How many days do you need in Highlands and islay?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Highlands and islay, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Highlands and islay?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Highlands and islay. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Highlands and Islay Road Trip Adventure

Day 1: Exploring Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Urban Angel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Urban Angel, known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

£10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Explore the historic Edinburgh Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city from this iconic landmark.

£18, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Witchery by the Castle

Indulge in a luxurious lunch at The Witchery by the Castle, offering a unique dining experience in a historic setting.

£30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Royal Mile

Stroll along the famous Royal Mile, lined with charming shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Timberyard

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Timberyard, known for its innovative dishes and cozy atmosphere.

£40, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Edinburgh

Day 2: Discovering Glencoe's Beauty

Glencoe, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Glencoe Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Glencoe Cafe, a cozy spot with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

£8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike in Glencoe Valley

Embark on a scenic hike in Glencoe Valley, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich history.

Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Clachaig Inn

Enjoy a traditional Scottish meal at The Clachaig Inn, a historic pub with a cozy atmosphere.

£15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Isle of Skye

Embark on a picturesque drive to the Isle of Skye, soaking in the stunning landscapes along the way.

Fuel Costs, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Three Chimneys

Savor a gourmet dinner at The Three Chimneys, known for its contemporary Scottish cuisine and scenic views.

£50, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Glencoe

Day 3: Island Exploration

Isle of Skye, Scotland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Lephin

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at Cafe Lephin, a charming cafe with a relaxed atmosphere.

£7, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Fairy Pools

Explore the mystical Fairy Pools, a series of crystal clear blue pools and waterfalls amidst the Cuillin mountains.

Parking Fee: £5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Old Inn

Enjoy a delicious lunch at The Old Inn, a traditional Scottish pub with a welcoming ambiance.

£12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Dunvegan Castle

Explore the historic Dunvegan Castle, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, located on the Isle of Skye.

£14, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Scorrybreac Restaurant

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Scorrybreac Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the coastline.

£30, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Isle of Skye

Day 4: Coastal Charms of Oban

Oban, Scotland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pokey Hat

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Pokey Hat, a local favorite known for its freshly baked pastries.

£6, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore McCaig's Tower

Visit McCaig's Tower, a prominent landmark in Oban offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding islands.

Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ee-usk

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Ee-usk, overlooking the harbor with a wide selection of locally sourced seafood dishes.

£20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ferry to Islay

Board a ferry from Oban to the Isle of Islay, known for its whisky distilleries and scenic landscapes.

Ferry Ticket: £15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Port Charlotte Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner at The Port Charlotte Hotel, with views overlooking Lochindaal.

£25, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Oban

Day 5: Islay Whisky Trail

Islay, Scotland

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Bowmore Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Bowmore Hotel, a cozy spot known for its traditional Scottish breakfast.

£10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Laphroaig Distillery

Embark on a tour of the Laphroaig Distillery, one of Islay's most famous whisky distilleries, and sample their renowned single malts.

Tour Fee: £15, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Peatzeria

Savor a unique lunch experience at The Peatzeria, a pizza restaurant in Islay known for its locally inspired toppings.

£12, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Tour Ardbeg Distillery

Discover the secrets of whisky production with a tour of Ardbeg Distillery, known for its peaty and flavorful whiskies.

Tour Fee: £20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Harbour Inn

Enjoy a seafood dinner at The Harbour Inn, a charming restaurant by the water offering fresh catch of the day.

£30, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Islay

Day 6: Historic Charm of Inveraray

Inveraray, Scotland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Brambles of Inveraray

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Brambles of Inveraray, a cozy cafe with a variety of breakfast options.

£8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Inveraray Castle

Visit the stunning Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, set amidst beautiful gardens and overlooking Loch Fyne.

£12, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The George Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Scottish lunch at The George Hotel, a historic inn with a cozy atmosphere.

£15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Auchindrain Township

Explore Auchindrain Township, an open-air museum showcasing traditional rural life in Scotland.

£5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar

Savor fresh seafood at The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, known for its oysters and seafood platters sourced from Loch Fyne.

£35, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Inveraray

Day 7: End of the Journey in Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland

9:00AM

Breakfast at Singl-end Cafe and Bakehouse

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Singl-end Cafe and Bakehouse, offering a range of delicious pastries and hearty dishes.

£9, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to an extensive collection of art and artifacts in a beautiful Victorian building.

Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ubiquitous Chip

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Ubiquitous Chip, a renowned restaurant known for its innovative Scottish dishes and garden terrace.

£25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping on Buchanan Street

Explore Buchanan Street, Glasgow's main shopping thoroughfare, lined with a mix of high street and designer stores.

Variable based on shopping, 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Ox and Finch

End your road trip with a memorable dinner at Ox and Finch, a contemporary restaurant offering sharing plates of modern Scottish cuisine.

£45, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Glasgow

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Highlands and Islay Road Trip Adventure

Day 1: Exploring Edinburgh

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Discovering Glencoe's Beauty

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Island Exploration

9:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Coastal Charms of Oban

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Islay Whisky Trail

9:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Historic Charm of Inveraray

9:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: End of the Journey in Glasgow

9:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Plan Your Highlands and islay Trip