I was 20 when I first visited Scotland for the first time. As a broke college student scraping by eating peanut butter sandwiches during my summer study abroad, my long weekend in Scotland visiting Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye forever stayed with me. Since that trip, I have returned three more times, the most recent visit with my family on our way to Germany. We spent ten days exploring, starting in Glasgow, working around the Isle of Skye, the Scottish Highlands, and ending our trip in Edinburgh.

This itinerary is not set in stone. It's designed to be adaptable, catering to a variety of travel styles. Whether you're a family, a couple, or a solo traveler, you can easily adjust each day to suit your preferences. If you're a couple or solo traveler, you can add more activities to each day. This itinerary is a great starting point for planning a more extended trip to Scotland, ensuring you see the highlights of each location.

The best way to see Scotland is by car, and you can rent a small car or SUV in Scotland with a valid license for more than 12 months. Remember, they drive on the opposite side, but you will quickly adjust!

Day 1: Arrive in Glasgow

Pick up your rental car, check into your lodging, and spend the remainder of the day grabbing a bite to eat at a local pub, picking up a few groceries, and relaxing.

Day 2: Glasgow (Pollok Country Park, Ashton Lane, Hidden Alley & the Necropolis)

First on the agenda is Pollok Country Park. Pollok is Glasgow's largest park, and one of the main attractions is the myriad of highland cattle roaming around the park, known as the Pollok fold. They were brought in 200 years ago to graze the land because it consisted of tough red clay, which made growing crops difficult. We visited in June, towards the end of the calving season, and spotted several furry babies running around, much to our children's (okay, and my) delight.

Additionally on site is the Old Stable and Sawmill, a large playground area, the historic Pollok House (currently closed for two years while it is undergoing restorations, though you can still walk the outside perimeter), and the recently reopened Burrell Collection, which houses over 9,000 pieces of art, many from Sir William Burrell's art collection which he gifted to the city of Glasgow in 1944.

We explored Ashton Lane, Hidden Alley, and the Necropolis that afternoon. Ashton Lane is a cobblestone street hidden in West Glasgow with a thriving arts and food scene. At night, twinkle lights illuminate the street, adding to its charm. Hidden Alley is another unique area tucked away and is home to brightly colored doors, eclectic art galleries, and shops. We finished the late afternoon walking the grounds at the Glasgow Necropolis and enjoying views of the Glasgow Cathedral. Though there are only 3,500 memorials on-site at the Necropolis, locals say up to 50,000 people are buried there without markers. One of the most notable people buried on site is John Knox, a Scottish theologian, writer, and leader of the Scottish Reformation. He died in 1572.

After getting our two children home and in bed, we snuck out for our first date night of what would be three during the trip. Don't worry; we had a friend traveling with us who stayed with the kids. I made reservations at The Buttery, Glasgow's oldest dining establishment, based purely on reviews and images I saw online. When booking, I didn't realize it dated back to 1870!

My husband had the West Coast scallops served with cauliflower puree and florets as an appetizer. For the main course, I ordered the pan-fried halibut, served with potatoes, lobster sauce, creamed spinach, and lump-fish caviar, and my husband had the Highland venison. I paired my halibut with the Rioja Bordon Blanca, a crisp white wine from Spain, and my husband paired his meal with Highland Park 15, which was neat. Both meals were exquisite, and we finished the evening sharing the chocolate gateaux, a decadent yet light mousse cake served with ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Nearby Glasgow Attractions: Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Book a Walking Tour, Drygate Brewery, Murals on High Street

Day 3: Luss, Inveraray Castle, Kilchurn Castle & Oban

Say goodbye to Glasgow and begin your journey to Oban, with a few stops along the way. Our first stop would be Luss, a stunning lake town located on Loch Lomond. Enjoy walking around the quaint town, browsing the shops (the General Store is my favorite for gifts and souvenirs), and taking in the views of the Loch. If you're into cold plunging, wade into the Loch for a dip!

