five day tour of scotland

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5-day scotland itinerary: how to spend 5 days in scotland (+5 alternatives).

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Heading to the UK soon and looking for the perfect 5-day Scotland Itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and there is so much to do! From the beautiful capital city, Edinburgh, to the National Parks and lakes, there is a lot you can see in 5 days.

In this article, we tell you exactly how to spend 5 days in Scotland.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 QUICK SUMMARY – 5 DAYS IN SCOTLAND 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

• BEST TOUR : Rabbie’s Isle of Skye and West Highlands 4- day tour
• BEST THINGS TO SEE: Edinburgh, Cairngorms, Inverness, Loch Ness and Fort William or Edinburgh, Highlands and Skye
• BEST STARTING POINT: Edinburgh
• FUN THINGS TO DO: Riding the Jacobite train , hiking, Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh

In the first section, you will find the ultimate Scotland 5-day itinerary for first-timers.

This itinerary is packed with activities and was made to allow you to enjoy Scotland at its maximum.

With only 5 days in Scotland, you need to be organised.

The itinerary will help you to do that but you will also find some tips and tricks to make your trip even easier!

Later down in the article, you will also find some alternatives.

If you think the first itinerary is too much for you, you can discover what to see in Scotland in 5 days using other routes.

🔎 Table of Contents

Planning your trip to Scotland

Before getting started with the itinerary itself, it’s important to plan your trip.

With only 5 days in Scotland, you need to be quite organised if you want to make the best of your time.

Luckily, travelling in Scotland is pretty easy. As long as you know how to get around and where to stay, you will be just fine.

And that’s exactly why you are here. I’ve been living in the UK for years and I will help you plan the perfect trip now!

How to get to Scotland

The best way to get to Scotland is by plane. The main airport is in Edinburgh.

There are loads of cheap flights going there every day and that’s the first thing you should check.

From Edinburgh airport, you can take a bus, train or tram to reach the city centre. It’s very quick. It takes less than 30 minutes.

Click here to see the latest fares for flights to Edinburgh.

Another option is to fly to the second main airport in Scotland, Glasgow.

There aren’t as many flights and it’s a bit less convenient as you will want to spend more time in Edinburgh than Glasgow but depending where you are flying from, you may get a better deal.

If you choose to fly to Glasgow, you will need to reverse the following itinerary. That’s not an issue at all but it’s worth mentioning.

Click here to see the latest fares for flights to Glasgow.

How to get around Scotland

Scotland is the perfect country to experience the outdoors .

For this reason, the best way to enjoy it is by car (or with a tour). If you wish to explore the country by yourself, you should rent a car and go on the ultimate Scotland road trip.

As you only have 5 days, you may also want to consider going on a multi-day tour. Everything will be planned for you and you won’t have to worry about anything.

The last alternative is taking the train. Public transport in Scotland (and the rest of the UK) is excellent.

It’s very easy to get around by train however, you won’t get to enjoy the outdoors as much and that could be an issue.

Road Trip in Scotland

Renting a car and going on a road trip is perfect for people who like to take their time and be on their own.

Whether you are starting in Edinburgh or Glasgow, you will find loads of car rental companies.

To get the best deal, use Skyscanner . You may know it as a comparison tool for flights but they also do it for car rentals.

Click here to see the best car rental deals in Scotland.

Tours in Scotland

As you only have 5 days in Scotland, you should also consider going on a tour.

The good thing about going on a tour is that you won’t have to worry about anything. The tour company will sort everything out for you.

Also, you will be with a guide which means that you will get loads of information about everything you visit.

It truly is the best way to make the best of your time in Scotland. The local tour companies know Scotland like the back of their hand. They will bring you to the best places in the most efficient way. Meanwhile, the only thing you have to do is to enjoy!

I would recommend to fly to Edinburgh, spend a day there and then go on a 4-day tour around Scotland.

Here are some of the best 4-day tours around Scotland:

• Scottish Castles Experience : this tour features the same itinerary than the one below. It’s a great way to discover the mainland and what Scotland truly is about. The tour company, Rabbie’s, is a Scottish company. The tour guides are amazing. Click here to see the latest prices.
• Isle of Skye and West Highlands : this tour is a bit different as instead of focusing on the mainland, you will go through the highlands and head to the beautiful Isle of Skye . It’s a great tour especially if you’ve always dreamt of visiting the Scottish Isles. It’s a bit harder to do this itinerary on your own in only 5 days so going on a tour is a great option. Click here to see the latest prices.

Trains and buses in Scotland

The railway and bus network in Scotland is pretty amazing. You will find loads of trains and buses going to all cities and towns. It’s very easy to book tickets however, if you are planning on following the itinerary and going to the lochs, this won’t be ideal.

To book your train tickets, you can use Trainline . It’s very easy to use and you can keep your tickets on your phone.

For buses, check out Megabus . The tickets are super cheap!

Accommodation in Scotland

For accommodation, you can opt for hostels, hotels, B&Bs or Airbnbs . You will find below recommendations on the best places to stay.

Overview of your Five Day Scotland Itinerary

Map of the 5-day scotland itinerary.

Your Scotland Itinerary 5 Days

Now is time for the good stuff. Here is the ultimate 5-day Scotland Itinerary.

Please note that this itinerary is packed with activities.

It really is for people who want to do as much as possible however, we’ve indicated the optional activities.

That way, if you want to slow down, you will know what to skip.

Scotland Itinerary Day 1: Edinburgh

To begin your Scotland 5-day itinerary, you’ll be exploring Edinburgh, Scotland.

This is the easiest (and most affordable) city to fly into, so this is the perfect place to start your road trip.

As you only have 5 days, you shouldn’t be spending more than one in Edinburgh. If you choose to do so, you won’t get to see as much of Scotland.

That being said, if you’d rather spending more time here, check out this 2-day Edinburgh itinerary.

Morning: Arthur’s Seat

Start your morning at Arthur’s Seat. This is one of the most underrated places to explore in the country, but your 5 days in Scotland wouldn’t be complete without it.

Arthur’s Seat is an old Volcano located in Edinburgh that has since become a popular place to hike.

There are a few different trails to the top with varying difficulties, but each has an extremely rewarding view.

It’s best to hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat first thing in the morning so you can avoid the crowds.

On average, you’ll probably spend about two hours here.

The hike is not particularly hard but it is considered a hike rather than a leisurely walk so make sure to wear good shoes.

PRO TIP: You can go up to Arthur’s Seat even if the weather is not great. As you can see on my photos, it doesn’t need to be sunny however, if it’s too rainy and the view is blocked, it’s better to reserve it for a time when the weather is a bit better.

Also, the top of Arthur’s Seat is very windy so make sure to wear a good wind breaker.

Once you’re done with the hike to Arthur’s Seat, be sure to explore the rest of Holyrood Park and also check out the Palace of Holyroodhouse , the King’s official Scottish residence.

Lunch: Kilderkin

Address: 67 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BT

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite by hiking to the top of an extinct volcano, it’s time to grab some lunch.

While you make your way back to the Old Town, you will walk past the Scottish Government (which is a building that is famous for being particularly ugly and that went 10 times above budget).

You will also walk past the Holyrood Palace which is the residence of the British monarch in Edinburgh.

Head to Canongate and starts walking up towards the Old Town. You will find on the right hand side a traditional Scottish pub called the Kilderkin.

This is an excellent place for lunch because they have all sorts of drinks and several dishes with haggis. They also offer all the pub classics which means that everyone can find something.

It’s also very reasonably priced.

Afternoon: Edinburgh’s Old Town

The Old Town of Edinburgh is the most historic part of the city.

The main attraction in the Old Town is Edinburgh Castle, which sits on top of Castle Hill, another extinct volcano in Edinburgh!

This castle holds the country’s crown jewels and is also a museum open to the public. Tickets cost £15.50 per adult if you purchase your tickets online in advance or via a tour company.

While in Old Town, make sure to also walk the Royal Mile. This is the long bustling street leading up to Edinburgh Castle.

It’s lined with some historic and modern attractions that are worth stopping it, dating back a few centuries.

You will also find loads of souvenir shops.

The most popular stop along the Royal Mile is Camera Obscura. This fun museum is filled with optical illusion exhibits that will blow your mind.

If you don’t go inside Edinburgh Castle, this can be a great alternative. Tickets can be purchased here.

If you have a bit more time, consider stopping by the Scottish Parliament, Victoria Street (Real-life version of Diagon Alley) and St. Giles Cathedral.

To make the best of your time in Edinburgh Old Town, I particularly recommend going on a walking tour. The Old Town is full of gems and you can easily reach all of them on foot.

By going on a walking tour, you will discover more about the history of Edinburgh, the famous sites, Harry Potter and some cool anecdotes.

If you are a history lover and want to learn more about Edinburgh as a general thing, opt for the classic walking tour. See prices here.

If you are a Harry Potter fan, that’s no brainer, you must go on a Harry Potter tour! It’s so good! You will discover all the important sites and learn many fun facts! Click here to see the latest prices.

Dinner: The Jolly Judge

Address: 7 James Court, 493 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PB

After exploring the Old Town, it’s time for dinner! Since you didn’t get to try some traditional Scottish pub food for lunch, make your way to The Jolly Judge.

This is one of the top-rated pub restaurants in the whole city.

It’s located right in Old Town near St. Giles Cathedral and has mid-range prices so that you won’t break the bank.

The Jolly Judge is also open until 10 p.m., so if you also want to grab some drinks after and make it a longer night, you absolutely can.

Evening: Calton Hill

End your first of 5 days in Scotland by hiking up to Calton Hill after dinner. It may seem like a lot to hike again after starting the morning with a hike, but it’s completely worth it!

Calton Hill’s view is impeccable and it’s a lot easier to get to the top compared to Arthur’s Seat.

There is a National Monument that was never finished at the top of the hill and an art gallery. However, you should hike up to the top to catch the sunset over the Edinburgh skyline.

This can be a rather romantic way to end the day as you get prepared to see more of Scotland tomorrow!

If you are visiting in winter , make sure to go before dinner and not after otherwise it will be too dark.

Where to stay in Edinburgh

• Luxury:  The Balmoral Hotel is the ultimate place to stay in Edinburgh. It’s located by the station and is the place where JK Rowling wrote the last Harry Potter book. Click here to see the latest prices.
• If you’d rather a luxury Airbnb, this beautiful apartment in the Old Town will be perfect for you. See prices here.
• Mid-range:  The Angus Studio is a cute flat in Edinburgh Old Town. This Airbnb is perfect for a couple. The location is excellent and the amenities perfect. Click here to see the prices.
• Budget:  St Christopher’s Edinburgh Old Town is the best hostel in the city. It’s clean, comfy and well located. See prices here.

Scotland Itinerary Day 2: Cairngorms National Park

Next on your 5-day trip to Scotland, it’s time to head towards Cairngorms National Park!

This is one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and it’s also filled with tons of castles that you won’t want to miss.

Morning: Dundee

Begin your morning by making a quick stop in Dundee.

It’s about one hour north of Edinburgh and is located right on the coast.

Travellers often overlook it, but it’s a good pit stop before you continue the rest of your trip for the day.

While in Dundee, be sure to stop at the V&A Museum. It recently opened in 2018 and is the first design museum in the country.

It’s completely free to visit, but there are always some rotating exhibits that you may have to pay to enter.

Lunch: The Ship Inn & Waterfront Restaurant

Address: 121 Fisher St, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2BR

Grab lunch while you’re still in Dundee just because there are lots of options. One of the best restaurants in the city is The Ship Inn & Waterfront Restaurant, which has affordable prices and a great water view.

Afternoon: Castle Sightseeing

Now it’s time for the fun part! After your early lunch, make your way towards Cragievar Castle.

This is often referred to as the “pink castle” because of its colour.

This quaint castle truly looks like something out of a fairytale and is worth stopping at.

People inhabited it until about forty years ago! Tickets cost £14.50 per person to see the inside.

Next, make your way to Balmoral Castle, nestled inside Cairngorms National Park.

This is the Queen’s summer residence, but you’re allowed to visit the castle and grounds if you visit anytime besides the summer months.

Tickets can be pricy, but it’s worth it.

If you’ve watched the Crown, you should recognise this place. In season 5, Diana and Margaret Thatcher go there with the royal family.

Last but not least, stop at one more architectural marvel: Braemar Castle. It dates back to the 17th century and is what you’d expect a traditional Scottish castle to look like.

If you visited Balmoral Castle and still have your ticket, you can get discounted access to this castle.

Dinner: The Old Bridge Inn

Address : 23 Dalfaber Rd, Aviemore PH22 1PU

Finish the night by grabbing dinner at The Old Bridge Inn.

This is arguably the best pub near Cairngorms National Park, and they offer a wide variety of dishes.

The menu pleases even the pickiest of eaters. It’s located in Aviemore, a great place to spend the evening before continuing your 5-day road trip in Scotland tomorrow.

Where to stay in the Cairngorms

• Luxury: Loch Insh Chalets are perfect for a luxury stay. They are located on the waterfront and some of them have a private hot tub! See prices here.
• Mid-range:  The Birds Nest is a beautiful cabin in Aviemore. It can sleep up to 2 guests. See prices here.
• Budget:  An Cabar is a super cute tiny house in the Cairngorms. It’s entirely made of wood and a great choice for travellers on a budget looking for an authentic experience. See prices.

Scotland Itinerary Day 3: Inverness & Loch Ness

Next on your Scotland itinerary 5 days, it’s time to make your way to Inverness. This drive will only take about 40 minutes so that you can get started on your day relatively early.

Morning: Inverness Castle

The first stop of the day is the beautiful Inverness Castle! It was built in the 19th century and has a beautiful view of Inverness since it’s located slightly higher than the rest of the city.

Even though it was built only a short hundred years ago, a castle has been in this very spot since the 11th century, when King Malcolm III established his fortress here.

You may instantly recognise the name of Inverness Castle if you’re a Shakespeare fan. That’s because it was featured in Macbeth!

Compared to other castles you’ve visited so far in Scotland, this one is relatively affordable at only £6 per ticket if you purchase your tickets online in advance.

Lunch: Rocpool or The Grumpy Chef

For lunch, make your way back down to Inverness. There are tons of spots to eat here, but some of the top-rated lunch restaurants are Rocpool and The Grumpy Chef.

If you have a bit more money to splurge on a fine meal, be sure to eat at Rocpool. Prices are a bit more luxury and not as budget-friendly, but it’s a top-rated place for modern cuisine in the city.

Address: 1 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NE

The Grumpy Chef is a more budget-friendly place to grab some quick food. They offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options on their menu.

Whether you’re in the mood for French toast or a ciabatta sandwich, The Grumpy Chef has got you covered.

Address: Chapel St, Inverness IV1 1NA

Afternoon: Loch Ness

As with most Scotland itineraries, you absolutely must visit Loch Ness.

This is one of the best places to see in Scotland in 5 days and is only a thirty-minute drive from Inverness.

While you can drive around Loch Ness for free, you can enter the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition for £8.45 per person.

While you’re at Loch Ness, be on the lookout for Nessie, the legendary monster who has lived in the depths of the loch for centuries.

Be sure to also stop at Urquhart Castle, which is located right along Loch Ness.

Construction began on it and the 13th century though it wasn’t finished until the 16th. Tickets cost £9.60 per person to enter the castle.

And of course, one of the best things to do here is to take a cruise on Loch Ness.

Dinner: The Dores Inn

Address: B862, Dores, Inverness IV2 6TR

For dinner, head back to Inverness and grab some delicious pub food at The Dores Inn.

This pub is family run and offers some of the best views in Inverness, besides the ones from the castle.

Despite being one of the best pubs in Inverness, it’s usually relatively quiet, especially if you choose to use their outdoor seating along Loch Ness.

Evening: Scotch & Rye

Address: 21 Queensgate, Inverness IV1 1DF

If you still have some energy left, go out for drinks at Scotch & Rye!

The inside of this cocktail bar and restaurant has a lively atmosphere with tons of Prohibition decor and memorabilia.

The bartenders serve up almost any cocktail you can imagine.

Be sure not to stay up too late because you have another busy day tomorrow on this best itinerary for Scotland!

Where to stay in Inverness

• Luxury:  Cheerful and Airy Flat is a wonderful Airbnb in Inverness. The home decor is absolutely stunning and the location is ideal. See prices here.
• Mid-range:  West River Apartment is an excellent option for mid-budget accommodation. It’s very cosy and well located. See prices here.
• Budget:  Crown Street is a private room Airbnb. It’s the perfect choice if you are on a budget. It’s very good value. See prices here.

Scotland Itinerary Day 4: Fort William

Fort William is an absolute must-see in Scotland, and luckily that’s what you’ll be seeing today! After waking up in Inverness, make the hour and a half drive to Fort William.

Morning: Nevis Range Scenic Mountain Gondola

If you’re wondering what to see in Scotland while you’re in Fort William, look no further than the Nevis Range. Make your way here first, as soon as you make it to Fort William.

Once you’re there, you’ll want to find the ticket booth and purchase admission to the gondola. Each ticket costs £22, which may seem pricey, but it’s worth it.

After you grab your ticket, hop onto the gondola and catch one of the most breathtaking views in the whole country!

It is a rather steep ride, and if it’s windy, the gondola could also be a little shaky. Keep in mind that every once in a while, the gondolas might stop so that someone can attach their bike to one!

Lunch: The Pinemarten Cafe or The Snowgoose Restaurant

Address: Nevis Range Parking, Torlundy, Fort William PH33 6SQ

There are two places to eat at the top of the mountain: The Pinemarten Cafe and The Snowgoose Restaurant.

It’s best that you just grab lunch here because there’s a vast outdoor patio looking down the incredibly scenic mountain.

There are quite a few meals you can purchase, and they change depending on the day. Prices are also relatively affordable, but with a view like that, any price is worth it!

After lunch, be sure to walk on a few of the trails at the top of the mountain before heading back down.

Afternoon: Ben Nevis Distillery or Neptune’s Staircase

Here are two things you can do in the afternoon: visiting a distillery (perfect on a rainy day) or going to Neptune staircase and walk down to Corpach port (perfect on a sunny day).

Ben Nevis Distillery’s Address: Lochy Bridge, Fort William PH33 6TJ

Next on your 5-day self-drive tour of Scotland is Ben Nevis Distillery.

No trip to Scotland is complete without visiting a distillery of some sort, and this one is one of the most scenic parts of the country.

Ben Nevis Distillery is one of the oldest in the entire country.

This distillery is known for its whisky and offers tours to visitors. Admission is £5 per person, or you can pay £18 to go on a tasting tour. Either one is fantastic!

Neptune’s Staircase Address: Banavie, Fort William PH33 7NG

If it’s sunny then heading to Neptune’s staircase will be an excellent idea. At first sight, there is nothing that exciting about this place but I promise, you’ll be impressed!

Neptune’s staircase is a staircase made of 8 locks on the Caledonian canal.

In simple terms, it allows boats to go up!

As you get there, you can walk on the different bridges and get nice views of the stairs but it’s when a boat comes that it becomes truly impressive!

If you are down for a walk, you can stroll along the canal all the way to Corpach port. It’s an easy 30-minute walk.

Once you get to the port, you’ll discover stunning views of the loch and Ben Nevis.

On a nice and sunny day, you can even see the reflection of Ben Nevis on the loch. It’s so beautiful!

That said, it’s really not worth going on a rainy day as Ben Nevis will be hidden by the clouds.

PRO TIP: If you are a Harry Potter fan, you can stand by the railway at Banavie Station (next to the staircase) and see the Jacobite train coming! Make sure to check the timetables. The train doesn’t stop in the station but it goes fairly slow when it reaches this stage.

READ MORE: Harry Potter Train in Scotland: Ultimate Guide to riding the Jacobite train in real life

Dinner: Crannog Seafood Restaurant

Address: 4 Cameron Rd, Fort William PH33 6AJ

Eating seafood is an absolute must-do in Scotland, and there’s no better place to do it than while you’re in Fort William.

The Crannog Seafood Restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Fort William and is located right on the pier, so there are excellent views.

Ask for a window seat if you can! Prices are mid-range, and the atmosphere is casual.

If you’re not a big fan of seafood, don’t worry. There are tons of other places to eat at in Fort William, so take your pick!

Where to stay in Fort William

• Luxury: This Airbnb is a beautifully decorated house with stunning views of the water and luxury amenities. See prices here.
• Mid-range: Lothlorien is a cute B&B in Fort William. Admittedly, it looks a bit old fashion but it is great value and breakfast is included! See prices here.
• Budget:  Fort William Backpackers is a hostel located in an old Victorian building in the heart of Fort William. See prices here.

Scotland Itinerary Day 5: Loch Lomond & Glasgow

Finish your last day in this beautiful country by visiting some of the best places to see in Scotland in 5 days.

Today, you’ll be visiting Loch Lomond and Glasgow before heading home!

Morning: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Begin your day by exploring Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, one of the best things to do in Scotland in 5 days.

This loch and park are arguably even more beautiful than Loch Ness, so it absolutely can’t be missed.

Instead of purposely going to certain parts of the park, try just driving around and pulling off to the side whenever you find a great viewpoint.

This is one of the best ways to explore, especially after a hectic week of sightseeing. If you do want to stop for a couple of hours, head to Balloch and go on a cruise on the lake .

The cruise is only 1 to 2 hours long and this will be an amazing use of your time!

It’s very pretty and a fun way to discover Loch Lomond.

Click here to see the prices.

Lunch: Mini Grill Glasgow Steakhouse

Address: 244A Bath St, Glasgow G2 4JW

From Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, make your way to Glasgow for lunch.

While there are many places to eat in this city, The Mini Grill Glasgow Steakhouse is a great option. It’s one of the more popular places to eat in Glasgow and has a friendly atmosphere and mid-range pricing.

Afternoon: Glasgow Sightseeing

Spend your last afternoon in Glasgow just doing some sightseeing. 

Again, I highly recommend going on a walking tour here.

The City Centre guided walking tour of Glasgow lasts 2.5 hours, during which you will learn everything you need to know about the city. There is no better way to discover the city quickly and in-depth.

Definitely, a winner when you don’t have much time. Click here to see the latest prices.

If you’d rather exploring on your own, it’s fine too! There are many great places to explore in the city, but here are a few top places to visit in Glasgow.

The equestrian statue of Arthur Wellesley is the most famous landmark in the city.

Not exactly because of the statue or the man himself but because it always has a road cone on the head! Yep, I am serious!

Believe it or not but Glasgow is notorious for this.

As a matter of fact, every time the cone is removed by the city council, people start placing bets on how long it will stay that way. It never lasted more than a few days!

You will see this statue on all postcards! It’s a local institution! You can find it just outside the Gallery of Modern art on the Royal Exchange Square.

The Glasgow Cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is a beautiful gothic church. The inside is very dark yet enchanting, which only adds to its appeal. It’s the oldest cathedral in the country, so it can’t be missed!

George Square is one of the main squares in Glasgow. In particular, this square was named after King George III and features lots of statues throughout, so it’s worth exploring, even if only for a half-hour.

The best museum in Glasgow is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It was opened to the public in 1901 but was recently refurbished in the early 21st century.

It’s filled with beautiful art and also is a true testament to the architecture in Scotland.

The Necropolis is a cemetery located on the heights of the city. It boasts some of the most breath-taking views of Glasgow so it’s well worth walking up there.

Finally, Glasgow is known for its street art! As you walk around, you will discover many beautiful murals!

Dinner: Ox and Finch

Address: 920 Sauchiehall St, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 7TF

For Dinner, make your way to Ox and Finch.

This is one of the favourite restaurants among locals and tourists, which only adds to its appeal.

