10 Days Through Scotland: A Road Trip of Castles, Highlands & Hidden Gems

Morning:

• Arrive in Glasgow and check into your hotel. The Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel or The Grasshopper Hotel.

• Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to explore art, history and culture. Houses one of Europe’s great art collections, featuring works from the Renaissance to the Scottish Colourists.

• Walk through Kelvingrove Park for stunning city views. Walk the grounds of one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1451, and admire its Hogwarts-like architecture.

Afternoon:

• Explore the University of Glasgow, an architectural masterpiece.

• Lunch at Ardnamurchan Scottish Restaurant, known for traditional Scottish dishes.

Evening:

• Shop on Buchanan Street and enjoy dinner at Ox and Finch (modern Scottish cuisine).

• Drinks at The Pot Still, a renowned whisky bar.

Morning:

• Drive to Kennacraig Ferry Terminal (~2.5-hour drive).

• Ferry to Port Ellen, Islay (~2-hour ferry ride).

Afternoon:

• Tour Ardnahoe Distillery and taste their signature whisky.

• Visit the Finlaggan Trust, the seat of the Lord of the Isles. The historic seat of the Lords of the Isles and a major site of medieval Scottish power.

• Lunch at Ballygrant Inn, famous for fresh seafood. A historic inn perfect for a cozy lunch.

Evening:

• Browse The Celtic House bookshop and visit Islay Woollen Mill for local textiles made since 1883.

• Optional stop at Islay Gin.

• Dinner at The Lochside Hotel & Restaurant.

Morning:

• Whisky tastings at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg distilleries.

• Take the afternoon ferry back to Kennacraig.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Oban, stopping at Dunstaffnage Castle en route. A medieval stronghold that played a pivotal role in Scotland’s Wars of Independence.

• Oban Distillery: One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, dating back to 1794.

Evening:

• Dinner at Ee-Usk, a top seafood restaurant.

Morning:

• Drive to Fort William (~1.5-hour drive).

• Visit the West Highland Museum for Highland history. Learn about the Jacobite uprisings and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s failed rebellion.

• Browse The Highland Bookshop.

Afternoon:

• Drive to Glencoe, a scenic area with hiking opportunities. Walk through the site of the infamous 1692 Massacre of Glencoe, where the MacDonald clan was betrayed.

• Explore the Glencoe Visitor Centre.

Evening:

• Dinner at Crannog at Garrison West in Fort William.

Morning:

• Drive along the Great Glen and stop at Urquhart Castle. A ruined medieval fortress with ties to the Wars of Scottish Independence, on the banks of Loch Ness, great for pictures!

• Tour Great Glen Distillery and visit Loch Ness. Learn about Scotland’s ancient waterways and the legend of the Loch Ness Monster.

Afternoon:

• Visit Inverness Castle (opening Spring 2025).

• Explore Inverness Cathedral.

Evening:

• Dinner at Scotch & Rye, known for its whisky selection.

Morning:

• Visit Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns. The site of the last pitched battle on British soil in 1746, where the Jacobite dream was crushed.

Afternoon:

• Browse Leakey’s Bookshop and tour Uilebheist Distillery.

• Lunch at Café 1.

Evening:

• Dinner at The Mustard Seed, a cozy spot in Inverness.

Morning:

• Drive to Balmoral Castle, the Scottish royal residence. Discover the royal family’s connection to Scotland and Queen Victoria’s love for the Highlands.

Afternoon:

• Continue to Aberdeen (~1.5-hour drive).

• Explore Old Aberdeen and University of Aberdeen.

• Explore cobbled streets and medieval architecture dating back to the 14th century.

• Lunch at Moonfish Café.

Evening:

• Walk along Aberdeen Beach and have dinner at The Silver Darling.

Morning:

• Drive to Stirling (~2-hour drive).

• Visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most significant strongholds. One of Scotland’s most important castles, where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in 1543.

• Tour The National Wallace Monument. Dedicated to William Wallace, the hero of the Wars of Independence.

Afternoon:

• Visit Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, and a stunning ruin reflecting Scotland’s royal history.

• Stop at Midhope Castle. A must-visit for Outlander fans, this 16th-century tower house served as Lallybroch in the show.

• Lunch at Brea in Stirling.

Evening:

• Drive to Edinburgh (~1-hour drive).

• Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle, a historic fine-dining spot.

Morning:

• Visit Edinburgh Castle. Home to the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny, where ancient Scottish kings were crowned.

• Walk the Royal Mile, stopping at The Royal Mile Gallery for art souvenirs.

Afternoon:

• Tour Holyrood Palace, the King’s official Scottish residence.

• Visit St Giles’ Cathedral and explore The Real Mary King’s Close, a preserved underground street from the 1600s.

• Lunch at The Scran & Scallie, a gastropub by a Michelin-star chef.

Evening:

• Shop at Tron Kirk Market for unique souvenirs.

• Enjoy dinner at Sheep Heid Inn, Scotland’s oldest pub.

Morning:

• Hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic city views. An ancient volcanic hill offering stunning views of Edinburgh.

• Visit Dean Village, a picturesque hidden gem. A picturesque riverside area showcasing Scotland’s historic mill industry.

Afternoon:

• Last-minute shopping on the Royal Mile and Victoria Street.

• Lunch at Ondine, a top seafood restaurant.

• Depart for the airport with incredible memories of Scotland!