The Northern Lights viewed from Oban

© VisitScotland / Oban and Lorn Tourism Alliance / Sheila McIntyre

The Ultimate Scotland Itinerary

Venture across Scotland, exploring some of the most popular attractions and locations in this 14 day Ultimate Scotland Itinerary.

From the well-known scenic landscapes, famed attractions, iconic monuments, and breathtaking locations that have made cameo appearances in TV and Films - Scotland is a must-visit destination. Come and uncover the best of Scotland, which will leave you in awe and itching to come back to explore everything else on the map.

Start / Finish
Edinburgh - City Centre / St Andrews
  • Days
    14
  • Distance
    548Miles

    877km
  • Transport
    Bus
  • Main theme
    Sightseeing
Highlights
Edinburgh Castle
Loch Ness
Cairngorms National Park
Loch Lomond
Falkirk Wheel & The Kelpies
Areas covered
All

Day 1Edinburgh

Transport:
Bus
Walking

Where better to start off your journey than in the Scottish capital? Edinburgh is one of Scotland's much loved cities and is home to world-renowned summer festivals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as bags of history to uncover.

Explore historic monuments, lovely green spaces, top-class dining experiences, fantastic shopping locations and much more in all the nooks and crannies across the city.

  • Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh - City Centre

    Edinburgh Castle in the sunshine

    Top tip

    Time your visit just right so you're there to witness the firing of the famous One o'Clock Gun. 

    Just walking up the esplanade on approach, you know you're about to step into one of Scotland's most special historic buildings. Take in the views across the city and learn about the dramatic events which have played out between these ancient walls as you explore great halls, royal chambers, monuments and dungeons. To avoid disappointment, make sure to book your tickets far in advance for guaranteed entry.

    Plan your trip to Edinburgh Castle
    Castle Hill,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 2NG
    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Arthur's Seat Edinburgh - City Centre

    Salisbury Crags by Arthur's Seat

    Top tip

    Why not take a picnic to enjoy whilst you soak up the views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat?

    Probably not many city getaways involve climbing an extinct volcano, but we think the more adventurous of you are going to love it, especially on a clear day! Head to Holyrood Park, located near the bottom of the Royal Mile, and take in the best views of the city from the top of Arthur's Seat. You'll get incredible panoramas over Edinburgh and beyond, across the Firth of Forth to the majestic Kingdom of Fife.

    Climb Arthur's Seat
    Queens Drive,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH8 8HG
  • Calton Hill Edinburgh

    Scottish National Monument.

    © Kenny Lam, VisitScotland. All rights reserved.

    The short walk up Calton Hill is a great place to begin and get your bearings. The whole city can be admired in all directions from the top of this hill, including key landmarks - Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle and the Three Bridges. There are views across the Firth of Forth in one direction and the Pentland Hills in the other. The good news is, it's a really quick wander, so you can have the rest of the day to explore the city.

    Find out more about Calton Hill
    32 Greenside Road,Edinburgh,EH1 3AJ

Day 2Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway

Transport:
Car

Journey southwards from Edinburgh to the glorious Scottish Borders and picturesque Dumfries & Galloway. From the rolling hills and moorlands that inspired Sir Walter Scott, to the friendly towns and glorious green countryside of Dumfries & Galloway - there are miles upon miles of landscapes in southern Scotland to explore.

  • Melrose Abbey Melrose

    Melrose Abbey

    We're very lucky to share with you wonderful stories of Scotland's historic past, and Melrose Abbey is no exception. Originally founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, the abbey is believed to be the final resting place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Although largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385, you can take an audio tour around the site and see its striking architectural details up close. A few significant features to spot include hobgoblins, cooks with ladles and even a bagpipe playing pig. The question is, can you find them all?

    Why visit one Borders abbey when you can visit another three, you're on holiday after all! Discover the magnificent ruined abbeys of Dryburgh, Jedburgh and Kelso along The Borders Abbeys Way. This 103 km walk takes you on a colourful journey through history dating back to the 12th century. Admire the picturesque scenery as you stop off to explore the pretty towns and villages or if you're looking to catch a bite, head to the River Tweed and River Teviot for a bit of morning fishing.

    Find out more about Melrose Abbey
    Abbey Street,Melrose,TD6 9LG
  • Caerlaverock Castle Glencaple

    Caerlaverock Castle

    Surrounded by its own moat and built in an unusual triangular shape, kids and adults alike will have a blast exploring the ruins of Caerlaverock Castle. There are multiple levels within the castle to explore as well as a short nature walk through the woods to the site of the old castle.

    Find out more about Caerlaverock Castle
    Caerlaverock,Glencaple,Glencaple,DG1 4RU
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Cafe or Restaurant

Day 3Glasgow

Day 4Falkirk

Day 5Stirling

Day 6Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Day 7Fort William

Day 8Glenfinnan

Day 9Loch Ness

Day 10Sutherland

Day 11Cairngorms National Park

Day 12Aberdeen

Day 13Perth

Day 14Dundee & Fife

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