5 Scotland Itineraries For First Time Visitors
If you’re a first-time traveller to Scotland and looking for the perfect route around our wee country, then look no further. We know it can be a daunting trip to plan, so we’ve compiled our favourite Scotland itineraries for you - plus detailed maps, hotels, and how to get around.
Written by: Lesley Stewart | 3 February 2025
From the mountains of the Highlands and wild west coast islands to the best castles, historical gems, and whisky distilleries, these ultimate Scotland itineraries will help you plan your dream Scotland trip. Excellent for first-time travellers in Scotland, with the perfect combination of famous landscapes, activities, and relaxing stays.
When you start to plan a trip to Scotland, you’ll quickly realise that this is not a tiny country. Scotland offers a lot - spectacular road trips, castles, beaches, hikes, historic sites, and seaside towns. So, how do you see it all? The truth is, you can’t, but you can plan an incredible itinerary that will allow you to see a good amount.
After spending decades exploring my home country, I’ve taken my absolute favourite routes and pulled them together into concise itineraries.
I myself have spent months on the road, travelling from my home in Edinburgh all across Scotland with my partner and on solo trips. On each trip exploring all that Scotland has to offer and discovering wonderful getaways.
Most recently, I’ve used that knowledge to help first-time travellers from the US, Australia, and England create their perfect Scotland travel plans - immersive itineraries which often combine breathtaking Scottish landscapes with an opportunity for travellers to connect with their Scottish ancestry and centuries-old family history.
So I fully appreciate how daunting planning a Scotland trip can be when travelling from afar!
Do you hire a car, what’s it like driving on the wrong side of the road, can you travel by public transport, where to find the best hotels, where to explore and what to see… there’s so much to consider.
So, to help you plan the perfect, stress-free trip, these Scottish itineraries are a curation of all the places I know you’ll love the most. My favourite destinations, how to get there, and some gems you may not find in other guides.
Ready to start exploring Scotland? Then let’s go!
Scotland itineraries | practical tips
CUSTOM TRIPS
Firstly, we help create custom itineraries, so if you don’t see something here - get in touch. For example, we recently made a bespoke itinerary for a family from California seeking to connect with their ancestral home in Sutherland and an itinerary for a husband & wife from London who wanted to explore Skye and the NC500 with their dog. And another custom itinerary for an Australian couple who wanted a three-week trip around Scotland’s best castles!
Anything is possible, so long as you have time to explore.
STARTING POINT
These itineraries assume you’re flying into Edinburgh, but they work just as well from Glasgow and Inverness with some tweaks; the cities are linked by frequent trains and buses and getting between them is quick and easy.
CAR RENTAL
The best way to explore Scotland is by driving yourself - it gives you the most freedom. We use Discover Cars for our car rental in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Hertz, Enterprise, or Sixt. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Please don’t underestimate how long it’ll take to get around Scotland’s more remote parts. A Highland mile is much longer to drive than a standard mile, thanks to single-track, rural roads!
PUBLIC TRANSPORT & TOURS
If you don’t want to tackle driving on the wrong side of the road (which, having driven in Spain, I fully understand), then travelling by public transport is a great option. Scotland has a good transport network of buses and trains, though these are often infrequent or complicated in more remote areas, and careful planning is essential.
Private or group tours are often a fantastic alternative, with guides sharing their expertise, and I’ve listed my favourites below.
EXTEND
Finally, although I’ve suggested the number of days you need, these can easily be extended by adding hiking days and activities or pulling two itineraries into one much bigger trip. For example, Edinburgh to Inverness via Perthshire is a beautiful route, but, if you have time, adding Skye to this itinerary would be a perfect way to experience island life.
Ultimate Scotland Itineraries
1. Highlands & Islands: Glencoe to Skye
This loop through the Highlands and West Coast is one of my favourite all-time favourite Scottish itineraries.
GLENCOE / FORT WILLIAM
Starting in Edinburgh, first travel north through the spectacular scenery of Glencoe. It’s an area known for its mountains and easier nature trails, so be sure to pack your walking shoes. The village is small, but it’s a good place to slow down and soak in the views. A highlight for lunch is Stiff Peaks Bakery.
I recommend spending a night in the area, and the Isles of Glencoe Hotel (beautiful loch views) or Kingshouse Hotel (spectacular mountain views) offer stylish rooms and in-house restaurants for dinner.
However, if you’re looking for more amenities, shops, eateries, and hotels, the nearby town of Fort William is a better option. Book a table for dinner in Garrison West for seafood, grab a casual pizza and local beer in Black Isle, or a whisky in the Ben Nevis bar.
