbanist by training, he spent most of his twenties traveling and living overseas. Bitten by the bug, he lived in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, California, Australia, DRC, Kenya, Pakistan...and...

read more...
Travel specialist Kateryna Garkavenko
active 5 hours ago

Kateryna Garkavenko

Travel is truly one of the most rewarding experiences we can have. It's amazing how much we can learn and grow from every trip, and I believe that most people will benefit from exploring new...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Scotland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

First off I need to brag about Salome and how...
Scotland | Sep 1 - Sep 10, 2025

Nolan
Nolan W.
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 11, 2025
First off I need to brag about Salome and how well she put the trip together. The hotels were great choices with great locations that met our needs. The Tigerlily was our start and was located close to the castle at Edinburgh which was also a short walk to the train station, a mall, the car rental (Europcar), restaurants and coffee houses. The breakfast at Tigerlily and so was the dinner. We did eat at some other places but Tigerlily was our first choice. Driving in Scotland was a new... Read more

First off I need to brag about Salome and how well she put the trip together. The hotels were great choices with great locations that met our needs. The Tigerlily was our start and was located close to the castle at Edinburgh which was also a short walk to the train station, a mall, the car rental (Europcar), restaurants and coffee houses. The breakfast at Tigerlily and so was the dinner. We did eat at some other places but Tigerlily was our first choice. Driving in Scotland was a new and quasi difficult experience but getting the car was a breeze. Even the rental agent bragged on how well prepared our advanced booking had been done. One note was that all the hotels with the exception of the Tigerlily did not have air conditioning. The Guardian in Ft William did have a fan which was a great asset. The vast majority of the time it did not matter since the nights were cool. The one down side (and somewhat comical) was the 5AM very loud argument by some sea gulls outside our window . All of our guides were so friendly and informative. If I had one problem is that at Dunbar we saw very very little of where the battle took place. It is not a national park but we did not get to visit Doon hill and only found at single monument along side the road that marked a spot. It was my hope to have had a much more detailed review but it would have required driving outside the town and that seemed to be beyond the scope of what our guides offered. All other places we visited were exceptional for the depth of our tours. Durham Cathedral, Hadrian's Wall, Bannockburn, and Culloden were so well performed by every guide. Absolutely no regrets on any aspect of the trip. Something out of control of KIMKIM was the trains. Every single train was PACKED. Struggled to find seats at times and finding space for the luggage was a constant problem. But it is hypocritical for a tourist to complain about tourist.

Hotel Reviews
Pine Trees Hotel
Pitlochry

Quite an uphill walk with bags. The site was easily one of the most handsome hotels we stayed in. wonderful little nice things like candy bars, chips, flavored water, etc in the common area of the four rooms. VERY comfortable beds and space. One thing that surprised us about ALL the hotels we stayed in....no USB ports for charging phones. Seems odd since cell phones are so ubiquitous that there are no ports on lamps/tables/wall that we are used to seeing in the USA and other destinations. This hotel also had an excellent restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
The seclusion, quality of the hotel and grounds. very good beds and amenities.
Location
a semi private heavily wooded tree lined road. Separate buildings and each divided up into 4 or so rooms.
Staff
What you would expect from a place of this caliber.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very much liked the comfort of this place. VERY clean and inviting .
Maldron Hotel Newcastle
Newcastle upon Tyne

Parking was a pain. The walk to the garage was not a big issue but driving to the garage was a challenges with google maps. It was just weird. The umbrella rental stand was very welcome. It really came in handy. Room was comfortable. But the restaurant in the hotel was not their strong point.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
very helpful in any way.
Cleanliness & Comfort
very comfortable.
Tigerlily
Edinburgh

Staff was amazing and easily had one of, if not the best, breakfast and dinners. Great beds. Wonderful rooms

