10 Day Scotland Itinerary: Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Isle of Skye

The ultimate Scotland road trip starts here. In 10 days, explore Edinburgh, drive through Glencoe, visit Loch Ness, and experience the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye.

Scotland may look small on a map, but planning the perfect route can feel overwhelming. With castles, whisky distilleries, Highland road trips, and the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye, it’s hard to know how to fit it all into one trip.

This 10-day Scotland itinerary shows you exactly how to do it.

Based on our own road trip through Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, Glencoe, and Glasgow, this guide lays out a logical, efficient route that balances city sightseeing with epic scenery. We’ve driven these roads, taken the Skye ferry, hiked in the Highlands, and tested the timing — so this isn’t a theoretical plan, it’s one that actually works.

In 10 days, you will:

• Explore Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle
• Drive past Loch Ness and visit Eilean Donan Castle
• Spend two full days exploring the Isle of Skye
• Hike in the Highlands or explore Glencoe Valley
• Experience both historic Edinburgh and vibrant Glasgow

If you’re planning your first trip to Scotland and want a mix of iconic highlights and unforgettable landscapes, this itinerary will help you make the most of every day.

Scotland in 10 Days – At a Glance

DAYS 1–3 | Edinburgh
DAY4 | Scenic drive to Isle of Skye (Loch Ness + Eilean Donan Castle)
DAYS 5–7 | Isle of Skye + optional Highland hike
DAY8 | Glencoe & Glen Etive
DAY9 | Glasgow
DAY10 | Fly home

BEST FOR | First-time visitors who want castles + Highlands + Isle of Skye
TRIP STYLE | Self-drive road trip
CAR REQUIRED | Yes (from day 4 onward)

Map of this 10 Day Scotland Itinerary

Here is a Google map of the places you will visit and the driving route for this Scotland itinerary.

Why this Scotland Itinerary Works

This 10 day Scotland itinerary is designed as a logical loop, minimizing long backtracking drives while maximizing scenery. Instead of rushing between destinations, you base yourself in key hubs – Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, Glencoe, and Glasgow — and explore each region efficiently.

It balances city sightseeing with Highland landscapes. You’ll get two full days in Edinburgh, enough time to truly experience the Isle of Skye (not just drive through it), and a dedicated day for Glencoe’s dramatic scenery. The driving days are intentionally spaced so you’re not spending the entire trip in the car.

We followed this exact route ourselves, adjusting timing based on real-world driving distances, ferry schedules, and hiking conditions. The result is an itinerary that feels full but not exhausting, which is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see Scotland’s highlights without feeling rushed.

Who This Scotland Itinerary is Perfect For:

• First-time visitors
• Travelers who want a scenic road trip
• People comfortable with moderate daily driving
• Those who want a mix of cities and outdoor landscapes

Is 10 Days Enough for Scotland?

Yes. 10 days is the sweet spot for a first-time visit to Scotland. Ten days is just enough time to visit Scotland’s highlights (Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, and the Highlands) without feeling like you are in a race.

Could you spend longer in Scotland? Absolutely. But if you want a balanced itinerary that includes historic cities, castles, Highland landscapes, and the Isle of Skye, without constant packing and unpacking, 10 days works beautifully.

Best Time to Visit Scotland

The best time to do this itinerary is from May through September. This is when the weather is the warmest and the driest. May into early June is especially nice, with some of the driest weather of the year. During this time, Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye will start to feel busy, but this is before the peak season of July and August (expect big crowds these months).

We did this itinerary at the end of July. We chose July for its favorable weather, to avoid the Edinburgh Festival, and to take advantage of Tyler and Kara’s summer break.

If I did it again, I’d plan our trip a little earlier in the summer, to increase our chances of having more sun and less rain. We experienced higher than average rainfall, which impacted which hikes we could do on the Isle of Skye and in the Highlands.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival: August is a peak travel month in Scotland because of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The city is packed with performances, street acts, and special events. However, hotel prices tend to increase, and accommodations often sell out quickly. If you’re visiting in August, it’s wise to reserve your lodging and rental car well ahead of time.

Below are weather graphs showing average temperatures and precipitation for Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Isle of Skye.

