Travel advice for Scotland
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Scotland
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updated 06.11.2024
Scotland’s rugged charm is irresistible—from dramatic highlands to centuries-old castles. I’ve crafted this 10-day itinerary to help you see the country as I’ve come to love it. We’ll go beyond the postcard views, winding through misty glens, ancient ruins, and quiet villages to experience Scotland without the usual tourist crowds.
Absolutely, 10 days in Scotland is a fantastic amount of time to dive into its history, culture, and staggering landscapes. Sure, Scotland’s a country rich in legends and rolling, dramatic scenery—so it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time. But with a well-crafted itinerary, 10 days can offer you a genuine slice of the Scottish experience.
If you happen to have time though, definitely consider spending a couple of days on the Isle of Skye. Known for its otherworldly landscapes and quiet coastal charm, Skye can easily fill more time if you have it. (More on that later!)
Feeling overwhelmed by the daunting task of planning the perfect Scottish itinerary? Check out our other Scotland itineraries, or use our customized tailor-made travel service, you can simply enjoy your trip and we'll take care of all the planning and booking.
Edinburgh welcomes you with a mix of medieval charm and Georgian elegance, its skyline shaped by centuries of history. The city is split into two distinct areas: the medieval Old Town and the neoclassical New Town, both of which have secured spots on countless "must-see" lists for good reason.
The city perches on a series of ancient volcanoes and rugged crags that rise dramatically from the generally flat landscape of the Lothians. To the north, the sheltered waters of the Firth of Forth add a touch of coastal beauty.
Edinburgh’s knack for sparking the literary imagination has earned it the title of “World City of Literature” by UNESCO, which has also designated much of the city center as a World Heritage Site.
Choosing the right area to stay in Edinburgh can make all the difference:
Your first full day is dedicated to exploring Edinburgh's historic heart. The medieval Old Town contains some of Europe's best-preserved historic architecture, while hidden closes (alleyways) reveal layers of the city's fascinating history.
The Old Town is compact enough to explore on foot, though prepare for steep hills and cobbled streets. Here's how to navigate the city’s highlights efficiently.
Begin at Edinburgh Castle, the city’s most iconic landmark, perched atop an extinct volcano. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle holds Scotland’s Crown Jewels and the historic Stone of Destiny. Plan to spend about two hours here.
The Royal Mile naturally follows your castle visit, as it begins at the castle gates. This historic thoroughfare, stretching exactly one Scots mile, connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Medieval tenements line the street—at one point one of the world's first high-rise residential buildings. Allow 1-2 hours to explore the main street and a few closes (alleyways).
Located on the Royal Mile, Real Mary King’s Close gives a glimpse into life in 17th-century Edinburgh. This underground close was closed off during the plague years, making it a preserved snapshot of medieval city life. The one-hour tours run all day.
Just a short climb, Calton Hill is where you’ll find panoramic views of the city. You’ll find the National Monument here, an unfinished replica of the Parthenon, a reminder of Edinburgh’s ambitions to be “Athens of the North.”
If you're still awake and want to dive into Edinburgh's culture, the Literary Pub Tour combines two of Edinburgh's greatest traditions - storytelling and drinking.
It’s an engaging way to see the city through the lens of writers who’ve lived and worked here, from Robert Burns to J.K. Rowling. Eat beforehand, as the tour doesn’t include meal stops and keeps a steady pace.
A short walk from the Royal Mile brings you to the winding Victoria Street, famous for its colorful storefronts and rumored inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. This picturesque street leads to the Grassmarket, a historic square that’s great for lunch with its range of eateries.
If you’re up for a hike, Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcanic peak, has some of the best views in Edinburgh and a taste of the rugged Scottish landscape. The path to the summit takes about 45 minutes each way, but the panoramic city views from the top make it worthwhile.
Travel time: The drive from Edinburgh to the Cairngorms takes about 2.5 hours via the A9, but it’s worth making a day of it with a few scenic stops along the way.
