Scotland

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Scotland's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Exploring the Highlands
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Loch Ness, where you can take a boat tour to search for the legendary monster. Enjoy a picturesque walk along the shores and capture some stunning photos.

afternoon
:

Head over to Urquhart Castle for a glimpse of history and beautiful views of the loch. Take your time exploring the ruins and enjoy a picnic lunch.

evening
:

Drive to Inverness and explore the city center. End your day with a cozy dinner at a local pub, sampling some traditional Scottish fare.

day 2
Historic Edinburgh
morning
:

Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock for a dose of history and panoramic views. Walk along the Royal Mile and explore the charming shops.

afternoon
:

Take a leisurely stroll through Holyrood Park and hike up Arthur’s Seat for breathtaking vistas of the city. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature.

evening
:

Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the Grassmarket area filled with restaurants and bars. Experience a traditional Scottish music session to round off your evening.

day 3
Magnificent Isles
morning
:

Catch an early ferry to the Isle of Skye, known for its rugged landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Stop by the Fairy Pools to capture the vibrant blue water.

afternoon
:

Visit the Old Man of Storr, where a short hike rewards you with stunning views of the landscape. Grab some lunch at a local café in Portree.

evening
:

Enjoy a sunset view from the Quiraing and breathe in the fresh island air. Dine at a seafood restaurant, savoring freshly caught local fish.

day 4
Cultural Glasgow
morning
:

Start at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, admiring a diverse collection of exhibits. Take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding park.

afternoon
:

Head to the Riverside Museum to learn about the city's maritime history. Grab lunch at a trendy café, trying some unique local dishes.

evening
:

Explore the vibrant Merchant City area, filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. End your day with a live music performance at one of the local venues.

day 5
Charming St. Andrews
morning
:

Begin your day with a walk along the beautiful West Sands beach. Visit the historic ruins of St. Andrews Castle for some spectacular coastal views.

afternoon
:

Explore the medieval streets of St. Andrews, stopping by quaint shops and cafés. Enjoy a lunch featuring local seafood delicacies.

evening
:

Visit the St. Andrews Links, where golf was first played, for a stunning sunset. Wrap up with a delightful dinner in a cozy bistro in town.

day 6
The Enchanting Orkneys
morning
:

Take a morning ferry to the Orkney Islands and visit the Neolithic village of Skara Brae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in Scotland's ancient history.

afternoon
:

Explore the Ring of Brodgar, a prehistoric stone circle, and enjoy the dramatic landscape. Have lunch at a local café, sampling Orkney's seafood.

evening
:

Visit the Orkney Brewery for a unique tasting experience of local ales. Dine on a traditional Orcadian dish while soaking in the local atmosphere.

day 7
Enchanting The Highlands
morning
:

Start your day with a scenic drive through the Scottish Highlands, marveling at breath-taking glens and mountains. Stop for fresh air and pictures at places like Glencoe.

afternoon
:

Visit the picturesque village of Fort Augustus and spend time along the Caledonian Canal. Enjoy lunch at a riverside café.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Loch Oich. Have dinner at a local restaurant and share stories of your adventures.

day 8
Lovely Loch Lomond
morning
:

Arrive at Loch Lomond and begin your day with a refreshing walk along the shores. Admire the stunning scenery, with mountains reflecting in the water.

afternoon
:

Take a scenic cruise on the loch, exploring its beautiful islands. Enjoy a picnic lunch with nature all around you.

evening
:

Return to dry land for a hike in the nearby Trossachs National Park. Conclude your day with dinner at a charming lodge.

day 9
Fabulous Fringe Festival
morning
:

If you're in Edinburgh in August, dive into the incredible Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Start with a morning comedy show and laugh your heart out!

afternoon
:

Wander through the different venues to find hidden gems, enjoying street performances along the way. Grab a bite from one of the many food stalls in the area.

evening
:

End your festival day with a spectacular musical performance or theatrical production. Relish discussions about the shows over dinner in a nearby restaurant.

day 10
Celtic Traditions
morning
:

Begin your day in Oban with a hearty Scottish breakfast, preparing for a day of culture. Visit the local distillery to learn about whisky production.

afternoon
:

Take a ferry to the nearby Isle of Mull, where stunning views and local wildlife await. Enjoy fresh seafood for lunch in Tobermory.

evening
:

Return to Oban for a relaxing stroll along the waterfront. Conclude your evening with traditional music at a local pub.

Discover Scotland

Read more in our Scotland 2024 Travel Guide.

Scotland Travel Guide