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh

Overnight: Edinburgh
Highlights: Light sightseeing along the Royal Mile
Transportation: Airport transfer by taxi, Uber, Airlink 100 bus, or tram

Your grand tour of Scotland begins in the medieval city of Edinburgh.

Most international flights arrive at Edinburgh Airport in the morning to midday, which means you’ll likely be dealing with some jet lag today. Plan for a light, flexible afternoon, just enough sightseeing to get oriented without exhausting yourself.

Getting from the Airport to the City

Edinburgh Airport is located about 30 minutes from the city center. The easiest way to reach Old Town is by taxi or Uber. You can also take the Airlink 100 bus or the tram directly into the city, both of which are reliable and affordable.

Check into your hotel and, if possible, request early check-in. If your room isn’t ready, drop your bags and head out to explore.

Afternoon: Get Acquainted with Edinburgh

Start with a relaxed stroll along the Royal Mile, the historic spine of Old Town that connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is the perfect introduction to Scotland, cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and cozy pubs tucked into stone buildings.

If you’re feeling energized, walk up to Calton Hill for panoramic views over the city. It’s a short climb and a great way to stretch your legs after a long flight.

Check into your hotel and take a quick nap if you need it. Spend the afternoon and early evening getting acquainted with Edinburgh. We recommend strolling the Royal Mile, the main thoroughfare through Edinburgh. Take in the sights and have dinner at one of the many pubs. Dive right into Scottish cuisine by ordering haggis or blood pudding along with a pint of beer.

Edinburgh

Dinner & First Night in Scotland

For your first meal, dive into Scottish cuisine. Order haggis, fish and chips, or a meat pie, and pair it with a local beer or whisky. After dinner, enjoy a casual evening exploring more of Old Town, or turn in early to reset your internal clock.

Tonight, sleep in Edinburgh.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

On this itinerary, you will spend three nights in Edinburgh.

The four of us stayed at the hub by Premiere Inn Edinburgh Royal Mile, a mid-range accommodation with a brilliant location that is clean, modern, friendly, and quiet. Old Town Chambers is an upscale accommodation offering modern apartments on the Royal Mile and for budget travelers we recommend CoDE Pod Hostels – The Court.

Day 2: Explore Edinburgh

Overnight: Edinburgh
Highlights: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, Scotch Whisky Experience
Transportation: Mostly on foot (Old Town is compact and walkable)

Today is your first full day in Scotland’s capital, and it’s a big one. Edinburgh blends medieval history, dramatic viewpoints, and classic Scottish culture into one compact, walkable city. Start early to beat the crowds at the most popular attractions.

Want More Detail?

We have a 2 Day Edinburgh Itinerary with maps, restaurant recommendations, and alternate activity options if you want to go deeper.

Edinburgh Itinerary

2 Days in Edinburgh: Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, and Beyond

Morning: Edinburgh Castle

Start at Edinburgh Castle, the centerpiece of the city. It’s best to get here before opening time at 9 am to beat the crowds.

This castle is one of Edinburgh’s most important historical sites and provides great views over the city. It’s a great starting point to really get to know Edinburgh.

Highlights inside the castle include:

• The Crown Jewels of Scotland
• The Stone of Destiny
• St. Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh)
• Panoramic views over the city

Plan to spend about 2 hours here. We cover ticket prices, how to purchase your tickets in advance, plus how to avoid the crowds in our guide How to Visit Edinburgh Castle.

Late Morning to Afternoon: The Royal Mile

After the castle, stroll down the Royal Mile, the historic spine of Old Town. This is where you’ll find street performers, tartan shops, whisky tastings, and centuries of history.

Top stops along the Royal Mile:

• St. Giles’ Cathedral
• The Real Mary King’s Close
• Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
• The Scotch Whisky Experience

You don’t need to visit everything — choose a few that match your interests. Build in time for lunch at a traditional pub. We had lunch at Ensign Ewart, a cozy pub righto on the Royal Mile.

The Royal Mile

Late Afternoon: Arthur’s Seat

Finish the day with a hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that offers some of the best views in Edinburgh.

This was one of our favorite experiences in Edinburgh, and it is perfect for families with adventurous kids, and those who love the idea of doing a short hike with the reward of unique views of the city.