Our next stop was Inveraray Castle, a gothic-style castle with extensive grounds completed in the late 1700s. It is a family home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll. For Downton Abbey fans, the two-hour Christmas special in 2012 was filmed there. As I will continue to highlight throughout this itinerary, there are also Highland cows on the castle grounds.

*Invernay Castle as a storm came through*

Continuing, we stopped at the Kilchurn Castle ruins. Of note, if you look this location up on Google, it will say it is closed. Because the castle ruins are collapsing in some areas, you cannot walk into the castle itself (they have a metal fence around it), but you can walk around the outside of it, and it's a beautiful short hike to see it. Many people use this location as a camping spot. Bonus, there are a few highland cows grazing in the open fields as you approach the ruins.

We finally arrived in Oban in the late afternoon and checked into the Premier Inn, a simple yet clean hotel priced well for prime tourist season. Oban is a lovely resort town where many people stay to catch ferries to the Hebrides. We did not do that on this trip, but it is a great addition if you choose to do so. We enjoyed a nice dinner, walking around the scenic waterfront town, and perusing the local shops.

Dinner: The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant

Dessert: Gelato from a small shop near our hotel

Nearby Oban Attractions: Catch a ferry to the Hebrides (Inner or Outer), Oban Distillery, Dunollie Castle, McCaig's Tower

Day 4: Glencoe, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Eilean Donan Castle

Leaving Oban, the next stop is Glencoe, just under an hour's drive. For photo enthusiasts or fans of breathtaking scenery, pull off at the scenic stops or where it's safe to do so and capture some of Scotland's most iconic scenery. From there, you will head to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously known for its inspiration for the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter. If you want to see the train going over the viaduct, you must be parked and in place on the hillside by 10:45. Follow the crowds of people on the trail and climb up to secure your spot; it's quite a beautiful sight to see for both children and adults.

After the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you will start making your journey closer to the Isle of Skye, specifically, Eilean Donan Castle. From Glenfinnan, you can go in two directions towards the Isle of Skye: one using the ferry from Mallaig, or if you don't wish to wait for the ferry or navigate that, in Google Maps select the option to avoid the ferry which will take about an hour longer to get to the Isle of Skye. Mallaig is a quaint little coastal town with under 1000 inhabitants, so if you choose the ferry option, enjoy lunch in town and take in the sights while you wait for your ferry crossing time.

Close out the day with a tour of Eilean Donan Castle. Eilean Donan is Scotland's most photographed and iconic castle. It originated in the 13th century and was initially built to protect the land from Viking invasions. It would later be destroyed, rebuilt, and then left in ruins again for 200 years until it was restored in the 20th century to what you see now. After you finish your tour of the castle, drive (or walk) past the castle (castle on your left) over the bridge and view it from across the inlet. This is the best view of the castle, which is even more magical in the evening when the sun sets. The castle lights glow in the reflection of the water during blue hour.

Ferry Information: https://www.directferries.com/mallaig_armadale_ferry.htm?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpcdfgeoo=true&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5ea1BhC6ARIsAEOG5pz3PCCrdx6hEfJjTE01kZ8hXqDm5716i5QXxcHiwHbct5ozXqtLwekaAl37EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Where to Stay: Dornie is a small town near Eilean Donan Castle. It is a great base for touring the Isle of Skye. Portree is another great option if you wish to stay on the Isle of Skye itself.

Nearby Attractions: Caisteal Maol, Dun Trodden

Day 5: Isle of Skye (Old Mann of Storr, Portree, Dunvegan Castle, Neist Point Lighthouse)

Start your day by hiking to the top of Old Mann of Storr, a 3.8-kilometer out-and-back trail rated moderate to difficult for its steep, rocky ascent. This hike has no shade, so prepare with hats, sunscreen, and water. We did this hike carrying our toddlers in their hiking packs. Your reward at the top is spectacular scenery and an up-close viewing of the legendary "Old Mann of Storr," steeped in folklore and rumored to be the remains of a giant who once lived nearby.

