NOTE: This itinerary was originally published on my host travel agency’s website, linked here.
Embark on a Scottish odyssey like no other – where ancient castles whisper tales of the past, rolling landscapes enchant the soul, and every winding road promises a new adventure. Buckle up, thrill-seeker, because we’re diving into a week-long escapade through the heart of Scotland, weaving through the Highlands and unveiling the magic of the Isle of Skye!
Day 1: Dive into Edinburgh’s Buzz
Your journey kicks off in the spirited city of Edinburgh! Get your day rolling with a hearty breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder, setting the stage for the exhilarating days ahead. Join a free-wheelin’ walking tour – Sandeman’s New Europe is the playmaker here. Traverse The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and soak up the city’s historical vibe. Dive into Scotland’s past at the National Museum of Scotland, a treasure trove that won’t cost you a dime!
As the sun dips below the horizon, treat your taste buds at Noto, a small plates haven in the heart of Edinburgh. And why not cap off the night with a pub hop through legends like The Jolly Judge, The Bow Bar, and The Last Drop?
Day 2: Edinburgh’s Natural Highs
Rise and shine early to catch the sunrise from Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh’s crowning glory. After soaking in the morning hues, hit Southern Cross Cafe for a breakfast that’s as bold as your Scottish adventure. Explore Calton Hill, dive into contemporary art at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, or spice things up with a ghost tour.
When hunger calls, treat yourself like royalty at Michelin-starred hotspots – The Kitchin and Timberyard await to dazzle your taste buds.
Day 3: Skye’s Spell Unleashed
Time to hit the road! Snag your rental car and get ready for a wild ride through the Highlands of Scotland! We’re talking cruising along the A9, A82, and A86, skirting the edges of the Cairngorms National Park – the real deal, the Highlands!
Now, hold on tight because we’ve got a lineup of epic spots for you to check out. Picture this: you’re heading north, and here’s what’s on the menu, from South to North:
- St John’s Kirk in Perth: Think 15th-century vibes – ancient church game strong.
- Scone Palace: Where Scottish kings got their crown on – talk about regal history!
- Dunfallandy Stone: This bad boy is a Pictish rock star, standing strong through the ages.
- Blair Castle & Gardens: Clan Murray’s ancestral crib – gardens and history, anyone?
- Geographical Center of Scotland: Stand at the heart of it all – literally! Scotland’s beating heart.
- Allt na Criche: Loch Ness vibes – picturesque scenes by the water, just what you need.
- Urquhart Castle: Ruins with a view – Loch Ness, a dash of history, and some serious independence feels.
- Eilean Donan Castle: The grand finale – a castle that’s basically Scotland’s Instagram star.
Get ready for a road trip filled with history, stunning landscapes, and more photo ops than you can shake a selfie stick at! Let the Scottish adventure begin!
Day 4: Sky-High Adventures Continue
Wake up surrounded by Skye’s mystique and head into Portree for breakfast at Cafe Arriba.
After that, you’ll be venturing up north to explore the top half of the Isle of Skye. As you make your way along, you’ll hit such sites as:
- The Old Man of Storr: Channel your inner movie hero at the legendary Old Man of Storr. If these rocks could talk, oh, the tales they’d tell!
- Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls: Brace yourself for a jaw-dropping near 300-foot rock and waterfall combo. Kilt Rock is like nature’s catwalk, and Mealt Falls? Pure poetry in motion.
- Staffin Bay: Dinosaur footprints alert! At low tide, these rocks spill the secrets of the ancient reptilian residents. Jurassic Park vibes, anyone?
- Dultulm Castle Ruins: Time-travel to Clan MacDonald’s stomping grounds. Ruins with tales whispering in the wind.
- Cave of Gold: Warriors, monsters, and hidden treasures – the stuff legends are made of. Dare to uncover the secrets of the Cave of Gold.
- Fairy Glen: Enchantment awaits at the Fairy Glen – mystical landscapes that’ll make you believe in magic.
- Pictish Stones of Kensaleyre & Clach Ard: Step back into Pictish times with these standing stones – silent witnesses to centuries gone by.
- Dun Beag Broch: An Iron Age stone tower with serious fortress vibes. The kind of place that makes you feel like a Highland warrior.
- Dunvegan Castle: Scotland’s living history – the oldest continuously inhabited castle by the mighty Clan MacLeod.
- Neist Point Lighthouse: Cap off your day with the sun dipping below the horizon at Neist Point Lighthouse – a world-famous beacon guiding you to scenic perfection.
Wrap up the day in style at Loch Bay, a Michelin-starred eatery that complements Skye’s magical atmosphere.
Day 5: Southern Skye Serenade
Get ready for a day filled with waterfalls, castles, and seaside wonders. Southern Skye is calling!
We’re kicking off your day at the delightful Café Cùil for a breakfast/brunch extravaganza, setting the stage for a southern Skye odyssey.