Adventurous travellers can spend an extra day summiting Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain and one of my favourite hikes; it’s challenging without being overly difficult.
GLENFINNAN
The next day, start early and visit the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Its soaring archways against a backdrop of mountains, glens, and loch are a dramatic sight. If you can, time your visit to see the steam train cross the viaduct in the morning (this draws a big crowd, so arrive early to guarantee a parking spot). And grab a coffee from Glenfinnan Coffee Co.
WEST COAST
From there, make your west to a world of wild beaches, turquoise waters and charming seaside villages like Arisaig and Mallaig. Here, you’ll find seafood cafes selling the freshest langoustines and lobsters caught that morning and stunning sea views.
SKYE
Next, take the ferry over the sea to the magical Isle of Skye; you’ll want three days on Skye (at least) to explore the island. This itinerary has you covered with the best things to do, see, and where to eat.
Your route back leaves via the Skye Bridge. Stop at the ancient Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most famous castles in Scotland, and have coffee and pastries in All The Goodness bakery. Your journey south passes through some of Scotland’s best scenery at Kintail, with views over soaring mountains and deep lochs.
RETURN
To return, either retrace your steps back through Glencoe. Or travel south along the A9, a major and faster road through leafy Perthshire (if you choose the latter be sure to stop in Dunkeld, the Hermitage, and Pitlochry).
Duartion | 5 to 7 days
Public transport | This route is possible on public transport with careful planning and some tweaks. Travel from Edinburgh to Glasgow and take this bus to Glencoe or Fort William. Stay the night, then take the same service, Portree on Skye. Public transport on the island is limited, so for a more leisurely day of exploring, choose a day tour or private hire guide to see Skye’s highlights. Return on the bus from Skye to Glasgow, then onwards to Edinburgh.
Tours | Though not identical, this three-day Skye tour from Edinburgh is highly rated and visits many of the best places on our list.
Extend | If you want a longer Scotland itinerary, this route can easily be extended to include Inverness, Loch Ness, and/or the NC500. Or add stops in gorgeous Perrthsire. However, you’ll want to allow at least another week to ten 10 days to see everything.
2. Island Explorer: Isle of Skye
There are few places as iconic as the Isle of Skye, and rightly so. We love Skye - its wild and breathtaking landscapes, castles, historic gems, boutique hotels, and incredible foodie scene. This is why I think a Skye itinerary deserves a dedicated place on this list.
There’s a lot to see and do on Skye, so while it’s often an addition to a Scotland road trip, it’s entirely possible to make Skye your sole focus.
You can read my full Skye itinerary for all the best lighthouses, waterfalls, beaches, natural wonders, and walks. Don’t underestimate how much time you’ll need on Skye - there’s a lot to see!
To make the most of your Skye trip, I would choose two to four hotels and move around the island in a logical direction. Or base yourself in Portree and break Skye into day trips around the different peninsulas.
Duartion | 3 to 5 days
Getting there | We’ve listed a meandering route from Edinburgh in option one above. However, the quickest and most direct option is via the A9, a major highway allowing faster travel. Alternatively, start your Skye itinerary in Inverness, a vibrant city in the Highlands that allows easy access to Skye.
Public transport | If you’re using public transport to visit Skye, my recommendation is to base yourself in Portree. The island’s capital, the town itself is walkable, with charming boutiques, restaurants, and access to the local bus network.
Take the train or bus from Edinburgh to Glasgow and this bus to Portree on Skye. From Inverness, take this bus to the same stop in Portree. Once on the island, use the local bus network, or if that’s a little limited for you (it doesn’t cover every area), then take a private tour, taxi, or coach trip to see the island’s highlights.
Tours | Either of these tours is highly rated: this one-day Skye tour from Inverness and this three-day Skye tour from Edinburgh.
Tip | A well-known island, Skye attracts thousands of visitors every summer, and its most iconic places can be crowded in the peak summer months. If you want to beat the crowds, the best time to visit is early spring and late autumn. During those months, I’ve always found the island’s attractions and amenities are open but far quieter.
3. Best of: Perthshire, Inverness, Plockton & Glencoe
Get settled in for a big road trip. This is the most extensive itinerary on our list, and it visits multiple parts of Scotland as it loops around the Lowlands and the Highlands. There’s a lot to see, so choose which villages and towns are must-sees and adjust the route depending on your available time.