*Views from the hike to the Old Mann of Storr*

After your hike, hop in the car and drive just twelve minutes to Kilt Rock (named because the cliffs resemble a Scottish kilt). Here, you can enjoy the 90-meter-high waterfall plunging into the Sound of Raasay. This is a quick stop; you can simply park in the nearby parking lot and walk over to the viewing point of the cliffs and waterfall. After Kilt Rock, head back into Portree to enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants, shop local art boutiques featuring artists like Cath Waters, or take in the views along the water. Portree is famous for its brightly colored buildings in front of the water. It is a popular stop for many tour groups since it is the largest town on the Isle of Skye.

From Portree, the next stop is Dunvegan Castle, Scotland's oldest continuously inhabited castle. The castle is open to the public from April 1-October 15, and in addition to touring the castle, they offer six unique cottages you can stay in on-site, or you can opt to stay at their campground. You can also enjoy a boat ride out to view the nearby common seals.

Single-lane roads often lead to a game of chicken when someone misses their turnout on your way to Neist Point Lighthouse. The weather in this area can change quickly, so watch over the water for streaks of sunlight streaming behind rolling hills of sheep. Once you arrive at the lighthouse, there are a few options for viewing. You can hike up the path near the parking area and view it from afar, or you can trek to the lighthouse, a roughly 2.2-kilometer walk out and back.

Nearby Isle of Skye Attractions: Fairy Pools, The Fairy Glen, Talisker Distillery, Sligachan Old Bridge, Armadale Castle

Day 6: Urquhart Castle, Cawdor Castle, Inverness

It's always hard to say goodbye to the Isle of Skye, but more beautiful Scotland awaits. As you journey toward the Highlands, Urquhart Castle will be the next stop. Urquhart overlooks Loch Ness (yes, that famous Loch Ness) and dates back to 580 when St Columba visited and is said to have encountered a monster in the Loch. Over the years, this castle has been a prominent feature in Scottish history and the battle for independence. You can walk the castle grounds and ruins or choose to see the castle from a boat tour of Loch Ness.

The second castle of the morning is Cawdor Castle, an ancient medieval castle built around a holly tree and, not surprisingly, more tumultuous Scottish history. It was pouring when we arrived at Cawdor, so we did a brief tour of the castle and skipped the gardens, though they would be lovely to walk through when the weather allows.

After Cawdor, we made our way to Inverness to grab lunch at Fig & Thistle and take a break from the unrelenting rain. Since the rain continued, we spent the afternoon relaxing indoors.

That evening, my husband and I had a date night at Rocpool and enjoyed another incredible meal together. We started off with seasonal cocktails, king scallops for my husband, and fresh Isle of Skye crab for myself. I enjoyed the Scottish filet served with wild mushrooms for my entree, and my husband again opted for the venison. For dessert, we enjoyed the white chocolate and coconut cheesecake.

We splurged on our dinners together, and Rocpool was worth every penny. Another fantastic restaurant I've enjoyed while in Inverness previously is Mustard Seed if Rocpool is full or not budget-friendly. Reservations are recommended for both places as they fill up quickly during tourist season.

Nearby Inverness Attractions: Fort George, Leakey's Bookstore, Inverness Cathedral, Inverness Castle (currently undergoing renovations), Culloden Battlefield, Brodie Castle & Estate

Day 7: Inverness, Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens, Glenfarclas Distillery Tour

Our Airbnb was conveniently located near downtown Inverness, so we enjoyed a walk to the bakery nearby and grabbed coffee at Grain and Grind. We spent a few hours window shopping and walking around Inverness before loading up for our next stop. My husband was the most excited for this day. For Father's Day, I gave him a tour of the Five Decades Tour & Tasting at Glenfarclas Distillery. The drive from Inverness to Aberlour has a few farms with Highland cows out grazing.

While my husband spent three hours learning about Glenfarclass's history and tasting some of their rarest whiskies, myself, my friend Jordan and the kids went nearby to Ballindalloch Castle & Gardens. Unfortunately, when we arrived, they had to shut down the inside tours due to a medical emergency, so we could only tour the gardens and outdoor areas.We were pleasantly surprised to find a kid's playground when we parked, so we spent the first hour letting the kids play before walking more around the grounds.