The hike is 3.2 to 4.8 km (2 to 3 miles), takes one to two hours, and easy to moderate in difficulty. We cover exactly how to do this in our post on How to Hike Arthur’s Seat.

Arthur’s Seat

Dinner Recommendation

Your day ends with dinner. We highly recommend The Scran & Scallie. This local restaurant is located off of the Royal Mile in a local neighborhood in Edinburgh. Use Uber or take a taxi to get here. This was our best meal in Edinburgh, featuring local dishes such as meat pies, roasted bone marrow, and ox tongue. It was surprisingly delicious!

Take a look at their menu and consider making a reservation in advance if dinner at the Scran and Scallie interests you. Visit their website here.

You can end your day here, or, if you still have enough energy to keep going, visit one of Edinburgh’s many pubs.

Tonight, sleep in Edinburgh.

Day 3: Explore Edinburgh

Overnight: Edinburgh
Highlights: Museums, Dean Village, Grassmarket, Victoria Street
Transportation: Mostly on foot + optional tram/taxi

After a big sightseeing day yesterday, today is about exploring a different side of Edinburgh: museums, charming neighborhoods, and quieter corners beyond the Royal Mile.

Morning: Choose a Museum

Start your day at one of Edinburgh’s top museums. You have several excellent options depending on your interests:

• National Museum of Scotland – Ideal for first-time visitors and families. It covers Scottish history, science, and culture, and the rooftop terrace has great city views.
• Scottish National Gallery – A compact but impressive art collection located near Princes Street.
• Surgeons’ Hall Museum – Fascinating and slightly macabre, perfect if you enjoy medical history.
• Royal Yacht Britannia – Located in Leith, this was the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II.

Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours at your chosen museum.

Lunch: Grassmarket & Victoria Street

Head to the Grassmarket area for lunch. This lively square sits beneath Edinburgh Castle and offers excellent restaurant options. Just around the corner is colorful Victoria Street, often said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

For lunch, we recommend:

• Oink, specializes in hog roasts
• The Elephant House, where JK Rowling had her inspiration for the Harry Potter series. The food is nothing special but Harry Potter fans might enjoy a visit here.
• Vittoria on the Bridge, Italian and European food
• Greyfriars Bobby Bar, Scottish Pub

Edinburgh

Afternoon: Dean Village

In the afternoon, walk or take a short taxi ride to Dean Village, one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Located along the Water of Leith, this former milling village feels worlds away from the busy Royal Mile. For more information about how to plan your visit, read our full post on Dean Village.

If you have extra time, continue along the Water of Leith walkway or visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art nearby.

Dean Village

Optional: Calton Hill or Princes Street Gardens

If you skipped Calton Hill on Day 1, today is another good opportunity. Alternatively, relax in Princes Street Gardens or do a bit of shopping before tomorrow’s road trip.

Dinner

Tonight is your final evening in Edinburgh. Choose a restaurant you didn’t get to try earlier, enjoy a whisky tasting, or settle into a cozy pub for a relaxed night before your scenic drive tomorrow.

Sleep in Edinburgh.

Day 4: Drive from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye

Overnight: Isle of Skye
Highlights: Pitlochry, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Eilean Donan Castle
Driving Time: 5–6 hours direct (8+ hours with stops)

In Scotland, the journey is just as good as the destination. This is a great country for a road trip.

If you drive from Edinburgh directly to the Isle of Skye, it takes between five and six hours with 235 miles of driving. If you are willing to make a 50-mile detour, you can also visit Loch Ness.

Pick up your rental car this morning and aim to leave Edinburgh by 8:30 to 9:00 am to allow time for stops.

Stop 1: Pitlochry (Optional Short Break)

About 1.5 hours north of Edinburgh, Pitlochry is a charming Victorian town and a good place to stretch your legs. If you’re interested in whisky, this is also where you’ll find Edradour Distillery, one of Scotland’s smallest traditional distilleries.

Stop 2: Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

From Pitlochry, continue north through the Cairngorms and toward Loch Ness. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s iconic.

Urquhart Castle sits dramatically along the shore of Loch Ness and is worth a short visit for the views alone. Even if you skip going inside, the setting is classic Highlands scenery.