The majority of the menu is tapas, and the atmosphere is very casual. Prices are mid-range, and there are tons of delicious meals and appetisers on the menu, including vegan options.

Evening: The Pot Still

Address: 154 Hope St, Glasgow G2 2TH

Finish your last day in Scotland by heading to your last Scottish pub, The Pot Still. This is the most famous pub in the entire city, and they sell tons of whiskies (over 700!) and other alcoholic drinks.

A pub has been located in this very spot since the 19th century, so it’s filled with history.

Where to stay in Glasgow

• Luxury: Kimpton – Blythswood Square Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the city centre. When it comes to luxury accommodation in Glasgow, it really doesn’t get better than that. See prices here.
• Mid-range: Historical Tenement Flat is a beautiful flat in Glasgow City Centre. It’s very good value for money and well located. See prices here.
• Budget: Glasgow Youth Hostel is ideal for travellers on a budget who still want to be staying in a beautiful building. See prices here.

Other Scotland 5-day itineraries

Now that you know exactly how to pack as much as possible in those 5 days, it’s time to discover how to have a more relaxing holiday.

While the first itinerary is perfect for first-timers who want to see as much of Scotland as possible, it’s not exactly relaxing.

Here you will find some more itineraries that you can use to plan your 5 days in Scotland.

Scotland 5-day itinerary 2: Edinburgh, Isle of Skye, Glenfinnan and Fort William

• Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town
• Day 2: Edinburgh New Town and Dean Village
• Day 3: Fairy Pools on Skye and Portree
• Day 4: Old Man of Storr and Quirrang
• Day 5: Glenfinnan and Fort William

Scotland 5-day itinerary 3: Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loch Lomond

• Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town and Arthur’s Seat
• Day 3: Glasgow City Centre
• Day 4: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
• Day 5: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Scotland 5-day itinerary 4: Edinburgh, Loch Ness, Inverness and Isle of Skye

• Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town
• Day 2: Loch Ness
• Day 3: Inverness
• Day 4: Fairy Pools and Portree on Skye
• Day 5: Old Man of Storr and back to Edinburgh

Scotland 5-day itinerary 5: Edinburgh, Outlander, St Andrews and Dundee

• Day 2: Edinburgh New Town, Stockebridge and Dean Village
• Day 3: Day tour to the Outlander filming locations
• Day 4: St Andrews
• Day 5: Dundee

Scotland 5-day itinerary 6: Edinburgh, Leith, Glenfinnan, Fort William, Ben Nevis and Glencoe

• Day 2: Leith and the Royal Yacht Britannia
• Day 3: Glenfinnan Viaduct and Fort William
• Day 4: Ben Nevis
• Day 5: Glencoe (visitor centre and hiking the devil’s staircase)

You may also be interested in:

• Edinburgh 2-day itinerary: How to spend 2 days in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Harry Potter in Edinburgh
• Scotland Outdoor Bucket List: the best Outdoor Activities in Scotland
• The Best Scotland Quiz: 55 Scottish Questions and Answers for your trivia night!
• Best 3-Day Scotland tours from Edinburgh to book
• 10 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit Scotland

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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Sure, five days might seem like a short stint to explore everything that Scotland has to offer — but this is still enough time to make for a fantastic trip. Here's our comprehensive guide to crafting the perfect 5 days itinerary in Scotland, complete with tips and example itineraries from our seasoned travel experts.

Is 5 days enough for Scotland?

Itinerary #1: scottish family adventure, itinerary #2: scotland city trail.

• Itinerary #3: Scotland's hidden gems

Itinerary #4: History of Scotland

• Itinerary #5: Scotland's creative trail

Prepare for your 5 days itinerary in Scotland

Travel ideas for scotland, created by local experts.

The Great British Road Trip

Get ready to explore Britain on this unique self-drive road trip. Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over the Beatle's favorite hang-out in Liverpool to Scotland's capital Edinburgh: this trip includes many highlights to be explored

Festive Feelings around Christmas in Scotland

Experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of the Scottish Highlands! Lovely Christmas Markets and winter festivals await visitors during the winter months, but this itinerary can also be turned into a summer festival hop!

Scotland's Wildest Natural Scenery

Want to lose yourself in Scotland's wildest natural scenery? This itinerary is a breath of fresh air and perfect to explore the most enchanting landscapes of the Highlands. It will allow you to get to know the wildest landscapes of Scotland, its fast-paced history and its amazing traditions.

A true 'Outlander' Adventure

Calling all Outlander lovers…you are in luck! Who would like to follow in the footsteps of the nurse Claire Beauchamp on her trip to Scotland in 1743? We have designed the perfect itinerary to experience the most charming corners that feature in the series.

Magical 7-Day Family Adventure in Scotland and England : From Harry Potter to Loch Ness!

Searching for an unforgettable family adventure? Scotland is the perfect destination! With a perfect balance of nature, adventure, and Scottish culture. This 7-day trip offers a delightful mix of activities that everyone in the family will enjoy. Get ready to create life long lasting memories!

Highland Tour: Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Edinburgh

Discover the beautiful region of Perthshire, the famous Loch Ness and Inverness – the capital of the Highlands. Get a chance to admire Europe’s oldest mountain, stroll along sandy beaches on the Scottish West Coast, and visit the mysterious Isle of Skye.

There's no denying that Scotland offers far more than what can be squeezed into five days. However, it's still ample time to have an incredible trip, particularly if you're incorporating Scotland into a broader itinerary spanning multiple countries.

Given the limited timeframe, precision is key when planning your itinerary. Are you eager to delve into the historic landmarks and lively pub scenes of Glasgow and Edinburgh ? Or does the allure of Scotland's natural landscapes call out to you? Whichever path you choose, remember to consider typical weather conditions during your stay and factor in travel times between destinations.

Feeling overwhelmed by the daunting task of itinerary planning?  Leave the details to us. With our tailor-made trip service , you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey while we take care of all the planning and bookings on your behalf. Our trips , meticulously curated by local travel experts , can be customized to your exact preferences. 

Fingal's Cave, Sea cave in Staffa Island Scotland © Shutterstock

This 5 day itinerary in Scotland is perfect for those planning a family trip. Your journey kicks off on  day one in Edinburgh. First stop? The Edinburgh Zoo — hang out with creatures from all corners of the globe, saying hello to those famous pandas. Then, dive into the world of optical illusions and stunning city vistas at Camera Obscura.

On day two , hit the road or hop on a train to Stirling . Explore the majestic Stirling Castle, a true icon of Scottish history. Don't miss the Battle of Bannockburn Experience, where you'll step back in time to a pivotal moment in Scotland's past. 

On  day three you’ll head over to Loch Lomond for a nature-filled day. Trek around the stunning loch, soak in the scenery and enjoy a leisurely family picnic. Cap it off with a visit to SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium for a peek at the wonders of the deep. 

Day four brings you to Glasgow where you can get hands-on with science at the Science Centre and journey through transport history at the Riverside Museum.

Wrap up your adventure in Falkirk on  day five . Stand in awe of the magnificent Kelpies and take a spin on the Falkirk Wheel, a marvel of engineering. Finally, it's back to Edinburgh to bid farewell or squeeze in some last-minute city exploring before you head home. Book this trip .

Stirling Castle, Scotland  © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this 5 days itinerary in Scotland:

• Arrival and check-in at your accommodation in Edinburgh.
• Visit Edinburgh Zoo to see a variety of animals from around the world, including the famous pandas.
• Explore Camera Obscura for a fun and interactive experience with illusions and panoramic views of the city.
• Take the train or drive to Stirling.
• Tour Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most historically significant castles.
• Experience the Battle of Bannockburn at the interactive center, where you can learn about this pivotal moment in Scottish history through fun and engaging exhibits.
• Transfer to Loch Lomond.
• Enjoy a family-friendly hike around Loch Lomond, known for its natural beauty
• Go for a family picnic.
• Visit SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium with exhibits featuring marine life native to Scotland and beyond.
• Arrive in Glasgow.
• Explore Glasgow Science Centre, a hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and live demonstrations.
• Discover the transport history of Glasgow at the Riverside Museum.
• Move on to Falkirk.
• Marvel at The Kelpies, colossal horse-head sculptures standing beside the Forth and Clyde Canal, representing Scotland's industrial and equine heritage.
• Visit the Falkirk Wheel, an infamous rotating boat lift connecting two canals.
• Return to Edinburgh for departure or spend additional time exploring the city's attractions, shops, and restaurants before departing.

Old Man of Storr, Scotland © Pixabay

On this five-day itinerary in Scotland, you’ll get the chance to explore Scotland’s vibrant cities. Your adventure begins  in Glasgow on  day one , where you’ll explore the exhibits of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum before moving on to the Glasgow Science Centre

Day two sees you in Edinburgh, the historic capital, where you'll be greeted by the imposing Edinburgh Castle and the winding streets of the Royal Mile. Here you’ll have the chance to learn about Scottish history at the National Museum of Scotland. 

Next, it's off to Dundee on  day three , where you can marvel at modern design at the V&A Dundee and delve into Antarctic exploration at Discovery Point. In Aberdeen on  day four , discover the city's maritime heritage at the Maritime Museum and wander through the medieval charm of Old Aberdeen. 

Finally, on  day five , journey to Stirling to visit the imposing Stirling Castle and learn about Scottish hero William Wallace at the Wallace Monument. Conclude your Scottish city tour with a return to Glasgow. Book this trip .

Ashton Lane, a cobbled backstreet in Glasgow © DrimaFilm/Shutterstock

• Arrival in Glasgow.
• Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to explore its collection of art and artifacts.
• Explore the interactive exhibits at the Glasgow Science Centre.
• Arrival in Edinburgh.
• Tour the Edinburgh Castle for panoramic views of the city and to delve into Scotland's history.
• Wander along the historic Royal Mile, lined with shops, cafes, and landmarks.
• Visit the National Museum of Scotland to learn about Scotland's natural history, culture, and innovation.
• Transfer to Dundee.
• Explore the contemporary architecture and exhibitions at V&A Dundee, Scotland's largest design museum.
• Visit the historic RRS Discovery at Discovery Point, where you can learn about Antarctic exploration.
• Arrival in Aberdeen.
• Visit the Maritime Museum to learn about Aberdeen's maritime heritage.
• Explore the historic district of Old Aberdeen with cobbled streets and medieval architecture.
• Arrival in Stirling.
• Tour the Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most important historical sites.
• Visit the Wallace Monument to learn about Scottish hero William Wallace and enjoy panoramic views.
• Return to Glasgow for departure.

Aberdeen, Scotland  © Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Scotland's hidden gems

On this 5 day trip, you’ll travel through the lesser-known natural sights of Scotland. Your trip starts in Peebles on the  first day , where you'll wander through the ancient halls of Neidpath Castle, perched majestically above the tranquil River Tweed. Take in the Tweed Valley with leisurely strolls or opt for more adventurous hikes along its scenic trails.

Day two welcomes you to the picturesque village of Plockton, nestled along Scotland's rugged coastline. Spend the day discovering the enchanting Coral Beaches, accessible by car or via scenic coastal paths, and keep an eye out for playful seals frolicking in the nearby waters. As the afternoon wanes, return to Plockton, soaking in the scenic route on the way back.

In Aberdeenshire on  day three , explore the Dunnottar Castle, perched dramatically atop cliffs overlooking the North Sea and the rugged beauty of the Bullers of Buchan's coastal inlet.

Day four finds you in Moray , where you'll discover the quirky eco-community of Findhorn and see the natural wonder of Bow Fiddle Rock's striking sea arch. Finally, on  day five , you’ll explore the quaint fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, including Anstruther, Pittenweem, and Crail, before bidding farewell to Scotland. Book this trip .

Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland  © Shutterstock

• Arrival in Peebles.
• Explore the Neidpath Castle, a historic fortress overlooking the River Tweed.
• Enjoy walks in the Tweed Valley, with options for leisurely strolls or more adventurous hikes.
• Arrival in Plockton.
• Head to the Coral Beaches, located near Plockton. You can reach the beaches by car or by walking along the coastal paths, enjoying the scenery along the way.
• Seal-spotting adventure. Head to areas known for seal colonies, such as nearby rocky outcrops or islands.
• Return to Plockton village in the late afternoon, taking in the scenic views along the way.
• Transfer to Aberdeenshire.
• Tour the Dunnottar Castle, a cliff-top fortress with views of the North Sea.
• Explore the unique rock formations and seabird colonies at the Bullers of Buchan, a coastal inlet near Peterhead.
• Arrive in Moray.
• Discover the charming village of Findhorn, known for its eco-community and l coastal scenery.
• Visit Bow Fiddle Rock, a natural sea arch near Portknockie, which offers views and photo opportunities.
• Transfer to East Neuk of Fife.
• Explore the picturesque fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife, such as Anstruther, Pittenweem, and Crail.
• Visit Kellie Castle, a historic mansion with gardens and views over the Firth of Forth
• Return to Peebles for your departure home.

Tweed Valley from Glentress Forest,  Peebles, Scottish Borders, Scotland  © Shutterstock

This 5-day itinerary is perfect for anyone who wants to dive deep into Scottish history.  Day one  kicks off in Edinburgh, where you'll stroll through the enchanting Old Town, taking in the sights of the Royal Mile and the majestic Edinburgh Castle. Don't miss the chance to uncover the secrets of The Real Mary King’s Close, delving into the city's hidden history. 

Day two brings you to Rosslyn, home to the famed Rosslyn Chapel adorned with intricate carvings and symbolism. Explore the historic abbeys of the Scottish Borders, steeped in architectural beauty and historical significance. 

On  day three , fly to Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands , where you'll step back in time to the Neolithic village of Skara Brae and marvel at the ancient stone circle of the Ring of Brodgar. Then, transfer to Fort William on  day four to soak up the area's history at the West Highland Museum before embarking on a scenic ride aboard the Jacobite Steam Train through the breathtaking Scottish Highlands .

Round off your adventure in Stirling on  day five , exploring Doune Castle and the Battle of Bannockburn site, before returning to Edinburgh for a well-deserved dinner and departure. Book this trip .

Eilean Castle, Scotland  © Shutterstock

• Explore the Old Town, including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
• Take a tour of The Real Mary King’s Close to delve into the hidden history beneath the city's streets.
• Arrive in Rosslyn.
• Visit Rosslyn Chapel, famous for its intricate carvings. 
• Explore the historic abbeys of the Scottish Borders, such as Melrose Abbey and Jedburgh Abbey.
• Fly to Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands.
• Explore the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit the ancient stone circle of the Ring of Brodgar, one of the largest in Scotland
• Return to the Mainland and overnight in Kirkwall.
• Transfer to Fort William.
• Visit the West Highland Museum in Fort William.
• Experience the Jacobite Steam Train on a scenic journey through the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
• Overnight in Fort William.
• Transfer to  Stirling.
• Explore Doune Castle, a medieval fortress famous for its appearance in the TV series Outlander.
• Visit the Battle of Bannockburn site and learn about the pivotal moment in Scottish history.
• Return to Edinburgh for dinner and departure.

Dean village, Edinburgh, Scotland  © Shutterstock

Itinerary #5: Scotland's creative trail

If you’re the type of traveler who likes to focus on a destination’s artistic culture, this 5 day itinerary is made for you. Your trip will begin in Glasgow on day one , where you'll delve into the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and uncover the creative legacy of the Glasgow School of Art.  Day two takes you to Alloway, where you'll pay homage to Scotland's national poet at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and explore the picturesque Brig O’Doon, steeped in literary history.

Arriving in Dundee on day three , you’ll have the chance to explore the innovative exhibitions at V&A Dundee and learn of fascinating tales of Antarctic exploration at Discovery Point. From there, you won’t want to miss the chance to soak up contemporary art and culture at the Dundee Contemporary Arts Museum. 

Day four brings you to Aberdeen, where you'll take in the impressive art collection at the Aberdeen Art Gallery and explore the local street art in the city's Old Town. Finally, on  day five , arrive in Edinburgh to enjoy masterpieces in the Scottish National Gallery and delve into the literary heritage at the Writers' Museum. You’ll wrap up your trip with a return to Glasgow. Book this trip .

Clyde Arc, Glasgow   © Shutterstock

• Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery to explore its collection of art and artifacts.
• Take a tour of the Glasgow School of Art to learn about its design and artistic heritage.
• Drive to Alloway.
• Explore the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, dedicated to Scotland's national poet.
• Visit the Brig O’Doon, a picturesque bridge immortalized in Burns' poetry.

Day 3: 

• Arrive in Dundee.
• Explore the exhibitions and contemporary design at V&A Dundee.
• Visit Discovery Point to learn about Captain Scott's Antarctic expedition aboard the RRS Discovery.
• Explore the Dundee Contemporary Arts Museum, featuring contemporary art exhibitions, independent cinema, and a cafe.
• Arrive in Aberdeen.
• Explore the Aberdeen Art Gallery to see its collection of art, including works by Scottish Colourists and contemporary artists.
• Take a street art tour of Aberdeen's Old Town to discover murals and graffiti art.
• Arrive to Edinburgh.
• Visit the Scottish National Gallery to see its collection of Scottish and international art, including works by artists such as Rembrandt and Monet.
• Explore the Writers' Museum to learn about Scotland's literary heritage and the lives of writers such as Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
• Depart for home.

Each of our itineraries is thoughtfully put together by our team of local travel experts to help you make the most of your holiday. To spark your inspiration, discover the best time to visit Scotland , explore its best attractions , or see our other Scotland itineraries.

If the idea of spending hours researching for your dream trip doesn't appeal to you, opt for our  tailor-made trip service . Our trips are completely customizable to cater to all your preferences.

Ready to plan your own 5-day itinerary in Scotland? See our Rough Guide to Scotland for expert insights and plenty of planning tips to get started.

The Rough Guides to Scotland and related travel guides

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Find even more inspiration here

updated 26.04.2024

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Sensational Five Day Scotland Tour - a journey of discovery, of our history, scenery and culture

4-5 days in Scotland: recommended itinerary + my best tips

The ultimate 4-5 days scotland itinerary + where to stay.

You’re planning to spend 4 or 5 days in Scotland ? You’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you this 4-5 days Scotland itinerary. You will start by visiting Edinburgh , the capital, and then will go on a road trip in the Highlands .

For each stage of your trip, in addition to the best things to do , I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget . You will see, planning your itinerary will be super easy!

So, how to spend a 4 or 5 days in Scotland? Where to stay?

1) Edinburgh (2 days)

Where to stay in edinburgh, 2) the highlands ( 2 days ), where to stay in the highlands (fort william).

• 3) Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (1 day)

Traveling to Scotland: flight prices

Scotland tours: 4-5 days.

• You’re traveling to Scotland? These articles will help you!

4-5 days in Scotland: the best itinerary

Let’s start your 4-5 day trip to Scotland with a visit to Edinburgh, the capital.

To visit Edinburgh in 2 days , the best is to devote one day to each part of the city.

• On your first day , you will visit Old Town , the medieval part of the city
• On your second day , you will discover New Town , the contemporary part of Edinburgh.

Old Town , the historic center of Edinburgh, stretches mainly around the Royal Mile : this famous streets runs from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

You can start by visiting the city’s iconic landmark, Edinburgh Castle . It stands at the top of an ancient volcano and dominates the town.

As it’s the most touristic monument in Scotland, you should really book your tickets in advance here. It will save you a lot of time!

Let’s face it: during your short 4 or 5 days stay in Scotland, it’s better to spend your time visiting rather than queuing for hours to get an entrance ticket 😅.

During your visit, you will be able to discover both the inside and outside of the castle.

The famous Crown Jewels , the War Museum and the beautiful gardens are a must see. From the castle grounds, you will also be able to enjoy one of the best views of Edinburgh .

After your visit to the castle, you can head to one of the oldest tourist attractions of Edinburgh: the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions .

This original and unusual museum is a great place to visit if you’re traveling with your family. There, you will discover numerous optical illusions as well as a 360° animated panorama of the city.

You can find more information about the Camera Obscura on the official website. To avoid queuing at the entrance, you should also buy your tickets in advance by clicking here.

On the way out, continue down the Royal Mile, wander in the alleys of the old town and admire the medieval architecture.

Here are the main monuments to see on the Royal Mile of Edinburgh:

• The Saint Gilles Cathedral , the oldest Gothic religious building in the city
• Canongate Kirk , a quiet small church
• The Real Mary King’s Close , to visit the underground streets and houses
• Dunbar’s Close Garden , a small, quiet and charming garden
• White Horse Close , a picturesque group of houses
• Scottish Parliament House , the seat of the Scottish Parliament

If you love history and want to learn more about Edinburgh , you should definitely visit the 2 following museums:

• The Museum of Edinburgh
• “The people’s Story” Museum: This interesting museum will allow you to learn more about the working-class people of Edinburgh from the 18th century to the present day.

They are both located near the Royal Mile and are free of charge .

After all these visits, you will deserve a sweet break 😄.

You can for example go to Clarinda’s Tearoom , one of the best tea rooms in the city: British atmosphere guaranteed with flower tablecloths and porcelain dishes! Address : 69 Canongate Street, almost at the end of the Royal Mile.

It’s now time to visit the city’s second most popular tourist attraction: The Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Once the residence of Mary Stuart and now one of the queen’s second home, you will for sure love discovering its art galleries, state apartments, gardens , and the abbey ruins.

Here also, the best way to save time is to buy your tickets for the palace in advance by clicking here.

At the end of your visit, you can climb up Arthur’s Seat hill located nearby . The view over Edinburgh from the top of this ancient volcano is breathtaking!

At nightfall, to end this first day in Edinburgh with a typically Scottish visit, you can go Greyfriars cemetery. It’s reputed to be one of the most haunted in the world!

To get there, the best is to join one of the guided tours organized every evening. It needs to be booked here.

If you want to learn everything about Edinburgh’s Old Town , the best is to opt for a guided tour.

During your tour, you will have the chance to learn more about the city’s historical sites such as the Castle, The Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Parliament.

This guided tour of Edinburgh can be booked directly here:

For the second day of your 4-5 day itinerary in Scotland , you will discover New Town , the contemporary part of the city.

This district organized around 3 main streets (Princes Street, Queen Street and Georges Street) is characterized by large squares and typical Georgian architecture .

Here are the best places to see in New Town, Edinburgh:

• Princes Street Garden: stroll through the alleys and enjoy the beautiful views over the medieval city.
• Charlotte Square, where the official residence of the Prime Minister is located.
• Calton Hill: from the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the historic center (Old Town) up to the sea.
• The Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery , 2 free museums, perfect if you’re an art lover!
• Dean Village, a former milling village. You can reach it in 15 minutes on foot from the center of Edinburgh.
• The Royal Botanical Gardens, among the most beautiful in the world.

At the end of the day , if you’re up for more ghost stories and haunted places after visiting Greyfriars Cemetery, you should go on a Ghost Tour . Hop on a black double-decker bus and tour the the creepiest places of the city, where torture and executions took place. It needs to be booked here!

To learn more about the best things to do in Edinburgh, you should read my detailed article: Edinburgh: the definitve guide.

• Edinburgh Central Youth Hostel: Youth hostel located only 800 meters from the train station and Princes Street. Bed in a dormitory from 30€ per night, breakfast at 6€. Strong points: cleanliness, great location, friendly staff.
• Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket: Located in the city centre, 10 minutes walk from the castle. Contemporary and elegant double room from 90€, breakfast included. Strong points: the very helpful staff, the spacious rooms, the very comfortable bed. It is my favorite for its amazing value for money!
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh: Located on the historic Royal Mile Street, 10 minutes from the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Chic and refined double room from 200€ per night, breakfast at 14€. Strong points: central location, spa, heated indoor swimming pool, gym, and the excellent breakfast!
• Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Mile Edinburgh: 5 star hotel located on the Royal Mile, 600 meters away from the castle. This luxury hotel offers comfortable and elegant double rooms starting at 300€ per night, breakfast at 18€. Strong points: located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic centre, the interior design, very helpful staff, absolute comfort. This is the best hotel for a luxury stay in Edinburgh!