Today, you’ll venture from Edinburgh into the wild beauty of the Cairngorms, Britain’s largest national park. Established in 2003 and covering an impressive 1,748 square miles (4,528 square kilometers), the park is home to some of Scotland’s highest peaks and a quarter of the UK’s threatened species.
A slight detour near Crieff, Drummond Castle Gardens is a great addition to any 10-day Scotland itinerary. Dating back to 1630 and remodeled in 1830, they remain one of Britain’s finest examples of formal gardens. Fans of Outlander might recognize them as the filming location for Versailles.
The Cairngorms offer diverse accommodation options, but here are my tried-and-tested recommendations:
The Cairngorms are home to Britain’s most rugged mountain landscapes and some of its last remaining ancient pine forests. Spending your morning here before driving to Inverness gives you a chance to experience the highlights without rushing.
Exploring the Cairngorms is flexible, with plenty of options. Most trails and attractions radiate from Aviemore, with paths for every ability level. A car gives you maximum freedom, but buses also connect main villages
Begin your day at this historic estate, known for its ancient Caledonian forests. Trails weave through woodlands where you might spot native red squirrels and Scottish crossbills. The visitor center offers excellent maps and guides.
Take the funicular railway up Cairngorm Mountain for spectacular views across the national park. Even if you're not hiking, the mountain restaurant has panoramic views and an excellent Scottish breakfast.
Take a leisurely 3-mile walk around Loch an Eilein, where a 13th-century island castle adds a magical touch to the scenery. The path is flat and well-maintained, ideal for a relaxed morning stroll. During summer, you might spot ospreys fishing in the loch.
Travel time: The drive from the Cairngorms to Inverness takes approximately 1 hour on the A9.
If you leave the Cairngorms around lunchtime, you'll reach Inverness with plenty of time to explore the city in the afternoon.
Consider these neighborhoods when looking for accommodation in Inverness.
Inverness, the ancient capital of the Highlands, is where you'll spend day 5 of your 10 days Scotland itinerary. Though now a bustling city of around 70,000 people, it retains a town-like charm.
While compact and walkable, don't try to pack too much in—the joy of Inverness is in strolling its riverside paths and soaking in the Highland atmosphere.
This sandstone castle, built in 1836, overlooks the River Ness from its clifftop perch. Although the castle itself isn’t open to the public, its viewpoint offers a panoramic view over Inverness and the Highlands. A great place to start your day.
The River Ness winds its way through the heart of Inverness, bringing a sense of calm and natural beauty to the city. Along the river, you'll find a series of small, picturesque islands connected by elegant Victorian footbridges.
This circular walk takes about an hour and offers views of some of Inverness’s most impressive buildings, including historic churches and grand stately homes. If you’re lucky, you might even spot seals basking or playing near the river mouth, adding a touch of wildlife to your urban exploration.
Step into this covered market, opened in 1870, through its original Victorian archways. Still popular with locals, it’s filled with traditional butchers, jewelers, and cafes. The market’s historic clock and vaulted ceilings add to its charm.
Set in a former Gaelic church from 1793, Leakey’s is Scotland’s largest and most atmospheric secondhand bookstore. Inside, a wood-burning stove keeps visitors cozy, and over 100,000 books fill the shelves around a central spiral staircase.
Loch Ness stretches 23 miles south of Inverness, holding more fresh water than all of England and Wales’s lakes combined. While many visitors come to spot the elusive “Nessie,” the loch and its surrounding glens offer plenty of history and natural beauty to enjoy.
To experience Loch Ness fully, a mix of road and water travel works best. It’s a 30-minute drive from Inverness to Drumnadrochit, the main village on the loch’s western shore. Boat tours depart regularly from both Dochgarroch Lock, just outside Inverness, and Drumnadrochit.