Authenticity & Character
Stylish hotel and blended in with the surroundings.
Location
close to everything we wanted to do.
Staff
Always very friendly. Always.
Cleanliness & Comfort
always looked immaculate .
Local specialist: Salomé Deroyer
Salomé
Salomé Deroyer
Local specialist in Lyon | Replied on Sep 11, 2025

Hi Nolan,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review!
I am very pleased to hear that you and Mason had such a great time in Scotland discovering all the historic sites with your amazing guides! 😊
I appreciate your feedback regarding the tour of Dunbar and transportation in Scotland, it is always helpful to hear these reviews for future trips.
Once again, thank you for traveling with us, and I do hope we get to hear from you for your future trips! 😊
All the best,
Salomé & the High Point Holidays Team

We had excellent guides for our excursions.
Scotland | Aug 13 - Aug 25, 2025

Jeanne
Jeanne L.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Sep 01, 2025
We had excellent guides for our excursions. They were all knowledgeable, enthusiastic and personable. We especially enjoyed our Beatles tour. With Paul T. Jack, who took us on a walking tour of Smithfield was very knowledgeable and engaging. Grace took us on a walking tour focused on Shakespeare and I learned a lot (maybe more than I needed to know ). I did enjoy the town it was Stratford on Avon. Scotland was beautiful and we had great weather! Visiting St. Andrew’s was a dream of a... Read more

We had excellent guides for our excursions. They were all knowledgeable, enthusiastic and personable. We especially enjoyed our Beatles tour. With Paul T. Jack, who took us on a walking tour of Smithfield was very knowledgeable and engaging. Grace took us on a walking tour focused on Shakespeare and I learned a lot (maybe more than I needed to know ). I did enjoy the town it was Stratford on Avon. Scotland was beautiful and we had great weather! Visiting St. Andrew’s was a dream of a lifetime. We were busy with all the things that were planned for us and felt like we covered a lot of ground.

Hotel Reviews
Eden Locke
Edinburgh

This hotel was the best out of all eight we stayed in. It was roomy and they had a nice fan. Big bathroom. Elevator! The only bad thing was we arrived at night and it was not clearly marked. The sign had the name on the same color of brick and it was not illuminated. After going around the block a few times one of our passengers got out and walked to the area where we thought it should be and confirmed we were at the right place.

Authenticity & Character
Very modern and well appointed.
Location
Centrally located in Edinburgh.
Staff
Very informative and thorough.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable. Enjoyed a large bathroom and shower.
Redcliffe Hotel
Inverness

Hotel was nice in an older building with a nice restaurant. This time we had to lug our luggage downstairs. The room was nice but small. The bathroom and shower were extremely small.

Authenticity & Character
It had an old time charm look.
Location
It was in a town and we were able to walk to get dinner and do a little souvenir shopping.
Staff
The lady who checked us in and waited on us for breakfast was very friendly and nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable but the bathroom and shower were very small.
Balmacara Hotel
Ross-Shire

Nice hotel with a view of the lake across the street. Second floor with lots of steps to lug luggage. No elevator.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was located near to some excursions we were visiting.
Staff
I became ill and my husband went to the desk and they offered some remedies that may aid in my comfort.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was clean and comfortable.
Loch Leven Hotel
Glencoe

Hotel was nice but once again involved lugging luggage up steps. Only staying one night I don’t recall specifics of this room. There was a lake nearby that we walked down to see.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Pretty surroundings, don’t remember seeing anything nearby to explore.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The White Lion Hotel
Ambleside, Cumbria

The hotel was nice but the logistics were strange. We came in the back door from the parking lot. We had to walk through the restaurant with our luggage. We had to carry our luggage up many steps and that was laborious. The restaurant had a Sunday roast that looked good on line but the roast was dry, overcooked and tough. The potatoes could barely be cut with a knife they were hard as rocks (over-baked).

