Best of Scotland

Arrive in Edinburgh where your self-drive or chauffeured car will be waiting for you. Spend your first day getting acquainted with Scotland, perhaps exploring the capital’s historic Royal Mile or beginning your journey north toward Fife.

Begin your road trip in earnest by heading to Fife. Visit the charming village of Falkland to explore its Renaissance palace, then drive east to St Andrews. Pass through Dundee (a UNESCO City of Design), and take the scenic coastal route past Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven before resting for the night in the Aberdeen area.

Traverse the captivating “Deeside Tourist Route” through the Cairngorms National Park, exploring castles like Crathes and Balmoral. Venture into Speyside, renowned for its whisky distilleries, and consider visiting esteemed establishments like Glenfiddich or Aberlour to sample Scotland’s finest.

Drive north across the Black Isle Peninsula to the seaside village of Scrabster, stopping at the enchanting Dunrobin Castle en route. Embark on a scenic 1.5-hour ferry ride to Stromness on Orkney. Venture to the historic capital of Kirkwall to marvel at the 12th-century St Magnus Cathedral.

Explore the “Heart of Neolithic Orkney” (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Discover the 5,000-year-old prehistoric village of Skara Brae, the enigmatic Ring of Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness, and the chambered cairn of Maeshowe, adorned with 12th-century Norse runic inscriptions.

Return to the mainland via ferry before embarking on a section of the renowned North Coast 500 route. Enjoy breathtaking views of rocky cliffs and golden beaches. Explore Smoo Cave, the azure waters of Durness, and the ruins of Ardvreck Castle before arriving in the whitewashed village of Ullapool.

Board the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Explore the Stornoway Museum within Lews Castle (home to the Lewis Chessmen). Detour to the west side of the island to marvel at the awe-inspiring Callanish Standing Stones, and visit the Black Arnol Museum to delve into island history.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Isle of Harris. Explore the village of Tarbert, drive “The Golden Road” to Rodel, and visit the medieval St. Clement’s Church. Stroll the pristine white sands of Luskentyre Beach, and visit the Harris Tweed outlets to acquire an authentic, handwoven souvenir.

Board the ferry from Tarbert to Uig on the Isle of Skye. Embark on a scenic drive around the awe-inspiring Trotternish Peninsula. Walk to the “Old Man of Storr,” witness Kilt Rock waterfall, see the Quiraing, hunt for dinosaur footprints at An Corran Beach, and visit the mystical Fairy Glen.

Explore the colorful village of Portree before venturing west to experience the crystal-clear Fairy Pools at the base of the Black Cuillin Hills. Indulge in a tasting at Talisker Distillery, and visit Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod.

Return to the Scottish mainland, stopping at the iconic and highly photographed Eilean Donan Castle. Continue to the shores of mystical Loch Ness to visit the Loch Ness Centre. Consider a boat tour in search of the elusive monster or explore the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle.

Drive through the stunning landscapes of Glen Coe. Consider stopping at Balquidder to pay homage at Rob Roy’s grave and admire the Falls of Dochart in Killin. Alternatively, opt for the scenic route via the seaside town of Oban and historical Kilmartin Glen, packed with Neolithic standing stones and cairns.

Traverse through the scenic Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Enjoy a nature walk, a steamship tour on Loch Katrine, or visit Doune Castle (Monty Python / Outlander). If time permits, visit Stirling Castle or the impressive Kelpies sculptures before arriving in Edinburgh (or Glasgow).

Enjoy some last-minute shopping, explore one of Edinburgh’s renowned museums, or take a leisurely stroll through the charming city center before returning your vehicle at the airport and bidding farewell to Scotland.