Start your journey by exploring the iconic Edinburgh Castle, a royal fortress perched on an extinct volcano overlooking the city. Learn about Scotland's history, the Scottish crown jewels, and the famous One O’clock Gun. End the day by strolling down the Royal Mile for some shopping, food and street performances.
Take a day trip to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and embark on a Loch Ness Cruise. Admire the breathtaking scenery and keep an eye out for the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Return to the city for some traditional food and drinks at a Scottish pub.
Head to Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, and explore the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This impressively grand Victorian building houses works by renowned artists such as Salvador Dali, Van Gogh and Monet. The museum also features several galleries that recount Scotland's history and achievements. Take a stroll down Glasgow's famous high street, Sauchiehall Street, before ending the day.
Get close and personal to wildlife at Blair Drummond Safari Park. Take a leisurely drive through a lion reserve, visit monkey islands, and see tigers and rhinos up close. End the day by taking a pleasurable boat trip to Stirling for dinner.
Explore the historically-rich Stirling Castle and take in the picturesque views of the city. See where great Scottish monarchs, including Mary Queen of Scots, were crowned and spend time exploring the Royal Palace and Great Hall. Take a walk to the nearby National Wallace Monument to learn the story of the Scottish hero, William Wallace. Head back to Edinburgh and dine out on indulgent food.
Take a day trip to the Falkirk Wheel and sail through the sky on the world's only rotating boat lift. Appreciate the mechanical wonder that lifts canal boats over 100 feet and connects two canals. Wrap up the day by visiting the Kelpies sculptures, the largest equine sculptures in the world.
Spend the day at Culzean Castle on the Ayrshire coast. This romantic castle is situated on a cliff with stunning views and surrounded by extensive gardens and parkland. Explore the grounds, including the adventure playground, swan pond, and camellia house, before retiring to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
End your trip conquering one of the most popular hiking destinations in Edinburgh – Arthur's Seat. With its distinctive summit located conveniently near the city, the hike provides gorgeous panoramic views of the city and beyond. It’s time to say goodbye, but Edinburgh will be waiting for you to return again soon enough.
To maximize time, rent a car and travel between cities by car or public transport like trains and buses. Budget approximately $350 per week for renting a medium car. Allow time for traffic, in difficult to reach areas, the roads might be steep and winding. Be sure to check for tolls and parking in advance of driving.
If you have extra days, consider exploring the Cairngorms National Park, the Isle of Skye, or the Orkney Islands. If you have less than 8 days, cut out Culzean Castle and Loch Ness Cruise to have more time in other areas. It is a good idea to pre-book tickets online to avoid lines and availability issues.
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the busiest airport in Scotland, located about 8 miles from the city center. Inverness Airport (INV) is the main airport in the highlands and islands, located approximately 10 miles east of the city center.