The castle began construction in 1542 and was built as a home and a fortress, equipped with an invention that would drop sewage or stones on intruders. This castle remains the home of the Macpherson-Grant family and is a busy estate with several businesses based there. It's a beautiful location to spend a slow afternoon exploring the grounds and enjoying a sweet treat from the cafe afterward.

My husband and the others on his tour said the experience at Glenfarclas was by far the most informative and intimate tour in the area. As a man of typically few words, I knew it must have been special when he got in the car and talked about it the entire way back to our accommodations. It could have also been the whiskey itself, but either way, for whiskey lovers, this distillery is a must.

Please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.

Accommodations: Airbnb (Imperial Cottages) on the grounds of a distillery in Aberlour.

Nearby Distilleries & Attractions: Ballindalloch, Aberlour Distillery, Glenturret, Glen Moray, The Macallan Estate, Cragganmore Distillery, Linn Falls, Duffus Castle, Elgin Cathedral

Day 8: Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Drive to Edinburgh

The night before we left for Edinburgh, on a whim I signed up for the walk with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd the following day. I could have continued to tour castles, but we wanted to give the kids something they would enjoy and have another opportunity to be outside in the fresh, clean air.

*Walking with the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd*

The Cairngorm Herd are the only free-ranging herd of reindeer in Britain, and their herd is currently just under 140 from what our guide shared. The herd has over 10,000 acres to graze on and was first introduced to the Cairngorms from Sweden in 1952.

At the start of your tour, you assemble in the lot and follow the guide for a short (but beautiful) hike to the herd. As you enter the area where the herd is roaming, the reindeer will follow you on the wooden path because they know treats are coming. They have a strict no-touching or petting policy with the herd, but you can cup your hands to feed them. It was a great family experience, and our son kept talking about how he saw Santa's reindeer.

This experience is available year-round but sells out quickly during the holiday season. Hiking boots are required.

Nearby Attractions: Cairngorms National Park, Blair Castle (optional stop from Aberlour to Edinburgh along A9), The Kelpies Statues (45 mins outside of Edinburgh)

Day 9: Edinburgh (Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Dinner at Monteiths)

Spend the day in Edinburgh enjoying the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle does require tickets in advance. You can select from many different itineraries based on time and interest. Prepare to spend 1-3 hours (perhaps longer) touring the castle grounds. You can also enjoy a meal or tea at one of their cafes at the castle.

We finished the evening with one final date night at Monteiths. The elegant and modern interior was lovely, and the cocktails were fantastic. Of the three fine-dining restaurants we visited during our trip, the food at this one was good but not on par with The Buttery in Glasgow or Rocpool in Inverness. They were also swamped that evening with limited staff, so perhaps that contributed to it.

Nearby Attractions: National Museum of Scotland, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Calton Hill, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Lauriston Castle & Gardens, Edinburgh Dungeon, Climb Arthur's Seat

Day 10: Edinburgh (Circus Lane, Dean Village, Victoria Street, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Depart Scotland)

Sunrise walks are one of the best ways to enjoy a busy city. An early morning walk took us to Circus Lane, Dean Village, and Victoria Street. Victoria Street is a brightly colored cobblestone street that is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. Though the roads were empty primarily at 7:15 when we arrived, one devoted wizard took selfies in her robe. If you visit during the day, many artisan shops make finding the perfect gift or souvenir a breeze.

After snapping our own plain clothes photos, we started our walk back to the Airbnb with coffee reinforcements for my husband from Black Sheep Coffee, who had stayed behind with the kids. We sadly packed our belongings and made one final stop at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch. After a whirlwind tour of the palace and abbey, we jumped in the van and made the one-hour trip back to the airport in Glasgow.

Ten days is a significant amount of time to experience many of Scotland's diverse landscapes. This itinerary is a great foundation for anyone planning their next adventure in the land of lochs and lore. The beauty of experiencing this itinerary by car is the flexibility to change and adapt your plans according to weather or whim. Driving through the rugged landscapes and rolling hills will inspire you and, I dare say, have you planning your return trip. Scotland awaits.

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