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Scotland isn’t big. But there’s a lot crammed into its bonnie shores.
If I’m honest, I’ll always recommend a slow trip over a nonstop itinerary, but sometimes that’s all we have time for. If you’ve found yourself with 10 days to explore but no clue where to start, fear not, as I’ve built this 10-day Scotland itinerary, allowing you to experience the best of my country on a tight timeline.
From Skye’s remote, rugged beauty through the gritty maze of Glasgow and into the cobbly wonder of the Capital, here’s the Ultimate 10-day Scotland itinerary.
*I’m not counting your travel days to and from Scotland, so really, it’s 12 if you include your flights. Please reach out to us if you want any advice on compressing this further.
Day 1 – Edinburgh
There’s a good chance you’ll land at Edinburgh Airport, the country’s busiest hub. Start your visit with a bang and check into The Balmoral, Edinburgh’s best hotel. If you have the Amex platinum, you can take $200 off your stay and enjoy $100 of on-site experiential credit, upgrades, and a complimentary breakfast.
I’d recommend fueling up with a traditional Scottish fry-up. You’ll need the energy.
Once up and running, head up the hill along the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. Not only is it one of the country’s most important historical sites, but it also boasts incredible views of the city. Spend a few hours learning about Scotland’s history before heading out for lunch. Check out our guide to the capital’s best restaurants for some inspiration.
In the afternoon, stay on the Royal Mile and head to The Real Mary Kings Close to delve deeper into the city’s darker past. In-character guides lead the tour of Edinburgh’s underworld.
At dinner, try out Kora, Tom Kitchin’s stunning restaurant in the exciting Bruntsfield neighborhood. Expect the best in Scottish produce played out across seasonal menus. If there are hand-dived scallops available, don’t even question it.
If you’ve any energy left, book a late-night ghost tour. I’ve been on multiple and have been genuinely terrified.
Day 2 – Edinburgh
For your second day in the capital, head out to explore. Grab a coffee at nearby Fortitude—they roast the beans themselves and make phenomenal cakes. Coffee in hand, wander down to the buzzing neighborhood of Leith. The coastal area has become super-cool in recent years, and it’s worth spending the morning sifting through its boutique shops, bars, and cafes.
Don’t leave Leith until you’ve grabbed some fish and chips at The Fishmarket. It’s one of the best places in the country to try one of the UK’s favorite dishes. It’s steps from the dock, so you know it’s fresh.
Grab a taxi back to New Town, stroll through Princes Street Gardens, admire the castle from down below, and even do a little souvenir shopping. Head back to The Balmoral and go big for dinner at Number One. The Michelin-starred restaurant is under the hotel. The $100 credit can go towards this, a big deal for a pricey meal.
Top the night off with a whisky tasting in the hotel’s renowned bar, SCOTCH. It boasts over 400 different bottles and offers walk-throughs and tastings.
Day 3 – Driving day to Inverness
If you’re feeling adventurous and didn’t have too much whisky, wake up at the crack of dawn and climb Arthur’s Seat. The extinct volcano offers the city’s best views and is a great way to start the day. It only takes around two hours to go up and down, so you’ll be back in time for breakfast.
It’s then time to leave the capital and head north to Inverness. I’d recommend renting a car, but you can take the bus or train easily if you just don’t feel comfortable. Driving takes around three hours without stops, but you’ll want to stop at least a few times.
The stunning route will take you across the Firth of Forth and its iconic bridges. You can stop at the tourist center to take them in a little better. On the other side of the Forth, you could take a detour through Dunfermline to see the abbey. Dating back to 1128, the atmospheric building and attached ruin are the resting place of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots—familiar if you’ve seen Braveheart.
Hop back in the car and enjoy your first taste of the Scottish highlands as the road weaves through the Cairngorms National Park. Fuel up at House of Bruar on the way—the food hall is excellent. On arrival in Inverness, take it easy and grab some dinner and a few beers at Black Isle Brewing Company.
Try the Ness Walk Hotel on the banks of the loch for a spectacular stay.
Day 4 – Loch Ness, Urquhart, and drive to Skye
Get up bright and early, and head for the loch (lake). Depending on your interests, you can take some scenic walks around areas of the lake. You can’t walk the whole thing—it’s 26 miles long. Maybe you’ll spot Nessie, but don’t splash on the binoculars being peddled at the visitor center.
Indulge in more history at Urquhart Castle, a stunning ruin on the water’s edge. If you don’t feel like walking too much, it’s also a great vantage point for the loch.