While the loch stretches for 23 miles, most major attractions cluster around its northern end near Drumnadrochit. You could easily expand your trip to spend 3 days here. Here are the must-see spots:
Travel time: The drive from Inverness to Portree takes around 2.5 hours via the A82 and A87, but plan for 4-5 hours if you want to stop at some key sights along the way.
The Isle of Skye is often called Scotland's "Winged Isle" due to its peninsulas radiating from a mountainous center.
Connected to the mainland by a bridge since 1995, Skye’s landscapes are a dramatic mix of mountains, peninsulas, and coastal views. Portree, the island’s capital, is a scenic harbor town with colorful houses lining its waterfront and a relaxed Highland vibe.
Since this is a short ride, consider stopping at one of these points:
Portree, Skye's largest town (though still charmingly small), has the best balance of amenities and Highland charm. Its name comes from the Gaelic "Port Rìgh" meaning "king's harbor," referencing a visit by King James V in 1540.
The Isle of Skye's dramatic landscapes have inspired countless myths and legends, from giants who shaped the mountains to fairies who blessed its waters. You could easily spend five days here. Today's exploration covers the island's most otherworldly locations:
Rather than racing around the entire island, it’s best to concentrate on a few iconic sites. With an early start, you can take in the Trotternish Peninsula’s rugged beauty and the mystical Fairy Pools in a single day.
This towering, 160-foot rock pinnacle is Skye’s most famous landmark, formed by an ancient landslip. The 1.5-hour round-trip walk to the top follows a well-marked path but can get muddy. Starting at sunrise means quieter trails and breathtaking morning light on the rocks. Even the view from the car park is impressive if you prefer to skip the hike.
The crystal-clear pools cascading from the Black Cuillin mountains are a sight to behold. The easy 2.5-mile round-trip walk leads to a series of waterfalls and pools, just 20 minutes from the car park. With the dramatic Cuillin ridge as a backdrop, these pools make for magical photos, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a quick dip (though the water is always brisk).
This 90-meter waterfall plunges into the sea beside striking basalt columns that resemble a pleated kilt. A purpose-built viewpoint makes it an easy photo stop between locations, offering some of Skye’s most dramatic coastal views. On windy days, listen for the unique ‘singing’ sound as the wind moves through the waterfall.
If you’re lucky enough to have extra time, maybe even an extra week, these locations are worth exploring at a more relaxed pace.
Travel time: The route spans roughly 5-6 hours of direct driving via the A87, A82, and M8, but plan for 7-8 hours to enjoy key sights like Glencoe and Loch Lomond.
The drive from Skye to Glasgow takes you from the wild Highlands to the bustling cultural hub of Scotland. Though it’s a lengthy journey, planned stops along the way turn it into one of the most scenic parts of your trip.
Leaving Portree by 9 AM gives you ample time to reach Glencoe under favorable light and make the most of the day. Consider packing lunch or stopping at the café in Glencoe Visitor Centre, as food options can be sparse on this route.
This is a long ride, but if you have time, consider stopping at one of these points:
Glasgow has different options across neighborhoods, each with a unique character. Consider boutique hotels for a more local touch. If staying in the city center, request a higher-floor room for quieter nights and potentially better views.
Set on the banks of the mighty River Clyde, Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is where you'll spend your final day of this 10-day Scottland itinerary.
Unlike Edinburgh's obvious tourist trail, Glasgow is a city that rewards exploration. This former industrial powerhouse has transformed into Scotland's cultural hub, known for its art, music, and striking architecture.
Glasgow is without doubt, in its own idiosyncratic way, a cultured, vibrant, and irrepressibly sociable place that’s well worth getting to know. There's enough to keep you busy for a few days.
Here are our top things to do:
Start your last morning with breakfast at Café Gandolfi in Merchant City. Their full Scottish breakfast—complete with Stornoway black pudding, Ayrshire bacon, and homemade potato scones—makes for a memorable send-off.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Scotland
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written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 06.11.2024
Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Senior Content Editor at Rough Guides.
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