For the second part of your 4 or 5 days trip to Scotland, you will spend 2 days to visit the Highlands.

For this road trip, you will need to rent a car (unless you came to Scotland with your own of course!). Personally, I always use Booking.com Cars website , for several reasons:

• You can easily compare all the car rental agencies prices at a given location
• You can get their “full protection” insurance. It’s the best way to be fully refunded in case of an accident or theft. Tested and approved, they have already refunded me more than 1300 euros!
• You can modify or cancel your booking free of charge.

If you know your travel dates, your should really compare the rates and rent your car as soon as possible. It’s the best way to get the best price (car rental prices only go up with time).

Voyage Tips - Advice If you don’t want to rent a car, the other solution is to opt for day trips from Edinburgh.

The big advantage is that you won’t have to take care of anything! Your guide and driver will take care of everything 😊.

To make it even easier for you, I have selected the best day trips from Edinburgh. Simply click on the orange links below to book them and for more information:

• From Edinburgh – Loch Ness, Glen Coe and Highlands: spend the day in the countryside to admire the scenery of Loch Ness and the Highlands. A Loch Ness cruise is also included!
• Edinburgh – Visit Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle: Visit Stirling, pass by Doune Castle, walk through the Trossachs Park and finish the day with a cruise on Loch Lomond.
• From Edinburgh – 1 day tour of the Highlands, Stirling Castle and whisky: a day trip by minibus with a visit to Stirling, a tour of the Trossachs Park and a visit to a whisky distillery, including of course a whisky tasting. If you are not a whisky lover, you can choose to visit Doune Castle instead.
• Highlands tour with the Hogwarts Express train! – The best tour for Harry Potter fans 😉
• Excursion to discover the lakes and castles of Scotland: visit in small groups (maximum 16 persons) of Doune castle and Argyl castle, stop in front of Stirling and Kilchurn castle. You will also pass by Callander, Loch Luibnaig, Loch Fyne and Loch Lomond.
• From Edinburgh – St Andrew’s and the fishing village of Fife: visit the historic and picturesque villages of the kingdom of Fife and the medieval town of St Andrews where Scotland’s oldest university is located. Discover Falkland, one of the most beautiful villages in the country.
• From Edinburgh – Outlander-themed excursion: visit the filming locations of the Outlander TV show, adapted from the novels written by Diana Gabaldon.
• From Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish Borders: day trip to discover the Rosslyn Chapel (a filming location of The Da Vinci Code movie) and the remarkable Melrose Abbey founded by the Cistercians.

If you have chosen the road trip option:

Once you have picked up your car, head for Glencoe , about 3 hours drive from Edinburgh .

The village is the starting point for many hikes in the Highlands. There are hikes available for everyone, so you can just choose the one that suits you the best depending on its length and difficulty.

The easiest are the Lochan Trails: these short forest walks take about 1 hour to complete.

If you’re up for a longer hike, the Pap of Glencoe , is clearly the best choice! This 4 hours round trip hike will take you to the top of the mountain of the same name. The view from the summit is just superb!

And if you’re looking for something in between, the Lost valley hike is quite nice too. It takes around 3 hours round trip.

When you will arrive, you should ask at Glencoe Visitor Centre for more information about the various hiking trails available.

Spend the night towards Fort Williams, 25 minutes from Glencoe.

On the next day, you will go to one of Scotland’s most famous places: the Loch Ness!

The Loch (the second largest in the country) is located between Inverness and Fort Augustus , an hour and a half drive from Fort William.

In the morning, you will thus head to Fort Augustus, the starting point of Loch Ness cruises.

During your cruise, you can try to catch a glimpse of Nessie, the famous monster!

After the boat trip and a good lunch break, head to the village of Drumnadrochit (40 minutes by car). Here, you can visit Urquhart Castle , a medieval castle built on the banks of the Loch.

To combine the 2 best things to do at Loch Ness (the cruise and the visit to Urquhart Castle), you should opt for a combined tour: it’s only €25 per person! It includes a 1 hour boat trip on Loch Ness and the visit to the castle. You need to book it in advance here.

If you’re not too tired and have some time left, you can then go to Inverness , the capital of the Highlands. Its castle is worth a visit.

On your way back, you can make a stop in Dores , a cute village offering a beautiful view of Loch Ness.

Return to Fort William for a second night in the Highlands.

For more information about the Highlands, you should read my detailed article: The 20 best things to do in the Highlands

Here is another option for your second day in the Highlands:

Instead of going to Loch Ness, you can go to Glenfinnan , 30 minutes from Fort William. The place is especially famous for it 21 arch viaduct that has been featured in “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” movie!

Every morning around 10:30 and in the afternoon around 15:00 , you can see the Jacobite Express steam train (Hogwarts Express’s real name) passing by. A great moment for all Harry Potter fans 😄.

• Fort William Backpackers: Located in the center of Fort William. Bed in a dormitory from 22€. Strong points: the atmosphere, the welcome, the location. The best choice for backpackers!
• Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club: Located 1.5 km from Fort William. Scottish style double room starting at 100€/night with breakfast included. Strong points: indoor heated swimming pool, the free parking, the breakfast.
• Nevis Bank Inn: Located on the banks of Nevis river, 10 minutes away from Fort William’s town center. Large double room from 190€, breakfast included. Strong points: pleasant staff, very clean and a good restaurant.
• Inverlochy Castle Hotel: 5-star hotel located 6 km away from Fort William. The place is actually a small castle that offers double rooms with a view on the gardens and the peak of Glen Nevis. Prices start at 550€ breakfast included. Strong points: the extraordinary setting, the amazing breakfast and the wonderful staff. The best choice for a luxury trip to the Highlands!

3) Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (1 day )

That’s already the fifth day of your 4 or 5 day Scotland tour!

Today you will have to think about getting closer to Edinburgh. The best is thus to go to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park . Both the national park and the Loch are the largest in the country.

The place is really beautiful, and you will probably see a few sheeps during this day!

On your way through Trossachs Park, you’ll first reach Tarbet (1 hour 40 minutes from Fort William), where you can take a cruise on loch Lomond.

Then continue to Luss (southwards), a village known for its view of the Loch, and pass through Balloch . It is a 15 minute drive between the two.

In the afternoon , you should really hike to the top of Conic Hill (about 3 hours round trip). It offers panoramic views over Loch Lomond and the entire east coast, it’s really superb!

Before heading back to Edinburgh, pass by Doune Castle , and don’t forget to make a stop to visit Stirling Castle , one of the largest in Scotland. You should buy your skip the line tickets here.

From Stirling you will still have to drive for around 1h to reach Edinburgh.

If you’re planning only 4 days in Scotland , you can spend 1 day in the Highlands instead of 2.

Or, if you don’t want to drive so much , you can also spend 2 full days at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park , and don’t go to the Highlands.

In addition to the cruise and the Conic Hill hike I talked about, there are many others hikes to do there, so you will for sure find something to do! The advantage is that Loch Lomond is only 1h45 from Edinburgh, whereas the Highlands are 3 hours away from the capital.

As I suggested a bit earlier in this guide, you can also stay in Edinburgh for the 4 days and do day trips. The list of the best ones is just here (click here)

Flights prices to Scotland vary widely, so it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner . It’s the best way to pay the best price!

If you need help to plan your 4-5 day itinerary in Scotland , don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located below.

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Scotland by yourself. (All my Scotland travel guides are here)

However, if you prefer to book a 4-5 day Scotland tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Scotland tours by clicking the button below:

Scotland travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Scotland guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Scotland guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Scotland ? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Scotland : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Scotland are listed there.

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Spectacular 5 Day Tour of Scotland

Tour Departs: This itinerary is customized for a Glasgow or Edinburgh pick up and drop off.

Tour Includes: Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Oban, Fort William, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Stirling Castle.

Private 5 Day Scotland Tour

Scotland 5 Day Itinerary Highlights

• Day 1 – Loch Lomond, Inveraray and Oban
• Day 2 – Oban, Fort William and the Isle of Skye
• Day 3 – Guided Tour of the Isle of Skye
• Day 4 – Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Inverness
• Day 5 – Cairngorm Mountains, Dalwhinnie Whisky Distillery, Blair Castle or Stirling Castle

Day 1 - Loch Lomond, Inveraray and Oban

Travelling west on your 5-Day Tour of Scotland, our first stop of the day is to the picturesque conservation village of Luss, on the shores of Loch Lomond. A perfect stop to stretch the legs, and capture some photographs of arguably the most beautiful loch in the world, Loch Lomond.

Heading North, we pass beneath the craggy mountain, “The Cobbler” (Ben Arthur), as we journey through the “Arrochar Alps”, and on for another photo-shoot at the spectacular viewpoint known as the “Rest and be Thankful”.

As we approach the Highland Harbour town of Inveraray, you have the option to stop for lunch at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, for a taste of some of the finest Scotland’s finest seafood. You may however, wish to opt for traditional Scottish pub cuisine at the ancient old Scottish Inn ‘The George’ in Inveraray town.

Arriving in Inveraray around midday, we visit the impressive Inveraray Castle and gardens. This proud fortress is the romantic Highland Home of the Duke & Duchess of Argyll. Enjoy some free time to browse the beautiful town shops, or take a stroll to the waterside to view the Clyde puffer “The Vital Spark”, once used for transporting coal, moored in the harbour.

In the town of Inveraray, we find the historic 19th century Inveraray Jail, where you can meet the warder and talk to the ‘prisoners’.

https://www.inverarayjail.co.uk

We then take a scenic drive to Oban, for our first overnight stay on our 5-day tour of Scotland.

Day 2 - Oban to the ‘Magical’ Isle of Skye

From Oban, we head north travelling along the banks of Loch Laich. Our first stop of the morning on day two, is at Appin to take in spectacular views across the loch to Castle Stalker.

Our next stop is Fort William for lunch and shopping. We continue along the shores of Loch Lochy to Invergarry, and travel onwards to the magical Isle of Skye for a spot of sightseeing, before stopping for the night in the colourful, popular small town of Portree.

Day 3 - Isle of Skye Guided Tour Experience

Departing Portree after breakfast, we take a scenic tour around the Trotternish peninsula, stopping to see the “The Old Man of Storr,” and the wondrous ‘Kilt Rock’.

After lunch in Staffin, our journey continues around the stunning coastline. We stop for more photo opportunities at the Minch which separates the north-west Highlands and the northern Inner Hebrides from Lewis and Harris. Before driving back to Portree for our overnight stay, we visit the Skye Museum of Island life.

Day 4 - Eilean Donan Castle, Fort Augustus, Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness & Inverness

After a hearty Scottish breakfast, we cross the Skye Bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh, and then on to Eilean Donan Castle, filming location of the movie “Highlander”. Here we stop for a visit and photo-shoot.

Travelling onwards through Glen Sheil, towards the Great Glen and the banks of Loch Ness, we stop at Urquhart Castle, and again at Drumnadrochit on Loch Ness before lunch. “The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition Experience” offer you the chance to discover all the known facts about the mysterious monster, “Nessie”. Get your binoculars ready for some Nessie searching. Before arriving at our accommodation in Inverness we enjoy a relaxing break at Tomnahurich, to view the lock system in operation, and learn more about the Caledonian Canal from the Lock keeper.

Day 5 - Aviemore, Dalwhinnie Whisky Distillery and Option of Blair Castle or Stirling Castle

Departing Inverness, we journey on to Aviemore, where we experience the beautiful Speyside countryside. Chat to the driver and fireman at the Strathspey Steam Railway, and discover the mechanics of a steam locomotive and view the Cairngorm Mountains, famous for its winter sports.

Heading south, we continue our journey through Cairngorms National Park to visit and enjoy a guided tour at Highland Whisky distillery, Dalwhinnie. Here we can sample the “gentle spirit” of the Glen and learn about the “Angels Share”, created during the whisky maturing process.

Climbing over the Pass of Drumochter, and on through the Pass of Killiecrankie, we head into Perthshire to visit Blair Castle, home to the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s last remaining private army. Alternatively, we can travel onwards to one of Scotland’s most important medieval fortresses, Stirling Castle. The grand castle perched proudly upon a volcanic crag, can be seen from miles around and offers an intriguing insight into Scotland’s turbulent history through the Wars of Independence and into the Renaissance period. Your 5-day Scotland tour concludes at your named accommodation in Glasgow or Edinburgh.

You will return home with fantastic memories and fun filled facts and knowledge of some of our ancient historical beauty spots.

Book your 5-day tour of Scotland today

Contact George today, to check availability on his wonderful 5-day tour. Make life-long memories on your wonderful Scotland touring experience. You can also check out our other fabulous selection of multi day tours in Scotland here .

• Tour 1 – Loch Ness & the Highlands
• Tour 2 – Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky
• Tour 3 – Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian’s Wall
• Tour 4 – The Best of Scotland in a Day
• Tour 5 – The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle
• Tour 6 – St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife
• 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
• 3 Day Tour – Isle of Skye & the Highlands
• 5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland
• View All Private Tours
• 1 Day Tour – The Best of Scotland in a Day
• 1 Day Tour – Loch Ness & the Highlands
• 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
• 3 Day Tour – The Isle of Skye & the Highlands
• 4 Day Tour – Inverness & the Isle of Skye

5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland

• 6 Day Tour – The Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye
• 7 Day Tour – The Complete Tour of Scotland
• Departure Point
• Gift Vouchers
• Accommodation Explained
• Our Story – The Wee Red Bus
• John Muir Trust
• Our Vehicles
• Sustainable Tourism

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION – All group tours depart from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie’s Restaurant) .

Achmelvich Beach

• Tour Details
• Accommodation Information

Please check in with your driver guide at Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place 15 minutes before departure

Prices & booking terms.

• Luggage allowance of up to 15 kg (33 lbs)
• Free cancellation/rebooking up to 8 days before departure
• Transport in a luxury Mercedes Wee Red Bus
• Fully guided services of a Heart of Scotland tour leader

Not Included

• Entry fees to attractions
• Meals and refreshments
• Accommodation (see below)

Tour Highlights

• Average group size of around 12
• Culloden Battlefield and Clava standing stone circles
• Loch Ness and Inverness
• Achmelvich beach
• Unique Highland landscape of Assynt
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Isle of Skye full day tour
• Lots of photo stops on the magical Isle of Skye
• Glenfinnan Viaduct

2024 Season

Next summer.

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating According to TripAdvisor travelers as of July 2024

Your Accommodation

Tour price does not include the cost of accommodation. Accommodation is pre-booked by Heart of Scotland Tours (or by yourself) and you pay card or cash at checkout. Please note some Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) only accept cash . Choose from:

• Hostel – £25 to £35 per person, per night
• B&B single or single occupancy of a double room – £60 to £120 per person, per night
• B&B en suite double or twin – £120 to £190 per room, per night (2 sharing)
• B&B en suite triple or quad – £160 to £240 per room, per night (3 or 4 sharing)
• Hotel – £160 to £240+ per room, per night (2 sharing)

Your accommodation options explained in more detail.

This classic 5-day tour showcases the best of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. From dazzling white beaches to the dramatic mountain landscapes of Skye and Assynt, our Grand Tour will live with you forever. As part of a small tour group in the Wee Red Bus you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy world-famous sights like Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle as well as some hidden gems that many tourists never see.

Our 5 day adventure begins by crossing the famous Forth Bridge, travelling past the Fair City of Perth before our first stop at the picturesque Victorian Highland village of Pitlochry.

Surrounded by a stunning Perthshire landscape of mountains, woodland and water there is an optional visit to the Blair Athol distillery for a tour and tasting – a must for all Scotch lovers!  Non whisky drinkers can enjoy the bustling High St or stretch their legs beside the River Tummel.

We continue north through the Cairngorms National Park with sweeping views across the Spey Valley and the Central Highlands.

By mid afternoon we arrive at one of Scotland’s most evocative and scared prehistoric sites, the 4000 year old stone circles and burial cairns at Clava Cairns.

Our final stop is Culloden Moor where the Jacobites were finally defeated by government soldiers in 1746, the last battle to be fought on British soil.

You will have time to walk on the battlefield and learn more about this tragic event that killed 700 Highland clansmen in three minutes. Our base for two nights is the Highland capital, Inverness.

A trip to Assynt and the Coigach peninsula will live with you forever as an area of outstanding natural beauty encompassing hundreds of lochs, beautiful coastline, and native woodlands all set against the stunning backdrop of some remarkable mountains.

'Our trip to stunning Assynt will live with you forever'

This dramatic Highland landscape has inspired many from all over the world. We stop at the pretty fishing village of Ullapool for coffee, before continuing north-west to the unique landscape of Assynt and the Inverpolly Nature Reserve.

Famous mountains such as Suilven and Stac Pollaidh are never far from view. There can be few more scenic roads in the country than that from Badnagyle to Lochinver, where we pause for lunch. It’s then onto stunning Achmelvich beach to enjoy the wild coastline and beautiful sands.

Our drive continues to the ruins of 15th century Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt before we finish this fabulous day at the dramatic Corrieshalloch Gorge.

We say goodbye to Inverness and head to the Isle of Skye via the magic of Loch Ness and the rugged splendour of the Western Highlands.

First stop is the world’s most famous lake, best known for sightings of Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness monster!

There’s an option to take a 1 hour boat trip with views of Urquhart Castle or alternatively spend time at the loch-side village of Drumnadrochit for souvenir shopping and/or a visit to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.

We continue to the southern end of the loch for lunch in the picturesque village of Fort Augustus.

Dramatic scenery unfolds as we drive west, stopping for photos at the famous viewpoint over Loch Garry and the wilderness of Knoydart beyond. We continue past the Five Sisters of Kintail – a high mountain ridge rising steeply from Glen Shiel – towards world-famous Eilean Donan Castle.

Perhaps the most iconic image of Highland Scotland the castle has been used as the backdrop for countless well-known movies. It is perfectly situated on a small island, surrounded by water and fabulous scenery – a ‘must-see’ Scottish landmark.

From here it’s only a short drive to the Skye Bridge and onwards to Sligachan for a stunning view of the Cuillin Mountains. Our final stop of the day is the island capital of Portree where we will stay for two nights.

Today is spent touring the Isle of Skye, a flexible itinerary at the discretion of your driver / guide * (see below).

We enjoy a half-day scenic drive along the dramatic Trotternish Ridge with its spectacular cliffs and rock formations. Stops can include Lealt Waterfall, Kilt Rock sea cliffs, the Old Man of Storr rock pinnacle and a walk at the Quiraing mountain pass. Another popular stop is the Fairy Glen, a delightful miniature Highland landscape and legendary home of the ‘wee people’!

'We spend a full day exploring the spectacular and dramatic Isle of Skye in the Wee Red Bus'

The second half of the day explores the stunning southern part of the island which includes well-known sights and some hidden gems we’ve discovered over the years.

Nestled under the Cuillin mountains is beautiful Glen Brittle. Rugged scenery surrounds us and there are several fantastic options for this section of the tour, including a short walk in the iconic mountain landscape to the famous Fairy Pools.

Another popular excursion is the drive to Neist Point lighthouse for spectacular views to the Western Isles.

The 13th century home of the famous Clan McLeod, Dunvegan Castle offers guided tours, a useful wet-weather option because of Skye’s famously changeable weather. It’s not called the ‘Misty Isle’ for nothing!

* Please note depending on weather and traffic conditions the itinerary is flexible to maximise our time on Skye.

Our day begins with a scenic drive across Skye to the ferry terminal at Armadale for the 30 minute sea crossing to Mallaig (subject to availability).

With spectacular views to the Small Isles and Cuillin Mountains, the iconic black and red Caledonian Macbrayne ferry takes us back to mainland Scotland with wildlife spotting opportunities en route including seals, sea birds and the occasional whale, dolphin or otter.

On arrival in Mallaig we follow the beautiful ‘Road to the Isles’ to Glenfinnan Viaduct which famously features in several Harry Potter movies as the Hogwarts Express train crosses the bridge. Historically this stunning viewpoint also marks the spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed on mainland Scotland and raised his standard prior to the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion.

'Glenfinnan Viaduct features in several Harry Potter movies'

As we drive to Fort William for lunch we stop for a photo of Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis at Neptune’s Staircase. This series of locks on the Caledonian Canal raises the water level 20 metres and was designed by the famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford.

Mountains and lochs provide a dramatic backdrop as we continue to Glen Coe, perhaps the most famous of all Scotland’s glens.

This narrow valley is where the bloody massacre of the MacDonalds took place in 1692. You may even recognise this part of the Highlands, used as a backdrop for many movies including Skyfall.

Our Grand Tour concludes with a photo stop at 13th century Doune Castle. Protecting the gateway to the Highlands the medieval castle has recently been seen as Castle Leoch in Outlander, Winterfell in Game of Thrones but is probably most famous for featuring in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Tour 1 Loch Ness & the Highlands bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 2 Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 3 Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian's Wall bus tour from Edinburgh

Guaranteed Hairy Coos!

Tour 4 The Best of Scotland in a Day

Tour 5 The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle

Tour 6 St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife

2 Day Tour Inverness & the Highlands

3 Day Tour Isle of Skye & the Highlands

5 Day Tour The Grand Tour of Scotland

Private Tours of Scotland

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5 – 6 Day Tours from Edinburgh

Experience scotland on a 5 - 6 day tour from edinburgh.

Marvel in Scotland's beauty when you take part in a 5 - 6 day tour from Edinburgh . Journey through the Highlands , taste the rich flavours of traditional Scottish whisky, and hear of the legends around Loch Ness . Or maybe venturing through old castles is more your style? However you plan to experience this land, Rabbie’s has the perfect Scotland tour to take part in.

Book a 5 - 6 Day Tour from Edinburgh with Confidence

Having the confidence your booked tour will go ahead is a perk we provide. This is because we guarantee departures, with no minimum booking numbers. Meaning you can relax and prepare for your trip confidently. All of our mini-coaches, which you travel on between destinations, can hold up to 16 people. This allows us to keep groups intimate and are able to visit hidden treasures which large coaches can’t.

Create Your Own Multiple Day Scotland Tour

Looking to make your 5 - 6 day trip more exclusive? Or maybe you are thinking of the perfect team building day out for your colleagues. Either way our private tours allow you to make the trip your own. You can choose between one of our scheduled tours or create your own itinerary to the places you are dreaming of most. With the help of our guides they can provide you with legendary tales and unforgettable experiences that you’ll reminisce about for years to come.

Select by month

Highland Explorer: Skye & Far North - 5 day tour

Soak up the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye and the Far North.

Prices from £399.00

DEPARTING FROM: Edinburgh

Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast - 5 day tour

Escape to Scotland's extreme Northern Coast and magical Orkney.

Prices from £489.00

Iona, Mull & the Isle of Skye - 5 day tour

Rugged mountains taper down to pristine lochs in these iconic Scottish islands of myth and legend.

Prices from £509.00

Outer Hebrides & Skye Adventure - 6 day tour

Escape to the Outer Hebrides and the marvellous Isle of Skye.

Prices from £579.00

Outer Hebrides & the Scottish Highlands - 5 day tour

Journey to the outer reaches of Scotland, exploring the iconic Highlands and stunning Outer Hebrides.

Prices from £485.00

York, the Dales, Lake District & Hadrian's Wall - 5 day tour

Time to explore the beautiful north of the England and all its cultural treasures.

