Scotland Travel Itinerary: Amazing 2-week roundtrip for all year round
Scotland. The country of mystery, stunning views, mesmerizing lochs, and of course the world-renowned kilts, tartans, and the history of the clans. This travel Itinerary takes you past many of the key highlights this country has to offer.
I cannot recommend visiting Scotland highly enough. There are not many places where you will so easily fall in love with the overwhelming landscapes and natural beauty. So, with that said, this blog describes the two-week itinerary. I used this layout for my own trip and hopefully, it will help you plan your own Scotland adventure!
Scotland Travel Itinerary
This 2-week travel itinerary takes you to some of the most scenic places in Scotland. During this trip destinations include both cities and the great outdoors. The route is definitely best suited for a road trip. Many of the roads take you past some of the best views and wonderful hidden gems. The destinations covered over these two weeks include:
➡️Week 1: Stunning Scotland: Edinburgh, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness
➡️Week 2: Off to the Highlands: Isle of Skye, Glencoe and Loch Lomond
Scotland Travel Itinerary Week One: Stunning Scotland
During this first week, you will explore the mainland of Scotland and the Capital of the country, magical Edinburgh!
Days 1 – 3: Exploring Beautiful Edinburgh
What better place to start your Scotland adventure than the capital itself? When you get to Edinburgh airport it is really easy to get to the city center. The quickest way is to take the tram at the airport and hop off on Princes Street. This is right at the heart of the city center which is a journey of less than 40 minutes.
I got there in the afternoon myself and for the first couple of hours, I just decided to wander the city and its wonderful medieval streets. Especially the High Street and the streets and alleys around it are really picturesque. Wandering in this area makes you feel at home right away. Especially with the bagpipes being played nearly everywhere you go!
For a casual pub dinner in this area, I would recommend going to the Inn on the Mile. It is nice and central, is part of a cute hotel and they serve lovely traditional meals with a twist, accompanied by a pint of Tennents of course!
For the other days you have here, these are the must visits I would recommend:
Edinburgh Castle
Probably known as one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, Edinburgh Castle looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. The rock on which it has been built has been occupied by humans since 900 BC. A castle has been on the rock since the 12th century and it should be top of the list when visiting Edinburgh.
❇️Looking for a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle? Skip the line and book your tickets here❇️
Hidden gem: Rather than just entering the castle, walk around the estate as well. You get to take some of the best pictures of the castle when you walk around the back. After you have descended you will come across St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard. It is one of the oldest burial grounds in Edinburgh and you will find many ancient gravestones here that have monumental status. On a sunny day, this is a very peaceful place to visit.
National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery:
The national museums in Edinburgh are free of charge and if you like visiting museums as I do, make sure to pay a visit:
National Gallery – which has just undergone major reconstruction and is home to some real masterpieces including works by the likes of Rafael, Vermeer and Rembrandt.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery – another favorite due to its amazing architecture as well as the extensive history of Scotland it covers. Find more information about visiting here (nr 10 and 21 in the list of best museums).
Carlton Hill and King Arthur‘s Seat
If you fancy a walk and the weather is not too draining, make sure you visit Carlton Hill. The park is Unesco heritage and is known for its many monuments including the National Monument that resembles an ancient Greek Temple. From here you have a nice view over King Arthur’s Seat which lies next to Carlton Hill; It is an ancient extinct volcano. If you are sporty, challenge yourself to climb it!
Faye’s favourite food in Edinburgh
If you are looking for a nice place for lunch or dinner in Edinburgh city center, these suggestions might be worth a visit!
Inn on the Mile: As highlighted already this gastro pub is a lovely venue, with great food and a cozy interior. The Inn is located in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the High street. So if you fancy a casual meal this is the right place to be!
Tiles Bar: I came across this pub on St Andrew Square, when I was on my way back from the Portrait Gallery. It is located in what used to be the headquarters for Prudential Insurance Company. The inside is gorgeous with beautiful tiles on the walls. On top of that, they served the best Fish and Chips I have had in a long time. Great place for lunch or dinner, or just to enjoy a drink of course!
