Unraveling Scotland’s Mystical Legends: A Seven-Day Scottish Road Trip

Kick-start your Scottish journey in the capital city, Edinburgh. After checking into your accommodation, spend the afternoon exploring the Royal Mile. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, where you can admire the country’s Crown Jewels and enjoy panoramic views of the city. As the sun sets, take a step back in time and wander through the Old Town’s charming streets. Dean Village, situated on the banks of the Water of Leith, is particularly serene. Afterwards, grab dinner at a local pub, listen to some Scottish music and get excited for the next six days of adventure!

On your second day, get up early and set off for the Scottish Highlands. Drive along the scenic A9 route, stopping in quaint villages like Pitlochry and Aviemore. This is also the perfect time to drive through and explore the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. No trip to the Scottish Highlands is complete without trying to spot Nessie, the legendary, yet elusive, sea creature that lives in Loch Ness. Take a boat tour to soak in the breathtaking scenery or if time allows, stop and tour Urquhart Castle tucked into the banks of Loch Ness. Continue to Fort Augustus, a lovely, picturesque village at the southern end of the loch, for dinner. If your overnight base is not in Inverness, Fort Augustus is a great spot for some jet lag relief and sleep!

After much-needed rest and shut-eye, dedicate today to further exploring the Highlands. Visit the stunning Glen Coe, arguably the most famous valley in all of Scotland (and recently voted ‘most romantic’ for all the love birds out there). If the massive size of the rugged cliffs and wild beauty of the valley isn’t enough, the intriguing, turbulent history of Glencoe is sure to leave you with a sense of fascination. Enjoy spectacular scenery, great hiking trails and a lot of the great outdoors. Glencoe's dramatic landscapes are perfect for photography and exploration. After a busy day, stop in the picturesque harbor town of Oban, famous for its fresh seafood, for a quick bite of the daily catch for dinner! Love Scotch? Schedule a tour of the unique Oban distillery for an inside look and tasting of Scotland’s oldest single-malt scotch.

Spoiler Alert! While Scotland in general packs the ‘wow factor’, the Isle of Skye is undeniably one of my favorite places in all of Scotland. With that said, rise early to make your way to the Isle of Skye. Known for its jagged landscapes, vibrant wildlife and surreal scenery, Skye is truly a hiker’s paradise. Key points of interest include the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing Pass and the Fairy Pools. When visiting the Fairy Pools, if you enjoy a cold plunge and are brave enough, take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear tide pools. Settle in for the night at a cozy bed and breakfast in Portree, Skye’s main town.

P.S. Before driving across the bridge onto Skye, don’t skip the opportunity to stop and snap a picture of the Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland’s most photographed castle. It’s worth the stop!

Today is a leisurely day to explore more of what the Isle of Skye has to offer. Before you begin exploring, make your way to Cafe Arriba for some amazing coffee to jump-start your day. (Portree is also a great town to do some shopping, especially if you prefer local, artisan-type souvenirs). History buffs will enjoy a visit to Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. If you are looking for a more relaxing or unique experience, consider taking a boat tour to see the local seal population. Finally, if daylight remains, try catching a sunset at Neist Point, Scotland’s most westerly point. Besides being known for its breathtaking sunsets, Neist Point offers amazing views of wildlife and is a photographer's dream!

Next, head to the beautiful Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first National Park. Take your time exploring the serene loch, indulge in some hiking in the surrounding hills. For advanced hikers, the four to six hour challenging trek to the summit of Ben Lomond, is worth the reward. The summit of Ben Lomond offers some of the most spectacular, unforgettable views in Scotland. The area is also ideal for scenic walks and roadside picnic spots. After a full day of exploring, drive about an hour to Glasgow to spend the evening and rest up for your final day of Scottish exploration.

Glasgow is known for its stunning architecture and thriving culture scene, perfect for history buffs and foodies alike. Start your final day exploring the city center’s architecture. From the ornate designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh to the modernist structures of the Clyde, the city is a fantastic place for architecture enthusiasts. Glasgow is also home to some great museums, most of which are free! The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must-see, showcasing everything from art to natural history. Don’t miss out on the Riverside Museum, dedicated to transport, where you can hop on vintage vehicles and immerse yourself in Glasgow's transport history. After exploring the city, it is time to continue on to Edinburgh to check into the night’s accommodation and grab dinner.