Prices from £395.00

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness

5 Day Tour Departing From Edinburgh

4.5 254 reviews

Price from $1095.00 USD

• No Change Fee
• Flexible Payment
• Peace of Mind

Tour Details

Itinerary & departure, optional experiences.

• 2 - 8 Day Tours
• 5 Day Tour Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness

Accommodation Included

Take a spectacular journey through the scenic Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye, experiencing endless stunning views, local gems and historic sites along the way. Our myths and legends will capture your imagination, and the scenery will take your breath away, from rugged Glen Coe to the idyllic West Coast. Sample whisky, explore castles, and take an optional ride on the Jacobite Steam Train. From start to finish, every part of this trip reveals a little more of Scotland’s quintessential charm.

Isle of Skye

Jacobite steam train (hogwarts express), highland folk museum, clava cairns, culloden battlefield, eilean donan castle, whisky distillery, dundreggan rewilding centre.

Tour Highlights

Oban is tourist town with a busy ferry port serving the Hebrides. Enjoy fresh seafood by the water and visit McCaig’s tower - a local landmark which resembles the Colosseum - for amazing views of Oban and its neighbouring islands.

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. Skye exudes magic from every mountain, waterfall and rainbow, while its unique geology and beguiling mythology are unlike anywhere else in Scotland. Skye is an ancient and truly enchanting island.

Inverness is world-famous for its proximity to Loch Ness, and its connections to the Outlander story. Known as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, Inverness has numerous pubs where Highland hospitality is best served with a local drink and live music.

The Jacobite Steam Train shot to worldwide fame as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. The route between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Line has been voted the most scenic rail journey in the world.

Highland Folk Museum is Britain’s first open air museum, which offers a glimpse into Highland life through the centuries. Attractions include an 18th century township and a working croft, as well as costumes, photographs, textiles and agricultural tools.

Clava Cairns is a special place, from the peaceful setting to the arrangement of 4000 year old stones. The prehistoric structures include ring cairns, passage graves, and standing stones; perfect for staging your very own Outlander-inspired photo!

Culloden was the last battle fought on British soil in 1746. The Jacobite defeat against the Hanoverian army inspired the Outlander story, and was a pivotal point in Scottish history. Learn about the conflict, and visit the graves of the fallen clan.

This pretty Highland village takes its name from the French for ‘beautiful place’, as described by Mary Queen of Scots during her visit. Beauly Priory, which dates back to the 13th century, was used in the filming of Outlander.

Loch Ness is the most well-known loch in Scotland, thanks to tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Glaciers carved the deep cavity of the loch, which holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales.

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. A charming stone bridge leads out to the island, which is surrounded by three lochs and a backdrop of mountains. The castle is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.

Our national drink is enjoyed around the world, but there’s nowhere better to try whisky than in Scotland itself. Learn about whisky production, and sample the ‘water of life’ straight from the source at a whisky distillery.

Did you know that today, only 1% of Scotland's native forests remain? At Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, you'll learn about Trees for Life's inspiring mission to rewild the Scottish Highlands. You'll not only meet lively experts who talk you through the secrets of the forest, but also witness their rewilding success during a scenic woodland walk. (© Ashley Coombes)

Portree is Skye’s central hub and most populated town, with numerous shops and places to eat. The main square is a hive of activity, while the quaint harbour with its brightly coloured facades is lifted straight from a postcard.

Passionate Local Guide

Four-Night Stay at Bed & Breakfast Accommodation

Complimentary Breakfast Each Morning of Your Stay

Whisky Distillery Tour

Visit at the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Clava Cairns Stones

Ferry Crossing to the Isle of Skye

Accommodation

Bed & breakfast or guest house.

Your tour includes carefully chosen Bed and Breakfast (B&B) or guest house accommodations, hand-picked for their unique charm. B&Bs are renowned for their warm Highland hospitality, often including a complimentary Scottish cooked breakfast. At times, you'll stay at a guest house hosted by local families, giving you the opportunity to experience Scotland in an authentic way. Conveniently situated within a mile of the town centre, both B&Bs and guest houses offer easy access to local attractions and restaurants. During peak season, accommodations may be slightly farther from the town centre.

Accessibility and Facilities

For more information, see our Accessibility Statement .

Tripadvisor Rating

From over 220+ customer reviews

Beth 17/05/2024

We did the five day tour from Edinburgh with the Jacobite train and the Isle of Skye. We were blessed with good weather but even more blessed with our phenomenal tour guide, Rich Lawrence. He was very informative with history and folklore and Gaelic terms. He had great advice about food and things to see at each stop. He had a banger of a Scottish playlist for the whole five days with all kinds of music, and all Scottish. Best of all he is a master storyteller complete with voices and sound effects. Lots of fun and laughs were had. He added extra stops whenever he could.

Hannah 10/05/2024

Martin (our tour guide) was incredible. I really could list a million things but to name a few: kind soul, great story teller, safe driver, positive attitude, super knowledgeable. The tour was incredible, but made even better with Martin as our tour guide! It will be sad to say goodbye to everyone that I got to know on this tour. It was an amazing time. Highly recommend it!

Joy 29/03/2024

Sophie was a talented, lyrical, wee Baird. She won our hearts and ears. Got to see a lot more than expected and want to come back to do more tours especially Iona. I hope I get her again!

Read more reviews

Explore Scotland with @highextours

Tag or mention us on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our channels, website, and in our brochure.

📸 by @hptravel.94 at dramatic Glen Coe on tour - thanks a bunch for sharing 🤩⁠

Beautiful day yesterday on our way to Mallaig! Had to stop to take a photo of the gorgeous view at Laggan Dam

📷 by the wonderful @justmaggiethistime. Thanks so much for sharing those beautiful moments of your tour with us!⁠ ⁠

📷 by our dear friend @tubugames who joined us on the 5-Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness tour from Edinburgh last week! ⁠

📷 by the wonderful @ali.goes.to on her recent trip to the Isle of Skye 😊⁠

📸 Thanks to our Driver Guide @highlandexplorerpaul for this stunning shot of Kilt Rock!⁠ ⁠

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Frequently Asked Questions

Your 5-Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.

Yes, four nights bed & breakfast or guest house accommodation is included in the tour price.

Accommodation is carefully selected by our experienced team ensuring a hearty Scottish welcome. While the specific bed & breakfast or guest house may vary, you can be confident your stay will be comfortable. Find more info on our Accommodation page.

We have made some of the activities optional so you can tailor your Scotland trip to your liking.

  Reserve at the time of booking  

• Jacobite Steam Train
• Loch Ness Boat Cruise

Pay on arrival at the site:  

All essential information about the Jacobite Steam Train on our tours can be found here.

Your accommodation comes with a freshly made breakfast each morning. However, lunch, dinner, and snacks are not included in the tour. Throughout your 5-day tour of Scotland, you'll have the opportunity to visit numerous outstanding restaurants and cafes in the Scottish Highlands. We highly recommend trying these to explore Scottish cuisine at your own pace, catering to your preferences and dietary needs.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are consciously curated travel activities offered on our tours. They are selected with careful consideration for their positive environmental or social impact on Scotland's communities and travellers.

Your tour includes the following MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience:

Visit to Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Dundreggan Rewilding Centre, managed by the local charity Trees for Life, is dedicated to restoring Scotland’s Caledonian Forest, an ancient woodland habitat that has dwindled to less than 1% of its original extent. During your visit, you'll delve into the importance of the Caledonian Forest, learn about rewilding efforts, and embark on a scenic woodland walk to witness firsthand the success of rewilding initiatives.

This tour runs from April until October. If you're planning to travel between November and March, check out our Winter Tours , specifically designed for the winter season.

Absolutely! Joining us solo is a fantastic way to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. You'll typically find a mix of couples, friends, and fellow solo adventurers on our tours. Please note that single room availability is limited.

Yes! You can check out our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures , which offers multi-share hostel dorm accommodation (mixed gender) for those seeking a more economical choice. Please note, you must be at least 18 years old to join a tour with HAGGiS Adventures.

While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.

Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.

Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.

It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.

Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.

Although our tours follow a structured plan with key stops, part of the excitement comes from unexpected surprises! We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined here, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. Trust that your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other!

If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to [email protected]. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions .

Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.

Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness Itinerary & Map

Edinburgh to Oban

We leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. We then head north past Stirling and take in views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle. We will make a stop for lunch before entering the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe and on to the quaint fishing town of Oban. (Overnight: Oban)

Oban to Isle of Skye

Take the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig and discover why this spectacular trip has been voted the best train journey in the world by Wanderlust Magazine. Cross the Glenfinnan viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies and take in the sweeping views of Loch Shiel. We arrive in Mallaig and take the ferry ‘Over the Sea to Skye’ before driving to our overnight destination in Portree. (Overnight: Portree)

Isle of Skye to Inverness

We explore more of the mysterious Isle of Skye with its awe-inspiring mountains, stunning coastline, and local folklore before returning to the mainland. On the way to Loch Ness, we stop at the incredibly photogenic Eilean Donan Castle and wind our way along the Great Glen where we also visit Dundreggan Rewilding Centre to learn about Scotland’s ancient Caledonian Forest and then on to Inverness, home for the next two nights. (Overnight: Inverness)

Keep an eye out for the elusive monster, ‘Nessie’, while we take an optional cruise on Loch Ness before heading north towards the quaint town of Beauly. The ruins of Beauly Priory were used in the filming of Outlander and have a history stretching back to 1230AD. After lunch we visit the mysterious chambered cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns; followed by Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle fought on British soil; both locations provided inspiration for the hit TV series Outlander. (Overnight: Inverness)

Inverness to Edinburgh

Leaving Inverness, we visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries before heading to a local whisky distillery for a tour and a taste of the ‘water of life’. For our final stop we visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village, on to the River Tay and make a visit to the cathedral. We return to Edinburgh in the evening.

5 Day Tour Itinerary & Map

Day Highlights

Tours Dates & Prices

Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.

Departure Point

60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh

We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street above.

Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.

Departure & Return Time

Check-In Closes: 8:15 AM

Departs: 8:30 AM

Returns: 5:30 PM

Please Note

We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.

Loch Ness Cruise

Reserve at the time of booking.

A cruise on the mysterious and beautiful Loch Ness is an unforgettable experience. Get the chance to catch a glimpse of Nessie, the legendary monster of Loch Ness, and enjoy the charming views of its bonnie banks. The boat uses the very latest hi-tech colour sonar and underwater imaging systems to enhance the search for Nessie. You can also relax with a coffee or dram of whisky in the on-board bar.

Jacobite Steam Train aka 'The Hogwarts Express'

Follow the footsteps of the wizard Harry Potter and experience a magical ride on the Jacobite Steam Train aka the ‘Hogwarts Express’. The steam train between Fort William and Mallaig is said to be the greatest rail journey in the world. The steam train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and passes along the west coast, offering astonishing views of distant isles and white sand beaches. *Please note: Jacobite Steam Train tickets have limited availability and we only offer standard class seating, we are unable to offer first class seating or upgrades.

Pay locally

Explore the historic site of the intense Battle of Culloden, where the Jacobite clansmen faced their final defeat. This visit offers a profound glimpse into the dramatic end of the Jacobite uprising and the heritage of the Scottish clans. Adult from £14. Tickets are subject to availability.

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Travel Home > UK Tours > Scotland > Itineraries > 5 Day

5 Day Driver-Guided Tour of Scotland

Officially licensed guides, luxury vehicles, flexible rescheduling, customize your scotland tour to suit you.

You may wish to alter a particular aspect of the tour below or ask us to provide a completely new custom itinerary for your vacation, including accommodation and the services of a driver-guide.  We will happily provide a complimentary custom itinerary for you, all you need to do is send us an online inquiry.

Trip Highlights

• Ride The Jacobite Express Steam Train
• Isle of Skye Tour
• Private Boat Ride on Loch Ness
• Edinburgh Castle Tour
• Eilean Donan Castle Tour
• Whisky Distillery Visit & Tour

What's Included?

• Luxury Transport
• Experienced Driver-Guides
• 24 Hour Online Support
• Fully Customizable Tour Itinerary
• Free Cancellation & Rescheduling

Day 1: Glasgow Airport – Loch Lomond – Inveraray Castle –Kilchurn Castle – Glencoe – Fort William

This incredible five-day tour of Scotland begins as your driver-guide collects your group from Glasgow airport before we promptly set off for the bonnie banks of  Loch Lomond – the largest freshwater lake in the UK .

We’ll take a short pause at the charming and picturesque  village of Luss , which lies on the banks of the loch, before enjoying a scenic drive north and into the highlands of Scotland to  visit the beautiful Inveraray Castle  – home to the Duke of Argyll,  the Chief of Clan Campbell .

Your group will go on a tour of the castle and grounds with your private guide before we continue our journey north to visit the stunning castle ruins of Kilchurn – beautifully placed on the north bank of the fittingly named Loch Awe.

Finally, we will bring the first day of your tour of Scotland to a close with a  drive through the famous Glencoe Mountains , where you may wish to pause to capture a few snaps of the wonderful ‘Three Sisters’ before we retire for the evening at the charming nearby  town of Fort William .

The town itself is filled with excellent traditional bars and restaurants for your group to explore throughout the evening, your guide will be at hand if you’d like any recommendations on the best options for your particular group’s tastes and preferences.

Day 2: Glenfinnan Viaduct – Mallaig – Isle of Skye – Fairy Pools – Portree

On the morning of Day Two, we’ll drive west on the road to the stunning Scottish Isles. En route, we’ll pass the famous  Glenfinnan Viaduct to watch the Jacobite Express Steam Train cross  – which features frequently in the Harry Potter movies as the ‘Hogwarts Express’. 

We also offer clients the  chance to ride first-class on the train itself  and be collected at the end of the track, but this scenic route that runs parallel to the track provides by far the most beautiful viewpoint of the viaduct – just let us know which option your group prefers when requesting your own custom tour and we’d be happy to help organize the day to suit your preference.

Indeed, both of these routes conclude at the quaint coastal fishing town of Mallaig. From here,  you and your driver-guide will board the ferry to the storied Isle of Skye . 

When we arrive on Skye, your driver-guide will take your group for a short scenic drive where you’ll have  beautiful views over the Cuillin Mountains  before we arrive at the  Fairy Pools  – a stunning collection of waterfalls that produce vibrant blue and green colors. We’ll go for a short hike to see the waterfalls and appreciate the surrounding landscapes before we finish our second day on tour in the island’s most populated town (just slightly over 4,500 people):  Portree . 

The town of Portree has a fantastic selection of harbourside pubs and restaurants that serve a variety of local fresh fish and seafood (as well as more than a few blends of Scotch whisky) for your group to explore throughout the evening.

Day 3: Old Man of Storr – Dunvegan Castle – Eilean Donan Castle – Urquhart Castle – Loch Ness – Inverness

We begin day three of your tour of Scotland with a morning hike up a truly breathtaking rock formation that attracts visitors and photographers from all over the world:  The Old Man of Storr . 

We’ll try to time our walk to catch the sunrise over the Storr, for what is  undeniably one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes , before descending down the slope and back to your luxury vehicle to continue our tour onto our next location on Skye:  Dunvegan Castle . 

Initially designed as a fortress to keep invaders out of the Scottish Isles, Dunvegan has been  the ancestral home to the Chiefs of the Clan MacLeod for the last 800 years  before finally opening its doors to visitors from around the world in 1933 and giving us a chance to step back in time and wonder at the beauty and extraordinary history of this incredible Highland estate.

Once you’ve finished exploring Dunvegan, we’ll leave the Isle of Skye via the Skye Bridge before stopping to  take a guided tour of perhaps one of Scotland’s most famous castles: Eilean Donan . 

Said to be the most photographed castle in the country, Eilean Donan sits on a tiny tidal island at the meeting point of three beautiful lochs that dutifully reflect the image of the beautiful castle on their crystal clear waters – making for a truly unforgettable scene. 

Indeed, the castle has also caught the eye of Hollywood over the years, featuring prominently in ‘Highlander’ as well as some James Bond movies.

Once you’ve toured the castle and heard her stories, we’ll  continue our tour to the Capital of the Highlands: Inverness . En route, we’ll drive around the famous Loch Ness before we reach the ruins of  Urquhart Castle . We’ll stop for a short tour of the castle and to  explore the banks of Loch Ness a little closer .

If you’d like to get closer still, Luxe could also arrange for you to be collected by shore beside Urquhart Castle and taken on  a private boat trip onto the great loch itself  – where if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Nessie herself! While on the boat your group will be treated to an excellent variety of local whiskies and tasting platters, served by your own private crew before being delivered safely back to your private guide and luxury vehicle to continue your journey. 

Finally, once you’ve finished exploring for the day, we’ll retire in Inverness for the evening.

Day 4: Inverness – House of Bruar – Queen’s View – Edradour Whisky Distillery – Dunkeld Cathedral – Edinburgh

Today we travel most of the length of this wee country from Inverness to its treasured capital, Edinburgh. Our first stop on this journey will be for lunch and  a spot of shopping at The House of Bruar  – Scotland’s answer to Harrods – before continuing on to  visit the Queen’s View : a dramatic viewpoint where past Queens (especially Queen Victoria) would pause to admire the undeniable beauty of the country’s landscape.

Lying peacefully in the rolling hills, you might just manage to spot our next destination of the day;  the smallest of Scotland whisky distilleries and the last surviving traditional farmhouse distillery of its kind: Edradour Whisky Distillery . 

We’ll go on a tour of the distillery and taste a couple of wee drams of its renowned blends before continuing our journey south to Edinburgh, stopping once more en route to  visit Dunkeld Cathedral . 

Once you’ve toured the impressive cathedral and its surrounding grounds we’ll head to the newly built  Queensferry Crossing  that will bring us over the River Forth and finally into  Edinburgh  where we will retire for the evening. 

Depending on your preference, we’d recommend staying in a central location to take advantage of the excellent selection of bars and restaurants in the city – just let your guide know what your tastes are and they will be happy to make some suggestions.

Day 5: Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh Castle – Holyrood Palace – Royal Mile – Royal Yacht Britannia – Airport Transfer

The final day of your tour will  focus on the country’s beautiful historic capital city, Edinburgh . 

We’ll begin early with a  morning hike up to Arthur’s Seat  to enjoy the sunrise over the city on your last day in Scotland before heading off to our first major attraction of the day:  Edinburgh Castle . Taking pride of place and towering over her city, Edinburgh Castle is  arguably the most important in Scotland  partly due to its prestige, beauty, and symbolism for the people; and partly due to its significant roles in historical battles such as the Jacobite Uprising in 1745 and the Wars of Scottish Independence. 

Once you’ve toured the castle with your private guide, we’ll  drive down the famous Royal Mile  to arrive at the second royal residence of the day:  Holyrood Palace – the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, Queen Elizabeth II . 

As long as the royals aren’t in town for the day, we’ll get the opportunity to tour the palace and its many glorious apartments – including  the 16-century residence formerly owned by Mary, Queen of Scots  – before we continue our monarchal theme with  a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia . 

This grand floating palace has been permanently berthed in Edinburgh following a 43-year career traveling around the world in service of the Queen. Now, thankfully the public is allowed to come to explore this incredible piece of not just engineering, but history.

And alas, all good things must at some stage come to an end as your driver-guide safely delivers you to the airport in time for your flight. Hopefully having made memories that will last a lifetime and with intentions to return to discover more of this wonderful wee country in the future! 

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Get in touch with your local expert today by completing the contact form below and they will get started tailoring any of our tour experiences exactly to your tastes and requirements… all on a completely complimentary basis!

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5-Day Tours in Scotland

From the medieval Royal Mile of Edinburgh to the ancient castle ruins of the Scottish Highlands, you can experience a fascinating array of attractions on a tour of 5 days in Scotland. From custom road trips to privately guided tours, the local travel experts at Nordic Visitor can arrange the perfect Scotland itinerary for 5 days.

Itinerary ideas for 5 days in Scotland

Want to make the most of your 5 days in Scotland? You’ll be surprised by how many picture-perfect attractions you can take in on a Scotland itinerary in 5 days, with Scotland tour packages that can be customised to your liking by the trusted local travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

Keep browsing below for trip ideas and suggestions for what to see in Scotland in 5 days.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Value for your money
• Professional service from local experts

Experience Scotland in 5 days

Enjoy free time in the charming capital, Edinburgh, and take a short trip into the Highlands. Check out below what we recommend for a short tour in Scotland.

A Scottish Christmas to Remember

Best of edinburgh - loch ness & highlands, best of edinburgh - loch ness & highlands - winter, scenic scotland - express, loch ness & the highlands, stay longer and see more of scotland.

Stretch your trip to 6 or 7 days to experience more of the Scottish Highlands and isles. Explore these tour options below for different ways you can travel around Scotland on a week-long holiday.

Wonders of Scotland

Scottish highlands, loch ness & isle of skye.

Express Scotland - Private

Edinburgh complete - loch ness, highlands & glasgow, edinburgh complete - loch ness, highlands & glasgow - winter, experience scotland your way.

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scotland below.

Guided Small Groups

Privately guided, best sellers, culinary experience, scottish heritage tours, the scottish highlands, all travel styles, spending 5 days in scotland: what to do.

Edinburgh  makes a wonderful starting point for a 5-day trip to Scotland. You can easily spend at least a day in Edinburgh strolling the cobbled streets of the  Royal Mile  between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace or exploring the elegant New Town neighbourhood. If you wish to spend all of your 5 days in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, there are also several day tour options, for example a day trip to the famous university city of  St Andrews .

To experience the best of Scotland in 5 days we recommend going on a short trip into the majestic Scottish Highlands to see the postcard-perfect landscapes. On a 5-day Scotland tour from Edinburgh you can can travel into the Highlands, spending a couple nights in the Fort Augustus or Fort William areas, and visit popular attractions like the legendary  Loch Ness , the beautiful shores of Loch Lomond, the prehistoric Clava Cairns, the stunning Glen Coe area, the medieval  Doune Castle  and the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame.

• Discover even more  popular attractions in Scotland

To see all these highlights at your own pace, a 5-day driving tour of Scotland is recommended. With a  Scotland road trip itinerary  for 5 days arranged by Nordic Visitor you can visit the places that interest you most, with your very own detailed itinerary, hand-marked map of Scotland and Scotland travel guide that we provide to you before your trip. Furthermore, you can enjoy a stress-free time in Scotland in 5 days by car knowing that all of your accommodations have been sorted you by our local travel experts.

Spending 5 days in Scotland with no car? You can have Nordic Visitor create a tailor-made  private tour of Scotland  for you, so you can experience the highlights of the Highlands with an experienced local driver-guide.

Customise your 5-day tour of Scotland

With 5 days in Scotland, where to go can feel like a challenge. That’s why it’s good to have the Edinburgh-based staff of Nordic Visitor to guide your trip planning and  create a tailored 5-day Scotland tour for you . All of our itineraries can be tailored with extra nights, day tours and more, and you’ll have your own dedicated travel consultant at Nordic Visitor to advise you on tour options and make all local travel arrangements for you. If you want to start your 5-day tour of scotland from  Glasgow , we can also modify your itinerary accordingly.

Want to travel to the  Isle of Skye ? Then we recommend staying longer than 5 days in Scotland to comfortably travel to this popular destination along with other top Highland attractions such as Eilean Donan Castle, Cairngorms National Park and Dunvegan Castle.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Highly recommend Nordic Visitor

This is our second tour with Nordic Visitor. Agents used before the tour were always very prompt with responses to our questions. During the tour, we found the accommodation perfect, guide very informative and friendly, and the driver got used to where we needed to go without any problems. We would definitely use Nordic Visitor again!