Dusit Thai Restaurant: Why not have some Thai food when in Edinburgh? Or at least, that’s what I was thinking. Claimed to be one of the best Thai restaurants in Edinburgh Dusit restaurant is where I ended up. The restaurant has existed for over 20 years and I would highly recommend you pay a visit when in Edinburgh. I had a delicious Thai Green Curry and the service is super attentive and friendly. You might want to make a reservation because it gets busy.
Aside from Dusit, Thistle Street itself is nice to wander through anyway. It is just behind the main road and the entire street is filled with restaurants and they all look very appealing. If I had had more time I would have tried them all!
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
Most highlights in Edinburgh are located centrally and within walking distance of one another. Either book accommodation in the Old Town or New Town. They lie next to each other and in the midst of the landmarks of Edinburgh.
❃ Apex Hotel is a wonderful 4* property right in the heart of the city center ❃
❃ Or have a look for other hotels that better suit your needs ❃
Day 3 – 5: Incredible Cairngorms
Pack your bags and pick up your car. Today, the road trip begins and not in the least you will be driving Old Military Road.
I picked up my rental car at the airport. I got a Toyota Yaris. It is a hybrid model which means petrol seems to last forever, yet you do have the power you need to climb the steep roads across the hilly landscape all over Scotland. I can only recommend you book an automatic car rather than a manual. Especially if you are not used to driving on the other side of the road. Less distraction means more time to focus on what’s happening around you
Note: In Europe, you will have to specifically select this when renting a car, as this is not the standard.
❃ Find a suitable car to rent for your trip here ❃
Once you have familiarized yourself with your vehicle, off to Cairngorm you go. If you like driving take the route via Old Military Road and you’re in for a treat. What’s in a name, this road was originally used to move around military equipment. Nowadays it is accessible to anyone who wants to.
Beware. Like many roads in Scotland, this road is narrow. A lot of the time it is a single lane with ‘passing places’. They provide just enough room for cars from both directions to be able to pass one another. Make sure to look ahead when driving!
But, this route takes you past many amazing views that you will definitely not want to miss out on.
Cairngorms National Park is the largest National Park in the UK. It is known for its beautiful lakes, forests, and Cairngorm Mountains. You can even ski here during the winter season. Some of the highlights to visit:
Climb Cairngorm Mountain
Call me silly, but I did this after a high-intensity run in the morning and when there was (bizarrely), a heatwave in Scotland. If you fancy the climb, stay tuned. I will post a blog on this topic specifically very soon.
Visit Aviemore
Aviemore is one of the biggest villages in the National Park. A lovely place to find yourself some souvenirs, buy tartan to bring home and get some food for during your walks. Furthermore, Aviemore is centrally located. A good base to book your accommodation, from where you can easily head into all directions of the National Park.
Loch Morlich
For anyone who loves watersports or dares to go for a swim, this is the lake to be. You can find many sandy beaches that surround the loch. Furthermore, you can rent all the equipment you need such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
You can opt for plenty of guided tours and activities in Cairngorms as well. You can find some great options here.
Where to stay in Cairngorms National Park
There are plenty of options to find accommodation in the National Park, from cabins to B&Bs and hotels. As per the above Aviemore has the most facilities and is a central location to start exploring the park.
❃ Have a look for all accommodations in Cairngorms here ❃
Day 5 – 7: Magical Loch Ness
Onto the next destination and because who wouldn’t want to find the Monster of Loch Ness when visiting Scotland?
Loch Ness is not far from Cairngorms National Park. It is roughly an hour’s drive via Inverness. I can only recommend you to take the road along the east side of the lake; the B852. This is an adventurous road through the mountains. On a bright day, you will have some of the best views over the lake and Fort William.
