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Introducing Scotland

The romantic landscapes and dramatic features of this small territory make travelers feel like the region is much larger than it actually is. Pair that with a friendly culture, plenty of outdoor adventure, and incredible seafood, and Scotland is the trip that stays with visitors long after they leave.

When is the best time to visit?
As a year-round destination with distinct seasons, travelers should pick the time they visit on what they plan to do. Spring, summer, and fall are better for outdoor recreation, while winter is a popular time to explore the holiday festivals and seasonal cheer.

Where to go in Scotland?
Delight your senses at the bright green rolling hills of the Isle of Skye, enjoy the fun-oriented culture of Glasgow, camp out or trek the mountains surround Loch Lomond, learn about the history and architecture of Edinburgh, and tour the distilleries of Islay.

Thinking about traveling around the United Kingdom? Learn more about planning a trip to England or Wales. Many travelers also combine their trip to the UK with a visit to Ireland.

How many days do I need?
You can briefly get to know Edinburgh in about 3 days, but to experience the breadth of opportunities Scotland has to offer, upwards of 1 or 2 weeks is much preferable.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Scotland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Etive Mor waterfall, Glencoe
Map of Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days
Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days

Discover the enchanting history and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands with this 8-day self-drive itinerary. Starting in Edinburgh,  drive north to the rugged highlands, where you’ll explore ancient castles, visit important battle sites, sail Loch Ness, and ride the world’s most scenic railway.

Scotland's Edinburgh Castle has stood for over 1,000 years
Map of Scotland & Ireland - 14 Days
Scotland & Ireland - 14 Days

Fourteen days is ample time to experience the best of Scotland and Ireland, be it touring Edinburgh, hiking the Highlands, or reveling in the historic streets of Dublin. The adventures are almost too many to list: wildlife safaris in national parks, boating across Loch Ness, cycling around Glasgow, and exploring the untamed beauty of the Isle of Skye. If that's not enough, you'll hit the road on a drive to some of the most beautiful locales in southern Ireland, like the Wicklow Mountains and County Cork.

Neist Point at Isle of Skye
Map of Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days
Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days

This seven-day adventure combines Scotland's most memorable tourist destinations with a tour of the countryside in the magnificent Scottish highlands. You will start your trip by exploring Edinburgh's galleries, castles, and pubs before heading to the spectacular castles in Inverness. You'll spend two nights in Portree, where you'll visit castles and famous geological sites and tour the hiking routes before traveling to Glencoe, which is home to spectacular scenery.

The ruins of Castle Urquhart at Loch Ness
Map of Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness & Skye - 7 Days
Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness & Skye - 7 Days

This week-long itinerary perfectly introduces Scotland's most scenic locales—blending a self-drive adventure with unforgettable guided excursions and experiences. Beginning and ending in the charming capital of Edinburgh, you'll set off into the rugged Highlands for a road trip to remember. Step back in time at the Culloden Battlefield, cruise the legendary waters of Loch Ness, and tour whisky distilleries on the Isle of Skye.

Driving toward Ben Stack on the NC500
Map of The North Coast 500: Road Trip through the Scottish Highlands  - 5 Days
The North Coast 500: Road Trip through the Scottish Highlands - 5 Days

Experience one of the world's most scenic driving routes on this 5-day journey along Scotland's North Coast 500. Beginning and ending in the Highland capital of Inverness, you'll follow the loop counterclockwise as you wind your way past mist-shrouded mountains, hidden lochs, and rugged coastlines. A relaxed pace allows you to take your time and explore plenty of sandy beaches, charming fishing villages, and unspoiled nature.

The Old Man of Storr overlooking Skye's coast.
Map of Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days
Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days

This active 9-day hiking itinerary travels through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. Starting in the heart of the Highlands, you’ll walk along the West Highland Way, experiencing the wild beauty of Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe. The first leg of your walking journey ends at the adventure capital of Fort William, where you’ll get the chance to scale Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. After a memorable ride on the historic Jacobite Express Steam Train, board a ferry for the Isle of Skye, where you’ll have three days to explore the rugged mountains, secluded coves, and idyllic villages of the Inner Hebrides.

Make the Most of Your Time in Scotland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
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....

Scotland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Sunrise, Loch Lomond
Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Scotland

Conjuring up romance effortlessly and with subtlety, Scotland is a stunning destination in which to celebrate your love for each other. For the backdrop to your honeymoon here,...

