Searching for the best itinerary for Scotland? You’re not alone. While it’s long been a popular destination, an increasing number of travelers have been arriving in recent years thanks to the TV series “Outlander.” After the Tartan Army spread its infectious joy, filling their streets with traditional kilts and bagpipes in Boston and beyond during the World Cup, soon even more will be heading across the Atlantic.
As someone who became a bit addicted to this beautiful country many years ago, I find myself planning the next trip right after returning from the last. Knowing I can look forward to spending more time in Bonnie Scotland helps make the time in between more bearable. To date, I’ve explored everywhere from major cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness to the Highlands, the Outer and Inner Hebrides, the Orkney Islands, and the Shetland Islands, multiple times. While it may not be financially healthy, with the knowledge gained, I can help you plan your own unforgettable trip to Scotland.
While there are practically an endless number of routes to choose from, this first-time visitor’s itinerary for Scotland is sure to provide memories of a lifetime. Fair warning, there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself planning that second trip while returning from the first!
7-Day First-Time Visitors Itinerary for Scotland
An ideal Scotland itinerary for first-time visitors, it covers many of the top destinations, starting in Edinburgh and working your way through the Highlands to the Isle of Skye. Head to Inverness, where you can easily explore iconic sites like Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, and Cairngorms National Park before returning to Edinburgh, with a stop at Stirling Castle.
It’s an immersion into the country’s history, its whisky, stunning landscapes, and castles, including “Outlander” filming sites.
Day 1: Edinburgh Arrival
Begin your explorations of Scotland by flying into Edinburgh International Airport. Hold off on picking up a rental car until it’s time to depart the capital, as it would be more of a hassle (and a big expense) than it’s worth. Public transport is excellent, with a tram that will take you straight from the airport to the heart of the city center. Book a hotel like Balmoral and you’ll have numerous attractions right at your doorstep.
Beat any jet lag with a walk along the Royal Mile, lined with many shops, bars, pubs, and restaurants, while overlooked by majestic Edinburgh Castle.
Insider tip for Outlander fans: Just off the Royal Mile is the Bakehouse Clove. A hidden, cobbled courtyard, it’s instantly recognizable as the exterior of Alexander Malcolm’s Print Shop. It hosted one of the most memorable scenes in the series, when Jamie and Claire finally reunite after 20 years apart.
Day 2: Private Guided Tour of Edinburgh
The best way to explore Edinburgh is on a private guided tour. While not a must, you’ll hear fascinating stories about this beautiful city, including the centuries-old buildings along the Royal Mile, the castle, and more. You can explore the contrast between the Old and New Town, and visit Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the grave of beloved Greyfriars Bobby. Soak up the atmosphere at Grassmarket and perhaps enjoy a bite for lunch. Concluding with the one-hour guided orientation walk at Edinburgh Castle is the perfect grand finale before exploring on your own. Of course, with a private guide, the itinerary can be customized to your interests, and you’ll be able to ask all the questions you’d like.
For whisky enthusiasts, I highly recommend the award-winning Scotch Whisky Experience, which includes a tasting, after your tour.
Day 3: Glencoe with a Doune Castle Stop
It’s time to pick up your rental car and head to the Highlands. But first, a stop at Doune Castle. You might know it as Castle Leoch, the stronghold of Clan Mackenzie in Outlander. It’s right on the way to Glencoe, just over an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and requires no more than an hour or two to tour.
As you continue towards Glencoe, the scenery just continues to get more spectacular. Driving the dramatic A82 road brings opportunities for countless photo ops as a major attraction of its own. It winds between soaring, jagged peaks and lush valleys. It’s worth turning off the A82 onto “Skyfall” Road, a single-track route that will take you through Glen Etive, featured in the James Bond film, “Skyfall.” Other highlights include the Three Sisters viewpoint and the hike into Hidden Valley.
You can spend the night in the Glencoe area, which has vacation rentals, historic inns, and a budget-friendly hostel. Or continue a bit further to Fort William, where you’ll find many shops, pubs, and restaurants along with a wider range of options to choose from.
Day 4: Isle of Skye
A travel itinerary for Scotland that visits Skye should also include at least two days, as the attractions are many, and they’re spread out. Aim to leave early for the drive: 2.5 hours from Glencoe, 2 hours and 45 minutes from Fort William. If you take the A830 that travels through Glenfinnan, you’re going to want to make at least a few stops for photos. Your drive will bring you past Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed, just before crossing the bridge to Skye.
Spend the afternoon exploring the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula, including the iconic Quiraing and Kilt Rock waterfall.
Day 5: Isle of Skye
This morning you might visit Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, dating to the 13th century. Its exhibits include the famous Fairy Flag, estimated to be between 1,500 and 1,700 years old, a lock of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hair, and many other interesting artifacts.
From here, travel to the Fairy Pools and then make your way to Inverness, about a 2-hour and 45-minute drive northeast.
Day 6: Inverness, Culloden & Clava Cairns
Inverness is easily explored on foot. If you want to pick up some last-minute souvenirs, head to the Victorian Market in the historic center with its many independent shops that have been here for generations.
The city is also a great base for day trips, including Culloden Battlefield, less than six miles away. It marks the doomed 1746 end of the Jacobite Rising that destroyed the Highland clan system. In the Outlander series, the battle is what separated Jamie and Claire, forcing Jamie to send pregnant Claire back through the stones. The site includes a fantastic visitor center/museum with artifacts from both sides of the battle, including authentic weapons. At the back of the battlefield, there’s usually one or two of Scotland’s famous Highland cows that you’ll hear referred to as “hairy coos.”
From Culloden, it’s easy to visit the mysterious Bronze Age stone circle known as the Clava Cairns, also featured in Outlander. With more time, you might hike in Cairngorms National Park or visit Loch Ness and tour Urquhart Castle.
Day 7: Return to Edinburgh via Stirling Castle
Stirling is one of the most magnificent and important castles in Scotland. And, it’s right on your way back to Edinburgh Airport. While it dates to the 12th century, the oldest part that remains today is the North Gate, built in 1381. Incredibly well-preserved, it’s partly furnished as it would have been when Mary Queen of Scots and King James lived there.
Once you’ve followed this itinerary for Scotland, you’ll quickly realize a week isn’t enough. But there’s always next time… but where to go?
Leave a Reply