Personalized trips to Scotland
for independent travelers

How it works
Chat with specialist icon Step 1
Tell us what kind of trip you want
Complete our quick travel quiz
Chat icons Step 2
Chat with a local travel specialist
Work out the details together
Credit card icon Step 3
Securely book your trip
100% satisfaction guaranteed

Travelers love kimkim

- ., traveled to in

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 · 14 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.

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.

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.

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

Journey through the land of single malt with this 11-day Scottish whisky adventure
Map of Great Scottish Whisky Adventure - 11 Days
Great Scottish Whisky Adventure - 11 Days

This 11-day self-drive whisky trip explores Scotland's best single malts. The journey begins in Edinburgh with a tasting, before you venture north to the famous distilleries of Speyside to discover the heart of Scotch whisky and visit a cooperage workshop set amid rolling hills and misty rivers. Next comes the Isle of Skye and then Oban, where the sea meets mountains and centuries of whisky-making tradition. End in Glasgow with a final toast to the liquid gold. Sláinte mhath!

See iconic Scottish sights on this 11-day guided adventure
Map of Guided Grand Tour of Scotland - 11 Days
Guided Grand Tour of Scotland - 11 Days

Explore the finer side of Scotland with this 11-day escapade that includes a private driver. Start in Edinburgh with a sophisticated afternoon tea, then journey up to historic Stirling Castle and the untamed beauty of Cairngorms National Park. Traverse Inverness and cruise across Loch Ness in search of the mysterious legend, then land on the Isle of Skye for a whisky tasting and exclusive chef's table experience. Visit Fort William and the haunting landscapes of Glen Coe before flying out of Glasgow.

Kick off your Scottish adventure with three days of hiking on the West Highland Way
Map of Scotland's West Highland Way & Beyond - 11 Days
Scotland's West Highland Way & Beyond - 11 Days

This 11-day trip ticks off the best of Scotland's nature, wildlife, and whisky experiences. Starting from Glasgow, you'll board a train north and hike the West Highland Way for three days. Go fly fishing and taste whisky on the Isle of Skye, then meet local wildlife with an off-road safari in Cairngorms National Park. Head south to wander Stirling Castle, then visit Edinburgh's Royal Mile and admire the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky.

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
View article
Map 1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Scotland
Travel specialist Stephen Molloy
active 23 mins 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 William Armstrong
active 17 hours ago

William Armstrong

I am your English-born, UK and French expert for all activity holidays in off-the-beaten track destinations in UK and France. I have lived, worked and traveled extensively in both the UK and...

read more...
Travel specialist Jane Davey
active 20 hours ago

Jane Davey

I grew up in the UK and developed a real passion for the great outdoors, which inspired me to work in travel. As a child, I spent my holidays in the UK with my parents and my brother. My dad used...

read more...
Travel specialist Luigi Pasiani
active 20 mins ago

Luigi Pasiani

I am an entrepreneur with a huge passion for travelling, which was devoted to my holidays for the most part of my life. I experienced the very aspects of being a traveller, and I felt tourism...

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit Scotland also visit these destinations

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Scotland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Summer trip to Scotland.
Scotland | Jul 8 - Jul 16, 2023

Jay
Jay B.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Nov 19, 2023

We had a really enjoyable time. All of our expectations were exceeded, and we would be happy to use the service again. We didn't require a lot of help, but when we had a problem with a reservation, they were able to sort it out quickly and we fealt very well taken care of.

Local specialist: Neil West
Neil
Neil West
Local specialist in Glasgow & Fife | Replied on Nov 20, 2023

Hi Jay,

I really appreciate your thoughtful review & I'm thrilled to hear that you had a great time in Scotland. It's always a pleasure to be part of creating memorable experiences, and I'm glad I could contribute to yours!

Best regards,
Neil

My trip to Scotland was absolutely incredible...
Scotland | Sep 15 - Sep 22, 2023

Charlottesville
Charlottesville R.
Arvada, CO | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2023

My trip to Scotland was absolutely incredible. I just showed up, and everything was planned, including my train transportation.

Local specialist: Neil West
Neil
Neil West
Local specialist in Glasgow & Fife | Replied on Nov 17, 2023

Hello!
Thank you so much for the kind review. It was a lot of fun working on this trip & I'm so happy that you had an incredible time in Scotland.
All the very best,
Neil

A 13 day trip around Scotland means one thing...
Scotland | Oct 7 - Oct 19, 2023

David
David L.
Athens, AL | Reviewed on Oct 20, 2023

A 13 day trip around Scotland means one thing, we've got to go back for more. AMAZING. Oou guide around the Isle of Sky, Donald, was amazing, funny, and kind. I can't say enough good things about JUSTINE. She looked after us our whole trip. Checking on us, making changes due to our health problems. My only regret is not being able to give her a hug and say Thank You.

Local specialist: Justine Stewart
Justine
Justine Stewart
Local specialist in England/France | Replied on Oct 27, 2023

David & Kathy,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was such a treat to get to know you and help plan your trip. It was a genuine joy to work with the both of you :)
Best,
Justine