A 6-Day Introduction to Scotland

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Advisor - Bijoy Shah
Curated By

Bijoy Shah

  • International Travel

  • England

  • Scotland

  • Edinburgh

  • Adventure Travel

  • Countryside

  • Outdoors

  • Sightseeing

Green pastures with a small house and lake in Scotland.
Curator’s statement

Scotland is a magical country that may take years for you to really explore in-depth. But if you're short on time and want to dive right in, this quick guide might be exactly what you need!

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Day 1: Arriving in Edinburgh

The skyline of the city of Edinburgh.

Land in Scotland and transfer to your hotel. Take a few hours to find a quick local lunch and relax. Take the afternoon to visit The Royal Mile, walking along the ancient road, stopping inside some wonderful shops and enjoying the fine local pubs. Tour Edinburgh Castle or The Palace of Holyroodhouse. If you want a great sunset view, check out Calton Hill. It's an easy walk up the hill and one definitely worth the view.

Have a classic Scottish meal at a place called Angels with Bagpipes before retiring to your hotel for the night.

Day 2: Botanic Gardens

A misty window view of lush plant life in Scotland.

Wake up and visit The Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh, one of the oldest scientific gardens in Britain, containing more than 13,000 plant species. Have a quick local lunch and head to Mary King's Close for a walking tour. Of the 17th century streets hidden across Edinburgh, this one will show you some wonderful insight about the days of the plague and tell great stories about the city. This evening, catch your train to Glasgow. On arrival, have a nice dinner before retiring to your hotel for the night.

Day 3: Glasgow & Necropolis

The ancient architecture of Glasgow framed by pink flowers.

Wake up and have a light breakfast before heading to the Necropolis. There are fifty thousand bodies buried in the 37 acres of the Glasgow Necropolis, which sits on a large hill near the Glasgow Cathedral. For many, this is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. After exploring the Necropolis, have lunch at Tchai-Ovna House of Tea. After lunch, visit Kelvingrove Museum and Gallery for one of the most amazing and beautiful museums in all of the United Kingdom. Grab a good pint and pub dinner before retiring to your hotel for the night.

Day 4: Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

The expansive Loch Lomond flanked by green mountains and pastures.

Wake up and head up to Balloch by train. On arrival, grab your hiking boots and a quick packed lunch and explore Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. There are many hikes for every hiking level and every accessibility measure. After some hiking, head to your hotel for a peaceful evening in Scotland's beauty. Be sure to have dinner somewhere from where you can see the Loch!

Day 5: Return to Edinburgh

A train going over an aqueduct in Scotland.

Wake up and say goodbye to the countryside before hopping on a train back to Edinburgh. Enjoy the Scottish countryside by rail! On arrival to Edinburgh, visit a distillery or go check out anything you may have missed. Spend the night in your hotel before your final day.

Day 6: Sláinte & Depart

A beer and a whisky in a pub in Scotland.

Enjoy the day at your leisure. Take a train or bus to St. Andrews. Visit some nearby distilleries for a quick dram. Just be sure to get back to the airport in time for your flight home in the afternoon.

Advisor - Bijoy Shah

Travel Advisor

Bijoy Shah

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Looking for more travel inspo in Scotland? Check out my guide A Whisky Lover's 12 Days in Scotland and A Relaxing & Active Jaunt through Scotland.