Things to do in Loch Ness include the following:
Boat tour
Stating the obvious here: You would not want to miss out on a boat tour to explore the loch and learn some fun facts about the Loch and Nessie. Most boat tours depart from Fort Augustus. Make sure to buy tickets in advance as the queues can be quite long. I took a tour from Drumnadrochit with Loch Ness Cruises. This smaller village is located on the west side of the loch. The tour was very enjoyable. You are picked up by a lovely guide and driven to their harbor. Here you hop on a boat and enjoy the tour for about an hour. The Loch is home to the famous Urquhart Castle and you will get to enjoy the best views over the ruins from the loch for sure!
Fort Augustus
This is one of the larger villages along the loch and used to be home to an impressive fort that was built in the 17th century. Unfortunately not much is left of it. The village itself has plenty of souvenir shops and is home to the Caledonian Canal.
Caledonian Canal
This impressive 19th-century canal connects the Scottish west coast starting at Fort William, to the east coast at Inverness. It was built to make it easier for vessels to navigate their way through an otherwise tricky landscape. The canal is home to an impressive lock system, called Neptune’s staircase. The lock system raises the canal by 19 meters/62ft and can be found a few miles from Fort Augustus in Banavie.
Urquhart Castle
The history of the Castle dates back to the 13th Century and you can visit the site. Over centuries the castle was in the hands of various families and was of great importance to them due to its strategic location.
Where to stay in Loch Ness
Probably recommended to stay in one of the smaller villages to enjoy the views over the lake. You can also decide to stay in Inverness, the biggest city near the lake, from which it is only a short drive to get to the Loch and where you can choose from many lovely restaurants for a decent meal.
❃ Have a look for accommodation in Loch Ness and Inverness here ❃
Scotland Travel Itinerary Week Two: Off to the Highlands
I bet the first week will fly by. During this second week, you will explore the more remote parts of Scotland and its astounding beauty.
Day 7 – 10: Out of this world Isle of Skye
From Loch Ness, you are headed to the Isle of Skye. For me, this is what the trip initially was all about. I know many people warn you that Skye might get busy. I was there in June and it really was not too busy at all. If anything, you wake up early in the summer as the sun does not set. During early morning programs you will come across very few other tourists.
The drive from Loch Ness is about two hours and there are two options for the routes you can take; The A890 or the A887. I took the second one as it means you drive past Loch Ness once more as well as past Loch Cluanie. Another stunning loch.
Two sights to stop at on your way to Skye
There are two stops before heading further onto the Isle of Skye that I want to share with you. The first one is very famous; Eilean Donan Castle. The tidal island on which the castle is located is connected to the land via a bridge. This 13th-century castle was built originally to defend Scotland against the Vikings as it is strategically located where three lochs come together.
The other stop is just after crossing the Skye Bridge and was recommended to me by a local I met in Cairngorm Park. This village is called Kyleakin and there is an ancient ruin called Caisteal Maol. It is a bit of a walk from the central parking lot, but it offers some great views.
For my trip, I blocked four nights at the Isle of Skye, simply because there are so many things to do. I really wanted to take my time to experience the highlights.
Below you can find a high-level overview of the places I visited. My deep-dive blog on the Isle of Skye will go live very soon, stay tuned.
Fairy pools
Known for their azure blue waterfalls and pools they have a mesmerizing effect on anyone visiting. Depending on the time of day, the weather and the season the lighting changes the colors of the water time and time again and it makes for a magical experience.
Fairy Glen
Less known than some of the other highlights is Fairy Glen. Located on the northern part of Isle of Skye this landscape almost looks like something from another planet. The landscape like other parts of Skye has volcanic origins and it consists of hills, rock formations, and super-green valleys. The biggest rock is called Castle Ewan and you can climb it for some spectacular views.
Quiraing
Not far from Fairy Glen, you find Quiraing. No picture will do the sheer size of this landscape any justice. Quiraing is an absolute highlight and a landscape like no other. These ancient rock formations, lakes, and mountains are unlike anything I know and well worth the hike for unforgettable views. Wear proper shoes and prepare for some serious climbing. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views all along the way.
