6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Scotland's Edinburgh, Glasgow, Highlands, and Skye

• Day 1: Edinburgh
  Start your journey in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. (2 hours 30 minutes by car from Glasgow)

  Edinburgh is known for its historic sites such as the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You can also explore the city's vibrant streets, art galleries, and gardens. In the evening, indulge in traditional Scottish cuisine and drinks in one of the local pubs.

• Day 2: Glasgow
  Travel to Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. (1 hour 15 minutes by car from Edinburgh)

  Glasgow is an urban city with a rich industrial heritage. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or the Glasgow Science Centre. If you're interested in music, walk around the streets of the West End where you'll find numerous indie music venues. In the evening, enjoy the city's nightlife with live music or comedy shows.

• Day 3-4: Highlands
  Drive to the Scottish Highlands, known for its stunning natural beauty. (3 hours by car from Glasgow)

  The Highlands offer endless outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. Visit Cairngorms National Park to witness the wildlife and the breathtaking landscapes. Explore the iconic Loch Ness and its mystical tales. Spend the night in one of the traditional Highland villages and learn about Scottish culture.

• Day 5-6: Isle of Skye
  Go to the Isle of Skye, one of the top-rated islands in Scotland. (3 hours 30 minutes by car from Highlands)

  The Isle of Skye is a destination that can't be missed if you're in Scotland. It's famous for its rocky mountains, picturesque fishing villages, and stunning waterfalls. Hike the Old Man of Storr or the Quiraing. Visit Dunvegan Castle or the Talisker Whisky Distillery. Stay in a cozy cottage or at one of the charming B&Bs to experience true Scottish hospitality.

Time and Costs Estimates

• The Royal Mile (2 hours, free)
• Palace of Holyroodhouse (2 hours, £15)
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (2 hours, free)
• Glasgow Science Centre (2 hours, £11)
• Cairngorms National Park (1 full day, free)
• Loch Ness boat tour (2 hours, £16)
• Old Man of Storr hike (3 hours, free)
• Dunvegan Castle (2 hours, £14)
• Talisker Whisky Distillery tour (1 hour, £10)
• Total Estimated Costs: £66 ($88) (excluding accommodation and transportation)

Transportation

You can rent a car or take a train between cities. Travel time by car or train between cities is listed above. Public transportation is also available in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Car rental cost: £30-£60/day ($40-$80/day)

Train fare: £10-£20/person ($13-$26/person)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the historic St. Andrews or the picturesque Isle of Mull. If you have less time, shorten your stay in the Highlands or Skye. Some places may be closed during the winter season, so plan accordingly.

Airports

The main airport in Scotland is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), located about 8 miles from the city center. Glasgow Airport (GLA) is the second largest airport in Scotland, about 9 miles from the city center. The distance between Isle of Skye and Edinburgh or Glasgow is approximately 250 miles.