Smooth experience

Throughout the years we have travelled a lot, but never with a group tour. This trip was our first time and it did not disappoint. The tour guide, the bus driver, our fellow passengers, the weather, accommodation, variety of activities, and how smoothly everything went makes me question why we never toured like this before!

Amazing experience!

We had an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor! Our guides, Richard and Tim, were organised, knowledgeable, and very friendly! You can tell quality and customer satisfaction are very important. We will be back!

An unforgettable holiday

It was an unforgettable holiday. They took care of everything, and we got to wonder and explore with little hassle. If you want to visit Scotland (or anywhere else Nordic Visitor has tours) they are the way to do it. Already talking about our next adventure with Nordic Visitor.

An indescribably fantastic experience!

We are two middle-aged women who had never been to the UK before. My sister-in-law always wanted to go to Scotland, so I started researching and came upon Nordic Visitor through internet searches. I checked for reviews and found the company to be highly recommended. I started corresponding with Kirsten. She was extremely kind, very helpful and was able to put my nervous mind at ease. The package she put together for us was perfect! From my first email, the airport pick up and drop off service, and the tour with Dave, it was an indescribably fantastic experience!

I can't thank Nordic Visitor enough

This is our second trip in two years to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, and we are seriously thinking about another. I can't thank Chris enough for his patience and expertise when booking this trip.

The tour package materials were top notch. Spiral bound itinerary, recommended activities, restaurant recommendations and the large-scale road map of Scotland were a nice touch. Magdalena, our Nordic Visitor representative, responded promptly to our questions. Accomodation was all great.

Perfect vacation!

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it beyond special. Chris, our tour planner, did everything to accommodate our needs and answered our questions quickly. It was an absolutely perfect vacation!

We booked a 4-day Christmas Tour of Edinburgh which included hotel accommodation, a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, a day tour of the Highlands and Lowlands, castles, and lochs, and also a whisky distillery tour. The hotel was in an amazing location near the Christmas Markets and popular attractions. The day tours were such a wonderful way to experience the countryside outside of Edinburgh. We also added a driving service to drive us to and from the airport and the drivers were so lovely. The care package left at the hotel consisting of maps and suggested eateries was such a delightful bonus. We loved that every aspect of our trip was planned and ready for us once we arrived which diminished any travel stress that one may experience when travelling abroad.

We were in good hands

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Highly professional service

Nordic Visitor is a highly professional tour company. From beginning to end, we have no complaints. Our travel consultant, Chris, was very quick to answer all our questions from start to finish. Could not be more pleased.

Absolutely wonderful!

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! Magda was great to work with and helped us through the whole process. Everyone we worked with from the beginning through the end of the trip was absolutely marvellous.

Scotland Travel Guide

Start preparing for your trip by doing some research before your Scottish adventure.

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Flights to Scotland

The two biggest international airports in Scotland are in Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, and in Edinburgh, the capital city and usual starting point for Nordic Visitor tours. Flight times to Scotland are, for example, 6.5 hours from New York City and 1.5 hours from London. Major international airlines with flights to Scotland include (but are not limited to) British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta and KLM.

Scotland and the rest of the UK is on GMT time. If your journey to Scotland involves one or more connecting flights, or if you're crossing several time zones to get here, your dedicated Nordic Visitor travel consultant can add extra nights in Edinburgh to your package so you can rest up after arrival.

Please note that flights to Scotland are not included in Nordic Visitor packages.

Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book With Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
• Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
• Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
• We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Whether you’re looking to add a night in Edinburgh, want restaurant recommendations or have questions about your tour, we’re happy to help so get in touch with our friendly team to answer any of your travel queries.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Read About Scotland

Best time to visit scotland: your complete guide, summer in scotland guide: what to do and where to go, 7 outlander filming locations to visit in scotland, in focus: skye in the off-season.

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

OUR CROSSINGS

Travel and photography blog

The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary for Spell-binding 5 Days in Scotland

Last Updated on the 24th of June, 2024

As we approached Glen Coe from the barren Rannoch Moor and drove past the Glencoe Mountain Resort, the first mountain I set my eyes upon was the great herdsman of the Buachaille Etive Mor with its distinctive pyramid shape and sweeping ridges.

Struck by the unfolding scenery, I parked my car on a small bay lay and walked over a mound, away from the extremely busy A82, out on a moorland plateau scattered with lochs and bogs to go and explore.

A reassuring sense of peace and harmony washed over me as I looked on towards the endless horizon to the east and the inviting mountains to the northwest.

I steered my gaze towards River Etive as it tumbled and bent through a series of waterfalls, narrowing and widening and providing interest everywhere I looked.

Ah, Bonnie Scotland.

You are achingly appealing, in a rugged, existential, transcendental, tear-in-the-eye – words elude sort of way.

Read More: What To See and Do In Edinburgh: 12 Amazing Things For The First Time Visitors

Getting You Started on a 5-Day Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

This driving tour of Scotland will point you in the right direction for your trip, but feel free to adjust it for your time restraints and interests. 

It focuses on covering a giant loop, seeing Scotland at its finest , with most of your time spent exploring rugged coastlines and the famous Highlands.

To make the most of this itinerary, I recommend arriving in either Edinburgh or Glasgow the night before and getting your rental car either that night or first thing on the morning of Day 1.

As you can see, I’ve set the starting and ending location to Edinburgh for this road trip, but if it works better for you to begin and end in Glasgow, you can do that as well.

The driving time between the two cities is around one hour, so the first and last day of this itinerary won’t be much different regardless of which city you choose to start in.

Read More: Top 11 Things To Do In Edinburgh This Autumn That Are Good For Your Soul

A Quick Glance at Your Scotland Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 –  glasgow to balloch.

Top sights: Glasgow, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Balloch

Day 2 –  Balloch to Glencoe

Top sights: Kilchurn Castle, St. Conans Kirk, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe

Day 3 –  Glencoe to Stirling

Top sights: Stirling, Stirling Castle, William Wallace Monument

Day 4 –  Stirling to Edinburgh

Top sights: The Kelpies, Edinburgh, Dean Village

Day 5 – South Queensferry to Glasgow

Top sights: South Queensferry, Forth Rail Bridge, Glasgow

Read More: 8 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Visit Edinburgh At Least Once

Day 1 – Glasgow to Balloch, Loch Lomond

If you are starting your trip in Glasgow, be sure to set aside some time to explore it. There’s plenty to see and do in Glasgow, the city is perfect for the start of your trip and allows you to dip your feet into Scottish culture and life. 

After that, head north on the A82 for around an hour to reach the largest loch in Scotland famed for its natural beauty- Loch Lomond.

You’ll find the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Centre located in Balloch with plenty of leaflet material and general information.

The lake itself is part of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationa Park so you could easily spend an entire holiday here as the park is home to 21 Munros, 2 forest parks, 22 lochs, and more than 50 designated special nature conservation sites on the lake.

Some of the best things to do around the lake :

• If you’re a keen biker, you can explore Loch Lomond by renting a bike (or bringing your own) and riding the West Loch Lomond cycle path.
• Take a relaxing boat trip to experience the loch’s breathtaking scenery
• Enjoy the woodlands and check out the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
• For a unique wildlife experience take a visit to the family-run  Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Total Distance:  27 miles Length of Drive:  42 minutes

Overnight stay: Balloch House by Innkeeper’s Collection

Read More: Some Of The Best Things To See At The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Day 2 – Balloch, Loch Lomond to Glencoe

Today you are going to see some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Scotland!

After a restful night,  begin your day by driving further along the A82 towards Glencoe.

As you travel along the length of Loch Lomond, you’ll see it change from a broad stretch of water up to 5 miles wide to a narrow, fjord-like finger at its most northerly end.

Travelling north, you gonna drive through one of Scotland’s great, uninhabited wildernesses, Rannoch Moor. This vast moorland occupies nearly 150 square miles of unspoilt rugged terrain.

Some of the best things to do in Glencoe :

• Take a scenic drive along the Glen Etive,  which winds its way through some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland and where The James Bond Skyfall was filmed.
• Hike to the top of Buchaille Etive Mor,  one of the most popular trails in Scotland. The views from the summit are simply incredible.
• Visit Glencoe Folk Museum  to learn about the area’s rich history and culture.

Total Distance:  70 miles Length of Drive:  1h 40 min

Overnight Stay: Kingshouse Hotel

Read More: Your Guide To Some of The Best Edinburgh’s Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring

Day 3 – Glencoe to Stirling

From Glencoe, you will drive south to Stirling, but not without needing to stop multiple times to see some of the castles and beautiful scenery as this route gives some lovely views over the distant mountains of the Southern Highlands.

While you could easily skip past Stirling on the motorway, catching a snippet of Stirling Castle as you do so, I’d really suggest a pit stop in the historic city.

Some of the best things to do in Stirling:

• The Wallace Monument is a heritage building commemorating Sir William Wallace’s life. 
• Stirling Old Town Jail – is a fascinating tourist attraction which retains period features and tells tales of many memorable characters from the city’s past.
• Stop by Stirling Castle which was home to the once-powerful Stewart Monarchy of Scotland.

Total Distance:  82miles Length of Drive : 2 hours

Overnight stay : Inglewood House & Spa

Read More: A Pocketguide To Help You Witness the Splendid Beauty Of Stirling Town In Scotland

Day 4 – Stirling to Edinburgh

Start your day with a filling breakfast as there’s much to do on day 4 of your Scotlands itinerary! 

Depart in the morning from your accommodation and drive to Edinburgh along the way stopping to admire magnificent 100-foot tall steel horses, that stand proudly beside the Forth and Clyde Canal called the Kelpies .

It’s possible to see the Kelpies from the main road, so you won’t miss out if you don’t stop, but they are quite impressive to walk around. Plus, there’s a lovely cafe and a gift shop on site for warm food and drinks.

Once you arrive in Edinburgh, park your car and set to explore the city.

This charming city is full of historical landmarks, independent bookshops, and free attractions.  Ensure you visit Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace.  You can also take a stroll through its neighbourhoods or go on an underground tour.

Total Distance:  37 miles Length of Drive: 1 hour

Overnight stay: The Hawes Inn, South Queensferry, Edinburgh

Read More: Some Of The Best Things To See at The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh

On the morning of the final day of your 5-day Scotland tour itinerary, explore the picturesque town on the edge of the Firth of Forth. It might be a little sleepy village, but you’ll find plenty of colourful history, heritage and the iconic three bridges .

The star attraction of the town is the mighty Forth Railway Bridge – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the wonders of the world. You can view the bridge from High Street, Hawes Pier and from one of the hills located further inland.

The grandeur of some of the architecture you see in the town is a testament to the wealth that South Queensferry used to enjoy.

Craftsmen, ship-owners and merchants of South Queensferry exploited their geographical position and traded coal, wool, and wine to the rest of the country.

Some of the Best things to do in South Queensferry:

• Pop into the South Queensferry Museum , located on High Street and soak up South Queensferry’s heritage. It’s a great little museum (and free) and has some fantastic information about the construction of the bridges.
• Take The Forth Bridges trail – since one of the best things to do in South Queensferry is spend checking out the bridges, you may as well learn a bit about them whilst you’re here.
• Embark on one of the Forth boat trips which usually takes about 1.5 hours and leaves from the Hawes Pier in South Queensferry. It takes you under the Forth Rail Bridge and around  Inchcolm Island ,  Inchgarvie Island , oil supertankers and  Haystack Rock .

Total Distance:  47 miles Length of Drive : 1 h 5min

And, that’s a wrap!

If you’ve got time for more than a 5-day Scotland road trip, lucky you! There are SO many things you can do to extend this itinerary.

If you want to spend some time in the bigger cities, consider adding a day or two for  Glasgow  and/or  Edinburgh . These cities have very different vibes but they both have so much to offer.

Driving Around Scotland

This 5-day Scotland road trip has been planned with a rental car in mind.

While some tour companies are offering great tours, nothing beats the freedom of having a car. As you can travel at your own pace, stop when you want to and take whatever route and breaks work for you, I think it’s the best way to see Scotland.

When explored by car, its hidden escarpments reveal themselves and any wrong turn will gleamingly deliver you to an unexpectedly beautiful town or village.

If you are used to using trains or buses to get around as a backpacker, renting a car and having a driving tour is an exciting way to see Scotland. Also – public transport in the highlands is non-existent,  and I wouldn’t recommend relying on it for your Scotland itinerary.

Here are some useful tips to help you have the best experience on Scotland’s road trip:

• Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, so that means they drive on the left side of the road.
• Pay careful attention to what kind of fuel your car takes and when grabbing a gas pump at the station. If you are driving a rental, it should say by the fuel cap what kind of fuel it takes.
• Know the speed limits , road signs and general driving advice – in Scotland, understand how to drive on a single-track road!
• Watch out for animals on the road , especially in more rural areas where sheep aren’t always fenced in.
• Many of Scotland’s roads can be affected by poor weather conditions, so always check the forecast before you drive.

Useful Tips For a Memorable Scottish Road Trip

By now, you should have plenty of ideas on how to fill your Scotland itinerary as you plan your driving tour of Scotland, a beautiful nation you are sure to fall in love with! 

Here are just a few tips for a memorable trip:

• Midges in Scotland are at their worst from May until September.  If you want to avoid the midges, plan your Scotland road trip between late September and May, when the weather is considerably cooler.
• If you plan on visiting castles and historic places, I recommend you get yourself a Scotland Explorer Pass . The pass gives you a discount in many places and already saves you money if you plan to visit more than two castles.
• It’s a good idea to check for arts, music and other festivals taking place on your dates. This will help you discover if prices might be higher or if there will be low accommodation availability. 
• In Scotland, you can expect rain all year round.  However, the wettest times of the year are autumn and winter.

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Now, over to you!

Have you been on a road trip around Scotland? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Scotland and have travel-related questions!

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89 thoughts on “ The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary for Spell-binding 5 Days in Scotland ”

It’s a beautiful country and, as you say, there’s a lot to see, including some bits I haven’t managed yet. A couple of Scottish friends are currently in Edinburgh, enjoying being back for a little while. I like your itinerary, Aiva.

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It really is a beautiful country to explore, Jo. We are fortunate to have it just a short ferry ride away which is just a perfect way to pop over to the neighbouring country when you have a couple of small children. This way, we get to bring everything we need – and you need quite a lot while going on a road trip with an 11-month-old – without worrying about luggage fees and weight restrictions. I hope your friends are having a blast visiting Edinburgh. The city is quite wonderful and full of magic during the festive season. Thanks for stopping by, and have a lovely Monday 🙂 Aiva xx

Ideal for you, Aiva. I doubt we’ll return but we have lovely memories 🤗🩵

Your post took me back some 36 years Aiva!!! I hired a car with a girlfriend when I was just 22 and we drove through many of these places, Loch Lomond, Glencoe up to Edinburgh. No doubt so many other places I barely remember. Yet I remember the beautiful countryside, the historic sites and grand castles. Not to mention the cold days and warm hospitality! Wonderful post and a fabulous itinerary for any first (or second) time travellers to follow. 😊

I am glad to hear that you have fond memories from your road trip around Scotland. A good road trip is a thing of beauty, especially if there’s a balance of planned stopping points and freely roaming where the day takes you. And Scotland with its wild scenery and rugged beauty is one of the perfect places for such a trip. Our trip was quite short, yet we managed to see so and do quite a lot. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

What a beautiful road trip itinerary Aiva! Thank you! I would love to see Buachaille Etive Mor! Absolutely gorgeous!

Thanks so much, Ribana! It’s been a good few years since our last road trip around Scotland, therefore we were all beyond excited to board the ferry at Belfast Port and let it take us to the wild and wonderful Scotland. We actually stayed in an accommodation with infinite views of Buachaille Etive Mor – its rocky silhouette can be seen for miles away as you approach Glen Coe – and we couldn’t get enough of it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

It’s such a beautiful country ❤️❤️❤️ Thanks for this great post

It really is, Luisa. With its craggy castles, wild beaches and deep lochs, Scotland is one of the most hauntingly beautiful places in the world. Thanks for stopping by. I hope your Monday is going well 🙂 Aiva xx

I wholeheartedly agree with you in your praise of Scotland 👍 Happy Monday to you 💐

Loved the photos, especially the last two photos!

Thanks so much. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed our photos from Scotland. The weather was in our favour throughout the whole trip, so we ended up spending most of the time exploring the rugged wilderness of Scotland. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

You’re welcome!

Hi. Scotland is a wonderful place to spend time in. And I have to add this: your family portrait in this article is a beauty.

Hi, and thanks so much. I am glad you like our family portrait – we loved creating moments and memories that brought us closer and now we have plenty of photos to look back at 🙂 Yes, Scotland is an amazing place to explore as it is a country with countless great cultural experiences and historical attractions. We had a great time road-tripping around it and loved the fact that we were never too far away from fantastic sightseeing opportunities and interesting places to go. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

I love this, reminds me so much of my trip to Scotland. I know we visited Edinburg, Glencoe, and Loch Lomond. Scotland is such a beautiful country. We did a tour because we were afraid of driving on the opposite side of the road, but maybe one day we’ll work up to courage to rent a car and take a road trip 🙂

I am glad to hear you enjoyed my post about Scotland, and I am glad you have found memories from your own trip. Our Scottish adventure was a trip my whole family anticipated and thoroughly planned for some time. I know what you mean about driving on the other side of the road Lyssy. In Latvia, we drive on the right, so it took me a while to get used to driving in Ireland in Scotland, especially when it came to their single-track roads which are only wide enough for one vehicle. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

Some stunning photos Aiva. Looks like you had the full Scottish weather treatment, mists, sunshine and cloud. So beautiful. Your little ones are growing up so fast. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Allan

Thanks so much, Allan. Yes, our little ones are growing up fast and that’s why we want to make as many wonderful memories with them as we can because memories are the bricks and mortar not just of education, but of a lifetime. We had a fantastic time exploring Scotland and seeing many of its sights. Arriving by car via ferry from Belfast Port was an adventure in itself and definitely one we would love to repeat. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

Scotland is stunning. Love the fireplace at Stirling Castle, talk about a statement piece!

Thanks so much. Scotland is indeed a stunning cuntry and there’s something exciting to do everywhere you look. We were fortunate to roam through its awe-inspiring glens, castle-topped crags, and culture-rich cities during the autumn month and had the best time doing it. Thanks for stopping by, and have wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

We had almost 3 weeks. Lucky us our circle was a lot bigger than the one you outlined but we did see some of the sites on your itinerary. Loved Glencoe. It felt like one had stepped back in time. And wild rural Scotland is so perfectly described in your sentence that says it is hard to sum up.

I loved Glencoe too. Despite its grim and tragic past, experiencing the rugged Scottish Highlands and the world-famous Glencoe was the highlight of our trip – there’s just something alluring about the dozens of outstanding hills dotting both sides of the glen. I can only imagine how many exciting sights and places can be seen in three weeks. This time, we were bound by Ericeira’s school schedule and it was either 5 days or nothing. I am glad we decided to go because it turned out to be a very memorable trip. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

I’ve gone from Glasgow to Edinburgh during my trip to Scotland years ago, but it was by bus and I did not stop to see any of the places you mentioned along the way. I only saw Stirling Castle in the distance whilst touring the Highlands, but never stopped to go inside. There’s so much to Scotland than just the two major cities, and I’ll have to return to check more out! Thanks for sharing, Aiva. 🙂

Hi, Rebecca. Scotland is full of some of the most iconic and natural landscapes in the world, and I was delighted to explore it with my family. From mountain peaks and deep valleys to plummeting waterfalls and vast lochs, the scenic sights we had a chance to see along the way were truly magical. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

Yes, Bonnie Scotland indeed. I love the rugged beauty of the highlands and the classic, historic monuments in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Your family photo is so lovely; beautiful family! I have been very fortunate to have visited Scotland on multiple occasions and have plans to visit friends in northern Scotland next summer; can’t wait. Awesome post and travel itinerary Aiva!

Thanks so much! It’s no secret that Scotland is beautiful, especially the Highlands. It’s a beauty that’s hard to describe though.  We blissfully revelled in the hidden corners and remote wilderness of Scotland during our five-day road trip as we stopped by the mist-covered lochs and gushing waterfalls. A summer trip to explore northern Scotland sounds like a fantastic plan. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

Your description of Scotland’s beauty is spot on.

Thanks so much xx

It’s absolutely beautiful Marie, and your photos capture Scotland in all its glory. I’ve not visited since I was a child, and I’d absolutely love to go back soon 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks so much. While I’ve been to Edinburgh close to a dozen times, I’ve rarely ventured outside of the city and once the opportunity arose – even if it was just for 5 days – I grabbed it with both hands. We travelled with the ferry from Belfast so the trip to reach the shores of Scotland was an adventure in itself. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

Some amazing photos here, Aiva! Scotland is a stunning country we haven’t visited yet. Not sure how we will manage to drive on the left side of the road, but we shall make it someday!!

Have a lovely day! xx

Thanks so much, Christie. The Scottish Highlands are a breathtakingly beautiful region filled with rugged landscapes, historic sites, and a rich cultural heritage and we were delighted to finally explore them. We eventually added Edinburgh and Stirling to our road trip itinerary and had a fantastic time in Scotland. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

A most beautiful country and you have really highlighted the best way to enjoy, learn and delight the eyes. Wonderful piece Aiva!

Thanks so much, Francisco. As we travelled through Scotland’s landscapes brimming with natural beauty, I could easily see how they have inspired everything from enduring myths to romantic songs to blockbuster films. For me personally, the peace and solitude found in Scotland is the main reason why I keep coming back. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

Fabulous Aiva. You’re very welcome! All the best!

I’ve never been to Scotland, but now when I do go it’s all panned out for me! I have a feeling I’ll especially enjoy Loch Lomond and the highlands. Thanks, Aiva!

Scotland is a country of just 6 million people and the further into the highlands you go, the fewer people you’ll find. Sure enough, this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but for a world that is becoming more and more busy, flustered and crowded – I find it’s a breath of relief to be amidst the glorious expanse of the highlands with just those closest to me around. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

I visited Rannock Moor a long time ago and thought the scenery was beautiful. A great itinerary Aiva.

Rannock Moor is immensely beautiful! It really, truly is a magical place, and I believe that’s why it’s become so vastly popular and known throughout the world. If you pick the right time of year you can dodge the swarms of people and enjoy the vast expanse of wilderness at your leisure! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

So many happy memories for me in this post. We did a wonderful road trip through Scotland, from Glasgow all the way to John O’Groats and back via Inverness in 1999. And yes, I also remember the midges – there were times when they nearly carried us away! Beautiful photos.

That’s why our road trip around Scotland was scheduled for the second part of autumn month when the midges are mostly at bay. I’ve been to the Highlands before and know everything about the dreaded Scottish midge. Therefore, I had no desire to be eaten alive by the tiny two-winged fly that moves in swarms. I’ve heard that beaches make great midge-free locations in Scotland. Apparently, the evening coastal breeze from the sea serves as a great tool for keeping them away, but as I haven’t been to the coastal areas of Scotland in the summer, I am not sure if it is really true! Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

We found they were only bad in the mountains.

So beautiful! Your photo of early morning at the lake is just stunning. Thanks for another interesting travel story Aiva.

Thank you. Going on a road trip around Scotland is the best way to experience this wild, beautiful, rugged country. Although it may be small in size, there is a lot to see and do. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 😉 Aiva xx

I’m such a fan of road trips and this seems like a good way to explore Scotland and admire the scenery. We’ve never driven on the left side of the road before though, so I imagine that might take some getting used to!

