10-Day Scotland Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Scotland tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Scotland Itinerary, incl. Edinburgh and Isle of Skye

  The northern reaches of Scotland unfold over 10 days across 14 destinations including Kirkwall, Stornoway, and Portree. Marvel at 5,000-year-old Skara Brae, trek the Quiraing on Skye, and visit the Italian Chapel in Orkney. Nine nights' accommodation and breakfasts included for £4,200.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Edinburgh to the Northern Highlands

    Your journey begins at Edinburgh's Bus Station at 8:15 AM. The route to Inverness winds through stunning Highland scenery with stops at Glencoe and Loch Ness for photos. One traveler shared, "The places visited were special, especially the Orkneys and Western Hebrides islands which did not disappoint." On day 2 you'll travel to John o'Groats and cross Pentland Firth to Orkney. Bring motion sickness tablets for the ferry ride.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Orkney Islands & Ullapool

    Spend day 3 exploring Orkney's UNESCO sites. You'll visit the 5,000-year-old Skara Brae settlement and walk among the ancient Ring of Brodgar stones. Pack waterproof clothing since Orkney weather changes quickly. On day 4 you'll return to mainland Scotland and travel to Ullapool via the North Coast. Stop for lunch at the atmospheric Ardvreck Castle ruins.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Ullapool & The Outer Hebrides

    Take a morning wildlife cruise from Ullapool to spot seals and dolphins around the Summer Isles. The next day brings a 2.5-hour ferry ride to Stornoway on Lewis and Harris. Visit the Butt of Lewis lighthouse for incredible Atlantic views. Make sure to try Stornoway's famous black pudding for dinner.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Lewis, Harris & Skye

    Visit the ancient Callanish Standing Stones (closed September 2024-March 2025) and explore traditional blackhouse villages. Day 8 takes you to Luskentyre Beach on Harris, with its Caribbean-like white sand and blue water. Bring sunglasses for beach time but be ready for quick weather shifts. An afternoon ferry brings you to the colorful town of Portree on Skye.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Isle of Skye & Return

    Start early on Skye to avoid crowds at the Quiraing and Kilt Rock. Your final day includes visits to Eilean Donan Castle and Ben Nevis before arriving back in Edinburgh around 7 PM. Book a hotel in Edinburgh for your last night since you'll get in late.

    

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• 10 Day Scotland Itinerary, incl. Edinburgh and Isle of Skye

  Scotland's diverse landscapes shine over 10 days through 7 destinations including Glasgow's Victorian streets, Isle of Skye's misty landscapes, and Edinburgh's royal monuments. Features 8 nights' accommodation, 8 breakfasts, and 7 dinners, including interactive cooking experiences.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Glasgow

    Begin in Scotland's biggest city. Plan for an afternoon arrival to skip rush hour traffic from the airport. Your first evening features a bagpipe demonstration at the National Piping Centre. Wear comfortable shoes since you'll be standing during the lesson. Stop by the Centre's restaurant for modern Scottish dishes made with local ingredients.

    
  • Day 3

    Ballachulish

    Travel north into the dramatic Highland scenery. Plan for a 2-hour morning whisky distillery tour but eat a good breakfast first. The drive to Ballachulish takes about 3 hours with stops. Book a loch-view room at your hotel for beautiful sunset views over Loch Linnhe.

    
  • Day 4

    Isle of Skye

    Take the morning Mallaig-Armadale ferry (45 minutes). Sit on the port side for the best views. Plan for a 6-hour drive across Skye including stops. Bring rain gear regardless of the forecast as Skye's weather shifts quickly. Stop for lunch at one of the charming cafes around Portree's colorful harbor.

    
  • Day 5

    Loch Ness Region

    The morning drive through the Great Glen offers endless photo opportunities. Get to Urquhart Castle by 10 AM to beat the crowds. Take the Loch Ness cruise right from the castle dock. The upper deck gives you better views. The drive to Thurso takes about 4 hours. Fill your tank in Inverness as gas stations are limited after that.