Next you’ll head throughout the southern half of the Isle of Skye to explore such sites as:
- Talisker Bay: Feel the sandy vibes at Talisker Bay, and if you’re lucky, catch a sneak peek of MacLeod’s Maidens – a coastal spectacle that’ll have your camera working overtime.
- Talisker Bay Distillery: Whiskey lovers, rejoice! Dive into a whiskey tasting & tour at the famed Talisker Bay Distillery. Because why just admire the view when you can sip on Skye’s liquid gold?
- Eas Mor Waterfall: Brace yourself for the breathtaking Eas Mor waterfall – nature’s own waterworks display in the heart of Skye.
- Carbost Burn Waterfall: Follow the sound of falling water to Carbost Burn waterfall, a hidden gem ready to be discovered.
- Fairy Pools: Time to dip into the magical realm of Fairy Pools – crystal-clear waters, surrounded by Skye’s enchanting landscapes.
- Coire Lagan Stroll: Take a leisurely stroll along Coire Lagan, where every step feels like a page from a fairytale.
- Dunscaith Castle Ruins: Embrace the mystical ambiance of Dunscaith – the “Fortress of Shadows.” Legend has it; warrior maiden Scáthach once called this place home.
- Knock Castle: Explore the former stronghold of the MacDonalds – Knock Castle, or as the locals call it, Caisteal Chamuis. History, meet modern-day adventure!
- Armadale Castle & Gardens: Wander through the ruins of Armadale Castle & Gardens – a former MacDonald residence now draped in historical charm.
- Elgol Fishing Village: Up next, the picturesque fishing village of Elgol awaits. If low tide is on your side, venture to Prince Charlie’s Cave – a secret hideaway awaiting your discovery.
Cap off your Skye escapade with a feast at the Michelin Guide-approved Coruisk House. Deliciousness served with a side of Skye’s finest views!
Day 6: Road-Tripping Back to Edinburgh
It’s time to kick off the final day with an early rise, a strong cup of joe, and a LONG drive back to Edinburgh.
Before hitting the road, fuel up at one of the local caffeine hubs on the road off the island: Coffee Bothy, Lean To Coffee, and Hector’s Bothy. Because a road trip without coffee is just a long, sleepy stroll!
Next you’ll head south, along the general routes of the A87 and A82. Now, let’s dive into the marvels along the way:
- Glenfinnan Viaduct: First up, brace yourself for the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct – a 19th-century railway masterpiece that’ll have you reaching for your camera at every turn.
- Glencoe – Scotland’s Historic Glen: Navigate through the historic beauty of Glencoe, where every curve in the road unveils Scotland’s most storied glen.
- Castle Stalker: Behold Castle Stalker – a majestic four-story tower standing proud along Loch Laich. It’s a sight to remember!
- Oban Fishing Village: Pause in the charming fishing village of Oban. And hey, why not savor some authentic fish and chips at the Waterfront Fishouse?
- Kilchurn Castle Ruins: Explore the hauntingly beautiful Kilchurn Castle ruins, a 15th-century gem resting by the shores of Loch Awe.
- Inveraray Castle – Gothic Revival Beauty: Immerse yourself in the Gothic Revival grandeur of Inveraray Castle – an 18th-century country house straight out of a fairytale.
- Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park: Cap off your road trip adventure with a visit to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Cruise around the lake from Tarbet, taking in the mesmerizing views of Ben Lomond.
- Glasgow Stopover: As you head through Glasgow, the city of culture and style, decide whether to extend your adventure with an extra day or two. The allure of Glasgow’s vibrant streets might just tempt you.
For ultimate convenience, consider staying at a cozy airport hotel before your flight home the next day. Rest up, and relive the tales of your Scottish road trip adventure.
Hotels
100 Princes Street (Fora Reserve): 100 Princes Street, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s first Scotland Scotland hotel, in a stylishly renovated building, is an exclusive retreat on Edinburgh’s most famous street.
The Balmoral (Rocco Forte Knights): The Balmoral Hotel is a part of Rocco Forte Hotels, opened in 1902 with 188 contemporary rooms & suites right on Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (Preferred Platinum): Situated in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh Virgin Hotels Edinburgh is a masterful marriage of 19th Century architecture and contemporary design with a local influence.
Cuillin Hills Hotel: At the 4-star Cuillin Hills Hotel on the Island of Skye, you will enjoy some of the finest and most spectacular views from any hotel in Scotland.
Coruisk House: Located in the stunning village of Elgol on the Isle of Skye, Coruisk House is the perfect hotel to switch off, sit back & relax in the lap of luxury.
Ride through a Scotland that’s rich in history, brimming with natural wonders, and cloaked in its own special magic. From the spirited streets of Edinburgh to the untamed beauty of Skye, this road trip promises more than a journey – it’s an unforgettable tale woven through the heart of Scotland. Ready to make memories that’ll become legends?
Reach out to plan your road trip across the Scottish Highlands!
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