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The Ultimate Scotland Travel Guide
Scotland is a joy to visit, with its lush green landscape, dramatic mountains, whiskey distilleries, friendly people, and cities that seem frozen in the Dark Ages. Medieval tales come to life on the streets of Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands offer a beauty like no other. Immerse yourself in the enchanting blend of history, nature, and culture that makes Scotland an irresistible destination.Scotland Stats
Official Languages: English, Scots, and Scottish Gaelic
Population: 5 million
Capital City: Edinburgh
Currency: Pound sterling
Power Outlet: Type G
![Neist Point](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Neist-Point.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Scotland Itinerary
On a map, Scotland may look small. But don’t let that fool you…there is a lot to see and do here. From visiting castles to sipping whisky to bagging some Munros to exploring the mystical Isle of Skye…there is enough to keep you busy for weeks. In this Scotland itinerary, you will be able to see the very best of this amazing country.
Visit Edinburgh, drive through the Highlands of Scotland, with the option to visit Loch Ness. Spend several days on the mystical Isle of Skye, visit Glencoe, and end your trip with 24 hours in Glasgow.
Edinburgh
![Featured image for “11 Awesome Things to do in Edinburgh with Kids”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Edinburgh-with-Kids.jpg.optimal.jpg)
11 Awesome Things to do in Edinburgh with Kids
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2 Days in Edinburgh: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit
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Arthur’s Seat: Climb an Extinct Volcano in Edinburgh
![Featured image for “Dean Village…Why it Needs to be on your Edinburgh Itinerary”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Dean-Village.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Dean Village…Why it Needs to be on your Edinburgh Itinerary
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Driving to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh or Glasgow
![Featured image for “Edinburgh Castle: Important Things to Know Before You Go”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Edinburgh-Castle.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Edinburgh Castle: Important Things to Know Before You Go
![Featured image for “Where to Get the Best Views of Edinburgh”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Views-of-Edinburgh.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Where to Get the Best Views of Edinburgh
Glasgow
Isle of Skye
![Featured image for “The Complete Isle of Skye Travel Guide”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Isle-of-Skye-Travel-Guide.jpg.optimal.jpg)
The Complete Isle of Skye Travel Guide
![Featured image for “Driving to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh or Glasgow”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Driving-to-the-Isle-of-Skye.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Driving to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh or Glasgow
![Featured image for “12 Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye (+ Map & Photos)”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Things-to-do-on-the-Isle-of-Skye.jpg.optimal.jpg)
12 Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye (+ Map & Photos)
![Featured image for “Our Attempt on Bla Bheinn, Scotland”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Ba-Bheinn.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Our Attempt on Bla Bheinn, Scotland
![Featured image for “How to Visit the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Fairy-Pools.jpg.optimal.jpg)
How to Visit the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye
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How to Visit the Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland
![Featured image for “How to Visit Brothers Point on the Isle of Skye”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Brothers-Point.jpg.optimal.jpg)
How to Visit Brothers Point on the Isle of Skye
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Fairy Glen: The Cutest Place to Explore on the Isle of Skye
![Featured image for “Hiking the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Quiraing.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Hiking the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye
More of Scotland
![Featured image for “Hiking the Kintail Saddle in Scotland”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Scotland-Hike.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Hiking the Kintail Saddle in Scotland
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Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle…Are They Worth Visiting?
![Featured image for “Postcards from Glencoe, Scotland”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Glen-Coe.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Postcards from Glencoe, Scotland
Europe Travel Inspiration & Practical Info
Do you dream of visiting world-class cities like Paris, Barcelona, or Venice? Or would you rather hike the Alps, go on a scenic train ride, explore the beautiful beaches and coastal towns in southern Europe, visit fairytale towns and castles, island hop in Greece, or go on an unforgettable road trip in northern Europe?
In this article we list 25 ways to spend one week in Europe.
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10 Days in Europe: 10 Amazing Itineraries for Your Next Trip
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12 Things You Should Know about Renting a Car in Europe
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30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe (+ Map and Photos)
![Featured image for “7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe”](https://www.earthtrekkers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/First-Time-in-Europe.jpg.optimal.jpg)
7 Things to Know When Planning Your First Trip to Europe
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Best Hikes in Europe: Our 20 Favorite Day Hikes
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Travel Photography Gear Guide: What’s In Our Camera Bag
Top Experiences in Scotland
Edinburgh: Our time exploring Edinburgh was an absolute delight. This medieval city is a picturesque wonder with a plethora of activities to enjoy – from climbing a volcano and discovering the inspiration behind JK Rowling's Harry Potter series to touring a castle, delving into how whiskey is made, and experiencing the darker side of the Middle Ages.
Isle of Skye: The Isle of Skye is a stunning destination in Scotland, known for its lush green hills that transform into towering mountains and then descend into the blue coastline. Charming towns, Highland cattle, and hiking trails dot this wondrous landscape. Hiking amidst the Isle of Skye was our favorite part of our trip to Scotland.
Glencoe: If you are taking a road trip through Scotland, Glencoe should be on your list of places to visit. This gorgeous valley is a great place for families, hikers, and those that love the great outdoors. You can either drive through it, spending just an hour here, or you could easily spend an entire day hiking and exploring.
Glasgow: Glasgow is one of Scotland’s largest cities, and though it does not hold as much historical importance as Edinburgh, it is still a fun place to be. This modernized city is packed with whiskey distilleries, rowdy pubs, and pedestrian shopping streets.
Photograph the Eilean Donan Castle: Eilean Donan Castle, situated on an island where three lochs converge amidst breathtaking scenery, is a stunning fortress with a rich history. Once pivotal in the Jacobite revolution, the castle now stands as one of the most photographed and iconic landmarks in all of Scotland.
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle: Loch Ness is Scotland’s most famous loch. Legend has it that this lake is home to Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. People travel all over the world to visit this famous loch, hoping to get a chance to spot the elusive underwater monster.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs: Loch Lomond, located just north of Glasgow, is a vast lake surrounded by mountains to hike, quaint villages to explore, and opportunities for water sports. Trossachs National Park, the region around Loch Lomond, offers enchanting trails around multiple lochs, woodlands, and mountains. Additionally, don't miss Doune Castle, known as the set of Winterfell in Game of Thrones and featured in Outlander and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Stirling Castle: Stirling Castle stands as one of the most impressive castles to visit in Scotland. This grand fortress boasts a rich history intertwined with royalty, sieges, and battles for independence.
Cairngorms National Park: As the largest national park in Great Britain, Cairngorms is a place of outdoor adventure, traditional Highlands culture, wildlife, distilleries, and ancient fortresses. This National Park has some of the tallest mountains in the UK, making it a perfect location for skiing and hiking.
How Many Days Do You Need in Scotland?
Best Time to Visit Scotland
Early May through mid-June is a great time to visit Scotland.
June, July, and August are the warmest months of the year, with average daytime hikes of 16°C (60°F).
April, May, and June are the driest months of the year, averaging about 10 days of rain per month.
The summer gets the most visitors. If you are looking for good weather and lower crowds, plan your visit from early May through mid-June. Expect big crowds in July and August. In September, visitation and crowds go down, but rain chances increase.