Our Latest Scotland Content

Spend three days hiking the West Highland Way from Glen Coe to Fort William
Map of Explore Scotland's West Highland Way & Beyond - 16 Days
Explore Scotland's West Highland Way & Beyond - 16 Days

This unique Scotland itinerary weaves whisky, wildlife, and the West Highland Way into an epic 16-day trip. Kick off with an overnight in Glasgow before spending three days on the scenic trail. After that, you'll join a wildlife cruise, explore the magnificent Isle of Skye, and wander the Culloden Battlefield with a historian. If that's not enough, venture through Cairngorms National Park, cruise Loch Ness, visit a handful of famous castles, and finally explore Edinburgh's Royal Mile to complete the adventure.

Spend three days exploring the beautiful countryside (and castles) in Aberdeenshire
Map of Self-Drive Scotland Highlights Tour: Cities, Castles & Countryside - 16 Days
Self-Drive Scotland Highlights Tour: Cities, Castles & Countryside - 16 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this self-drive Scotland itinerary takes you on a journey exploring ancient castles, wild coastlines, and lush countryside. Your loop starts in the capital, Edinburgh, and passes through the Kingdom of Fife, Aberdeenshire, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, Fort William, and Glasgow. Along the way, you'll sip whisky at local distilleries, take hikes and boat trips while looking for wildlife, and discover the stories behind the country's most famous monuments and battlefields.

Take an e-bike tour on the Trotternish Peninsula to geological wonders such as The Quiraing
Map of Active Scotland Self-Guided Road Trip - 16 Days
Active Scotland Self-Guided Road Trip - 16 Days

Hike, bike, paddle, and snorkel your way across Scotland with this adventurous 16-day Scotland road trip. This active itinerary prioritizes time in the great outdoors with distinct experiences such as canyoning at Bruar Falls and taking an off-road wildlife safari in Cairngorms National Park. You'll also float above the Scottish Highlands in a hot-air balloon, e-bike to geological wonders on the Isle of Skye, kayak across the Great Glen, and explore street art in Glasgow with a local guide.

Scotland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Scotland
Travel specialist Stephen Molloy
active 3 mins ago

Stephen Molloy

Urbanist by training, he spent most of his twenties traveling and living overseas. Bitten by the bug, he lived in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, California, Australia, DRC, Kenya, Pakistan...and...

read more...
Travel specialist William Armstrong
active 13 hours ago

William Armstrong

I am your English-born, UK and French expert for all activity holidays in off-the-beaten track destinations in UK and France. I have lived, worked and traveled extensively in both the UK and...

read more...
Travel specialist Jane Davey
active 6 hours ago

Jane Davey

I grew up in the UK and developed a real passion for the great outdoors, which inspired me to work in travel. As a child, I spent my holidays in the UK with my parents and my brother. My dad used...

read more...
Travel specialist Luigi Pasiani
active 8 hours ago

Luigi Pasiani

I am an entrepreneur with a huge passion for travelling, which was devoted to my holidays for the most part of my life. I experienced the very aspects of being a traveller, and I felt tourism...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Trip Reviews for Scotland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Best Scotland Trip
Scotland | May 5 - May 17, 2024

T
Theresa M.
Fair Oaks, CA | Reviewed on Jun 02, 2024
This trip was truly a once in a lifetime vacation. Neil planned everything for us and we could not have asked for a better itinerary. It was everything we could have asked for and more! We loved all our castle tours and even had an extra day where we added in the Stirling Castle (which ended up being my favorite) Loved all the history of the Jacobites and the Culloden battlefield tour. Our favorite town was Portree I think I would have liked an extra day there...so much to see... Read more

This trip was truly a once in a lifetime vacation. Neil planned everything for us and we could not have asked for a better itinerary. It was everything we could have asked for and more!

We loved all our castle tours and even had an extra day where we added in the Stirling Castle (which ended up being my favorite)

Loved all the history of the Jacobites and the Culloden battlefield tour.

Our favorite town was Portree I think I would have liked an extra day there...so much to see and do. We loved the Highlands and Isle of Skye.