Going on a Scotland road trip and seeing many of its wonderful castles and rugged mountains was one of the most incredible travel experiences this year. There’s just something about the freedom of travelling at your own pace and exploring the country all by yourself. A trip around Scotland – either you have three days or two weeks – is one for the bucket list, so if you’re even the slightest intrigued – DO IT. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

Stunning! I thoroughly enjoyed!

I am glad you did! Scotland is a beautiful country full of history, culture, and natural beauty, and we had heaps of fun experiencing its rugged landscapes and rich heritage. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

My pleasure Aiva, you as well.

Oh my! Your daughter is getting so tall! I’m not sure where many of these wonderful places are in relation to Fort William and our bucket list climb, Ben Nevis, but when we eventually plan that trip, I also plan to revisit this post. I’ve long known about city passes, of course, but I didn’t know there were whole-country passes. That would be a must for the castle-lover in me!

She is indeed, and she’s only seven years old. I can easily see how she’s gonna outgrow me, but then again, I am only 5 feet and 4 inches tall, so it’s not a mission impossible! We caught a glimpse of the mighty Ben Nevis on day 2 of our road trip while travelling through the Highlands. It was a surreal feeling to be within reach of such a bucket list climb and to say ‘no’ because we had small children with us. We promised to return one day to tackle its slopes – luckily it takes 50 minutes by plane to reach Scotland from Sligo. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

Then I declare a challenge: which of us can climb it first? Go!

Challenge accepted! xx

I would love to visit Scotland again. We visited Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling. But I’d like to see the highlands and castles and lochs

Hi Tanja. I hope you get to visit Scotland one day as it is home to some of the most striking landscapes in the UK. We travelled by ferry from Belfast, and it was a pretty memorable way to arrive on its shores let alone explore it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

That sounds nice, arriving by sea

It was, Tanja. This time, instead of a 50-minute flight, we opted to catch a ferry from Belfast Port. It took us 12 hours to reach Loch Lomond, but it was worth it. And there was even an onboard cinema where we watched Puss in the Boots at no extra cost.

This is such a wonderful travel guide for Scotland! The area looks so magical and beautiful with amazing nature regions.

Thanks so much. If there’s one thing I love about exploring Scotland, it is diversity. During our five-day road trip, we went from the rolling countryside to bustling cities and icy mountain peaks to charming villages within hours. This allowed us to embark on a cultural adventure in the morning only to immerse ourselves in the solitude of the wilderness by the afternoon. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

How could anyone not be spellbound by those views. This is a great and very well thought through guide. 5 days in Scotland- sign me up anytime 🙂

With some of the best scenic drives you’ll ever find in the UK, there’s no reason why your next road trip shouldn’t be to Scotland! We had a fantastic time exploring its rolling hills and diverse landscapes. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

After reading several of your good articles on Edinburgh, I wanted to concentrate on the capital next time, but it’s true that in the past I’d hired a car and enjoyed a road trip to better appreciate the Scottish weather with beautiful landscapes hidden by fog.

The open roads of Scotland are a ribbon of endless possibilities stretching to the horizon. Therefore, hiring a car to explore the wonderful wilderness of Scotland is an unforgettable adventure on wheels. Given that this time, we didn’t plan too much ahead, but instead, let the journey unfold organically, we created an intoxicating blend of excitement and anticipation. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

You didn’t even have to mention Loch Ness, which has a very powerful appeal. I believe my road trip took me as far as the fog in Inverness.

Your opening paragraph is beautiful, and the photographs stunning. You have convinced me I must get to Scotland one day. Alison

Thanks so much, Alison. Travelling to Scotland with my family once again proved that we don’t have to embark on a trip across the globe to have a truly memorable time. I hope you get to set your foot on Scottish soil one day as it is a truly remarkable country to explore. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

Thanks for the diverse itinerary and stunning photos! You really captured the best. Mel

Thanks so much, Mel. It was quite rewarding to spend some time in Scotland’s biggest cities and then be on our way looking for solitude and adventure all while driving those small country roads with no one else around. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

I think I could do with some of those Scottish temperatures today. We are melting!

What a fabulous post! I especially love this beautiful and poetic sentence, referring to Bonnie Scotland: “You are achingly appealing, in a rugged, existential, transcendental, tear-in-the-eye – words elude sort of way.”

I wish your post had been available prior to my 15th anniversary trip across Scotland and then London in early July (Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh and London, and points in between). But, we had a marvelous time and will definitely be back to enjoy more of the uniquely Scottish delights, from culture to cuisine to craggy landscapes and castles. And your recommendations will be tops on our list, at least the ones we haven’t experienced yet.

Thank you for stopping by my blog, and I certainly enjoy yours. 😊

Thanks so much, Kim, I am glad you enjoyed my post about Scotland. We only had five days to explore it but managed to see and do quite a lot. Discovering the enchanting history and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands where we explored ancient castles and visited important battle sites, was the highlight of our trip. It’s one of those countries that I would love to return to, especially as I have yet to sail Loch Ness and ride the world’s most scenic railway. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

A beautiful description of the lochs and bogs and moors! And I loved the photos of Castle Stalker and early morning. Thanks for a detailed, informative and entertaining post, Aiva.

Thanks so much, Ruth. There are few places in the world as photogenic as Scotland. With thousands of years of history, more delicious whisky than you could taste in a lifetime, and fantastic hiking trails, you’ve got a very special place. We had five full days to explore this wonderful country in all its glory, and we had such a memorable time doing it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

Such a great, comprehensive post! Must read for people like me, who hope to go to Edinburgh some day 😀❤️

Hi Shivangi, it’s so nice to hear from you. I am glad you enjoyed my post about Scotland. We had a great time exploring it by car – for those looking for a memorable vacation or weekend break full of historical attractions, countless great cultural experiences, and other fun things to do, it’s a place to be. Thanks for stopping by. Have a sparkling New Year! Aiva xx

Awesome dear Aiva! Happy New Year to you and your family as well❤️

Thanks so much. I am glad to hear you enjoyed it. Scotland is a beautiful country to explore, and we had such a great time doing it. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

Oh my gosh Aiva this is such great itinerary. I totally agree with the stops and breaks and making wrong turns but finding yourself in a beautiful scene. 🙂 Another very well written piece here. Loved it!

Thanks so much. A trip to Scotland was the one we anticipated the most last year. We had a chance to see majestic castles that once housed Scottish royalty, visit renowned museums to learn about Scottish history, and view spots where famous battles took place. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day 🙂 Aiva xx

Sounds really wonderful Aiva. 🙂

This seems like such an amazing road trip! I’d love to drive around these stunning landscapes!

We had an amazing time exploring the Scottish Highlands and seeing some of its historic castles. There’s a reason why in recent years, Scotland has consistently beaten New Zealand, Iceland, and Canada to win awards for being the most beautiful country in the world. They have luscious green glens, soft and jagged hills and some of the most beautifully clear lakes I’ve ever seen. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

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5 Day Scotland Itinerary – A wee Road Trip.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. Please check out my disclosure policy for more details.  

My main reason for wanting to go on a Scotland road trip was Outlander. There – I said it! But if you have read the books or watched the series, you will know that is a damn good reason, albeit one a little embarrassing to come from a fully grown adult. What or whom I was expecting to find is a story for another day, but I liked the idea of misty Highlands, men in kilts and finally becoming a whisky connoisseur if only to warm up because really who goes on a road trip in Scotland in November?

Someone who was in between Bali and South Africa apparently and in need of a good reason to bring her cashmere jerseys out of hibernation. So I set off not too optimistic I would find my personal Jamie, but was looking forward to taking a selfie with a baby Highland Cow, find Nessie, and get a smokey whiskey voice. I will tell you now that only one of these things actually happened.

Since I had never been and had limited time and couldn’t do the whole North Coast 500 or see the Cairngorms National Park (good reason to come back), I decided on a 5 day Scotland itinerary by car that was easily manageable for one person driving and would allow for some highlights I have been wanting to see: Edinburgh, Inverness – because, duh –  Outlander !, Loch Ness and some Scottish Highlands scenery.

2017 was  Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage & Archaeology , but honestly, each year should be Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage & Archaeology – there is just so much to see and discover. In hindsight, a 5 day Scotland itinerary wasn’t quite enough. But I can take only so much November weather and needed to start somewhere with my Scotland road trip.

A road trip in Scotland is lots of fun and roads are easy to navigate if you don’t get caught in snow (the first bits had melted just before I arrived!) and you don’t mind driving on the left. When planning a trip to Scotland I luckily had some assistance. That was just as well because when I asked the PR girl from  Visit Scotland  whether I needed a GPS or could just drive straight on, she laughed at me. Scotland is remote but roads are not as scarce as I thought they would be. Get a GPS or learn how to read a map!

5 Day Scotland Itinerary

Here is a map with all the stops for a 5 day scotland itinerary:.

Leith & Edinburgh

When asking where to go in Scotland you cannot miss Edinburgh. I started in Edinburgh or rather in Leith, the harbor area, which has a particular charm and is home to  Malmaison , my hotel for the night. As you may know, I have a thing for odd hotels,  having slept in a former prison before . Now I can add an old sailor’s home to my list – back in the day that was their home when getting on shore.

Read: More Hotels in Edinburgh

After checking in I didn’t do much except for taking a little stroll and to eat my first fish ‘n chips. Honestly, I needed all my strength to keep warm. Toto, we aren’t in Bali anymore! Alas, I apparently was the only one – blue skies seem to imply summer for Scots and I was the only one wearing a scarf, a hat and a few layers.

Things to do in Edinburgh:

Edinburgh: underground vaults tour the scotch whisky experience: guided tour and whisky tasting edinburgh: harry potter walking tour edinburgh castle: skip-the-line guided tour edinburgh: scenic bike tour, stirling & perthshire.

My first stop on my Scotland road trip itinerary was Stirling Castle. Have I mentioned that I am a history nerd? Yes indeed, so I was happy that my itinerary would have me see plenty of those.

Stirling Castle Tickets

Admittedly I was even more excited to get lost just before the castle and to end up seeing my first herd of Highland Cows. While Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most impressive and historically important castles, the cows were my personal highlight of the day.

Read More: The best castles in Scotland. 

If you are interested in the historical locations and sights too, I recommend you get yourself a Scotland  Explorer Pass  which gives you discount in many places and is already saves you money if you plan to visit more than two castles.

From Stirling Castle, I drove on to Pitlochry and checked into my “hotel” for the night, the Atholl Palace Hotel. I may or may not have mentioned that I not only wanted to see castles and palaces, but maybe also sleep in one and my wish was granted.

I was interested to find out that Atholl Palace which opened in 1878 has always been a hotel or rather a spa location since its beginning. Because the surroundings are just that stunning locals and foreigners alike were keen to come here for a holiday even in the 19th century. That unfortunately also meant there were no palace ghosts, a real downside for anything that old if you ask me.

While the outside is super impressive, I thought the rooms were a bit dated and the service a bit lackluster, maybe due to a big wedding they were hosting. Fortunately, that meant plenty of men in kilts which made more than up for it.

Mind you, I didn’t spend much time in my room but made my way to the Blair Athol Distillery close by (Pitlochry is tiny so you can walk and leave the car!) – whisky tasting is a must on any Scotland itinerary!

Tours will walk you through the distillery and you learn all about whisky making, why some whiskies are smokey and others aren’t, what the angel’s share is, and how much money you could spend on a bottle if you were filthy rich. And of course, you get to taste a little. Unfortunately for me, I realized once again: good whisky is wasted on me. I am so sorry, Scotland!

With that sad realization, I was happy to learn that Scotland also has a blooming gin industry these days and many restaurants and bars will offer great new versions with specialty tonics. If you want to try my personal favorite over a great bowl of pasta head to  Fern Cottage  and order a Strathearn Heather Rose.

Aberdeenshire & Castle Trail

Due to the wedding, the breakfast service was a bit overwhelmed the next morning and so I decided to get snacks from the petrol station and head off to the next castle:  Dunnottar Castle .

Nestled on a cliff overlooking the North Sea Coast it is quite spectacular. Even more spectacular is taking the scenic route via the Pass of Ballater to get there. It will take you an extra hour but is well worth it because here you get the Scottish Highland views you came for. After all, driving needs to be part of any road trip and luckily the roads in Scotland are well maintained.

Book a Dunnottar Castle Tour 

The weather was exactly what I needed it to be.

You want a bit of mist and clouds when you go on a road trip in Scotland and this is exactly what I got minus the snow which had come down just a week prior. In case you wonder what the poles on the side of the road are – they are markings for you not to get lost if you get caught in a blizzard. I was grateful I didn’t have to test their usefulness.

Wrap up when you visit Dunnottar Castle – it is as ancient as they come with its rock foundation dating to 440 million years ago and the ruins you can visit today are a bit drafty.

Dunnottar has played an important part in Scottish history from being a medieval fortress to a strategic vantage point during the Jacobite risings. thief holes with no windows (which scared me more than alleged ghosts). Check the weather forecast before you go, while you want a few clouds for added drama in your pictures, the castle does close for safety when the weather is too inhospitable.

If you want more, there is plenty of other castles in the area. It is not called Castle Trail for nothing. I was castled out and went straight to Aboyne in Aberdeenshire and to my home for the night:  Lys-Na-Greyne . Aboyne is a little village and to be honest not much to write home about except that the surrounding nature is absolutely stunning.

However, Lys-Na-Greyne is worth alone a detour. It is a little luxury guesthouse with six rooms, run by charming Gary and Joyce, and everything a guesthouse should be. That includes its very own fascinating history of alleged royals and a beautiful Irish Gallic name which translates to “Meadow of the Sun”.

This is also the one and only place where I ate haggis for breakfast and am proud to say: I liked it.

I was super excited for the next day as I was finally going to see Inverness and the Culloden Battlefield I had read so much about (and not only in Outlander, I would like to add!) – another must do on any Scotland road trip itinerary.

The Battlefield today has an amazing museum to it, telling the whole story of the Jacobite rising and Bonnie Prince Charles that culminated here. There is a mini movie theater with the final battle, weaponry that you can touch, and a really interesting audio walk through the actual battlefield. While I appreciate how the history is being presented here and brought to life, I find it important to remember that the location is the actual place where people fought and died, not a Disney make-belief.

Culloden Battlefield Visitor Center Ticket with Audio Guide

I will admit that I was horribly disappointed by Inverness. Considering that it is meant to be a honeymoon destination in  Outlander  I expected a lot more charm. Then again, maybe the tristesse was a premonition that she disappears and ends up with another man…(and also I learned later that the scenes in the series weren’t even filmed in Inverness).

In hindsight, I wouldn’t return to Inverness in a hurry except as a base to travel from. There is an airport and it makes exploring the Scottish Highlands easier as well as being a perfect base to visit Culloden and of course, Loch Ness.

Loch Ness & Edinburgh

And what kind of Scotland tour would be perfect without trying to find Nessie?

I must admit that while I quite like the idea of diving with sharks, nothing would have gotten me on one of those ‘find Nessie’ boats. Unlike my friend Kathi who apparently had an amazing time (find out  here  if she got lucky) I admit that is a bit weird but I preferred to stay put at Urquhart Castle from where you have amazing views over the Loch (and can tick yet another castle of your list).

I do believe Loch Ness needs to be on any first timers Scotland itinerary though I was surprised to find that a) it looks a lot more like a river (it is 37km long!) and b) none of the gift shops sells Nessie-shaped gummi bears. The latter was a real bummer and I would appreciate if that can be changed for my next visit. Who doesn’t want Nessie-shaped gummi bears?!

Find Nessie! 

Loch ness: 1-hour cruise loch ness cruise, caledonian canal and urquhart castle visit.

From Loch Ness, I headed back to Edinburgh with a short stop at Killicrankie. I have recently become obsessed with Queen Victoria thanks to the new ITV series ‘Victoria’ and so I was happy to hear that she and Albert loved Scotland.

They both liked that Pass of Killicrankie so much that upon her visit in 1844 Victoria wrote in her journal: “I cannot describe how beautiful it is. Albert was in perfect ecstasies.”

If it is fit for a queen, it is definitely worth a tiny detour for all of us mere mortals.

While I loved the Highlands and my entire little Scotland road trip, it was only back in Edinburgh when I fell in love. There is something quite magical about the city. Something warm, despite the cold, something wonderfully open and welcoming, despite it being far away from the rest of the world.

I spent my last day just wandering first in sunshine and then in icy rain and just enjoying the sights and the atmosphere. And it was when I was waiting for my tram to take me to the airport and I was drenched in liquid gold from the sunset that I realized that shit, now I have another one of those countries on my list – one I want to go back to over and over again.

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16 comments

Beautiful pictures and stunning views. Astounding photographs! Thanks for the post!

Thank you, glad you liked it! 🙂

This is a great guide. The map is not available could you please restore it.

+1 – sounds like a phenomenal trip and would love a chance to see the map and have more detail on where you stopped and stayed.

Thanks – I restored the map. All infos on stops and accommodation are in the post. What else would you like to know?

Thanks, map is restored 🙂

I LOVED your blog. Im thinking of going in late March do you think it would be too cold? When did you go?

I went in November so it was definitely chilly but still alright as there wasn’t really snow on the roads yet. I think you should be absolutely fine in March! And also – thank you 🙂

Thanks for sharing your trip! What a beautiful place! Hope to see it with my own eyes one day.

Enjoyed reading about your trip here! Instead of real Inverness, you should visit the village of Falkland next time, which is where they filmed ‘Inverness’ in the series ???? It’s my favourite place ????

Oh man, I didn’t know it wasn’t set in real Inverness – I would totally have checked out Falkland. Well, it definitely wasn’t my last time so I have something to look forward to. Thanks for letting me know, Amy!

Thanks Annika for your kind words during your all too short visit to Scotland. It was a thrill to be selected by VisitScotland to be part of your tour and allow you to sample the delights of Deeside and especially the haggis.

It was such a delight staying with you Garry – what a special place you have created but mind you, it could be without you two! Thanks again for your hospitality!!

This was such a delight to read! I’m very happy you tried and liked haggis 🙂 The thing with the whisky will happen eventually… Took me three years in Scotland to start liking it!

Whenever you come back we need to get you to some west coast towns, so you see not everywhere is as grey as Inverness – there are some real beauts around!

Oh yes, and no worries, next time you are on the agenda too! You can show me where to find the best vegetarian haggis in Glasgow 😉

Thank you for this piece, it has made me feel rather wonderful. But then I might be biased, given that Scotland is the closest place to a home I have known. That said, I’m not sure whether home is a place, or a feeling, or a person? Whatever it is, your post made me feel like home.

I should add – I’m also rather happy you’ll be returning one day (and you will always find a warm welcome here), but I would perhaps recommend you don’t come in November next time?! 😉

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Find Your Tour

3 - 5 days in scotland.

If you Google “ 3 days in Scotland ” you will find lots of Travel Bloggers claiming to have the “Ultimate” 3 day Scotland itinerary

It’s all a load of baloney!

Because  your ultimate 3 to 5 days in Scotland is really dependent on what you want to experience and how you like to travel.

Some people will want to rush around ticking off a bucket list of famous places such as Edinburgh Castle, Culloden, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Glen Coe and Skye.

Others will want a slower pace of travel so they can connect with the land and its history.

For this reason, we have crafted a range of 3 - 5 day itineraries for different interests and paces of travel.

3 - 5 Day Tours from Edinburgh

Express explorer east to west.

This tour plan is aimed at the first time visitor that wants to do a “bucket list” tour of Scotland in a short time. It could be condensed for a 3 day itinerary, but we would recommend that you allow at least 4 days in Scotland and pace the tour as follows.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Explore Edinburgh
• Day 2 - Edinburgh to Inverness
• Day 3 - Inverness to Skye
• Day 4 - Skye to Glasgow or Edinburgh

Highland Explorer East to West

This itinerary is similar to the Express Explorer but it adds in a night (or 2 if you wish) in the Pitlochry area. This allows you more time to meander and explore back roads on the way from Edinburgh to Inverness. If you have 5 days in Scotland , this itinerary could be paced like:    >>> READ MORE

• Day 2 - Edinburgh to Pitlochry
• Day 3 - Pitlochry to Inverness
• Day 4 - Inverness to Skye
• Day 5 - Skye to Glasgow or Edinburgh

Whisky Taster

If you only have 3 days in Scotland, you could condense this Whisky Trail itinerary to fit. But we recommend you schedule it as a 5 day itinerary so you can relax and enjoy the distillery tours. The focus is on Speyside and Highland malts, but you can visit Glenkinchie and thus tick off a Lowland malt too.   >>> READ MORE

• Day 3 - Pitlochry to Speyside
• Day 4 - Speyside to Royal Deeside
• Day 5 - Royal Deeside to Edinburgh

Romantic Scotland

We recommend this itinerary if you wish to tour Scotland in 3 to 5 days at a more relaxed pace. This itinerary keeps the driving times short and features lots of pretty villages, woodland walks, and romantic settings. If you start with a half-day in Edinburgh and then drive to Pitlochry, you could condense this itinerary for 3 days in Scotland.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Explore Edinburgh / drive to Pitlochry in Afternoon
• Day 2 - Pitlochry to Inveraray via Loch Tay
• Day 3 - Inveraray to Glasgow via Loch Lomond

Alternatively, have a relaxed 5 days in Scotland by doing this:

• Day 3 - Pitlochry to Inveraray via Loch Tay
• Day 4 - Day trip from Inveraray to Oban
• Day 5 - Inveraray to Glasgow via Loch Lomond

Castle Explorer

In 5 days you can explore lots of Scotland’s most iconic castles. This itinerary features the castles of Edinburgh, Stirling, Doune, Blair. Balmoral, Crathes, Dunnottar, Glamis and lots more you’ve probably never heard of. There is enough in the guide to fill 11 days, but you could pace it over 5 days as suggested below.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 2 - Edinburgh to Pitlochry via Stirling
• Day 3 - Pitlochry to Royal Deeside
• Day 4 - Royal Deeside to St Andrews
• Day 5 - St Andrews to Edinburgh

3 - 5 Day Tours from Glasgow

Express explorer west to east.

Our most popular tour itinerary for 3 days in Scotland , the Express Explorer from Glasgow is a fast paced road trip around Loch Lomond, Skye, Loch Ness, Culloden, Stirling Castle. We recommend allowing longer, but if you are constrained to a 3 day tour it can be paced as follows.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Glasgow to Skye via Loch Lomond and Glencoe
• Day 2 - Explore Skye then drive to Inverness via Loch Ness
• Day 3 - Inverness to Edinburgh via Culloden and Stirling

Highland Explorer West to East

This itinerary is a variation on the Express Explorer. It features a stopover in Pitlochry so you have time to explore quieter roads away from the tourist crowds. If using this itinerary for a 5 day Scotland road trip  we would suggest a schedule as below.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Glasgow to Skye
• Day 2 - Tour Skye
• Day 3 - Skye to Inverness
• Day 4 - Inverness to Pitlochry
• Day 5 - Pitlochry to Edinburgh

Argyll Coastal Trail

An ideal itinerary if you only have 3 to 4 days in Scotland and want a relaxed tour. The Argyll Coastal Trail features the Highlands & Islands, Castles & Standing Stones, fishing villages and world-class seafood restaurants. The route can be driven in 3 days, but we include several day trip options so you could extend this tour over 7 days.   >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Glasgow to Loch Fyne
• Day 2 - Loch Fyne to Oban
• Day 3 - Day trips from Oban
• Day 4 - Oban to Edinburgh

3 to 5 Day Tours from Inverness

Essential highlands.