Portree
The most famous town on the Isle of Skye is Portree. It is the capital of the Isle of Skye and it is known because of its quaint, colored houses in the harbor. You will find here many local shops with great souvenirs and the streets and alleys are very scenic. There are also some fantastic restaurants to try to taste local specialties here too.
Old Man of Storr
You can already see these spectacular rocks from miles away when you drive from Portree. The rock pinnacle is a spectacular 164 feet (50 meters) tall. This place is definitely worth visiting and is a great place for a well-marked hike. It is a steep climb, but the views over the islands of Raasay and Rona are breathtaking.
Brothers point
Located on the northeast side of the Isle Brothers Point is a quiet and hidden gem. Dinosaur footprints from the Jurassic era some 170 million years ago were found here and the rocky landscape feels like you are stepping back in time. During low tide more of the rocks become visible and you can find some pretty shells here too. The landscape is beautiful, unique, and quieter than most highlights on the Isle. Make sure to pay a visit.
Neist Point
Located on the far west of the Isle you find Neist Point. Here you will find a lighthouse on a cliff next to the sea. Beware it largely depends on the weather if you can see the lighthouse at all. It may well be covered in fog, as it was when I visited. On sunny summer days, however, it is recommended to go here to watch the sunset as it is a magical display.
Exotic beaches
There are a number of sandy beaches on the Isle of Skye. My favorite ones are located in the south of the Isle called Camas Daraich and Point of Sleet. Be ready for a hike, as both beaches take a while to get to. Details on how to get there can be found in my Isle of Skye blog which will go live very soon!
Whiskey distilleries
The Isle of Skye is famous for the whiskey they produce. The Isle is home to plenty of distilleries to choose from. The most famous whiskey producer is Talisker, followed by Torabhaig and Isle of Raasay Distillery, located on the Isle of Raasay only 25 minutes away. For anyone who prefers gin over whiskey, the Isle of Skye Distillers is something for you. They have an extensive collection of gins for you to enjoy and take back home.
Where to stay on the Isle of Skye
There are plenty of great places to stay on the Isle of Skye. Portree is the largest town and centrally located. It is a popular destination so make sure to book well in advance if this is where you would like to stay. Of course, there are plenty of other options outside of Portree as well. Especially if you prefer to be surrounded by nature.
❃ Have a look for accommodations on the Isle of Skye ❃
Day 10 – 12: The great void of Glencoe
As one of the very mountainous areas in Scotland, Glencoe is known for its many amazing views, places to go hiking, and to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls. It is also home to the highest mountain in the country; the Ben Nevis.
My recommendations for the Glencoe area are:
A82 from Glencoe to Bridge of Orchy
Make sure to take the drive from Ballachullish to Orchy Bridge. This road takes you past some impressive mountains and stunning views. Bridge of Orchy is well-known as it is located on the famous West Highland Way walking route. Stop off anywhere you like or enjoy one of the endless hikes you can find here.
James Bond Skyfall Glen Etive Road
This 20 km / 12.5-mile dead-end road is a side track from the A82 and takes you to Loch Etive. It was the background against which Bond explains to M where he comes from in the James Bond movie Skyfall.
The road is narrow, it does not go anywhere but the loch and an accompanying parking lot. But, if you like a drive and want to enjoy the stunning scenery that surrounds you whilst feeling like you are 007 this is the place to be.
Steall Waterfall
With its impressive 120 meters / 390 feet Steall Waterfall is the second-highest waterfall in Scotland. The hike is a fun one and takes you through Nevis Gorge, with plenty of photogenic locations before you get to the waterfall.
There is also a wire rope bridge for anyone brave enough to try and cross the water!
Good to know: There is a dedicated car park for the Steall Waterfall hike at the end of a very narrow road. Don’t think you have to park your car at Paddy’s Bridge, this is far from the Steall waterfall. Even though it looks like you should not continue driving on the road, make sure to do so to get to the starting point of the hike!
