2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Fast-Paced Scotland Highlights

This classic self-drive itinerary packs in a little of everything, which is perfect for first-time travelers to Scotland eager to admire its fascinating castles, tranquil countryside, and charming cities. With just one or two nights in nine different destinations, you'll make your way from Edinburgh, north to Aberdeen, west to the Isle of Skye, and back down to Glasgow. Highlights along the way include an overnight in Stirling, whisky tasting at Glenfarclas, and a hike in Glen Nevis.

Welcome to Scotland, where your adventure begins with a leisurely evening checking out historical sites in Edinburgh. Then, pick up your rental car and drive north to Aberdeen, stopping in Stirling to admire its iconic castle and Royal Palace. After a day devoted to exploring the best of Aberdeenshire's 263 castles and a brief visit to the cherished Balmoral Castle, you'll find yourself in Aberlour. Spend an afternoon at the Glenfarclas Distillery, overnight in Aviemore, and take in the harrowing Jacobite Rising before arriving in Inverness on Day 7.

Settle in for a two-night stay in Inverness, which allows time to hike in Glen Affric, explore Cawdor Castle, and embark on a Loch Ness cruise before journeying to the Isle of Skye. Here, you'll uncover the secrets of Scotch whisky while touring Torabhaig Distillery and exploring independently. Next, check out the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct on your way to Fort William, dedicate a day hiking along River Nevis, and sample locally grown mussels. With your trip winding down, continue south to Glasgow, where you'll delight in a celebratory evening of folk music and explore the famous Glasgow Cathedral. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Scotland's West Highland Way & Beyond

Boasting a three-day hike along the West Highland Way, a wildlife safari tour in Cairngorms National Park, and a round of golf at the Carnoustie Championship Course, this two-week itinerary is ideal for travelers looking to experience the best of Scotland while packing in the activities. Traveling by train, ferry, and private transfer, go from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye, east to Inverness, and back down to Edinburgh. Other unique excursions include visiting the UK's only cooperage, a private Culloden Battlefield tour, and stopping by Stirling Castle.

Upon landing in Glasgow, settle into your two-week trip during a history-focused beer tour featuring local pubs. Eager for more, a train ride north to Bridge of Orchy is next on the agenda, where you'll set off on the iconic West Highland Way walking route. Over the following three days, lace up your hiking boots for an epic journey through Rannoch Moor, under Buachaille Etive Mor, over the Devil's Staircase, and through the pass of Lairigmor to Fort William. Along the way, enjoy luggage transfer services and spend nights at charming inns set in secluded villages.

A scenic train and ferry ride are next on your itinerary, bringing you to the rugged Isle of Skye. Spend your time learning about the region's whisky-making traditions, salmon fishing on River Snizort, and hiking in Glen Brittle until it's time to journey east to Inverness. After a tour of Culloden Battlefield on Day 8 and a morning devoted to exploring Cairngorms National Park, continue to Edinburgh. Along the way, stop for a round of golf at the famous Carnoustie Championship Course and dedicate a day to exploring Stirling before rounding off your tour sampling whisky in Edinburgh. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Scotland Adventure: Cairngorms, the NC500 & the Isle of Skye

From a canyoning excursion in Bruar Falls and a wildlife safari in Cairngorms National Park to beautiful hikes in the Isle of Skye and Glen Coe, this active adventure immerses you in Scotland's pristine nature. With a rental car on hand, you'll drive along the iconic North Coast 500, explore the Isle of Skye independently, and embark on activities of your choice in Loch Lomond. Plus, with time to squeeze in whisky distillery tours and city excursions, you'll leave with a well-rounded introduction to Scotland's intriguing history.

Begin your adventure in Edinburgh, shrugging off jet lag during a three-hour walking tour of Old Town and riding between secret spots on a small-group cycling excursion. Next, pick up your rental car and hit the road to Inverness, stopping en route to overnight in Aviemore and to embark on a thrilling wildlife safari tour in Cairngorms National Park. While in Inverness, cruise across the Inner Moray Firth in search of dolphins and spend an afternoon hiking in Glen Affric. Then, set off on the ultimate drive along the North Coast 500 to Lochinver. 