SOUTH QUEENSFERRY
Leaving Edinburgh, begin your journey with a trip to the charming coastal town of South Queensferry. Grab breakfast in Dune Bakery, visit the boutique gift stores, and photograph the iconic Forth Bridges.
PERTHSHIRE
Next, drive over the Queensferry Crossing towards Perthshire. Scotland’s leafiest region has bucketloads of forests, nature walks, and quaint towns. So, when it comes to choosing where to visit, it really comes down to time and how many villages and trails you want to squeeze in.
I would start in Dunkeld, where you’ll find cobbled streets, a cathedral, centuries-old cottages, and really excellent places to eat. I highly recommend booking a table in the chic Taybank for lunch or dinner. In the afternoon, walk the Hermitage trail, a beautiful forest walk. That night, stay in Dunkeld (Dunkeld House is a stylish option) or move along to explore Pitlochry and stay in equally chic Fonab Castle.
INVERNESS
Leaving Perthshire behind, head further north to Inverness. This is the only city in the Highlands, and it’s a vibrant place with eateries, hotels, traditional pubs, whisky bars, and shops. Nearby, Culloden, the Black Isle, and Clava Cairns are all worth visiting.
Or spend a day exploring Loch Ness. For the most authentic experience, I suggest visiting the south shore of Loch Ness, a lesser-visited but lovely place. My favourite stops are Dores Beach, Ness Coffee, and Falls of Foyers waterfall. And no trip is complete without a Loch Ness boat trip!
PLOCKTON
From Inverness, go west through the stunning Achnasheen landscape towards the coastal village of Plockton. Go for a stroll along the palm-tree-lined harbour, take a boat trip to spot seals, and indulge in ice cream. My favourite way to end the day is to sample local seafood at Plockton Shores and order local scallops, lobster, or traditional fish & chips.
EILEAN DONAN CASTLE / FORT WILLIAM
After Plockton, start your journey south. Stop to visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic spots. Just along the road, there’s a cafe selling coffee and excellent pastries. From there, follow the road to Fort William. I suggest staying the night and enjoying the bars and restaurants in the town centre; book a table at Garrison West for seafood or the Black Isle for casual, freshly-made pizzas.
GLENCOE
The next day, drive a little further south and stop at breathtaking Glencoe. It’s good to know there are two parts to Glencoe: a small village where you can grab a French patisserie or savoury bite in Stiff Peaks bakery and, if you have time, stroll around the forest trail at Glencoe Lochan.
The second area is the mountains beyond the village, where you can choose a challenging hike OR stop at one of the various car parks and laybys and soak in the views. You might decide to spend another night in Glencoe, and if so, I suggest the Kingshouse Hotel, which has stylish rooms with incredible views.
Duration | 3 to 5 days
Public transport | This route is possible on public transport, with a few tweaks. From Edinburgh, take a train to Dunkeld or Pitlochry and spend the night in Perthshire. The day next, jump on the train to Inverness. From Inverness, you can also train to Plockton, however, this is the end of the line and realistically you might want to skip this section (or you’ll need to return to Inverness). From Inverness, take this bus to Fort William or Glencoe and stay the night. Then take this bus to Glasgow and onwards to Edinburgh.
Tours | Not identical, but this highly-rated one-day tour visits many Highlands hotspots.
Extend | If you’re looking for an extended Scotland itinerary after Inverness, you can easily add the NC500 road trip. Or, from Plockton, head to the Isle of Skye.
4. West Coast: Loch Lomond, Oban & Islands
One of our most popular Scotland itineraries is this incredible coastal option, an itinerary that is all about beautiful scenery, impressive castles, famous lochs, and, of course, boutique stays. This route can be as slow or as action-packed as you wish, so pick and choose from the stops I’ve listed below.
CALLANDER
Start the day early and head to your first stop, charming town Callander. If you’re looking for a coffee or breakfast, stop by my personal favourites, Ben Ledi Coffee Co (sourdough and avo toast) or Mhor Bread (pastries, cakes, and doorstop sandwiches).
OBAN
Your next stop is the coastal town of Oban. It is a picturesque town with lots to see and do, including a whisky distillery, promenade, and hilltop tower; I suggest staying for at least one night. The harbourfront Perle Oban is a stylish hotel with an excellent onsite restaurant. Equally chic but more petite is the No17 The Promenade guest house.
MULL
Though Oban is a beautiful place for a weekend getaway, it’s also the launching point for adventures on the Isle of Mull. If you’re looking for an island adventure without the crowds, I suggest booking the CalMac ferry ahead of your trip. There’s lots to see on Mull, and the colourful town of Tobermory makes a great base.