Visit the town of Oban
Any whiskey lover needs to add Oban to their list. Roughly an hour away from Glencoe this picturesque coastal town is home to the famous Oban distillery. Tastings, tours, and tons of information on the history of Scotland’s famous drink are available everywhere you go in Oban. Make sure to climb to the McCaigs Tower; the Landmark of the city. Built for nothing else but to offer Oban a lasting monument by the wealthy banker John Stuart McCaig and opened in 1902. You get some nice views here over Oban and the sea.
❇️ For a guided walk and whiskey tour, you can buy tickets here ❇️
Where to stay in Glencoe
I stayed in a wonderful B&B with a lake view in Bunree, close to Fort William, and cannot recommend it enough. Lovely hosts, wonderful breakfast, great location, and super comfy beds!
Day 12 – 14: On the bonny bonny banks of Loch Lomond
As a final destination of the trip, visit the famous Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The biggest Loch of Scotland is located on the west side of the coast, near Glasgow. Both the loch and the surrounding nature are famous for their stunning beauty.
My suggestions for this destination are:
Boat tour
When visiting any Loch is it worth going on a boat tour to experience what the loch looks and feels like when you are on the water? Learn about the history, fun facts, and more while you are at it. Lots of tours depart from Alexandria and opposite the harbor you can have a comfort food cozy lunch at the Balloch House. Yum!
Visit the surrounding villages of Luss and Balmaha
Picturesque, cozy, and great to have lunch. You can visit both villages and cross over the loch with the little waterbus.
Walk, Hike, Watersport
Whatever takes your fancy on a day when you feel sporty. Anything is possible and you can rent any required gear locally in most of the surrounding villages.
Explore the surrounding lochs
Though Loch Lomond is the most famous Loch in this area, you are surrounded by plenty of other smaller lochs. They are equally pretty and worth paying a visit to, such as Loch Ard, Loch Katrine, and Loch Long.
Where to stay in Loch Lomond
There are many hotels to choose from around the lake and many of them have spa facilities! If you prefer daytrips from a city you can even decide to stay in Glasgow.
❃ Find a hotel in Loch Lomond area ❃
Scotland Travel Itinerary Map
Have a look at the map below to see what this two-week roundtrip looks like starting and finishing in Edinburgh.
Tips For Planning A Scotland Trip
So, a couple of things to bear in mind when planning your next trip to Scotland. I am sure there are more, but these are the ones that stood out to me.
✔️ Bring a variety of clothes and check the weather before you go out
Maybe it is stating the obvious, but the weather in Scotland is highly unpredictable.
When I visited in June the country bizarrely suffered from a heatwave, but I have had moments of real evening chills, and fog, and when it rains it truly pours.
Make sure you check the forecast for the various destinations you are planning to visit. During wintertime, it can get really cold so make sure to bring the right gear.
My recommendation would always be to wear layers of clothes so you can add or take off a layer depending on what the weather does. Make sure to bring a decent waterproof coat, umbrellas are unlikely to last in this climate.
Finally, if you like walking and are planning to go on any hikes across Scotland, bring a pair of decent hiking shoes. The roads are wobbly and steep and there are many rocky bits. They will make your feet hurt if you do not bring the right shoes with you.
✔️ The right side of the road
Like the rest of the United Kingdom the Scottish drive on the left side of the road. Make sure you are aware of this and start slowly when you first pick up your car. Also, check that you have booked an automatic rather than a manually geared car. Automatics are not the standard in Europe, but it will make driving a lot easier.
✔️ Check Petrol stations
The further up north you go, the fewer petrol stations you will come across. Prices can vary quite a bit as well. Especially, when planning on longer drives, make sure you have enough petrol. Alternatively, make sure you know where the next petrol station is, so you do not end up stranded in the middle of nowhere!
✔️Beware of midges and horse flies!