Plan 60–90 minutes here.

Not sure if it’s worth it? We give you our thoughts, plus what you need to know to plan your visit, in our guide to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Stop 3: Eilean Donan Castle

Continue on to Eilean Donan Castle, a castle that looks like it belongs in the pages of a fairy tale.

Set on a small island where three lochs meet, this castle looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. It’s a quick stop, but an unforgettable one. You can tour the interior or simply admire it from the bridge.

Eilean Donan Castle

Arrival on the Isle of Skye

From Eilean Donan, it’s about 15 minutes to the Skye Bridge and roughly 1 hour to Portree, the island’s main town and the best base for the next few days.

Check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed dinner. After a long driving day, keep tonight simple. Get settled into your hotel or bed & breakfast and get ready to explore the awesome Isle of Skye.

Sleep on the Isle of Skye. On this itinerary, you will spend 3 nights in Portree/Isle of Skye.

Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye:  For hotel recommendations, transportation tips, and seasonal advice, visit our complete Isle of Skye Travel Guide.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye Travel Guide: Where to Stay, When to Go, Restaurants & More

Day 5: The Trotternish Loop, Isle of Skye

Overnight: Isle of Skye
Highlights: Fairy Glen, Quiraing, Kilt Rock, Brother’s Point, Old Man of Storr
Driving Distance & Time: ~45 miles (72 km)/ 1.5 hours without stops

The Trotternish Loop contains the most popular, most epic scenery on the Isle of Skye. From Portree, drive clockwise, going against the heaviest tourist traffic.

This loop contains many of the most iconic sights on the island. For a complete list of attractions beyond today’s route, see our guide to the Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye.

Below is a map of the Isle of Skye with several driving routes. For today’s driving route, follow Day 1: Trotternish Loop ONLY.

Stop 1: Fairy Glen

Start at the Fairy Glen, a whimsical landscape of grassy cones and winding footpaths. It’s not a long stop, 30 to 45 minutes is usually enough, but it’s unique and fun to explore.

Stop 2: The Quiraing

Next is one of Skye’s most dramatic landscapes: the Quiraing.

You can admire the views from roadside pullouts or hike the full Quiraing loop (about 4 miles / 6.8 km). The terrain is rugged and uneven, but the scenery is spectacular.

Allow 1 to 3 hours depending on whether you hike.

Quiraing

Stop 3: Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

A quick but scenic stop, Kilt Rock features vertical basalt cliffs and a waterfall plunging into the sea. This takes about 15–20 minutes.

Stop 4: Brother’s Point

Brother’s Point (Rubha nam Bràithrean) is a short coastal walk that feels quieter than the major stops. It’s a nice way to escape the busiest viewpoints and stretch your legs. We spent about an hour and half hiking here and it was incredible…with the amazing views and low crowds.

Brother’s Point

 Stop 5: Old Man of Storr

End the day at one of Scotland’s most recognizable landmarks: the Old Man of Storr.

The hike to the rock formation is about 3.8 miles (6 km) round trip with steady elevation gain. Plan 1.5 to 2 hours.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Late afternoon or early evening light is especially beautiful here, and slightly less crowded.

Old Man of Storr

If you’re spending more time on Skye or want a detailed breakdown of how to organize 1, 2, or 3 days on the island, read our Isle of Skye Itinerary.

Isle of Skye Itinerary

The Perfect Isle of Skye Itinerary for 1, 2, or 3 Days

Dinner in Portree

Return to Portree for dinner. The harbor is colorful and lively in the evening, and this is a good time to make reservations if possible, Skye restaurants fill up quickly in peak season.

Sleep on the Isle of Skye.

Day 6: Fairy Pools, Talisker & Neist Point

Overnight: Isle of Skye
Highlights: Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse
Driving Distance & Time: ~90 miles (150 km), 3 hours without stops

Today you’ll explore the western side of the Isle of Skye — home to waterfalls, rugged coastline, and some of the island’s best sunset views.

Start early again, especially in summer. The Fairy Pools get crowded quickly.

Below is the map of the Isle of Skye driving routes. Follow Day 2: Fairy Pools, Talisker, Neist Point.