Plus, from Mull, you can also visit small islands Ulva, Staffa, and Iona - all postcard-perfect and famous for their scenery and wildlife.
ISLAY
Alternatively, head south to Kennacraig and the ferry to Islay. An island most famous for its whisky distilleries, I love its whitewashed villages, perfect sandy beaches, and exceptional seafood. To keep your adventure going from Islay, it’s also possible to pop over to neighbouring Jura.
DAY TRIPS
However, if your itinerary doesn’t allow you the time to visit the islands from Oban, there are also gorgeous places to visit on day trips. My favourites are remote but very pretty, such as Seil and Ellenabeich. Be sure to visit the only bridge over the Atlantic.
KILCHURN CASTLE / INVERARY
Returning to Edinburgh, set your map for Kilchurn Castle near Loch Awe. This is one of Scotland’s best castles; the best viewpoint is from across the water.
Nearby, you’ll want to visit another coastal gem, the town of Inverary. There are several cafes for lunch in this quaint little town and a handful of hotels overlooking the sea; I suggest staying the night so you can visit the promenade, palace, and nearby seafood cafe.
LOCH LOMOND
Heading back to Edinburgh or Glasgow, your route follows the banks of Loch Lomond. Lying in the middle of Trossachs National Park, this is Scotland’s largest loch; as you might expect, there’s lots to explore! I suggest you spend a leisurely day driving its banks, stopping at the pyramid at Inveruglas, then picturesque village Luss, a quick stop in Drymen, and lunch at St Mocha at Balmaha.
Public transport | Most of this itinerary is possible on public transport with some tweaks. However, some sections (such as Oban to Loch Lomond or Inverary) aren’t easily connected by bus or train.
Take a train from Glasgow to Oban; I’ve taken this journey a few times, and it’s an excellent route with the most gorgeous scenery. To get to Mull, book a ferry ticket for a foot passenger, then take this bus from the ferry terminal to Tobermory. Once on Mull, use the local buses to explore.
You can also take a train from Oban to Kilchurn Castle. And this bus from Oban to Ellenabeich. Finally, to return, the most straightforward option from Oban is to return to Glasgow by train.
Tip | If you want to visit Mull and Islay, allow plenty of time to explore both islands - and don’t underestimate the time needed to drive between ferry ports. Because while it’s technically possible to get between Mull and Islay by ferry, sailings are infrequent.
5. Whisky & Castles: Royal Deeside, Speyside & Perthshire
Royal Deeside and neighbour Speyside are some of the most stunning parts of Scotland, yet they’re somewhat underrated on the world stage. From royal-family favourites Braemar and Balmoral to the whisky trail through Speyside, this area truly has something for everyone.
PERTHSHIRE
Starting off in Perthshire means visiting the forest walks at The Hermitage or Faskally Forest, boutique stores and eateries in charming Dunkeld, and whisky tasting in The Whisky Box. You’ll find more suggestions under option three above, but I suggest you stay the night for the best experience. My favourite stylish stays are Dunkeld House and Fonab Castle.
ROYAL DEESIDE
After Perthshire, head to Royal Deeside for stunning forest walks, riverside strolls, and the incredible historic castles and churches. There are tons of chocolate-box villages to explore in Royal Deeside, including Balmoral Castle, Ballater, Crathie, and Braemar.
SPEYSIDE
For whisky lovers, a visit to Speyside (aka whisky country) is a must. Best known for its whisky distilleries, Speyside is a dream destination for single-malt lovers, and you can easily spend a few days on the Whisky Trail doing tours and tastings.
If you’re looking for select distilleries, I suggest the traditional Aberlour Distillery and Glenlivet Distillery, the modern Cardhu Distillery, and the iconic Glenfiddich Distillery.
CAIRNGORMS
End your trip with a visit to the Cairngorms National Park. Your return journey passes through charming Highland towns Aviemore, Kingussie, and Granton-on-Spey. There are easy walking trails for nature lovers, many cafes, lochs, castles, and breathtaking mountain views.
Duration | 3 to 5 days
Public transport | This Scotland itinerary isn’t straightforward without a car. Edinburgh to Perthshire is easy on the train; stop at Dunkeld or Pitlochry stations. But in order to visit Royal Deeside and Speyside you’ll need a car.
Tour | However, this highly-rated tour is a fantastic alternative.
Extend | If you want a longer Scotland itinerary, this route can easily include Inverness, the wider Cairngorms National Park, or Moray Firth’s harbour villages.
