Scotland's Cities, Lochs & Castles: Glasgow to Edinburgh Road Trip - 6 Days

Highlights

• Sip on whisky from the barrel in a Glasgow distillery
• Hike around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
• Take a guided day trip to the rugged Isle of Skye
• Hunt for Nessie on a sonar-equipped Loch Ness cruise
• Uncover the mysteries of closes and wynds in medieval Edinburgh

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow, Walking Tour & Clydeside Distillery 

Welcome to Glasgow! The port city of 1.6 million on the Clyde River in Scotland's lowlands is known for its live music and Victorian architecture. Meet your guide at Glasgow Greenock Port or the Glasgow Cathedral for a walking tour. After lunch, make your way through the central district, arriving at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Glasgow University. Learn about the city's architectural styles and merchant trading history and end your tour at Glasgow Green, returning to the port.

At the port, get ready to learn about whisky, one of the country's most famous spirits, at Clydeside Distillery. Along the Clyde Rivers' historic shipping docks, see how single malt whisky is distilled and learn about aging it in first-fill bourbon casks and first-fill sherry butts. Taste whisky and pair it with chocolates at the end of your tour, and then return to your Glasgow hotel.

Day 2: Drive to Fort William, the Trossachs National Park & Loch Lomond

Pick up your car rental this morning and hit the road toward Fort William, located 110 miles (177 km) north of Glasgow. The journey should take less than three hours door-to-door but allow extra time to stop and admire the scenery at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park en route. This was Scotland's first national park known as "the Highlands in miniature" due to its captivating scenery. One option is to stop in the village of Luss on the western shore of Loch Lomond, where you can gaze up at Ben Lomond mountain from its pier.

Alternatively, steer north in the small village of Killin at the western edge of Loch Tay. Here you can see the Falls of Dochart, an impressive series of rapids, and a prehistoric stone circle near the village center. Stretch your legs before continuing your journey among the surrounding mountains of Breadalbane, keeping your eye out for local wildlife.

Arrive in Fort William in the afternoon and check into your hotel. Located in the West Highlands, this town is known as the outdoor capital of the UK, and there's plenty to explore if you have time before your evening meal. One option is to visit the Ben Nevis Distillery, one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland, for a tour or dinner in its restaurant. Or, immerse yourself in local history at the West Highland Museum. Alternatively, unwind while playing a round of golf at the Fort William Golf Club.

Day 3: Guided Day Trip to the Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle

Today, you'll be picked up by a private driver and guide for a day trip to the rugged Isle of Skye. You'll be taken to some of its most beautiful and historic spots, which include the Mealt Falls (also known as Kilt Rock Waterfall), the otherworldly Fairy Glen, and Quiraing in the north. Or you could go on a secret tour of the south of the island, including a visit to the Torabhaig Distillery. A walk around the island's capital, Portree, is a must. The town in the east of the island is set around a harbor and has a backdrop of cliffs. Here you'll see The Meall, known as "The Lump," a headland where the annual Highland Games are held.

On your way back, stop at the 13th-century Eilean Donan Castle, which you may recognize as an iconic image of Scotland. It's one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish Highlands and is located on an island where three sea lochs meet. The site was first inhabited around the sixth century, but the first fortified castle here wasn't built until the mid-13th century. There have been at least four different versions of the castle here due to the feudal history of Scotland. After you've looked around, head back to your hotel for a relaxing night.

Day 4: Drive to Pitlochry via Loch Ness & the Cairngorms National Park

Hop back in the car and travel 1.5 hours east to Pitlochry in Perthshire today. If you'd like to tick a bucket-list attraction off your Scotland list, take a detour north first to Loch Ness, a 90-minute drive away. Here, learn all about the legends around "Nessie," the Loch Ness Monster, on an hourlong cruise on the Nessie Hunter. The boat is the first vessel on Loch Ness to be fitted with down-scanning sonar imaging to look at the shapes of underwater objects. Following the tour, drive over to Urquhart Castle, located along the lake, and wander around one of Scotland's largest castle ruins.

To complement your cruise, drive to Pitlochry via the Cairngorms National Park, which has some of the best wildlife in the UK, with rare and endangered species, including the pine marten, osprey, Scottish wildcat, golden eagle, red squirrel, and black grouse. Go for a short walk, then head to Pitlochry for dinner and to check into your hotel.

Day 5: Drive to Edinburgh via Stirling Castle

Today you'll drive 70 miles (112 km) south to Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, with a stop in Stirling en route to look around the grand Stirling Castle. The castle sits on a volcanic rock above the River Firth with a fabulous view. Past inhabitants include Mary Queen of Scots and James VI and I. On your visit, talk to costumed staff in its Royal Palace, one of the best-preserved Renaissance buildings in the UK. If it's sunny, spend some time relaxing in its pretty Queen Anne Gardens.

From here, you'll arrive in Edinburgh and check into your hotel. Once settled, explore the handsome city, which has two UNESCO designations, one for its medieval Old Town and another for its Georgian New Town. A good place to start when looking around is medieval Edinburgh Castle, where you can see Scotland's crown jewels. You could also climb to the top of Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano, for fantastic views over the city. In the evening, treat yourself to a meal in one of Edinburgh's fantastic restaurants, which range from fine dining and Scottish dishes to relaxed pub grub.

Day 6: Edinburgh Walking Tour & Depart Edinburgh

Learn all about Edinburgh's social history, standout attractions, and even ghosts on a three-hour tour of its Old Town. Start your tour in Holyrood Park underneath the looming Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat. You're next to Canongate here, the eastern edge of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, which was once a separate burgh (town) developed around a 12-century abbey. Next, wander through Scottish alleyways in the Old Town, which are called a close, and discover tales from each.

Take some photographs of the striking Canongate Tolbooth before discovering this area's connection to Mary Queen of Scots, and Bonnie Prince Charlie, who both stayed in the palace. When you reach the end of the Canongate, you'll see a section of the ancient Flodden Wall, which kept invaders out and Edinburgh locals in. At the end of the tour, you'll say your goodbyes and drive to the airport, drop off your rental car, and catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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