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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 20 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 6 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 Kateryna Garkavenko
active 13 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...
Travel specialist Stephen Molloy
active 1 hour 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...

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Trip Reviews for Scotland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

First time travelers
Scotland | Sep 17 - Sep 25, 2025

LeeAnne
LeeAnne L.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Nov 03, 2025
Recently retired and wanting to travel to Scotland, but where to start? Hearing about KimKim from my sister-in-law we contacted them and them and Pauline was our personal agent and advocate! We had appointments regularly so she could glean what were our goals and desires. She listened, then researched and advised. She was SPOT ON! We wanted to experience as much as we could in the 10 day trip and looking back I would not have changed a thing!
Pauline and the team at KimKim made sure to...
Read more

Recently retired and wanting to travel to Scotland, but where to start? Hearing about KimKim from my sister-in-law we contacted them and them and Pauline was our personal agent and advocate! We had appointments regularly so she could glean what were our goals and desires. She listened, then researched and advised. She was SPOT ON! We wanted to experience as much as we could in the 10 day trip and looking back I would not have changed a thing!
Pauline and the team at KimKim made sure to book our hotels close to the train connections and local travel options. My husband and I along with his sister and husband traveled with ease knowing we were backed by the whole group. It made us feel more at ease when questions arose.
We were picked up at the airport and delivered to our first hotel in London for a couple of days starting with the Tower of London and a on a whim the Winston Churchill War Room exhibits. Both were AMAZING! The following day we took infamous Westminster Chapel, which left us breathless.
Off to Edinburgh by train to see the country in comfort! One of our goals was to learn about my husband's Scottish heritage. KimKim connected us to a guide who was such a gem, Alister, who gave a a driving tour of Edinburgh first and then to the family town and castle! Although the castle was in ruins, it was truly remarkable. Alister headed our wish to visits the less busy parts of Scotland and our day along the coastal towns and local cafe's made it all the more memorable.
Then Inverness the trip would not be complete without the castle tours, historical sites with fantastic guides and stories told with their delightful accent! A 12 hour bus tour to the Isle of Skye with photo stops and entertaining and historical stories from our guide, Carin, made the trip a real winner.
The last stop in the quaint town of Sterling staying in a truly landmark hotel, the Golden Lion, and the Sterling castle (which is a MUST see).
KimKim had a driver deliver us to the airport, (another Alister) who was the kindest gentleman, who navigated morning traffic through the backroads with ease to deliver us to the airport.
ALL the details matter and Pauline and her crew hit it out of the park. We are so grateful to have had them in our back pocket!

Activity Reviews
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Scotland

This was the castle to see! Where Scotland has so much history.

Quality of Experience
The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
Inverness
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh

Such a treat to experience REAL history.

Quality of Experience
Private day dedicated to the  Lumsden Clan
Private day dedicated to the Lumsden Clan
Inverness

Honestly I cannot say enough about our guide, Alister. He was thorough and oh so thoughtful. His research on our family heritage and then driving us to the specific locations was so valuable. We were able to see, walk, read and touch where our family lived hundreds of years ago. We have memories that will be with us forever. Thank you Alistor and KimKim!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tickets to Westminster Abbey
Tickets to Westminster Abbey
London

Truly breath taking. Majestic, solemn, and facsinating. I need a full day!

Quality of Experience
Tower of London Timed Entry Tickets
Tower of London Timed Entry Tickets
London

Easy to tour on your own, they have personal audio players so you can spend as little or as much time as you like.

Local specialist: Pauline Mathieu
Pauline
Pauline Mathieu
Local specialist in UK & France | Replied on Nov 04, 2025

Thank you so much, LeeAnne, for your kind words!
It truly means a lot to us to know that you had such a wonderful time . Especially learning more about your clan. You’ve certainly created amazing memories that will last a lifetime, and I’m so happy to have been part of it!

I wish you all the very best, and whenever you decide to travel to Europe again, I’ll be here to help you plan another fantastic adventure!

Amazing trip to acotlans
Scotland | Oct 16 - Oct 29, 2025

E
Elise L.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 30, 2025
Although we livwd wvwrywhwre we went Isle of Sky and the coastal towns of the East Neuk were magical! We could not have had a more perfect trip! Our travel agent Tatiana was superb, “shadowing” us every day to make sure everything was right. Read more

Although we livwd wvwrywhwre we went Isle of Sky and the coastal towns of the East Neuk were magical! We could not have had a more perfect trip! Our travel agent Tatiana was superb, “shadowing” us every day to make sure everything was right.

Hotel Review
The Dowans Hotel of Speyside
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Bespoke Private Isle of Skye Tour
Bespoke Private Isle of Skye Tour
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Tetiana Smal

Honestly, I would not change one thing that A...
Scotland | Oct 15 - Oct 24, 2025

M
Mary G.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Oct 27, 2025
Honestly, I would not change one thing that Aleksandra set up for us. The trip was perfect and all the accommodations and tours were great. Read more

Honestly, I would not change one thing that Aleksandra set up for us. The trip was perfect and all the accommodations and tours were great.

Hotel Review
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Loved this boutique hotel and all the lovely people who work there. The food was superb too!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Aleksandra
Aleksandra Shebaltseva
Local specialist in England | Replied on Oct 27, 2025

Dear Mary,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I’m absolutely delighted to hear that everything went perfectly and that you enjoyed all of your stays.

I’m so happy to know your trip met — or even exceeded — your expectations, and I truly hope we can create another memorable journey together in the future.

Warm regards,
Aleksandra

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