Authenticity & Character
It was in an attractive older building.
Location
It was in the middle of the town and close to walk around the town even though it was Sunday evening and most things were closed.
Staff
They had a menu on the table and you were instructed to place your order on line and it was cumbersome. Upon seeking help from a server he told us we did not have to order on line but we were done by that point.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was clean and comfortable.
Hard Days Night Hotel
Liverpool

This was a nice hotel. One downfall was that there was no parking and there was no where to unload the luggage due to restricted parking for cabs. There was a policeman out front when we arrived and he let us pull up and unload quickly. When you went in the front doors there were several steps that we had to lug our luggage up. Nice on the main level there was an elevator to take us up to the 2nd floor. The hotel room was roomy and had air conditioning that was a welcome feature!

Authenticity & Character
Beatles theme.
Authenticity & Character
Beatles theme.
Location
Close to the Cavern Club and had Beatles theme with interesting decor around the hotel.
Location
Close to the Cavern Club and had Beatles theme with interesting decor around the hotel.
Staff
We had a tour scheduled the day we were checking out and we were able to get a later check out.
Staff
We had a tour scheduled the day we were checking out and we were able to get a later check out.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness & Comfort
The White Hart Royal Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire

A nice hotel with a nice size room and on the first floor. We really weren’t here very long, arrived early evening and left early the next morning.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
ibis Styles London Southwark – near Borough Market
London

This hotel was in an area where we could walk to find a variety of restaurants that were close by. The room was warm and had trouble adjusting the temperature to cool the room. The included breakfast bar was nicely stocked with a variety of food.

Authenticity & Character
It was a theater themed decorated style.
Location
Near a variety of restaurants and close enough to walk to other activities.
Staff
Staff was helpful when interacted with.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was clean and lobby and dining area were clean
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Sep 01, 2025
Hi Jeanne and Carl That's so cool that you took the time to do this review - cheers! Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I’m delighted to hear you had such excellent guides and that the Beatles tour was a highlight. The weather has just turned for the worse last week so you missed the storm. I’m so glad that visiting St. Andrew’s was everything you hoped for - as I say to folks, it is not just about golf! Wonderful to know you felt the trip was full and rewarding. We would be... Read more

Hi Jeanne and Carl

That's so cool that you took the time to do this review - cheers!

Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I’m delighted to hear you had such excellent guides and that the Beatles tour was a highlight. The weather has just turned for the worse last week so you missed the storm. I’m so glad that visiting St. Andrew’s was everything you hoped for - as I say to folks, it is not just about golf! Wonderful to know you felt the trip was full and rewarding.

We would be happy to have you again, perhaps travelling in France, Ireland or Wales next time!

Regards, thanks
Stephen Molloy
HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

Wanted to stay longer…
Scotland | Aug 18 - Aug 25, 2025

Hildegard
Hildegard V.
Panama | Reviewed on Aug 26, 2025
Aleksandra was a wonderful guide, always responsive and flexible. She helped us with everything and was always available during the trip for any last minute changes. Read more

Aleksandra was a wonderful guide, always responsive and flexible. She helped us with everything and was always available during the trip for any last minute changes.

Hotel Reviews
River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
Inverness

The River Ness Hotel was okay, but it felt a bit on the shabby side compared to the other accommodations. It was a last-minute arrangement, so I understand these things happen. However, it wasn't as impressive as the other places we stayed.

Clan Macduff Hotel
Fort William

Unfortunately, the Clan Macduff Hotel in Fort William was my least favorite. It felt more like a motel, and the location wasn't ideal for exploring Glencoe, which we missed out on. It was a last-minute addition to our itinerary, and I wish we had stayed somewhere further into Glencoe to better enjoy the area.

The Alamo Guest House
Glasgow

The Alamo Guest House in Glasgow was another highlight of our trip. The accommodation was cozy and beautifully decorated. The service was outstanding, and the staff made us feel right at home. I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Glasgow.

The Bracken Hide
Portree

Right expérience hôtel for location

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva

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