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.

Itinerary #1: Signature Scotland: Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, Isle of Skye, Glencoe & Glasgow

With no shortage of famous places to visit, this coast-to-coast trip puts you in close proximity to Scotland's most historic landmarks, from the capital city to the Highlands. 

Urquhart Castle in Inverness
Visit Urquhart Castle in Inverness
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive, Visit Edinburgh Castle & History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour Edinburgh
Day 2 Edinburgh Food Tour Edinburgh
Day 3 Self-Guided Dundee Tour & Old Course Walking Tour in St Andrews Aberdeen
Day 4 Elgin Cathedral, Pluscarden Abbey, Dufftown Distilleries & Macallan Estate Inverness
Day 5 Tour Culloden Battlefield, Lochness Cruise & E-Biking in Inverness Inverness
Day 6 Visit Urquhart Castle, Skyeskyns Tannery Tour & Self-Care Massage in Skye Isle of Skye
Day 7 Whisky, Gin & Chocolate Tour, Torabhaig Whisky Immersion & Sea Kayaking Isle of Skye
Day 8 Jacobite Train Ride, Mallaig Wildlife Boat Trip & Private Guided Walk in Glencoe Glencoe
Day 9 Sir Walter Scott Steamship Ride & C.R. Mackintosh Glasgow Tour Glasgow
Day 10 Depart Edinburgh  


Get settled and use the next two days to make your way around Edinburgh, moving from medieval Old Town to the emerging foodie-friendly area of Stockbridge. Then, take your time to traverse Dundee, which features many fascinating museums, as well as the Dundee Science Centre. Next, snap some photos of the 13th-century Elgin Cathedral, a piece of architectural genius that's been a visitor attraction since the early 1800s. 

Day five starts at a historic battleground site, continues with a cruise around the famed Loch Ness, and ends with an electric bike tour of Inverness. After some well-earned self-care time at Skye Serenity Spa, enjoy locally brewed whisky and gin at the Torabhaig Distillery, along with handmade chocolates from Glenshiel Chocolate Company. Next, board the Jacobite Train for an exciting excursion that eventually brings you to the cozy village of Glencoe. Finally, wrap up your 10-day getaway with a special dinner in the city of Glasgow. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Highlights & Islands 

Get an authentic taste of Scottish cuisine and culture on a scenic adventure that takes you from the bustling city to a secluded island.

Visit Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides
Visit Isle of Skye, the largest island in the Inner Hebrides
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Edinburgh, Historian Guided Walking Tour Edinburgh
Day 2 Edinburgh Food Tour, Drive to Inverness & Culloden Battlefield Tour Inverness
Day 3 Drive to the Isle of Skye Skye
Day 4 Skye & Raasay Whisky Trail Skye
Day 5 Skyeskyns Tannery Visit & Three Chimneys Culinary Experience Skye
Day 6 Drive to Oban, Boat Tour to the Coast of Mull Oban
Day 7 Fly to the Isle of Islay Islay
Day 8 Islay Whisky Tasting Tour Islay
Day 9 Fly to Oban, Drive to Edinburgh Edinburgh
Day 10 Depart Edinburgh  


Your adventure begins in Scotland's capital. You can visit the 16th-century Holyrood Palace and the imposing Edinburgh Castle before embarking on a culinary tour that gives you exclusive access to some of the city's best food spots. The scenery changes entirely on day three, with a relaxing drive to the breathtaking Isle of Skye, which sets the stage for a fun night in the portside town of Portree

Learn about one of Scotland's oldest traditions during your visit to Skyeskyns Tannery and get a first-hand glimpse at sheepskin production and leather making. Then, drive south to Oban to see native animals like sea eagles, seals, and even dolphins. A full-day whisky tasting tour lets you sample some unique single malts produced by distilleries that have been around for centuries. Spend your last evening in Scotland with a night out where it all began. Learn more

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Itinerary #3: Best of Scotland by Train

This train-based tour is an intimate way to appreciate Scotland's idyllic combination of dramatic coastlines, lush greenery, and stunning mountains. 

Ride the famed Jacobite Train
Ride the famed Jacobite Train
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Glasgow, Self-Guided Tour  Glasgow
Day 2 Glasgow: Self-Guided Exploration Glasgow
Day 3 Visit Stirling & Transfer to Highlands Inverness
Day 4 Tour Loch Ness, Inverness & Culloden Battlefield Inverness
Day 5 Explore Moray Firth & Elgin Inverness
Day 6 Isle of Skye: Self-Guided Exploration  Isle of Skye
Day 7 Isle of Skye: Private, Guided Tour Isle of Skye
Day 8 Jacobite Train & Transfer to Edinburgh Edinburgh
Day 9 Edinburgh: Self-Guided Tour Edinburgh
Day 10 Old Town Tour of Edinburgh and Depart Edinburgh


Kick off your 10-day stay with a self-guided tour of Glasgow. This bustling city has a range of exciting attractions, including the Gothic-inspired Glasgow Cathedral and the People's Palace Museum. Then, board the train to Stirling and step back in time as you visit historical sites like the National Wallace Monument—an homage to Scottish war hero Sir William Wallace. As you head toward the coast, an active day in Inverness sets the stage for a peaceful ride on the Kyle Line Train

During your two days on the Isle of Skye, capture photos of the area's unique landscape, especially the volcanic site of Quiraing. Head west to see Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, which is the only remaining inhabited castle on the island. Day eight is visually stunning, as you can take in beautiful views of Loch Shiel and Loch Etive from the train. Everything comes to a close in Edinburgh, which has a wide array of must-see sights, cozy pubs, and classy restaurants to explore before you head home. Learn more

More Great Scotland Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Scotland? Check out these other Scotland itineraries, with outdoor adventures, castle and cathedral tours, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

Map

Map of 10 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Map of 10 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas