10 Days in Scotland - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Fast-Paced Scotland Highlights Tour

Arrive eager to explore as this classic Scotland itinerary whizzes you around the country's highlights—from the imposing Stirling Castle to the rugged coastlines of Isle of Skye. Perfect for travelers who prefer keeping on the move and enjoying the freedom of a rental car, you'll tick off overnights in nine different locations while filling days with thrilling side trips. Notable highlights include a hot-air balloon ride over Inverness, hiking on the Isle of Skye, stopping by the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, and time in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Welcome to Scotland! Upon landing in Edinburgh, get straight to exploring when you join a fascinating historical walking tour along the Royal Mile, complete with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Next, collect your rental car and hit the road to Stirling, a town known for its striking Stirling Castle and the famous National Wallace Monument, both of which you'll explore before continuing north to Aberdeen. Break up the three-hour journey with stops at Lindores Abbey Distillery and the ruins of Arbroath Abbey. Then, delve into the best of Aberdeenshire's 263 castles alongside a private guide and continue to Aberlour for an overnight. 

While in Aberlour, dedicate a morning to tasting single malt whiskey at Glenfarclas Distillery and learning the art of barrel making at the Speyside Cooperage. Then, using Aviemore as your base, embark on a sunrise hot-air balloon ride and explore Cairngorms National Park. Next, test your luck spotting the iconic monster at Loch Ness and sail across the Inner Moray Firth in search of dolphins before arriving on the Isle of Skye. Over the following two days, as you make your way to Glasgow, tick off highlights like the Glenfinnan Viaduct, kayaking on Loch Lomond, and hiking in Trossachs National Park. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Island Hopping Scotland's Inner Hebrides

Discover Scotland's natural wonders and rugged coastlines on this activity-packed island-hopping tour of the Inner Hebrides. Between snorkeling in the icy waters of the Isle of Oban and spotting eagles on the Isle of Mull to kayaking and hiking on the Isle of Skye, this adventure promises an ideal mix of nature excursions and scenic drives. Plus, with time in Glasgow to start and end the trip, you'll leave with a well-rounded introduction to Scotland's diverse culture and long history.

Your 10-day adventure kicks off in Glasgow, shrugging off jet lag while immersing yourself in a music-themed walking tour and enjoying a traditional folk music show. Then, it's time to head to the islands. Start by collecting your rental car and driving southwest to Ardrossan, where you'll ferry to Arran and spend an evening sampling single malts at Arran Distillery. A three-hour drive to Oban—gateway to the Hebrides—is next on the agenda. With two nights here, you'll find plenty of time to snorkel above seagrass beds at Ganavan Sands and visit Oban Distillery before continuing to the Isle of Mull. 

After a thrilling evening, spotting white-tailed eagles on the Isle of Mull, your next destination is Glen Coe. While here, head off on one of the many nearby hikes and delight in a relaxing overnight in the quaint village of Glencoe before heading to the Isle of Skye. Fill your time here with fascinating activities, including a hike to the Fairy Pools and a guided sea kayak experience. Then, with your trip winding down, squeeze in an overnight in Fort William, set aside a day to hike Glen Nevis, and enjoy a celebratory end-of-adventure dinner in Glasgow. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Scotland by Train: Edinburgh, Fort William, Isle of Skye & Glasgow

Savor pristine scenery, dine on traditional cuisine, and soak up intriguing history while enjoying the ease of train travel on this well-rounded Scotland adventure. Crafted for travelers seeking a relaxed-paced trip packed with highlights, this itinerary features a guided food tour in Glasgow, a 4WD excursion in Loch Lomond, a hike up Ben Nevis, and a ride on the famous Jacobite Steam Train. You'll also tour the Isle of Skye alongside a private guide and explore Glen Affric before the trip wraps up in Edinburgh.

After landing in Glasgow and spending your first evening delighting in Scottish favorites during a food tour, you'll embark on a day trip by train to Balloch for a thrilling 4WD excursion around Loch Lomond. Next, enjoy a scenic train journey to the gateway to the Inner Hebrides, Oban, and upon arrival, the evening is yours to visit McCaig's Tower or Oban Distillery. The following day is about cruising around the Isle of Mull in search of white-tailed sea eagles and playful dolphins. Then, catch a bus bound for Fort William on the morning of Day 5 and devote the rest of the day to climbing the imposing Ben Nevis.

Back to train travel, you'll soon find yourself chugging over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct on your way to the small fishing village of Mallaig. Continue by ferry to Armadale, on the Isle of Skye, and enlist the help of a guide to visit the many scenic overlooks and historic locations sprawled across the island. Next, transfer to Inverness for a fascinating day hiking Glen Affric or venturing to the legendary Loch Ness before making your final train journey to Edinburgh. Over your last two days, visit Edinburgh Castle, stroll the Royal Mile, and enjoy hearty Scottish cuisine at a local pub. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Scotland North Coast 500 Road Trip

Stumble upon charming villages, hidden castles, and memorable coastal views on this Scotland road trip featuring the NC500. Perfect for travelers who love keeping on the move while embracing the freedom a self-drive trip allows, you'll make your way from Edinburgh up to Inverness, then loop around the Scottish Highlands, from John O'Groats to Gairloch. Notable highlights include a visit to Bannockburn Battlefield, a wildlife safari in Cairngorms National Park, and numerous opportunities to sip whiskey at authentic distilleries.

Begin your trip with a day in Edinburgh, getting your bearings during a two-hour history tour complete with haunted medieval graveyards and hidden alleyways. Then, collect your rental car and hit the road to Stirling, your base for two nights. While here, you'll pack in a visit to the Bannockburn Battlefield, admire The Kelpies in Falkirk, tour Stirling Castle, and sip whiskey at the Deanston Distillery. Next, settle in for a 3.5-hour drive to Inverness, and after arriving, treat car legs to a scenic hike in Glen Affric or a thrilling visit to Loch Ness.

Nearing the midway point of your adventure, it's time to hop on the NC500 and embark on a scenic drive to John O'Groats. Along the way, detour to Chanonry Point to spot dolphins and admire Dunbrobin Castle, then after a restful evening, head south along the NC500 to Lochinver and Gairloch. There's plenty to see over the two-day drive, including the wild sea cliffs of Dunnet Head and the sandy dunes at Clachtoll Beach. However, with your trip winding down, you'll dedicate a day to exploring Cairngorms National Park and overnight in Pitlochry before the trip comes to an end in Edinburgh. Learn more

More Great 10-day Scotland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Scotland? Check out these other 10-day Scotland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, castle and cathedral tours, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.