Hotel Reviews
Apex City of Glasgow Hotel
Glasgow
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Garrison
Fort William
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kingsmills Hotel
Inverness

The water pressure could have been beter

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Angel's Share Hotel
New Town, Edinburgh

The staff was very friendly and helpful

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Neil West

Wonderful experience!
Scotland | May 15 - May 30, 2024

Brett
Brett T.
Orange, CA | Reviewed on May 31, 2024
We had a plan but needed some professional guidance to puzzle this trip together. Thankful that we chose the right company for the job. Neil listened to our requests and gave suggestions that we could choose or reject. The process was simple and customizable. This was an amazingly memorable trip. Thanks to Neil and Cathy for helping us Read more

We had a plan but needed some professional guidance to puzzle this trip together. Thankful that we chose the right company for the job. Neil listened to our requests and gave suggestions that we could choose or reject. The process was simple and customizable. This was an amazingly memorable trip. Thanks to Neil and Cathy for helping us

Hotel Reviews
Glenegedale House
Islay Island

Wonderful stay! Highly recommend

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful House
Location
It is in the country so you will need to get a taxi if you plan on eating or drinking away from the B&B
Staff
Our hosts were wonderful. Breakfast is a must. Don’t say no too the porridge!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfect
The Stirling Highland Hotel
Stirling

We were given a room that accommodated a guest that required a wheelchair. This trip was booked well in advance and should have been a regular room. The beds were uncomfortable and the shower which was open with no tray covered the bathroom floor with water due to a poor drain. Upon check in we alerted the front desk to probable room mistake but we were assured this was our room and the hotel was full

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lodge on Loch Lomond
Luss, Argyll & Bute

Wonderful accommodations! Beautiful hotel with a very friendly staff

Authenticity & Character
Atmosphere
Location
The hotel is on the shore of Loch Lomond
Staff
Very friendly and courteous
Cleanliness & Comfort
Best night of sleep
Activity Reviews
Blair Atholl Castle Entrance tickets
Blair Atholl Castle Entrance tickets
Pitlochry

Modern Castle, great history

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Self guided
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Inverness

We came for the history and not the weather! This was the most informative and best tour we went on

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rhona Moir introduced herself via WhatsApp a few days before the tour. She informed us that the weather conditions for the tour would be extreme and even provided us with umbrellas. So happy we ignored the weather. A delightful history lesson
Visit to Urquhart Castle
Visit to Urquhart Castle
Scotland

Loved the history on this self guided tour.

Quality of Experience
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban

Very informative, a quality tour

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Islay Whisky Tasting Tour (Lagavulin and others included)
Islay Whisky Tasting Tour (Lagavulin and others included)
Islay

This was a cask tour which was informative and the whisky delicious. However, none of the whisky that we tried were available for purchase

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We had a wonderful driver for the day from Islay Whisky Tours which uses Bruichladdich Taxi. Sheena took us too 5 distilleries. She asked us what we were planning for dinner and made a recommendation as well as reservations for us in Port Charlotte. If that wasn’t enough she secured a taxi for us after we were finished
Clydeside Distillery Visit
Clydeside Distillery Visit
Glasgow

A relatively young distillery with a lot of old history

Quality of Experience
Very informative
Guides, Drivers and Staff
friendly
Transport
We walked to the location
Local specialist: Neil West
Neil
Neil West
Local specialist in Glasgow & Fife | Replied on May 31, 2024

Hi Brett,

Thank you for taking the time to provide such a thorough review; it's really appreciated. The photos are fantastic & it looks like you've had some great whisky tasting experiences!

I can only apologise in regards to the hotel where you had the issue; I'll look into this & use this as learning going forward.

It was a pleasure putting this trip together for you & I hope that you'll both have the chance to come and visit Scotland again in future!

All the very best,
Neil

Great experience
Scotland | May 24 - May 29, 2024

N
Noah L.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on May 30, 2024

Really appreciated the thoughtful planning, flexibility and communication provided by Neil. He was great to work with and the trip was fantastic. The electronic trip plan with all necessary details and tickets embedded made it all very easy and enjoyable. Thank you!

Local specialist: Neil West
Neil
Neil West
Local specialist in Glasgow & Fife | Replied on May 30, 2024

Hi Noah,

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. It was a pleasure putting this trip together for you & I am delighted that you had a great time in Scotland!

It is also wonderful to hear that the roadbook was so easy to use & that it aided in your overall enjoyment in-country!

Best wishes for the future,
Neil