Quite Possibly the Best Scottish Highland Itinerary

Afternoon: Arrive in Edinburgh after your international flight. Check into your hotel and kick your feet up for a bit. This first afternoon is for settling in, getting over any jet lag and familiarizing yourself with the city. I recommend a leisurely stroll down the historic Royal Mile, where you can pop into some charming shops, cafes, or visit St. Giles' Cathedral. This is a great opportunity to get your bearings and soak in the atmosphere of the Old Town. If you’re up for it, a visit to the scenic Calton Hill offers an easy walk with panoramic views over Edinburgh’s skyline.

Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at one of Edinburgh’s cozy pubs — try the local haggis if you’re feeling adventurous!

Overnight in Edinburgh.

Morning: Begin your day with a tour of the stunning Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Take your time exploring this iconic fortress perched high above the city.

Afternoon: After lunch, stroll through the Princes Street Gardens and head toward the elegant New Town area. Be sure to visit the Scottish National Gallery, where you can admire some of Scotland’s finest artwork. If time allows, a visit to Dean Village for a peaceful, scenic walk along the Water of Leith is a beautiful option.

Evening: Experience a taste of Scotland at the highly acclaimed Scotch Whisky Experience. Having done the experience myself, it’s a fantastic and immersive tour that is perfect for whisky novices and experts alike. Go through a guided tour of the facility along with a whisky tasting and finish it off with dinner at the on-site restaurant. I still remember their sticky toffee pudding — it was that good!

Overnight in Edinburgh.

Morning: Head out early for a day trip to the charming coastal town of St. Andrews. This town is known as the "Home of Golf" and boasts the world-famous Old Course. Even if you’re not a golfer, it's worth visiting the British Golf Museum for a deep dive into the sport’s history.

Afternoon: Explore the medieval ruins of St. Andrews Cathedral and St. Andrews Castle, which sit dramatically overlooking the North Sea. Stroll along the lovely West Sands Beach, made famous in the movie Chariots of Fire.

Evening: Return to Edinburgh and grab a cocktail at the famous Panda & Sons – one of the top 50 bars in the world for 2024!

Overnight in Edinburgh.

Morning: Drive north through scenic countryside towards the Cairngorms National Park. Take a leisurely route with a stop at Dunkeld, a quaint village known for its historic cathedral and beautiful riverside setting.

Afternoon: Arrive in Braemar (Home of the Braemar Gathering). Check in to the Fife Arms Hotel, a luxury property filled with eclectic art, local history and Highland charm. Not to mention, it has one of the coolest whisky rooms I've ever seen. Spend the afternoon settling in and exploring the hotel's stunning interiors and beautiful grounds.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, The Clunie Dining Room, which showcases local ingredients and Highland cuisine.

Overnight in Braemar.

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the nearby Balmoral Castle (seasonal), the Scottish residence of the Royal Family.

Afternoon: Head back towards Braemar, stopping at Loch Muick for a scenic walk. This loch is part of the Balmoral Estate and offers spectacular Highland views. If you’re feeling a cheeky dram of whisky, stop in at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, located just across the road from the castle.

Evening: Relax back in Braemar with dinner at a local pub like The Bothy, which offers a cozy atmosphere and traditional fare. Don’t sleep on their homemade shortbread pastries — trust me on this.

Overnight in Braemar.

Morning: Take a day trip to the legendary Glamis Castle, known for its stunning architecture and history as the childhood home of the Queen Mother. Explore the grand interiors and beautiful gardens.

Afternoon: Head to Blair Athol Distillery for a guided tour and tasting. Visit Glenfarclas or Balvenie Distillery if you have time, both located in the nearby whisky-famous Speyside region. Don’t miss a stop at the Speyside Cooperage, where you can see traditional cask-making in action.

Evening: Return to Braemar and relax with a quiet dinner at the hotel or explore a local eatery.

Overnight in Braemar.

Morning: Leave Braemar and drive through the stunning Highland scenery to Inverness. Take your time on the route, making stops at charming villages along the way.

Afternoon: Arrive in Inverness and check in to the Kingsmills Hotel Inverness. Take a relaxed walk along the River Ness and visit Inverness Castle for panoramic views of the city.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the city at a local favorite, Fig & Thistle Bistro, known for its excellent Scottish cuisine.

Overnight in Inverness.

Morning: Head north for a day trip to the breathtaking Dunrobin Castle, often called Scotland’s fairytale castle due to its turreted architecture and stunning coastal location. Don’t miss the falconry display in the gardens.

Afternoon: Visit Balblair Distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland, for a tasting tour and an insider’s look at whisky-making traditions. Alternatively, you could stop by other distilleries in the area, like Glenmorangie or Clynelish. All very different in their approach.

Evening: Return to Inverness for dinner at Rocpool Restaurant, a popular spot known for its local ingredients and creative menu.

Overnight in Inverness.

Morning: Drive south to the iconic Loch Ness, stopping at Urquhart Castle, where you can explore the ruins and enjoy stunning views of the loch. Keep an eye out for Nessie!

Afternoon: Continue driving along the scenic roads to Fort Augustus, a charming village at the southern end of Loch Ness. Stop for lunch at a local cafe and enjoy a stroll along the Caledonian Canal.

Evening: Arrive at Corriegour Lodge Hotel, a lovely loch-side retreat where you can unwind for the evening. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the hotel's well-regarded restaurant.

Overnight at Corriegour Lodge Hotel.

Morning: Drive through Fort William, with a stop to admire the historic Inverlochy Castle and its picturesque surroundings.

Afternoon: Continue your journey through the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, famous for its rugged mountain scenery and history. Take a short walk or hike to fully appreciate the beauty of this iconic valley.

Evening: Arrive in Glasgow and enjoy a final evening in Scotland with dinner at a local favorite like Ox and Finch. If you’re looking for one last dram of whisky — The Pot Still is the place to be. Quite possibly my favorite place in the city, with over 1,000 different whiskies in their collection. Just ask the incredibly knowledgeable staff for advice if you’re having trouble knowing where to start.

Overnight in Glasgow.