The Isle of Skye is featured next on your itinerary, and a three-night stay allows plenty of time to tick off thrilling activities, including a hike to Core Lagan and a glass-bottom boat trip down Lochalsh. Back on the road, you'll soon find yourself passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on your way to Glen Coe. From here, hike through the lush Lost Valley and visit Loch Lomond for a horse trekking experience, then continue south to Glasgow. As your trip comes to an end, squeeze in a bike tour and a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum before catching your onward flight from Edinburgh. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ultimate Scotland & Ireland Road Trip

Discover both Scotland and Ireland on this multicountry road trip. Crafted especially for travelers eager to experience the best of both countries while having the freedom of a rental car, you'll sandwich scenic drives between leisurely evenings and guided tours of historic castles and modern cities. Notable highlights include a musical walking tour of Edinburgh, a superb hike on the Isle of Skye, and a drive along the famous Ring of Kerry and Skellig Ring in Ireland.

After a leisurely evening wandering the Royal Mile alongside a guide in Edinburgh, pick up your rental car and hit the road to Pitlochry, stopping en route to explore Scone Palace and The Hermitage at Dunkeld. Next, split a day between meandering through Blair Castle and touring Blair Athol Distillery before continuing north to Inverness. A two-night stay ensures you'll have time to visit the Highland Folk Museum and explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Then, it's back on the road for a 2.5-hour drive to the Isle of Skye for an enchanting Fairy Pools walk, followed by a ferry to Mallaig and a drive to Oban.

Before leaving Scotland, dedicate a day to hiking in Glen Nevis and overnight in Glasgow, then catch a flight to Dublin (Ireland). Here, you'll collect another rental car and hit the road to Cork, pausing to marvel at the famous Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle. Next, detour west along the iconic Ring of Kerry road to Killarney and track back east to Kilkenny, and along the way, delight in stops to see the dramatic Ladies View, the Gap of Dunloe, and the Highbank Organic Farm. Lastly, return to Dublin for a food and drink tour and to catch your onward flight when it's time. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Island Hopping in Scotland

Get off the main tourist trail and hop between the best of Scotland's 790 islands on this nature-focused getaway. Throughout the trip, visit the Isle of Arran to hike across rugged mountains, enjoy three nights on the Isle of Oban, watch wildlife while on the Isle of Mull, and join a whisky tour of the Isle of Raasay. Throughout, you'll also spend time on the mainland, hiking Glen Nevis and discovering the highlights of Glasgow.

Upon arriving in Glasgow, kick off your journey with a music-themed walking tour followed by a hearty traditional dinner. Then, pick up your rental car and catch a ferry to Arran, where you'll roam Lochranza Castle, hop between Lochranza and Lagg distilleries, and embark on a hike of your choice. Next on the agenda are three nights in Oban, the ideal base to snorkel in the sea forests at Ganavan Sands, visit McCaig's Tower, and, if you've timed it right, watch the Oban Games. Continuing the island theme, cross to the Isle of Mull for two days of hiking and wildlife spotting.

On Day 9, head back to the mainland to hike Glen Nevis at the foot of Ben Nevis. Then, following an overnight in Fort William and a brief stop at Eilean Donan Castle, continue your island-hopping adventure to the Isle of Skye. A two-night stay ensures time to hike among Quiraing's otherworldly landscapes and hop to the Isle of Raasay for a whisky, gin, and chocolate tour. After making your way to Glen Coe and embarking on a hike from Glencoe Lochan, drive to Glasgow to check out the city's highlights before it's time to catch your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Scotland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Scotland? Check out these other two-week Scotland itineraries, with walking tours, cultural journeys, and best-of trips to hit the highlights.