Morning: Fairy Pools

Start your day at the Fairy Pools, an extremely popular place to visit on the Isle of Skye. Get here early (before 9:30 am) to avoid the worst of the crowds. From Portree, it takes about 35 minutes to drive to the Fairy Pools.

A well-maintained trail follows a series of clear blue pools and small waterfalls, with dramatic mountain views behind them. You can hike as little or as far as you like. Most visitors spend 1 to 2 hours here.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Waterproof shoes are helpful if it has rained recently.

Fairy Pools

Midday: Talisker Distillery

Next, drive to Talisker Distillery, the only whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye.

Take a guided tour, enjoy a tasting, or stop by the shop. Even if whisky isn’t your thing, the coastal setting is beautiful. Plan about 60–90 minutes.

We ate lunch at the Old Inn, which is within walking distance of Talisker Distillery.

Optional: Dunvegan Castle

If you’re interested in castles and clan history, stop at Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod. The gardens are especially lovely in late spring and summer.

Plan 1–2 hours if you choose to visit.

Late Afternoon & Sunset: Neist Point

End the day at Neist Point, one of the most photogenic spots on Skye. You can simply enjoy the view from an overlook next to the viewpoint (that’s where we took the photo below) or it is a short but steep walk leads down to the lighthouse and dramatic cliffs.

If the weather cooperates, this is one of the best places on Skye for sunset.

Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Neist Point

This evening, sleep on the Isle of Skye (Portree or another town on the Isle of Skye).

Day 7: Isle of Skye or Hiking in the Highlands

Overnight: Glencoe
Highlights: Bla Bheinn or Kintail Saddle or Glenfinnan Viaduct
Driving Time: 2–4 hours depending on route

Today, you have several options depending on your interests. You can choose to spend more time exploring and/or exploring the Isle of Skye or go hiking in the Highlands of Scotland. Either way, your day will end in Glencoe, where you will sleep tonight.

For hikers, we have three recommended hikes in the area (although there are many more options).

Option #1: Hike Bla Bheinn (Blaven)

Bla Bheinn (Blaven) is one of the most spectacular hikes on the Isle of Skye. From the summit, you will have 360° views along the Cuillin Ridge and over the Isle of Skye.

This hike is 8 km (5 miles) with 1000 meters of ascent. It’s a challenging hike but if you have clear skies, the views of the Isle of Skye are unbeatable. We attempted this hike in the rain and don’t recommend it unless you have clear weather (you can’t see anything in the cloud cover).

Once finished the hike, drive to and sleep in Glencoe.

Option #2: Hike the Kintail Saddle

Hiking option #2 is the Kintail Saddle. This is another spectacular hike and gives you the option to bag not one but two Munros.

Located in Shiel Bridge, it is about a 1½ to 2 hour drive from Portree, but it is on the way to Glencoe. Once finished the hike, drive to and sleep in Glencoe.

We did this hike and it is gorgeous. It is on the more challenging side, and the massive descent had my knees aching for days, but the views across the Highlands are unbeatable. Here’s how to do it ↓

Trail Guide

Hiking the Kintail Saddle in Scotland

Everything you need to know to hike the Kintail Saddle.

Kintail Saddle

Option #3: Hike Aonach Eagach

Hiking option #3 is the legendary Aonach Eagach. This is a challenging, somewhat dangerous hike. Tyler and Kara were too young to do this hike on our visit to Scotland, but it is the first thing we will do on a return trip here. This hike is located in Glencoe. Today, drive to Glencoe and explore Glencoe, with plans to do the hike tomorrow. Read more about the hike on the Walk Highlands website.

Option 3: Scenic Route via Ferry & Glenfinnan

If hiking is not your thing, you can spend today exploring more of the Isle of Skye, and then make your way to Glencoe.

To get from the Isle of Skye to Glencoe, take the ferry from Armadale on the Isle of Skye to Maillag on the mainland. Book your ferry tickets at least several days in advance, especially during the busy summer months. View the timetables and purchase your tickets on the Caledonian MacBrayne website.

On the drive to Glencoe, you will pass the Glenfinnan Viaduct. For Harry Potter fans, this is well worth it. The Glenfinnan Viaduct was used in the filming of the Hogwart’s Express.

