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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 3 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 Kateryna Garkavenko
active 38 mins 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 Aleksandra Sheb
active 4 mins ago

Aleksandra Sheb

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...

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Travel specialist Stephen Molloy
active 9 hours 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

Kate was wonderful,,, very responsive and a d...
Scotland | Dec 15 - Dec 26, 2025

L
Larry G.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2026
Kate was wonderful,,, very responsive and a delight to work with. She tied up almost every loose end, went above and beyond on a couple of occasions and when she didn’t know an answer to our questions, she quickly found the answer and provided it right away.
I do want to provide feedback on a couple of things,,, fist the positive,,,,, the itinerary was fine, maybe a little too aggressive for people in their 70s but that was more our responsibility than Kimkims. We made changes on the spot...
Read more

Kate was wonderful,,, very responsive and a delight to work with. She tied up almost every loose end, went above and beyond on a couple of occasions and when she didn’t know an answer to our questions, she quickly found the answer and provided it right away.
I do want to provide feedback on a couple of things,,, fist the positive,,,,, the itinerary was fine, maybe a little too aggressive for people in their 70s but that was more our responsibility than Kimkims. We made changes on the spot and that was fine. It did result in our not taking a number of tours that we prepaid for.
Transportation was fine, both private cars and trains.
Accommodation’s were of mixed quality. In Edinburgh we enjoyed the Glasshouse Hotel but we wished that our hotel could have been more centrally located and if not in the old city, maybe closer to it. The Leonardo In Glasgow, we would never stay in that prearranged hotel and it should not be used as a choice in the future; out of the way, old and dated, heat didn’t work in our room and not a friendly staff.

Hotel Reviews
Leonardo Royal Hotel Glasgow

Terrible experience here, you should not offer this hotel in the future

Authenticity & Character
Hotel was dated, needed a renovation, dingy and sparse,,,, our room had no functions heat,,,,, they had to improvise and moved a space heated in for our stay
Location
Out of the way, don’t feel particularly safe walking around neighborhood
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Don’t use this hotel,,,,, it was at the end of our trip and did not leave a positive last impression
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness
Inverness

Clean, efficient, tiny rooms

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection
Edinburgh

Nice hotel, accommodations were clean and comfortable

Authenticity & Character
Location
Move the hotel choice closer to the old city
Staff
Guest Services/ concierge were great
Cleanliness & Comfort
Had a number of problems in the bathroom,,,, first arrives, no heat in the room, thermostat needed to be replaced; show door did not close, could not be fixed so bathroom floor flooded everyday; temperature control on shower was broken and needed to be replaced. Too many mishaps for one stay
Activity Reviews
The Kelpies Guided Tour
The Kelpies Guided Tour
Scotland
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Erie from Executuve Private transfers was a terrific driver. We used him twice on long distance drive….. A real gem and great representative for the company
Transport
Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Private Tour
Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Private Tour
Edinburgh

Guide was warn and very knowledgeable but provided tooooo much info, couldn’t absorb it all. Appealed tha she had a set program and couldn’t deviate,,, tooo much and too deep of detail

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Kateryna Garkavenko
Kateryna
Kateryna Garkavenko
Local specialist in London | Replied on Jan 12, 2026
Larry, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such thoughtful and honest feedback! I truly appreciate it more than you know. It was an absolute pleasure working with you, and I’m very grateful for your kind words. I’m really glad to hear that overall the journey went smoothly and that you enjoyed many parts of your adventure, as well as the transportation and your time in Edinburgh. At the same time, I sincerely appreciate you sharing your experiences with the accommodations -... Read more

Larry,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such thoughtful and honest feedback! I truly appreciate it more than you know. It was an absolute pleasure working with you, and I’m very grateful for your kind words.

I’m really glad to hear that overall the journey went smoothly and that you enjoyed many parts of your adventure, as well as the transportation and your time in Edinburgh. At the same time, I sincerely appreciate you sharing your experiences with the accommodations - especially in Glasgow. I’m genuinely sorry that the Leonardo Royal did not meet expectations, and I will absolutely take this feedback on board so that we can continue refining our hotel selections and improving future trips.

Your comments about pacing and tour styles are also incredibly helpful. They allow me to better fine-tune future itineraries, especially for travellers who prefer a gentler rhythm and more flexible guiding styles.

Thank you again for trusting me with your holiday planning - it truly means a lot. I hope that despite the few hiccups, your trip still brought you many special memories, and I would be honored to assist you again in the future 😊

Best,
Kate

Magical Mother/Daughter Scotland Adventure
Scotland | Oct 20 - Oct 31, 2025

B
Barri M.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025
My daughter and I wanted to plan a trip to Scotland. We generally knew what we wanted to see but felt we needed some local expertise to help us plan and make sure we weren’t missing anything. Jane Davey through Kimkim was an absolute delight to work with. Her personal knowledge of Scotland and genuine interest in creating a memorable and personalized experience for us made for an outstanding mother/daughter adventure. Despite the online Kimkim model - there was a lot of personal interaction... Read more

My daughter and I wanted to plan a trip to Scotland. We generally knew what we wanted to see but felt we needed some local expertise to help us plan and make sure we weren’t missing anything. Jane Davey through Kimkim was an absolute delight to work with. Her personal knowledge of Scotland and genuine interest in creating a memorable and personalized experience for us made for an outstanding mother/daughter adventure. Despite the online Kimkim model - there was a lot of personal interaction with Jane - including video calls with us to go over the details of our itinerary. She and her team built an online road book with every detail of our itinerary included that we were able to reference throughout the trip. Plus - she and her team were available by phone 24/7 to help with any questions.

We loved every aspect of our trip. Scotland is magical and her people are warm and welcoming. We especially enjoyed the historic city of Edinburgh and visiting the Isle of Skye and Lewis/Harris in the Hebrides. We saw gorgeous landscapes, hauntingly beautiful castle ruins, ancient landmarks and charming towns. We did a fair bit of driving - which was an adventure in itself since we weren’t used to left-side driving. We loved it all!

Hotel Reviews
DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central
Glasgow

Overall Good experience. Good location.

Authenticity & Character
Good, familiar hotel chain
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Ballachulish Hotel
Glen Coe

Beautiful historic Feeling hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel
Inverness

Absolutely charming hotel along the river.

Authenticity & Character
Location
So walkable to restaurants and shopping.
Staff
Reception and restaurant staff so friendly and welcoming.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cabarfeidh Hotel
Stornoway,
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Loved the friendly staff and access to delicious coffee first thing in am and sitting with it by the cozy lobby fire.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Loved the cozy fire and seating in lobby.
Nevis Bank Inn
Fort William
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fraser Suites Edinburgh
Edinburgh

Very nice hotel, warm friendly staff. Fabulous walking location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Jane Davey
Jane
Jane Davey
Local specialist in United Kingdom | Replied on Nov 11, 2025

Hi Barri

Thank you for taking the time to review your recent trip with us. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you both and to craft a memory making itinerary for you both.

I loved reading about your adventures and it was wonderful for you to get to experience the highlights of the Highlands.

We hope to see you travel with us again real soon.

All the best, Jane & Flore

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!

Why travelers love kimkim

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