Make the Most of Your Time in Scotland

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A Scot plays the bagpipes in Edinburgh
How Many Days to Spend in Scotland

From ancient castles to whisky distilleries and Highland Games (not to mention a mythical monster in Loch Ness), there's a reason bonnie Scotland is awash with "Outlander" fans. At roughly the same size as South Carolina, Scotland is small enough to explore the highlights in one week. However, you'll need at least two weeks to explore the mainland and one or even two extra weeks to take in the major islands.

Edinburgh Castle
Map of 5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

From touring ancient castles to sampling local whisky to walking along serene beaches, there's plenty to do on a five-day trip to Scotland. You can keep things basic with a three-stop tour that takes you from the beautiful city of Edinburgh to the mountainous region of Glencoe. Or, make the most of your stay by visiting five destinations, including the Highland capital of Inverness and the coastal village of John O'Groats.

Trek to the Old Mann of Storr in Skye
Map of 1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Seven days in Scotland gives you ample time to see its historic cities, breathtaking mountains, magnificent castles, and stunning coastlines. How you spend your week depends on just how adventurous you want to be. You can visit three to four destinations from Edinburgh into the Highlands or take an active trip to two natural areas like Cairngorms or Craignure.

An aerial view of Edinburgh from Calton Hill
Map of 10 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Spending 10 days in Scotland allows you to experience delicious food, local whisky, private tours of magnificent castles, and unique encounters with local wildlife. Your trip can hit up to six destinations to see as much as possible, from the capital city of Edinburgh to the mountains of Glencoe. Or, take a slower pace to explore up to four areas, including Inverness in the Highlands and stunning islands like Skye and Islay.

Eilean Donan Castle in the western Highlands of Scotland
Map of 2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Two weeks in Scotland is more than enough time to experience the country's best adventures, from one coast to the other. See the cities, Highlands, and lochs; visit medieval castles and tour national parks home to exotic animals. Embark on mountain hikes, countryside bike rides, boat trips on Loch Ness, and sightseeing on the Isle of Skye. If that's not enough, you can hop over to Ireland and enjoy the music, food, and literary heritage of one of the world's great cultures.