The Great Scottish Road Trip

This is the “see Scotland properly” itinerary, castles, lochs, islands, Highland scenery, history, and coastal towns, all stitched together in a route that flows well and feels unhurried. Our private multi-day Scotland tour from Edinburgh is designed for travellers who want the big icons (Skye, Glencoe, Loch Ness) and the smaller moments that make a trip memorable, quiet viewpoints, scenic detours, and time to actually enjoy where you are.

You’ll travel in your own private vehicle with a friendly, professional guide, so the pace is tailored to you. Want more time on Skye? Less time in shops? A longer walk to a viewpoint? Easy. We’ll keep the days well-balanced, help with accommodation planning, and make sure you’re not spending your holiday battling timetables or parking machines.

If you’re looking for a classic Scotland itinerary that covers the highlights without feeling like a sprint, book The Great Scottish Road Trip and we’ll help you lock in dates and personalise the route to suit your interests.

We leave Edinburgh behind and head west into the heart of Scotland, starting with two of the country’s most striking landmarks.

• The Kelpies (Falkirk) - towering horse-head sculptures inspired by Scotland’s working Clydesdales and canal heritage. Great for photos and an easy first stop to stretch your legs.

• Stirling Castle - a historic powerhouse perched high on volcanic rock. Explore grand halls, royal apartments, and viewpoints over the landscapes where Scotland’s story was fought for and shaped.

• Into the Trossachs - we finish the day with a scenic drive into “Highlands in miniature”: forests, lochs, and rolling hills.

Overnight: Aberfoyle (or nearby), a lovely base for the Trossachs.

Day 1: The Kelpies, Stirling Castle & The Trossachs

Today is all about classic west-coast Scotland, glens, lochs, and a real sense of journey.

• Loch Katrine – a peaceful loch with literary connections and superb scenery. Options for a gentle walk and photos.

• Duke’s Pass – one of Scotland’s most scenic drives, weaving through woodland and hills.

• Rest and Be Thankful – an iconic viewpoint with big Highland vistas and a great “wow” moment.

• Loch Fyne – a natural lunch stop, with excellent local food (especially if seafood is your thing).

• Inveraray – a charming lochside town with the option to visit Inveraray Castle or explore the town’s shops and waterfront.

• Arrive in Oban – Scotland’s bustling harbour town and a great place for an evening wander.

Overnight: Oban.

Tour Details

• Duration: 7 Days (7-8 hours per day)

• Departure From: Edinburgh or Glasgow

• Group Size: Private tour for up to 7 guests

• Cost: £6265

• Included:

  • Private driver-guide

  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

  • Bottled water and local snacks

• Not Included:

  • Accommodation (we are happy to suggest local options)

  • Meals

  • Entrance Fees

Day 2: Loch Katrine, Duke’s Pass, Rest and Be Thankful, Inveraray & Oban

Day 3: Glencoe, Fort William & Fort Augustus (Loch Ness)

Day 4: Eilean Donan Castle & Into Skye (Portree)

Today, we head west toward the island, via one of Scotland’s most photographed castles.

• Scenic Highland drive via Loch Cluanie & Kintail – big mountain views and classic “Highlands” scenery.

• Eilean Donan Castle – postcard-perfect, sitting where three lochs meet. Explore inside and enjoy the surrounding viewpoints.

• Cross the Skye Bridge – welcome to Skye.

• Sligachan Bridge – dramatic Cuillin views and a famous photo stop (with a bit of local legend thrown in).

• Trotternish Peninsula highlights – depending on timing and weather, we’ll begin exploring Skye’s famous geology and coastal viewpoints.

Overnight: Portree (or another Skye base, depending on your accommodation).

A day of iconic Highland scenery, Glencoe first, then north through the Great Glen.

• Glencoe – one of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes, with viewpoints of the Three Sisters and time to take in the atmosphere. Optional stop at the visitor centre for a quick, clear overview of the glen’s history and geology.

• Glencoe Village / Clachaig area – a comfortable lunch stop with classic Highland pub food.

• Fort William – set beneath Ben Nevis, with time to explore the town or choose an optional activity (museum visit or gondola, depending on season and weather).

• Neptune’s Staircase (optional) – the famous canal locks near Fort William, an impressive engineering stop with great views.

• Fort Augustus – a lovely finish on the banks of Loch Ness, with time to explore the canal locks and lochside views.

Overnight: Fort Augustus.

Day 5: Skye’s Magical Landscapes & Return Toward Inverness

A day of Skye’s most distinctive scenery, then back to the mainland for Loch Ness and the Highland capital.

• The Fairy Glen (Uig) – quirky, otherworldly hills and winding paths that feel straight out of folklore.

• Optional Skye highlights – depending on your pace and preferences:

  • Old Man of Storr viewpoints

  • Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

  • The Quiraing roadside viewpoints or a short walk

• Loch Ness – scenic drive along the loch with options to stop at viewpoints.

• Urquhart Castle (optional) – iconic ruins on the loch edge and one of the best places to take in Loch Ness views.

• Boat cruise (optional) – for anyone keen to get out on the water and hear the Nessie tales properly.

Overnight: Inverness.

What Makes This Road Trip Different

• Private touring: just your group, your guide, your pace

• A route that flows: big sights without the exhausting back-and-forth

• Flexible stops: castles, scenery, whisky, short walks, tailored to you

• Local knowledge: viewpoints and “hidden gem” moments beyond the obvious

If you want a classic Scotland itinerary with room to breathe, and the confidence of having every day smoothly planned, book The Great Scottish Road Trip and we’ll help you personalise the details.

Day 6: Culloden, Clava Cairns, Cairngorms Scenery & Pitlochry

A day that mixes powerful history with stunning Highland landscapes.

• Culloden Battlefield – moving and important, with a visitor centre and battlefield walk options.

• Clava Cairns – an atmospheric Bronze Age site with standing stones and ancient cairns (also well-known as inspiration for Outlander fans).

• House of Bruar – ideal lunch stop with a good café and excellent Scottish shopping (if you fancy a browse).

• Cairngorms National Park drive – wide landscapes, rolling hills, and the chance of spotting Highland wildlife.

• Queen’s View (time permitting) – one of Scotland’s most famous viewpoints overlooking Loch Tummel.

• Pitlochry – a classic Highland town and a relaxing base for the evening.

Overnight: Pitlochry.

Day 7: Scone Palace, Dunfermline Abbey & Hopetoun House (Return to Edinburgh)

A grand final day of Scottish heritage as we head back toward Edinburgh.

• Scone Palace – historic crowning place of Scottish kings, with beautiful interiors and gardens.

• Dunfermline Abbey – a significant royal site, closely linked to Robert the Bruce and Scotland’s medieval past.

• Hopetoun House – an elegant stately home near Edinburgh with impressive interiors and views across the Firth of Forth is an excellent final stop.

• Return to Edinburgh – drop-off at your chosen location, with time to reflect on a week of Scotland’s greatest hits (and then some).