    
  • Day 6

    Orkney Islands

    The Orkney ferry crossing takes about 2 hours and depends on weather. Pack motion sickness medicine just in case. Bring warm clothes for Skara Brae as it's very exposed to North Sea winds. A visitor noted: "The Standing Stones of Stenness were incredible at sunset - but bring a windproof jacket as there's zero shelter."

    
  • Day 7

    Inverness Area

    Visit Dunrobin Castle when it opens at 10:30 AM. See the gardens before your tour. Spend the afternoon at Culloden Battlefield. Start at the visitor center to understand the site's history before walking the moor. Look for red deer near your Inverness hotel at dusk.

    
  • Day 8

    Edinburgh

    Start with the morning sheepdog demonstration at the Highland farm. Plan to reach Edinburgh after 3 PM when hotel check-in is quieter. Save room for the evening cooking class with whisky pairings by having a late lunch.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Edinburgh

    Visit Edinburgh Castle right when it opens at 9:30 AM. The Crown Jewels get very busy by midday. Wear good walking shoes for the Royal Mile tour as the cobblestones are steep. Use your final afternoon to explore the hidden closes off the Royal Mile for quieter photo spots away from crowds.

    

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• 10 Days in Scotland, incl. Edinburgh and Isle of Skye

  10 enriching days visiting 9 Scottish cities, with multiple two-night stays reducing travel fatigue. Experience 8 breakfasts, 7 dinners, and comprehensive sightseeing from Glasgow to Edinburgh for $430 per day.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Glasgow

    Begin your Scottish journey in Glasgow. Take time to explore the city's Victorian architecture and lively West End after arrival. One visitor shared: "Learning about bagpipes from a local piper made for an unforgettable first evening." Book your first hotel near Glasgow Central Station for easy airport access via shuttle bus.

    
  • Day 3

    Glasgow to Ballachulish

    Drive north into increasingly dramatic Highland scenery. Stop at a whisky distillery along the way. Morning tastings are usually less crowded. The drive to Ballachulish takes about 2.5 hours. Your hotel will give you beautiful views over Loch Linnhe if the weather is good.

    
  • Day 4

    Isle of Skye

    Take the morning ferry from Mallaig to Armadale on Skye. The 45-minute crossing leads to a winding road through misty mountains to Portree. One reviewer noted: "The ever-changing light on the Cuillin Hills is breathtaking, but bring grip shoes as paths get slippery." Return to Ballachulish via the Skye Bridge.

    
  • Day 5

    Loch Ness and Northern Highlands

    Start early for the 3-hour drive through the Great Glen to Loch Ness. Visit Urquhart Castle when it opens at 9:30 AM to beat the tourist buses. Take a one-hour Loch Ness cruise before continuing north to Thurso, your gateway to the northern coast.

    
  • Day 6

    Orkney Islands

    Take the 2.5-hour ferry to Orkney. The deck offers great views of seabirds and occasional seals. Visit the Neolithic site of Skara Brae, which is older than the pyramids. A traveler suggests: "Bring a windproof jacket and prepare for rapid weather changes. The ancient stones are incredible but totally exposed to the elements."

    
  • Day 7

    Thurso to Inverness

    Travel south along the coast to Dunrobin Castle. Stop to photograph its fairy-tale turrets and catch the falconry show. "The falconry show at Dunrobin was amazing," one visitor said. End your day at Culloden Battlefield near Inverness. Visit in late afternoon when the historic moor is quiet.

    
  • Day 8

    Highland Farm Experience and Edinburgh

    Watch a sheepdog demonstration at a working Highland farm. A traveler recalled: "Watching the dogs work in the mountain setting was incredible." Drive through Cairngorms National Park and stop in Pitlochry for lunch. Reach Edinburgh by late afternoon for a Scottish cooking class.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Edinburgh

    Spend these days exploring Scotland's capital. Start at Edinburgh Castle when it opens at 9:30 AM to avoid peak crowds. Take a Royal Mile walking tour to get your bearings. Your trip ends with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Wear warm clothes for the evening show. One visitor reported: "The Tattoo was spectacular - the castle backdrop and precision of the bands left me speechless."

    

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