10 Days in Scotland: Highlands and Isle of Skye

Head into the Highlands on this epic 10-day road trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye, Inverness, and Pitlochry.

Country
Scotland
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
From
$3,450 /person
Customize this trip

Your trip at a glance

Top Activities

Playing wizard at Glenfinnan Viaduct, the iconic "Harry Potter" bridge

Road tripping through the Scottish Highlands' lush hills and craggy cliffs

Touring the Isle of Skye's Old Man of Storr, Quiraing, and Fairy Pools

Scouring for mythological monsters on a Loch Ness cruise

Visiting Cairngorms National Park, home to Britain's only free-ranging reindeer herd

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Preview:

Into the Highlands: Edinburgh to Glencoe

A valley in the middle of a mountain range

Overview

Now that you’ve experienced the urban fabric of Edinburgh, it’s time to get out of the city and into Scotland’s renowned landscapes. This morning, you’ll meet your driver for your journey into the Highlands, where the landscape opens into sweeping glens, lochs, and mountain ranges. With more daylight, the journey allows for a variety of scenic stops — from historic villages to dramatic viewpoints. Along the way, you'll have the chance to make any and all stops, breaking up the road trip with scenic detours. The day's route will lead you west toward Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, where you may stop for loch views and short walks. From here, you’ll continue north, winding into wild and dramatic terrain. Keep your gaze fixed out the window to watch as towering mountains and deep glens signal your arrival in Glencoe — one of Scotland’s most powerful and atmospheric locales. As you approach Glencoe, you'll have the option to take an easy hike through Glencoe Valley and stop by the visitor's center. Check in to your new hotel, then enjoy your first countryside afternoon and evening at leisure. You’re free to take a short walk along local trails and grab dinner at a recommended restaurant. The Highlands await! (Breakfast)

Highlights

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Established in 2002 as Scotland's first national park, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park falls on a geographical fault line. It's a natural gateway that separates the Lowlands from the rugged, mountainous landscape of the Scottish Highlands, bridging the gap between one adventure and the next. Among the national park's must-visit destinations, the loch dates back to the last ice age, formed between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago, and ranks as the largest loch by surface area in the entire United Kingdom.

Glencoe History

Steeped in stories, Glencoe is most famously known for the tragic events of the 1692 Glencoe Massacre, where members of the MacDonald clan were betrayed and killed under orders from the government. This somber chapter adds a poignant depth to the glen’s haunting beauty, making it a place of reflection as well as wonder. As you arrive here today, you'll have the option to stop at the visitor's center to learn about the place's history and geology, or simply pause at one of the many scenic lay-bys to take in unparalleled views.

Accommodations

Glencoe Inn (or similar)

Glencoe Inn welcomes you to the Highlands with spacious lounge and bar areas, log fireplaces, and endless views overlooking Loch Leven and the surrounding mountains. Primed for both relaxation and adventure, this cozy inn strikes the best balance, nurturing classic Scottish experiences in a unique, well-furnished framework. At the end of an exciting day of sightseeing, you can retreat to the on-site restaurant for a hearty meal of local favorites, or, better yet, grab a pint to gaze out at the landscape's untouched terrain.

Location:

A82, Glencoe, Ballachulish PH49 4HP, United Kingdom

Phone:

+441855811245

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Transportation

Today's drive takes between three and five hours, with optional stops along the way.

by car
Depart:
Edinburgh
Arrive:
Glencoe, Glencoe Inn (or similar)

How it works

01

Fill out request form

Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.

02

Meet your expert

Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.

03

Book your trip

Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.

04

Take-off

Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.

Ready to Go?

Let our local experts plan your dream trip.

What's included

Included in the final price

  • Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
  • 24/7 on-the-ground support
  • Personalized trip crafting
  • Accommodations for nine nights, with daily breakfast
  • Airport transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All entrance fees to castles, museums, and sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Service and trip planning fee
  • Car hire in the Highlands (five-seater vehicle)
  • All guided tours and activities cited as included in the itinerary

Not included in the final price

  • International arrival and departure flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Meals (other than breakfast), unless mentioned in the itinerary
  • Private guide services
  • Anything not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary

Ready to see the full itinerary?

Submit a free request to talk with our local experts.

Let's Go

Day 1:
Welcome to Edinburgh!
Day 2:
The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Scottish Whisky
Day 3:
Into the Highlands: Edinburgh to Glencoe
Day 4:
Journey to the Isle of Skye
Day 5:
Icons of the Isle of Skye
Day 6:
Legends of Loch Ness and Road to Inverness
Day 7:
Culloden Battlefield, Highland Cows, and Prehistoric Clava Cairns
Day 8:
Picturesque Pitlochry Via Cairngorms
Day 9:
Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies
Day 10:
Until the Next Time!