From there, it’s back on the road for a two-hour drive to the island of Skye. The drive traces Loch Ness for the first portion before cutting west along a scenic route to the island. You’ll pass by the iconic Eiliean Donhan castle and can visit it if you have time. Your first view of the island from the sea bridge is one to remember.
Head to the harbor town of Portree and settle down in the Pier Hotel. Grab dinner in one of the nearby eateries, but call ahead, as the little town can be busy in peak months.
Day 5 – Skye
If you can, take in the sunrise harborside before grabbing a generous Scottish breakfast at the hotel. Then pull on your hiking boots and head for the Fairy Pools. The picturesque stream has carved waterfalls down the valley, making for a spectacular walk framed by Skye’s astounding mountain ranges. If you’re feeling brave, take a dip— but it’s going to be very cold.
Grab lunch at Seumas’ Bar before heading to the Old Man of Stohr on the opposite side of the island. The climb up and down should take under two hours, so you’ll have plenty of time. If the weather looks good, hang around for a spectacular sunset before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved sleep.
Day 6 – Skye to Glen Coe and Fort William
In the morning, you’ll depart for Fort William. Grab the ferry to Mallaig, stopping at a Torabhaig distillery on the way—no tasting for the driver. From here, timing is essential, as you’ll soon pass the Glenfinnan Viaduct—otherwise known as the Hogwarts Express Bridge as seen in the Harry Potter films. The steam train, named the Jacobite, passes over the bridge at 10:40amand 1:20pm. Make sure you’re ready with your camera.
Once you arrive in Fort William, enjoy a lazy afternoon wandering the streets and waterside. Rest up for a big day tomorrow.
Day 7 – Glen Coe and Fort William
Depending on your fitness levels, you have two opportunities to get into the mountains.
Option A is Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in the UK. Climbing is a full-day affair, taking around 7 to 8 hours to get up and down. It’s an arduous climb and not for a total beginner. Depending on the season, this may be impossible. You can expect snow on the summit as late as May. Those who climb are rewarded with astonishing views across Scotland—assuming the weather is clear.
For the less ambitious, or if the weather isn’t ideal, try hiking through Glen Nevis. The stunning valley trail still takes a few hours but is far easier than the Ben Nevis climb. The path culminates in a cascading waterfall—also seen in Harry Potter. In fact, the valley itself is used as the setting for Hogwarts.
Day 8 – Loch Lomond to Glasgow
After recovering from yesterday’s efforts, take a leisurely drive through Glen Coe and Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs National Parks. One of the most mesmerizing routes in the country, the stark beauty of Glen Coe will be a highlight of your trip, come rain or shine.
Take your time on the drive, and stop at any vantage points you like. It’s the last of the Scottish Highlands you’ll see on this trip. You’ll soon arrive in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Check in at Malmaison and head out for dinner at Ox and Finch.
Day 9 – Glasgow
One day in Edinburgh’s gritty sibling isn’t enough, but it’s all you have time for on this trip.
Start in the city center, fueled up on coffee from Labratorio Espresso. Take a few snaps of the iconic Wellington statue, with a traffic cone on his head—long a symbol of Glasgow’s humor. If you feel up to it, take a walking tour of the city’s east side. They’ll usually last about 2-3 hours and will be the perfect intro to Glasgow’s industrial past and its vital role as the British Empire’s second city.
Once you’re done, grab the subway to the edgier West End. Enjoy lunch at one of the eateries on Ashton Lane, a cobblestone street teeming with independent cafes, bars, and even a cinema, before heading to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for a crash course in Scottish art and history. Look out for exhibitions on Charles Rennie Mackintosh—an artist, designer, and architect whose influence is still seen all over Glasgow.
Finish your day with a fantastic dinner at Cail Bruich, a seasonal local-produce focused restaurant, before heading back to your hotel.
Day 10 – Glasgow to Edinburgh, House of Gods
Your final day is an easy drive from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Grab brunch at The Wilson Street Pantry before setting off if you’re peckish.
The drive only takes an hour, so swing slightly north to Falkirk if you feel like throwing in one last stop. There, you’ll find two colossal kelpie statues dominating the landscape. They’re more than worth the visit. On the other side of town is The Falkirk Wheel, an impressive canal boat lift that needs to be seen to be believed.
Upon arrival in Edinburgh, you should be justifiably exhausted. Instead of sightseeing, check into House of Gods, an atmospheric experiential hotel with a fabulous cocktail bar and some brilliant extras like midnight milk and cookies, a prosecco waiter, and in-room cocktail demos.
Take one last stroll up the Royal Mile before turning in for the evening and finishing up your 10-day Scotland itinerary.
by your friends at The Daily Navigator