This mainly applies to the summer season. Especially when hiking in areas that are more remote you will come across a LOT of horse flies. Believe me, they do not hesitate to try and sting you right through your clothes. Make sure to bring some Deet when you go hiking. Adding a layer on your arms and legs even when wearing long sleeves and trousers is my recommendation!
✔️Limited reception
Remote locations always have the same challenge. Phones easily lose reception when traveling across the Scottish highlands. If you choose to go off the beaten path, make sure to bring a GPS or download maps on your phone. Make sure you do not solely rely on the internet and general phone reception, especially if you decide to go on a hike on your own. When staying in a B&B or hotel, inform reception where you are going for the day, in case you get lost.
✔️Night and day
Now, I did not think about this for a second when I booked my trip, but obviously, Scotland is really far up north! This means in the summer, especially around the solstice in June it barely gets dark during the night. Make sure to bring a sleeping mask if you are sensitive to daylight. Otherwise, you might suffer from some sleepless nights!
Clearly, the opposite applies when you visit later in the year during autumn and winter time. Daylight is limited so make sure you don’t stay out hiking too late. You might struggle to find your way back.
FAQ’s
Here you find the answers to some practical questions you may have when planning your trip to Scotland.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Europe?
You can easily spend a lifetime in Europe and still find something new to explore every day. Spending two weeks in a country though whilst traveling around to different destinations is a decent amount to really get a feel for the country, the culture, the history and to have an opportunity to see most of the iconic landmarks.
How many destinations should I have on my list for 2 weeks?
As you can see on this list there are six destinations covered over two weeks with 2-4 days in each location. Of course, you can extend as you see fit. Trying to squeeze in even more in the same amount of time means you will be on the road most of the time.
What is the best way to travel around Scotland?
Car
As highlighted in this blog this itinerary was made to travel by car as many of the roads are part of the highlights and public transport is limited in more remote areas.
Train
Of course, there are options to travel around Scotland by train. The most famous train ride you will want to include is the Jacobite Steam Train. You will probably recognize it, since it was featured in the Harry Potter movies and is a dreamy experience.
❇️See all tickets available for the Harry Potter train ride adventure❇️
Guided tours
If you want to be able to truly relax and without having to worry about where you are going you can always consider a guided tour across Scotland where you will have a guide and a driver to take you to all the most scenic places and destinations.
Campervan
During my trip, I have seen a lot of people choosing a campervan to travel across Scotland. A great suggestion if you want to be able to camp in remote locations. The comfort of your own home on the road. Be prepared for some challenges and drives if this is what you choose. As mentioned numerous times before many roads are single-lane with passing places and are not for fainthearted drivers.
Walking or cycling
Anyone who fancies a challenge can consider cycling or hiking, but it might be worth it to consider blocking out more than two weeks if that’s what you want to do!
What currency do they have in Scotland?
In Scotland they use GBP. This is the same currency as in the rest of the UK, but the banknotes they use do look slightly different. You can use UK-wide banknotes as well as the Scottish notes and their value is exactly the same. Mastercard and Visa are the most frequently accepted credit cards, American Express less so.
When is the best time to visit Scotland?
Going to Scotland because you fancy a classic beach holiday is not a great shout. Scotland has a temperate climate with four seasons. In spring and summer, you might be lucky to enjoy some sunny days. During autumn and winter, you will experience more of the ‘mystical’ classic Scottish vibes that the country is known for.
In my opinion, you can visit Scotland any time of the year and nature will have different unique features any time of the year. Make sure in winter to be well-prepared when you head out. Accessing roads might be more challenging if there is heavy snowfall both when driving as well as when you are planning your hikes. Additionally, hours of daylight are more limited.
Conclusion: 2-week Scotland itinerary
This trip will give you a guide to visit many of the best highlights Scotland has to offer. My trip made me appreciate the landscapes and how little we are when you are surrounded by ancient mountains and panorama views. Breathe in breathe out and you will come back a calmer person. I hope you will enjoy your visit as much as I did!