This tour starts and ends in Inverness so that you can make the most of your time in the Highlands. To really take in the scenery, we recommend you pace it as a 5 day itinerary and schedule the tour as below.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Inverness to Gairloch via Ullapool
• Day 2 - Gairloch to Skye
• Day 3 - Tour Skye
• Day 4 - Skye to Fort William / Glencoe
• Day 5 - Fort William to Inverness

Northern Highlights

This itinerary follows the most scenic sections of the NC500 and is ideal if you want to see the “Highlights” of this famous road. If you are in a rush, it could be done in 3 days, but we’d recommend you take it slower and allow at least 5 days.    >>> READ MORE

• Day 1 - Inverness to Skye via Loch Ness
• Day 3 - Skye to Gairloch
• Day 4 - Gairloch to Ullapool
• Day 5 - Ullapool to Inverness via Dunrobin
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5 Day Scotland Small Group Tour : The Highlands, Isle of Skye & North

Our 5-day Scotland tour discovers the best of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. Experience the landscapes and rugged beauty of the Highlands with visits to Glencoe, Loch Ness, and the Cairngorms National Park. Spend a full day discovering the Isle of Skye and see the far north, including the Mountains of Assynt, the fishing village of Ullapool, and the Bealch Nas Ba road, one of the most beautiful touring roads in the world. Travel in a luxury mini coach accompanied by an experienced driver/guide in a small group of up to 16 people.

Our tour is available every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday

Start the day with a 9.00am departure from Edinburgh, enjoying the views as we pass over the Firth of Forth Bridge. Mid-morning, we’ll take a brief break at Dunkeld to explore the charming village. We’ll continue our journey by driving through the stunning landscapes of the Cairngorm National Park and soaking up the ancient pine forest of the Rothiemurchus Estate. After lunch, we’ll arrive at Loch Ness and stop at the village of Dores to try spotting Nessie, the Loch Ness monster, from the shore. We’ll conclude our day by driving past Loch Broom and arriving in the fishing village of Ullapool for a relaxing 2-night stay.

Begin the day soaking in the stunning landscapes of the Assynt mountains, known for their incredible scenery.

Ardvreck Castle

We’ll wander through the ancient ruins of Ardvreck Castle, perched dramatically by Loch Assynt. Then, we’ll head to Achmelvich Bay and enjoy the breathtaking views from its beautiful sandy beaches. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the charming fishing village of Lochinver and finish the day returning to Ullapool.

We depart Ullapool, heading south to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the River Droma plunging into the dramatic depths of Corrieshalloch Gorge. Our journey continues, taking us past the beautiful Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve and along the rugged coastline of Loch Torridon. After lunch, we continue to the quaint and picturesque village of Applecross. From there, we embark on the extraordinary Bealach Na Ba road, one of Scotland’s highest and most scenic routes, offering awe-inspiring views. Our next stop is the charming village of Plockton, renowned for its unexpected and enchanting palm trees. The day concludes with a crossing to the Isle of Skye, where we settle in for an overnight stay in the town of Portree.

Our fourth day is spent on the Isle of Skye. This is a flexible day, and the itinerary can change due to weather conditions. Here is a sample itinerary of how we can spend a day:

Isle of Skye

Discover the rugged and breathtaking scenery of the Isle of Skye. Begin with a drive to The Trotternish Ridge, home to iconic landmarks, including the Old Man of Storr, known for its striking pinnacle. Along the coastline, Kilt Rock stands with a cascading waterfall. Further along, the Quiraing mountain pass offers surreal landscapes and breathtaking views of the island’s dramatic terrain. End with a visit to Dunvegan Castle which is the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod, continuously inhabited for over 800 years.

Our day starts with a visit to the ancient Eilean Donan Castle, perched on an island with its towers reflected in the calm water. We then drive through Glen Garry and admire Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Enjoy lunch in Fort William in one of the many local pubs or cafes. Afterward, we explore the rugged landscapes of Glencoe, the scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692. Our 5-day tour finishes as we head back to Edinburgh, arriving at approximately 7.00pm.

Additional info:

• The tour departs at 9.00am from Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ.
• The tour returns at approximately 7.00pm to the same location
• The tour includes transportation in a 16-seater Mercedes mini-coach and a professional and friendly driver/guide
• Accommodation is included. Stay in a bed & breakfast, experiencing the warmth, local charm, and authenticity offered by one of our partner B&Bs.  Breakfast included. You can see further details here
• All other meals are not included
• The restaurants in Portree can be busy. So, we advise you to reserve a table for your first evening on the Isle of Skye before your departure date. You’ll arrive at Portree no later than 7.30pm
• Luggage: You’re restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items
• Cancel up to 21 days in advance to receive a full refund. Admin fees may apply

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Isle of Skye Tour from Glasgow - 3 Days

3 Day Lake District Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

5 Day Regular Tours to Scottish Highlands, Western Isles and Orkney | Go Scotland Tours

Week long tours to Scottish Highlands, Western Isles, Skye, Outer Hebrides, Orkney and more. Regular departure Scotland Tours, limited departures.

Browse through our tours of Scotland below or customize your own tour.  Contact us for more details... 

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The Scottish Highlands Essential Experience Tour

• Tour ID: 1094
• Tour theme: Group Sightseeing Tours (Multi-days) ,
• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
• Starts from: Edinburgh, Glasgow

The Essential Scottish Experience, tour highlands of Scotland and the western islands, Skye, Loch Ness, Glencoe, Oban, Simply the Best Tour of the Highlands...

Orkney and Far North Tour Experience from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1543
• Starts from: Edinburgh

A tour to the amazing Orkney Islands from Edinburgh. First we travel through the Highlands, Loch Ness, Inverness, then a spectacular 3 days in Orkney, Kirkwall.

Small Group Tour

Orkney Explorer and Far North of Scotland Tour

• Tour ID: 1019

Orkney and northern Scotland tour, Highlights of the tour are prehistoric Orkney archipelago, Scotland northern coastline, Loch Ness and Cairngorm National Park

Outer Hebrides and Highlands Tour Experience from Edinburgh

• Tour ID: 1260

Tour to the largest islands in Scotland, the Outer hebrides, visit Lewis and Harris, stay in Stornoway, tour Callanish, Rogie Falls, Taransay and the Highlands.

Outer Hebrides and Scottish Highlands Tour

• Tour ID: 1571

Take a tour to the Outer Hebrides, once part of the Viking Kingdom. Visit Lewis and see the ancient standing stones at Callanish then go to mountainous Harris with its white sandy beaches.

Scotland 4 Island Magic Tour; Skye, Iona, Mull and Staffa

• Tour ID: 1000

Enjoy 4 fantastic West Coast Islands including the islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa and the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye...

Scottish Highland Explorer Tour

• Tour ID: 1016

5 days of Scotland of the breathtaking Highlands, highlights include; Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Cairngorm and the best views of Scotland...

Yorkshire Dales, Lake District Tour and Hadrians Wall

• Tour ID: 1021

5 Day tour to Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District in England. Other highlights include The Scottish Borders, Hadrians Wall, Lake Windermere, Robin Hood Bay...

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5 Day Tours of Scotland from Edinburgh

Our selection of 5 day coach and bus tours  of Scotland departing from Edinburgh. A really relaxing way to enjoy the highlights and beautiful scenery of Scotland. On these tours you'll have 4 nights accommodation in the Highlands. Some of the tours have the accommodation included in the price, for the other tours, the tour operator will book the accommodation for you which you then pay for when you arrive there. There's normally a choice of guesthouse or hotel accommodation. Simply click on the tour for full tour itinerary and departure details, prices, and to book.

5 Day (4 Night) Scottish Tours from Edinburgh

Skye & Far North 5 Day Tour dep Edinburgh

Five days of Scotland’s best, including the mountain scenery of Assynt. Experience the remote white sandy beaches of the Northern Highlands, walk through the ancient pine forests of the Cairngorm National Park and soak up the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye. Departs 3 days a week during the summer months. ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED

• Prices From: £419
• Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
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5 Day Iona, Mull & Skye Minicoach Tour from Edinburgh

5 days to enjoy Mull, Iona, Staffa and the Isle of Skye. Also includes Loch Lomond, Eilean Donan Castle, Glencoe and Loch Ness for the best of Scotland. Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturday during the summer months. Accommodation included.

• Prices From: £535
• Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

5 Day Road to the Isles Coach Tour

A fantastic 5 day tour - this comprehensive tour of the Scottish Highlands is the probably the best way to explore the stunning scenery and amazing history of Scotland.  In just 5 days you'll get real insight into the nature, history and scenic beauty of Scotland. Runs every Monday from April to October. From Edinburgh & Glasgow. Includes Jacobite Steam Train journey

• Prices From: £450
• Days: Monday

5 Day Orkney & North Scotland Tour from Edinburgh

Discover Scotland's North Coast and the wonders of the Orkneys on this 5 day/4night tour! Highlights are the Orkneys, the rugged extremes of Scotland’s northern coastline, Loch Ness and the Caledonian forests of the Cairngorms. Price includes B&B accommodation. Sunday, Wednesday & Friday departures.

• Prices From: £499
• Days: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

5 Day Outer Hebrides Coach Tour from Edinburgh

Get away from it all with this tour to the Outer Hebridean Islands of Lewis and Harris, home to pre-historic stone circles of Callanish and the famous white sandy beaches of Harris. This amazing tour runs alternate Thursdays through the summer. Price includes accommodation.

• Prices From: £575
• Days: Thursday

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Small Group Tour of Scotland: A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary 2024

This tour of Scotland is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies.

*Subject to change. Updated January 9, 2024.

October 21, Monday Day 1:

Welcome to Edinburgh and the start of your Small Group Tour of Scotland! I’ll pick you up at the airport and take you to our hotel. Your room will be ready when you get there if you wanna take a nap or freshen up. The rest of the day is all yours.

Meet in the hotel lobby to walk over to The Devil’s Advocate for our Welcome Dinner! Dinner and a drink are on me!

October 22, Tuesday Day 2:

After breakfast (which is included all week), we’ll be heading to the Royal Mile.

Starting at the top, we’ll spend our morning at Edinburgh Castle . Everyone will get an audio guide and I will set you all free to tour at your own speed. We’ll meet back up for Afternoon Tea (included) in the castle restaurant.

Heading down the hill to the bottom of the Royal Mile, next up is Holyrood House Palace. Everyone will have an audio guide again to take in the Palace at their own speed.

The rest of the day is free for your own plans. Personalized suggestions can be made for what to do with your time.

October 23, Wednesday Day 3:

An optional early morning hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat for sunrise is available for anyone interested. We’ll meet up in the lobby later to head out for sightseeing and an Instagram-worthy photo tour of Edinburgh.

Lunch is at your own expense but I can make several suggestions. The evening will be at your leisure.

Add on Excursion: Consider adding on an exceptional evening at The Scotch Whisky Experience. We’ll be heading over to the Scotch Whisky Experience for a whisky pairing dinner after taking their tour of how whisky is made. This will be a very fun night!

October 24, Thursday Day 4:

We’ll be heading out early for a full day on a private tour with Rabbie’s (my favorite tour company…ever).

From their website:

“You leave the cobbled streets of Edinburgh and travel past Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle.

This region is soaked in history, so sit back and relax as your driver-guide entertains you with the tales of Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, and Scottish folklore.

If you keep a lookout, you can catch a glimpse of the Kelpies. These 30-metre tall horse head sculptures need to be seen to be believed.

Your driver-guide takes you to their favourite stop within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park where you can grab coffee and enjoy the views.

After this stop, it’s time to get your camera ready. Because as you travel north into the Highlands, the landscapes suddenly become more provocative.

Shimmering lochs, rugged mountains, forest filled glens: it’s all so beautiful that it’s easy to forget these were once battlegrounds for fiercely territorial Highland clans.

You stop in Glencoe, one of the most famous natural landmarks in all of Scotland. This beautiful area boasts steep slopes and photogenic peaks. Your driver-guide may reveal to you the tragic tale that’s haunted this valley for over 300 years.

You then enter the glacial valley known as the Great Glen and pass under the shadow of Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest mountain.

After this visual feast of mighty inclines, you arrive in Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. At 23 miles long and over 700ft deep, Loch Ness is the largest loch by volume in Scotland.

You have around one hour and a half here. You can search for the infamous monster on a relaxing boat cruise,* wander around the shores of the loch at your own pace, and grab a bite to eat.

Meals will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

October 25, Friday Day 5:

Another fabulous day out on a private tour with Rabbie’s…this time we will focus on Outlander filming locations. Rest assured though, if you aren’t an Outlander fan…you’re still going to LOVE this tour. I’ve never seen an episode of the show but I’ve been on this tour three times and its incredible!!

“You leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series. First, we travel to the place that needs no introduction: Midhope Castle, known as Jamie’s lovely home Lallybroch.

We then journey through the charming countryside to Blackness Castle. It’s an impressive fortress that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat. You have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall.

The next stop is Linlithgow Palace, otherwise known as Wentworth Prison.

Unfortunately, the palace is undergoing some refurbishment and you can’t explore the interior. But you’re still able to admire the structure and enjoy the surrounding settings.

Heading north, we journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building represents home to Colum Mackenzie and his clan in the 18th-century episodes.

Travel back in time once more as your driver guide takes you to Culross. This virtually unchanged 16th-century village overlooks the sea and poses as the fictional town of Cranesmuir.

From there, we head back to Edinburgh, where we arrive in the late afternoon.”

Lunch will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

After our day trip, we’ll go to the Old Chain Pier Restaurant for our Farewell Dinner, where we can exchange stories and pictures from our epic stay in Edinburgh! Dinner and a drink are included with my gratitude to you for letting me show you one of my favorite cities in the world.

October 26, Saturday Day 6:

This morning, we’ll be packing up and heading out of Edinburgh. We’ll be making our way to Waverley Station to start our journey north. We’ll then settle in on the train for a four hour long journey watching the gorgeous countryside go by as we head into the Highlands.

Upon arrival, we’ll drop our luggage off at the hotel and I’ll take you on a walking tour of Inverness before giving you the rest of the evening with plenty of recommendations for dinner and things to do.

October 27, Sunday Day 7:

Today, we’ll be going over the sea to Skye (sorry I couldn’t help myself with another epic tour with Rabbies.)

“After an early start, you leave the city and travel along the Great Glen Fault Line toward Loch Ness. You’ll continue through dramatic Highland scenery to the west coast and Eilean Donan Castle.

The moment you’ve been waiting for, because it’s over the sea and onto the Isle of Skye. You travel up the island’s east coast through the stunning Red Cuillin Mountains to Sligachan, where you stop for a photo of the clear mountain waters.

You’ll explore some of the most famous scenery of the island at the Trotternish

Peninsula. The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing are all unforgettably beautiful.

You venture to Kyleakin for a chance to view the dramatic ruin of Castle Moil or the Skye Bridge and Eilean Ban. Traveling over the bridge, you journey back to Inverness. The route you take back is different from the morning, so you get even more opportunities to enjoy the Highland scenery.

This will be a long but PHENOMENAL day. Meals will be at your own expense at various stops throughout the day.

October 28, Monday Day 8:

Sadly, we will all go our separate ways today (unless you’re coming with me to Ireland ! ) but I can point you in the right direction if you’re going to the airport or back to the train station to go back to Edinburgh and beyond.

Slàinte Mhath (cheers) and safe travels as you head home! Until we meet again!

Included in your small group tour of Scotland

• Airport transfers
• Seven nights in a Premier Inn
• 7 hot breakfasts at the hotel
• 1 entree, a side, and one alcoholic beverage or dessert
• Sharing platters for the table at both restaurants
• 1 afternoon tea
• Edinburgh Castle
• Holyroodhouse Palace
• Any entry tickets needed on day trips
• Loch Ness and Glencoe
• Outlander Filming Locations
• Isle of Skye
• Walking photo tour of Edinburgh
• Walking tour of Inverness
• Hike up to the top of Arthur’s Seat for Sunrise
• Cab back to the hotel after Farewell dinner
• One guide who is a text away if you need her (that’s me!)
• Brighter Things Amenity Kit mailed to you before the trip to make your flight more comfortable
• For example: flying internationally if this is your first time.
• A swag bag waiting for you in your hotel room full of fun stuff.

NOT Included in your small group tour of Scotland:

• Public transportation or cabs used during free time Meals not included:
• Any meal not listed above
• Meals and snacks during day trips
• Meals and snacks purchased at M&S for the train ride
• Entry tickets to places suggested for free time
• Train ticket back to Edinburgh if you choose round trip flights instead of multi-city.

*Subject to change. Updated January 9, 2024

This tour is an activity level 4. Click here for terms, conditions, and cancelation policies.

The Open Championship

Royal Troon

Troon, South Ayrshire • SCO

Jul 18 - 21, 2024

Billy Horschel drains nice birdie putt to finish tied for second at The Open

Justin rose finishes strong with long putt for birdie at the open.

Xander Schauffele claims second major victory of the year at The Open

Justin Rose's massive 309-yard driver off the deck leads to birdie at The Open

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Xander Schauffele cards back-to-back birdies on No. 14 at The Open

Xander Schauffele hits exceptional approach to set up birdie at The Open

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Inveraray Castle

5 Day Tour of Scotland

Sensational 5 Day Scotland Tour – a journey of discovery, of our history, scenery and culture.

Join us in our wonderful whistle stop 5 day Scotland tour experiencing Scottish culture, absorbing yourself in the spectacular scenery and exploring fascinating historical sites. This is the ultimate five day tour to see as much of Scotland as you can, in a relatively short space of time. Take the stress out of having to navigate maps and negotiate the often-winding single-track roads. Sit back, relax and allow us to show you what Scotland has to offer our visitors, and enjoy a wee dram or two, with some traditional Scottish music along the way. This five day tour has something for everyone, as we travel from town to town, with some breathtaking views on your magical Scottish adventure.

Your Magical 5 Day Scotland Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Amazing Argyll & The Isle of Bute

Enchanting Puck’s Glen Mystical Forest Hike and Magnificent Mount Stuart House Visit

Your magical Five Days in Scotland touring adventure can depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh or any other designated town in central Scotland. We commence our five day journey by following the stunning Clyde Estuary, to the small seaside town Gourock, in the west coast of Scotland. We board the ‘wee ferry’ from McInroys Point (near Gourock), and sail the short journey across the Firth of Clyde, to Hunters Quay (near Dunoon). The three-mile voyage takes approximately 20 minutes. You will be in awe of the stunning Scottish scenery, as we approach the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll. Disembarking the ferry, we take a 6-mile drive north, alongside the Holy Loch en route, to our first adventure of the day at Puck’s Glen.

Pull on your hiking boots, as we prepare to hike through the enchanting fairy like Scottish Glen. Your group will be guided through one of the most stunning Glens in Scotland, on a mysterious woodland adventure. This enchanting trail crosses wooden bridges over cascading waterfalls and fairylike pools. A reasonable level of fitness is required for this (mile and a half) challenging walk, which has some steep inclines and uneven ground. You may even be fortunate enough to spot some amazing wildlife, such as red squirrels, deer, woodpeckers and pine martens.

Once we have completed this spectacular trek, you can sit back, relax and take a ‘wee breather’, as we journey south westerly through the craggy peaks and hidden glens of the Argyll forests to Colintraive. Boarding another short ferry crossing, (which takes 5 minutes) we sail from Colintraive to Rhubodach on the Isle of Bute. We then journey south through the Victorian Seaside town of Rothesay en route to the magnificent Mount Stuart House.

This neo gothic structure is a masterpiece of Georgian and Victorian architecture, set within 300 acres of a labyrinth of beautiful gardens and wondrous woodland. Join a public or private guided tour and explore this marvellous house, commissioned by the 3rdMarquess of Bute, built in the late 19thcentury. The interior design was inspired by history, astrology, art and dazzling mythology.

Once you get your breath back from this mesmerising visit, we travel back to Rothesay, where we will take our final sailing of the day to Wemyss Bay. Your day will conclude heading south to Largs or Seamill, where you will spend the first night of your wonderful 5 day tour of Scotland.

Overnight stay in Largs or Seamill.

Day 2: Largs to Oban

National Trossachs Park, Luss, Loch Lomond, Arrochar Alps, Inveraray, Kilmartin Glen and Oban

Departing from the historical seaside town of Largs, (famous for the Battle of Largs 1263 when the last pitched battle between the Vikings and Scots took place), we travel north to the tantalising Trossachs National Park.

Your first stop on day two of your five day tour of Scotland, takes you to the exquisite conservation village of Luss, beside the ‘Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond’. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this picturesque village, offering stunning views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond, the most southerly mountain in Scotland.

We continue touring north through the amazing Arrochar Alps, where we can stop for photo opportunities at the breath taking, ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ beauty spot, between Glen Croe and Glen Kinglass.

Our next destination is the charming Highland town Inveraray. This popular tourist town, lies on the western shores of the glistening sea Loch Fyne, famous for its delicious Oysters and delicious seafood.

You may wish to opt to visit the neo gothic Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, (Chieftan of the powerful Clan Campbell). Alternatively, you can enjoy exploring Inveraray Jail, a living nineteenth century prison which has some gruesome exhibits on display. Interestingly, many convicts were held here in the eighteenth and nineteenth century, before being shipped off overseas to Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania, many dying en route before they reached their destination.

Why not indulge in some local Scottish cuisine in a traditional inn, or meander through the whitewashed Georgian streets, and browse some of the local shops.

Departing from Inveraray, we continue our fantastic 5 day Scotland tour, travelling south westerly on the magnificent scenic coastal route to the village of Lochgilphead.

Veering north from Lochgilphead, we approach the fascinating Prehistoric burial Cairns, standing stones, stone circles and rock art of Kilmartin Glen. We will enjoy a climb up the rocky crag at Dunadd, which was once the major political centre of the Kingdom of Dalriatta.

Overnight stay in Oban.

Day 3: Oban to Inverness

Oban, Kilchurn Castle, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, The Great Glen, Fort Augustus, Invermoriston Falls, Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness

Relax, and take some time out to explore Oban, (little bay in Gaelic), a bustling historical town, and gateway to the isles. You can browse the boutique shops, climb up to the famous tower, or even enjoy a visit to the 1790 Oban Whisky Distillery.

Having enjoyed spending some time in the morning exploring Oban, we set off travelling North to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.

En route to our next destination, we journey west to stop for some photographic opportunities overlooking the ruins of Kilchurn Castle at the head of Loch Awe. This fifteenth century built stronghold, was home to the Campbell’s of Glenorchy.

Travelling north, we drive through one of Scotland’s great, uninhabited wildernesses, Rannoch Moor. This vast moorland occupies nearly 150 square miles of unspoilt rugged terrain. Enjoy the tranquillity and look out for red or roe deer as we approach the dramatic three sisters mountains, in Glencoe.

We arrive at the often described, ‘eerie’ Glencoe. This dramatic and overwhelming mountainous site, is steeped in clan history and the heart wrenching woes of the massacre of the McDonald clan, by the Campbell’s.  You will stop in the ‘weeping glen’ to savour the atmospheric conditions and listen to stories about the ‘Massacre of Glencoe’

After lunch at the Clachaig Inn, situated in the very heart of Glencoe, your 5 day trip of Scotland ventures through Scotland’s Great Glen. This geological fault line bisects the Scottish Highlands into the Grampian Mountains, to the South East. Gaze in awe at the scintillating scenery as we tour through 62 miles (100 km) of the Great Glen, from Fort William to Inverness on the edge of the Moray Firth.

Time allowing, you have the option to visit the picturesque Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus, Invermoriston Falls or Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness before settling at your accommodation in Inverness.

Overnight stay in Inverness or Nairn.