Arrive in Glencoe

By late afternoon or early evening, you’ll reach Glencoe, one of the most dramatic landscapes in Scotland. Steep mountains, sweeping valleys, and winding roads make this area unforgettable.

Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening. Tomorrow is dedicated to exploring Glencoe and Glen Etive.

Sleep in Glencoe.

Scotland Travel Guide

See all of our articles

Day 8: Glencoe Valley & Glen Etive

Overnight: Glasgow
Highlights: Glencoe Valley viewpoints, short hikes, Glen Etive scenic drive
Driving Time: ~2 hours to Glasgow (plus stops)

Spend most of the day exploring the gorgeous Glencoe Valley and Glen Etive. Scenic drives and short hikes will fill your day. In the afternoon, make the drive to Glasgow, two hours away.

Morning: Explore Glencoe Valley

Start early to enjoy quieter roads and better light.

There are several easy pull-offs and short walks along the A82 that allow you to experience the valley without committing to a long hike.

Popular stops include:

• The Three Sisters viewpoint
• Signal Rock Forest walk
• An Torr hike (short but scenic climb)

If you’re up for something longer, consider hiking part of the Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail), where clan MacDonald once hid cattle during raids.

Plan to spend at least 3–4 hours exploring.

Glencoe

Midday: Drive Glen Etive

From Glencoe, turn onto the single-track road into Glen Etive, one of the most scenic drives in Scotland.

This quiet, winding road follows the River Etive through an increasingly remote landscape of mountains and open moorland. It was featured in the James Bond film Skyfall — and it feels just as dramatic in person.

You don’t need to drive the entire length — even 30–45 minutes in and back delivers incredible scenery.

Afternoon: Drive to Glasgow

In the afternoon, make the two-hour drive to Glasgow. The route is straightforward and scenic along Loch Lomond.

After days of mountain landscapes, Glasgow’s energy feels like a refreshing change. Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening — perhaps explore the Merchant City neighborhood or grab dinner at a lively local pub.

Sleep in Glasgow.

Day 9: Glasgow

Overnight: Glasgow
Highlights: City center and local pubs

Glasgow is often an overlooked destination in Scotland. Whereas Edinburgh is perfect for tourists, with its castle, medieval architecture, and historical background, Glasgow is a city centered around the people who live and work here.

Glasgow

There are tons of options to fill your time in Glasgow. Visit museums, explore the parks, and tour the art galleries. Or, you could go pub hopping, like we did.

LEARN MORE: Glasgow: 24 Hours of Fun for the Whole Family

Tonight, sleep in Glasgow.

Day 10: Fly Home

Begin your travels home. Or, for those with more time, continue on to your next destination.

Average Trip Costs

Here are some estimated costs (all prices are in USD):

Rental car:  $100 to $200 USD per day for a midsize car
Fuel: $2 USD per liter ($8 USD per gallon)

Budget Hotel/Dorm:  $30 – $200 (up to $250 on the Isle of Skye in the summer)
Midrange Hotel, double room with two people:  $100 – $350
High end hotel, double room with two people:  $350+

Meals can cost $20 to $35 per dish, depending on the restaurant. To save money, only dine in restaurants once per day and buy groceries at grocery stores.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: Costs vary significantly by season. July and August bring the highest prices, particularly on the Isle of Skye, where accommodations often sell out months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Scotland?

In order to tour the highlights of Scotland (Edinburgh, the Isle of Skye, and the Highlands of Scotland), plan on spending 8 to 10 days in Scotland. Eight days gives you just enough time to spend two full days in Edinburgh, drive to and from the Isle of Skye (visiting a few places on the drive), and two days in the Isle of Skye.

Do I need a car in Scotland?

You can tour Scotland without a car, by taking the train and using other forms of public transportation or group tours. However, it can be very difficult to get around the Isle of Skye without your own vehicle, so for this Scotland itinerary, we recommend renting a car. 

Is driving in Scotland difficult?

Driving in Scotland is not difficult, but it can feel different if you’re not used to driving on the left side of the road. In cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, traffic is similar to other European cities. In the Highlands and on the Isle of Skye, roads are often narrow and may be single-track with passing places.

If you have any questions about this Scotland itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.

Continue Exploring Scotland

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