Perfect Scotland Itineraries: 3, 5 & 7 Day Trips Planned by a Local Guide

If You’ve Got 3 Days: The Highlands Taster Platter

Planning a trip to Scotland is a bit like standing in front of a bakery window: everything looks amazing, you want it all, and you definitely don’t have the time for it. But don’t panic, I’ve whipped up three foolproof itineraries that work whether you’ve got a long weekend, a precious five days, or a luxurious full week to gallivant around the Highlands.

No fluff, no over-engineered Pinterest boards. Just solid routes, great views, and enough flexibility to squeeze in a whisky tasting (or three).

Let’s get you sorted.

If You’ve Got 5 Days: The Isles & Highlands Mini-Epic

If You’ve Got 7 Days: The Full Highland & Islands Adventure

Now you’re getting serious. Five days means you can toss an island into the mix, and trust me, Scotland’s islands are like crisps: once you’ve had one, the bag’s gone.

Day 1: Edinburgh → Oban

Smooth drive, coastal views, and Oban’s seafood to die for.
Don’t miss: A dram at Oban Distillery. Your future self will thank you.

Day 2: Isle of Mull (with a Tobermory Colour Fix)

Hop on the ferry to Mull, an island so underrated it should apply for a refund.
Visit Tobermory, which looks like someone spilt a pack of crayons along the harbour.
Add a wildlife tour if seals, eagles, and puffins are your thing.

Day 3: Iona or Staffa

Pick your poison:

• Iona: ancient abbey, calm vibes, spiritual energy.

• Staffa: wild basalt columns and a cave that makes even adults squeal.

Day 4: Glencoe & Rannoch Moor

Say goodbye to the islands and hello to Glencoe’s moody charms.
If the weather behaves (lol), squeeze in a low-level walk.

Day 5: Stirling → Edinburgh

Stop at Stirling Castle, which is basically Edinburgh Castle’s slightly less famous but equally dramatic cousin.
Back to Edinburgh in time for a pint.

One glorious week. Enough time to properly soak in the scenery without rushing like you’re being chased by an angry Highland cow.

Day 1–2: Edinburgh & Stirling

Explore Edinburgh's Old Town, Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat, and, of course, get lost in a side street while looking for a coffee.
Pop to Stirling on Day 2 for the castle and Wallace Monument. Brave the stairs if you want thighs of steel.

Day 3–4: Glencoe → Fort William → Glenfinnan

Two days in the Highlands means time for real exploring:
Hikes, waterfalls, and a very respectable number of scenic lay-bys you'll swear you’ll remember the names of (you won’t).

Day 5–6: Isle of Skye

Drive the Road to the Isles to Mallaig → ferry to Skye.
Visit:

• Fairy Pools (fairies not included),

• Quiraing,

• Old Man of Storr,

• Portree for food and harbour views.

Skye is simply ridiculous, in a good way.

Day 7: Loch Ness → Aviemore → Edinburgh

Come home via Loch Ness, then roll through the Cairngorms.
Aviemore is perfect for coffee, wildlife, and quite possibly the best homemade cakes in the Highlands.

Whether you’ve only got three days to fling yourself around the Highlands or a whole week to swan about like the monarch of the glens, these itineraries will keep you on the right roads, in the best views, and out of the tourist traps that make even the midges roll their eyes. And if the thought of driving, planning, or deciphering road signs written in a language that looks like someone fell asleep on their keyboard doesn’t thrill you—well, that’s exactly what I’m here for.

Have a look at my private tours for stress-free exploring (where I do the driving and you just point at mountains you like.

Or, if you’d rather craft something tailor-made with a dash of local magic, my Itinerary Planning Service will sort you out faster than you can say “aye, stick a castle in it”

Whichever route you choose, Scotland’s ready for you; moody skies, unruly sheep, questionable weather choices and all. Pack your sense of adventure… and maybe a waterproof.

Think of this as the “Scotland Sampler Box.” A wee bit of everything, mountains, lochs, castles, and sheep who absolutely refuse to respect road rules.

Day 1: Edinburgh to Glencoe

Kick off in Edinburgh and head north over the Queensferry Crossing. Stop at Doune Castle (aka Outlander’s Castle Leoch and Monty Python’s “fart in your general direction” castle… a classic).
Roll into Glencoe for those moody, cinematic landscapes tourists both crave and fear.

Must-do: Walk the Lost Valley or just stare dramatically into the distance like you're in a VisitScotland advert.

Day 2: Fort William & Glenfinnan

Pop over to Glenfinnan Viaduct for the Harry Potter moment. Just don’t expect the train to fly, ScotRail hasn’t managed that one yet.
Optional: ride the Jacobite Steam Train if you want the full wizarding treatment.
Afternoon at Fort William, the “Outdoor Capital of the UK.” (A bold claim, but we let them have it.)

Day 3: Loch Ness → Inverness → Edinburgh

Drive along Loch Ness, where Nessie continues her decades-long “no comment” PR strategy.
Finish in Inverness for whisky, river walks, and some very proud locals.
Head back south to Edinburgh or fly from Inverness if you’re already emotionally attached.

Right, You’ve Read the Blog Now, Let’s Sort Your Scotland Trip