Day 4: Inverness to Pitlochry

Clava Cairns, Culloden and Cawdor Castle

On day four of your five day Scotland tour itinerary, we visit the incredible prehistoric burial chambers and standing stones, Clava Cairns. These fascinating chambers and standing stones date back more than four and a half thousand years.

Only a five-minute drive from Clava Cairns, we travel to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last Jacobite Rebellion, which came to a tragic end on April the 16th, 1746. You will have time to walk on to the sacred battlefield and visit the cairns and gravestones of fallen clans. It is considered a very atmospheric site, and gives the visitor an insight on the location and conditions the clans endured that fateful day. You can discover stories from the Jacobite and Government perspectives in the Culloden visitor centre.

Leaving the eerie Culloden Moor we take the short 10-mile drive, to the stunning five star visitor attraction, 14th century Cawdor Castle, just outside Nairn.

The castle is the ancestral home to the Campbell’s of Cawdor and also holds intriguing connections to Shakespeare and one of his most famous literary works, Macbeth. Today the castle is still home to the Cawdor family.

You may wish to stroll around the three gardens, which have been beautifully maintained and worth visiting. Additionally you could explore the ancient medieval tower, built around the legendary holly tree, held within the castle.

From Cawdor, we travel through the highest public road in Britain, journeying through the outstanding landscapes of the eastern Cairngorms en route to the Victorian ‘spa’ town of Pitlochry, in Perthshire.

Overnight stay in Pitlochry.

Day 5: Pitlochry to Stirling Castle

Edradour Whisky Distillery, Loch Tay, Dochart Falls, Rob Roy Macgregor’s Grave, Loch Lubnaig, Hairy Coo’s at Kilmahog and Stirling Castle

On the morning of your final day of your 5 day Scotland tour itinerary, you can choose to stroll through the picturesque spa town of Pitlochry, or visit the smallest farmhouse whisky distillery in Scotland, Edradour, for a guided whisky tour, where you may sample some of their golden nectar.

We then travel, skirting along the side of the scenic Loch Tay, to the Falls of Dochart at Killin.

From Killin, we will take the short drive to Rob Roy Macgregor’s final resting place in Balquhidder. We will enjoy a few stories about this legendary Highland Rogue set in the most beautiful serene surroundings, before heading east to Stirling Castle.

En route to this iconic castle, we will stop off at Loch Lubnaig and Kilmahog to (hopefully) spot some hairy heilan’ coos, and have a wee tune or two on the bagpipes.

When we arrive at the courtyard, you will be enthralled by the views, the cobbled paths and the talks given by the very experienced and knowledgeable guides on site, You will experience a fascinating tour of one of Scotland’s largest and most important historic castles in Medieval times. Stirling Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland, and once you have visited, you will see why it is held in such high esteem.

Having completed your fact filled 5 day Scotland tour, you will be driven back to your chosen accommodation in central Scotland.

Book Your Memorable Unique 5 Day Tour of Scotland Experience Today

We are confident you will have wonderful memories and photographs of our magical country Scotland, to return home with. Your 5 Day Tour will provide an excellent snapshot of Scotland, but leaving you wishing you had more time to explore and discover our remarkable country. To avoid disappointment, we would recommend you contact us today as the diary is filling up fast for 2020 with the unique Kilted Piper Tours experience.

Prezzo su richiesta

Giorni di partenza.

• W Mercoledì

Gennaio — Dicembre

• +44 (01475) 272060
• Vedere i dettagli del tour
• [email protected]

Tour information

• Driver guide

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Informazioni sulla compagnia

Kilted piper tours.

Kilted Piper Tours offer unique private tours of Scotland, enabling visitors to our country to experience the culture and beauty that our scenic Scotland has to offer. We provide day/multi day trips, shore excursions, bespoke and pre-selected tours from Glasgow, Edinburgh & Ayrshire. We are a unique tour group in that we provide a bagpiper to accompany you on your excursion, who can play a selection of well known Scottish tunes at the locations gratis as part of the service. Your tour is designed to suit your needs and to ensure your visit is more than just a trip, its an experience.

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Il contenuto di questa inserzione è fornito dal relativo operatore terzo e non da VisitScotland. VisitScotland non si assume alcuna responsabilità per (1) eventuali errori o dichiarazioni errate contenute in questa inserzione e (2) per il contenuto di qualsiasi link esterno all'interno dell'inserzione ((1) e (2) insieme di seguito denominati 'Contenuto'). VisitScotland esclude ogni responsabilità per perdite o danni causati da qualsiasi affidamento fatto sul Contenuto. Il Contenuto è fornito solo a titolo informativo e non è approvato da VisitScotland.

Money blog: Price of popular Cadbury chocolate bar rises - creator says it's a 'last resort'

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Share your thoughts on any of the stories we cover in the box below.

Friday 26 July 2024 20:24, UK

• Price of popular chocolate bar rises as creator faces 'significantly higher' costs
• Most complained about broadband provider revealed
• What's going on in the mortgage market this week
• Why eggs are 'nature's multivitamin' - and a surprising alternative
• Can you get paid to appear in stock images?
• 'Major boost' for borrowers as two banks cut mortgage rates

Essential reads

• Savings Guide: How you could protect your savings from interest rate cuts
• Ian King: Retirement crisis fears as number saving enough collapses
• Basically... What is equity? How it works, and how it can be used
• Best cheap eats in South Wales - according to a Michelin chef
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Ask a question or make a comment

A Treasury audit is expected to reveal a £20bn black hole in public spending , Sky News understands.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is due to give a speech on Monday which will reveal the state of the public finances and potentially prepare the ground for tax rises in the autumn.

A Labour source told Sky News that the British public are "finally going to see the true scale of the damage the Conservatives have done to the public finances".

"They spent taxpayers' money like no tomorrow because they knew someone else would have to pick up the bill," the source said.

The founder of TalkTalk has pledged a £400m package to the company's lenders in a bid to win their support for a wide-ranging refinancing.

Sky News has learnt the broadband provider proposed this week that a number of assets would be pledged as part of a deal with the company's bondholders and bank lenders.

Sources said TalkTalk - founded and chaired by one of Britain's most successful entrepreneurs, Sir Charles Dunstone - was also proposing to bring the broadband customer base it acquired from Shell Energy within the perimeter of the bondholders' security package.

Here our business presenter Ian King takes a look at NatWest's current situation after it posted another set of results that were better than expected - and raised its profit forecasts for the year.

It also announced an eye-catching acquisition - agreeing to pay up to £2.4bn in cash for a £2.5bn portfolio of 10,000 household mortgages from Metro Bank.

News of the acquisition comes barely a month after NatWest agreed to buy most of Sainsbury's Bank, bringing it an estimated one million new accounts and a book of unsecured loans to the sum of £2.5bn.

At least 140,000 pensioners are set to receive tax demands over the next six weeks for the first time since they retired.

The demands are being issued to those whose state and private pension income has gone above the £12,570 income tax threshold, which is frozen until 2027/28.

The combination of frozen tax thresholds and increases to the state pension means more pensioners are being dragged into the tax net.

In total, 560,000 customers who have not paid enough tax will receive a letter from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the next six weeks. 

Notices will be delivered to those who have taxable income but are either not in self assessment, or HMRC cannot automatically deduct the tax they owe. 

Instead, their tax is paid through a "simple assessment", which means they do not have to fill out a tax return.

Where HMRC already holds all the information on someone's taxable income and collects that tax through the PAYE system, it can work out their tax liability without them needing to fill out a full tax return.

Where insufficient tax has been collected - for example, from pensioners who only receive a state pension - it writes at the end of the tax year with a tax demand. 

People usually have until January 2025 to pay the bill, and have the option to pay in instalments. 

Steve Webb, partner at pension consultants LCP, said the size of the bill should be relatively small, but warned it could grow year-on-year if the current policy of freezing tax thresholds continues.   

"The recipients of these letters are not well off, and some will have a living standard below the pensions industry's assessment of the minimum income needed for a basic quality of life," he said.

"The new government needs to take an urgent look at whether taxing so many people on such modest levels of income in retirement is really the right way to proceed." 

By Lara Keay , news reporter

Arson attacks on multiple French train lines have thrown people's trips to the Paris Olympics into doubt.

France's rail operator SNCF confirmed that "several simultaneous malicious acts" overnight mean that trains to Paris from Bordeaux, Lille, and Strasbourg will likely be severely disrupted for the whole weekend.

Eurostar is also having to divert its services, urging people not to travel - and warning many journeys have been cancelled - or will take an extra hour-and-a-half.

It may mean those booked to attend the Olympic opening ceremony in Paris on Friday or events over the weekend are unable to travel.

Here we look at what your rights are.

Can I get a refund for my Olympics tickets?

Paris 2024 has not issued any guidance on this specific event.

Some ticket holders may have taken out cancellation insurance with Olympics partner Allianz.

Otherwise the website states: "In accordance with ticketing terms and conditions of sale, tickets for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are neither exchangeable nor refundable. All orders are therefore firm and final."

If events are cancelled, ticket holders automatically get a refund, and if they are postponed, spectators are invited to attend the alternative date.

But if this weekend's disruption constitutes a "force majeure", which the Games defines as an "event beyond the control of the affected party that could not have reasonably been foreseen… liability of Paris 2024 may not be invoked", according to the official website.

Travel editor at Which? Rory Boland says: "If you have tickets to watch the Games and end up missing an event due to the transport issues, it may be possible to claim against your insurance - either against ticket protection insurance if you took this out at the point of purchase, or your travel insurance, depending on the specifics of your policy."

Is the Eurostar running?

Yes, but one in four trains on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are cancelled - with the rest suffering delays of at least an hour-and-a-half.

Eurostar has also urged customers to "postpone their trip if possible", stressing that "customers can cancel free of charge or be refunded".

Those impacted have the following options:

• Change booking to a different date and time free of charge
• Cancel booking for an e-voucher redeemable on any train within the next 12 months
• Get a full refund for free

Hotels and AirBnBs

All accommodation providers have their own cancellation policies - so the first thing to do is check their terms and conditions.

AirBnB is an official sponsor of Paris 2024 - but has not issued a statement specifically on the disruption yet.

Individual hosts will have chosen their preferred cancellation policy:

• Flexible - you can cancel up to 24 hours before the booking and get a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before you only have to pay for the first night
• Moderate - you can cancel up to five days in advance for a full refund
• Firm - you have to cancel 30 days before check-in

AirBnB's "major disruptive events policy" says it does not cover "events that impact a guest or their ability to travel, but not the reservation location" or "transportation disruptions unrelated to a covered event, such as airline insolvency, transportation strikes, and road closures to do maintenance".

If you booked your accommodation as part of a package, you are covered for cancellations by the tour operator.

You may also be protected through your travel insurance - or credit card provider if you booked with one.

Drivers are being taken for an "expensive ride" when filling up at the pump and the government needs to take action - that's the message from the AA today. 

It comes after the industry watchdog found consumers were still being ripped off by fuel prices, with competition between retailers "failing" to reduce costs. 

In an update on its monitoring of the fuel market, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the cost to all motorists was more than £1.6bn in 2023 alone.

While supermarket chains used to use petrol and diesel as a means of attracting shoppers, that changed after the COVID pandemic when retailers invested in the cost of household essentials instead as the cost of living crisis gathered pace.

Independent fuel retailers have long denied suggestions that prices are too high, insisting critics are taking no account of their own additional costs for things such as wages and electricity.

AA's president Edmund King said his organisation had flagged the growing lack of competition among supermarkets years ago, and called on the government to set up a mandatory "pump watch" scheme so drivers can see the outlets ripping them off. 

"Drivers have been taken for a very expensive ride, which is even more worrying during a cost of living crisis," he said. 

"As a nation we are dependent on road transport, so uncompetitive fuel prices fuel inflation and lead to those on lower incomes cutting back on other household expenditure." 

The AA says average pump prices currently stand at 145.1p a litre for petrol and 150.3p a litre for diesel. 

Summer is here and while you enjoy the sun why not also take advantage of the deals, discounts and freebies that are currently on offer.

Here, we take a look at some of the offers out there:

You can get a free bowl of cereal every day of the week if you visit a Morrisons cafe.

No minimum spend is required but the offer is limited to one bowl of cereal per customer, per day. 

All you need to do to claim the deal is ask for a "Kellogg's breakfast" at the till.

The offer ends on 4 August.

Children can eat for free at a Tesco cafe when an adult makes a purchase and scans their Clubcard.

The offer is available until 30 August in England and Wales and until 16 August in Scotland.

There is no fixed minimum spend required.

Across 50 of its stores, it is also offering customers free vegetables when they purchase a product from children's food brand Ella's Kitchen until 25 August. 

If you buy an Ella's Kitchen product online before 3 September, you can add a selected vegetable t your basket for just a penny.

Bella Italia 

If you sign up to Bella Italia's newsletter and buy a main meal, you can get a free main meal on your next visit.

There is no end date for the offer at the moment.

You can sign up to the newsletter here .

The Swedish store is offering 50% off selected restaurant meals every Friday for those who are members of its family loyalty scheme.

The offer is available each week until 30 August.

You can sign up for the scheme here .

If you sign up to the Leon Club on the restaurant chain's app, you can redeem a 30% discount code, which you can use on your next app order for most Leon restaurants.

The code, which is limited to one customer, is valid for 30 days and you just need to enter it at the checkout.

The offer cannot be used with any meal deals or at tills.

McDonald's 

Every Monday morning, McDonald's offers discounts on its app, which can be redeemed up until 11.59pm the same day. 

The deals are only available when you order through the app to pick up in-store.

Some of the recent discounts have included six chicken nuggets priced at  £1.39 and a single McMuffin for £1.19.

The price of a bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk bar is up by as much as 12% since last month, according to a pricing tracker. 

A 110g bar now costs 12.1% more in Sainsbury's - going from £1.65 to £1.85. 

Increases were also seen in Asda (10% from £1.50 to £1.65) and Waitrose (5.7% from £1.75 to £1.85), the Grocer's tracker found. 

In Morrisons and Tesco, the price remained the same at £1.65 and £1.49 respectively.

Mondelez International, which owns Cadbury, told the Money team it was "continuing to experience significantly higher input costs" across its supply chain. 

It named cocoa and sugar as two ingredients that are "costing far more than they have done previously". 

Costs associated with energy, packaging and transport have also remained high, it said. 

"This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges," a spokesperson said. 

"We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face and raising prices is a last resort for our business." 

The hikes come following a smaller-than-usual cocoa crop in West Africa. 

Over the last year, cocoa prices have more than doubled due to disastrous harvests in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, which traditionally produce 60% of the word's supply.

Earlier this month, Mars confirmed it had shrunk tubs of Celebrations, with a 660g box cut to 550g, to deal with rising costs. 

The Money team has contacted Sainsbury's, Asda and Waitrose for comment.

Now has been named the most complained about broadband and landline provider. 

The service received 22 complaints per 100,000 subscribers between January and March - well above the industry average of 11.

The industry regulator, Ofcom, also found Now had 12 complaints per 100,000 customers for its landline service. 

This was followed by EE and Virgin Media - both on 11 per 100,000. 

A Now spokesperson said: "We're absolutely committed to ensuring our customers have the best broadband experience - although this represents a small proportion of our customers, we're still disappointed by this number. 

"We're making improvements to ensure that our customers are fully supported throughout their journey with us." 

As with broadband, Now's and Virgin's complaints were mainly driven by how they handled complaints, while EE's complaints were mainly about faults, service and getting services connected.

Utility Warehouse generated the fewest complaints for landline services, while Sky and Shell Energy had the fewest complaints among broadband providers.

Ofcom said overall complaints fell compared to the previous quarter.

While it's positive that the overall number of broadband complaints has fallen, Ofcom's figures show there is still plenty of room for improvement in the sector.

"It's notable that a major issue for customers is how providers deal with their complaints. This drives many of the complaints we receive, so is clearly an area where providers must raise their game," Ofcom's policy director Fergal Farragher said. 

A Virgin Media O2 spokesperson said: "We know we don't always get it right when it comes to customer service and we have a comprehensive strategy in place to improve." 

They said there were now more agents, including in specialist teams that handle the most complex issues, and more money was being invested in customer-facing areas of the business. 

By  James Sillars , business reporter 

It's been a topsy-turvy week for global stock markets.

Tech shares have suffered, particularly in the US, amid frustrations that AI spending is not yet being reflected in profits.

Earnings have generally disappointed. Until today.

The FTSE 100 has opened 0.5% higher at 8,224.

NatWest stock is leading the way - up by more than 7%.

The taxpayer-backed lender not only confirmed a £2.5bn deal to buy a big mortgage portfolio from struggling Metro Bank.

Its latest financial results were also a cause for some cheer, analysts said, because profits came in better than expected in the second quarter despite strong competition in the mortgage market.

Also powering ahead was Drax - the electricity generator.

Its shares were more than 15% higher on the back of higher first-half profits.

The company credited strong renewable power output and said it expected annual earnings to be at the top end of market expectations.

By Emily Mee , Money team

Even if you aren't familiar with the name, you've definitely seen them.

Stock images are used by media organisations to illustrate their stories - we use them all the time in this blog. Like this woman, who may have just smashed a job interview, or secured a new broadband deal, or clocked off after her employer introduced a four-day week...

Marketing agencies, estate agencies and other industries use them too.

We recently spoke to people who've  hired out their houses for filming  - so can you hire out yourself in a similar way?

Suzi Payton has appeared in stock images, as well as an ad campaign for Public Health England, and in all they've netted her about £2,150. 

The first shoot, for Getty Images and Flashpop, involved heading to a gym in London with "a group of about 20 women all on the larger side". 

All the women were told to turn up in workout clothes, and were led by an instructor to take part in aerobics, basketball and yoga. 

"It was a day long shoot - it was very tiring, I must say," says Suzi. 

"They gave us sandwiches from Pret and a coffee - there weren't really any facilities for teas and coffees." 

The ADHD and neurodiversity coach says she spotted the opportunity through a casting site called StarNow, which was looking for "real people". 

It's often as simple as sending through a current picture of yourself, she says. 

The site also helped her get a part in a couple of Public Health England ad campaigns - which paid much more than the stock image shoot. 

Suzi says she was paid about £150 for the stock shoot, and about £2,000 for the ad campaigns.

As for whether she's seen her pictures around, she says she spotted one in an Asda magazine but hasn't seem them elsewhere. 

So are there lots of opportunities out there? 

Stock photographer Viktor Wallon-Hars, who runs the website  WahaviBlog , says photographers commonly make dozens to hundreds of dollars a month through selling stock images.

The industry is "not what it was 20 years ago", he says, so it's not financially viable for most stock photographers to pay models. 

Instead, he says many photographers will use family members to model - or they will take photos of public spaces, which do not require subjects to sign model releases (more on this in a minute) or be paid. 

On the occasions when people are asked to model for stock images, Mr Wallon-Hars says you should consider that your face may appear "in newspapers, calendars, websites or on a book cover".

What else should you know before appearing in a stock image?

If you've agreed to appear in a stock image, you'll be asked to sign a model release.

This is a legal document the person in the photograph is required to sign to give the photographer permission to use or sell the image. 

You won't get any money if the photograph is sold on - the photographer is the copyright owner so they will be entitled to money from the image sale. 

When you're asked to sign a model release, you should read through it carefully as they can vary. 

Some will cover sensitive issues - such as references to mental or physical health, drug use or sexual matters - while others won't. 

If you've agreed for your image to be used for sensitive issues, there isn't much you can do when it is used in this way. 

However, there is something called "defamatory use" which you are able to seek legal advice over. 

Defamatory use covers when an image is used: 

• Alongside a statement that is false, offensive, harmful or that has been made without adequate research
• Alongside information that creates a false impression of a person in the image
• In a way that damages the reputation of the people in the image. 

It can be hard to balance the demands of eating well without spending a lot. In this series, we examine everyday supermarket products to help you make informed decisions.

Sunna Van Kampen, founder of Tonic Health, who went viral on social media for reviewing food in the search of healthier choices, and dietician Nichola Ludlam Raine from  nicsnutrition.com  offer their expertise - and in this final part of the series, they're looking at eggs.

"The humble egg is one of the most nutritious, affordable and versatile foods you can find in the supermarket," Sunna says.

Here's why...

'Nature's multivitamin'

Eggs are essentially "nature's multivitamin", Sunna says.

"Each egg contains about 6g of high-quality protein, which is vital for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health."

Eat three in a day and you're adding 18g of protein. It's also what's called  "a complete protein" - one with all nine essential amino acids (histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine).

They contain 19 nutrients:

• Vitamin A: 270 IU
• Vitamin D: 41 IU
• Vitamin E: 0.5mg
• Vitamin K: 0.1mcg
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.25mg
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid):0.7 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.1mg
• Vitamin B9 (Folate): 24mcg
• Vitamin B12: 0.6mcg
• Calcium: 28mg
• Iron: 0.8mg
• Magnesium: 6mg
• Phosphorus: 99mg
• Potassium: 69mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Zinc: 0.6mg
• Selenium: 15.4mcg
• Copper: 0.025mg
• Manganese: 0.02mg

"These nutrients support everything from vision and bone health to brain function and metabolism and are great to add into your diet every day," Sunna says. 

Antioxidants and more

"The yolk also contains powerful antioxidants like Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which are crucial for eye health but one of the most important is Choline - which a single egg will provide c 147 mg," he says.

"Four eggs a day and you'll be able to reach 100% of your required choline intake - which is essential for the brain, nervous system, liver and cell function."

Can you eat them every day? 

"For years, eggs got a bad rap due to their cholesterol content," Sunna says.

"But thanks to advancements in nutritional science, we now know that the cholesterol in eggs doesn't significantly impact blood cholesterol levels for  most people . 

"In fact,  studies  have shown that eating eggs can improve your HDL (good) cholesterol while maintaining the healthy HDL to LDL cholesterol ratio. 

"So, if you've been avoiding eggs for this reason, it's time to bring them back to your breakfast table."

Nichola says...

"There is no recommended limit on the number of eggs you should consume weekly.

"However, incorporating variety is key to a balanced diet (in clinic I often suggest patients have up to 2 eggs daily for this reason). Enjoy eggs in different forms - whether poached, boiled, or as an omelette - to keep your meals diverse and interesting."

Eggs vs other superfoods/alternatives 

Let's compare eggs to other popular superfoods and "health food" options.

An egg on average costs between 26-31p (for free-range). 

Each medium egg roughly weighs 55g - which means we're looking at £4.77/kg (although some of that weight is the inedible shell).

• Blueberries  - typically £12/kg
• Green powders - around £30/kg
• Protein bars:  up to £45/kg

"With the added nutrient profile you get from protein and amino acids to vitamins and Choline, they are in my opinion one of the best superfoods in the supermarket," Sunna says.

"It's also worth noting that the quality of the chicken's life and the food they eat impacts the nutritional content of eggs, so the investment in free range or organic does actually lead to a more nutritious egg.

"They are accessible to everyone and can be easily incorporated into any meal of the day."

Nichola's view - and a vegan alternative...

Nichola agrees: "Eggs are indeed a powerhouse of nutrition, providing an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function. 

"Rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium, eggs also contain beneficial antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health.

"Nevertheless, it's important to recognise that some individuals, including many children, are allergic to eggs, and others may avoid them due to vegan dietary choices. 

"For these cases, tofu serves as an excellent protein-packed alternative in savoury dishes. 

"Additionally, chia seed eggs can be used in baking as a vegan substitute."

To make a chia seed egg, mix one tablespoon of chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 15 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency - this mixture can replace one egg in various recipes.

That was the last part of this series - in which we covered everything from bread and biscuits to sweets and cereals.

Catch up on any you've missed below... 

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