Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh to Glasgow
You'll arrive in Edinburgh and pick up your rental car, then drive to Glasgow for your first night. Depending on when you land, take a walk through the city center, checking out shops, cafes, and restaurants as you make your way to George Square. It's a nice spot to sit for a bit and watch what's happening around the monuments.
Optional Activities
- Sightseeing tour through Glasgow city center
- Stroll to George Square
Landmarks George Square 
- Day 2
Glasgow to Glencoe
Drive from Glasgow toward the Highlands this morning. Stop at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to see the scenery, then continue on to Glencoe. You'll hike through the dramatic landscape here, and if you're interested, there's an optional detour to Glen Etive where they filmed some James Bond movies.
Optional Activities
- Explore Glasgow's alleyways on a morning city stroll
- Visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
- Hiking through rugged Highland landscape
- Detour to Glen Etive
Landmarks Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Glencoe Glen Etive 
- Day 3
Glencoe
Spend the day exploring Glencoe from land or water. You can paddle across Loch Leven in a kayak to spot seals, or walk the Lochan Path through the countryside. Another option is visiting the Three Sisters of Glencoe mountain range, which you might recognize from Harry Potter films.
Optional Activities
- Kayak across Loch Leven (payable locally)
- Walk the Lochan Path
- Visit the Three Sisters of Glencoe
Landmarks Loch Leven Lochan Path Three Sisters of Glencoe - Day 4
Glencoe to Fort William
Drive to Fort William, your base for Ben Nevis and the Harry Potter trail. Stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct to photograph the iconic 21-arch structure, then do the 4-kilometer walk around it. Later, head to a local pub for a traditional Scottish drink and dinner.
Optional Activities
- Hike up Ben Nevis
- Ride the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig
- Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct
- 4-kilometre hike around the viaduct
- Drink at Grog & Gruel pub
Landmarks Ben Nevis Glenfinnan Viaduct Grog & Gruel 
- Day 5
Fort William to Inverness
Start early with a hike up Cow Hill to get panoramic views of Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis valley. After that, drive to Inverness through the Highlands, stopping at scenic viewpoints and Fort Augustus along the way. If you're interested in history, you can visit Culloden battlefield.
Optional Activities
- Hike up Cow Hill
- Stop at scenic viewpoints along the route
- Visit Fort Augustus
- Explore Culloden battlefield
Landmarks Cow Hill Glen Nevis Loch Ness Fort Augustus Culloden Battlefield - Day 6
Inverness
Take an optional boat tour on Loch Ness to look for the legendary monster, or check out the Loch Ness Center instead. You could also tour Urquhart Castle ruins from 1509. If you prefer hiking, head to Plodda Falls. End the evening at a cosy pub in town.
Optional Activities
- Boat tour on Loch Ness (payable locally)
- Visit Loch Ness Center (payable locally)
- Tour Urquhart Castle (payable locally)
- Visit Plodda Falls
- Explore pubs in Inverness
Landmarks Loch Ness Loch Ness Center Urquhart Castle Plodda Falls - Day 7
Inverness to Aberdeen
Drive south through Scotland toward Aberdeen, a port city with Nordic coolness mixed with cozy old town character. Walk around the 'Silver City' and see the distinctive gray granite architecture, visit harbourside cafes and restaurants, and get a feel for the place.
Optional Activities
- Explore Aberdeen's city center on foot
- Visit small cafés and shops
- Dine at harbourside fish & chips restaurants
- Day 8
Aberdeen to Edinburgh
Head to the dramatic clifftop ruins of Dunnottar Castle before making your way to Edinburgh. Once there, walk the cobblestones of the historic Old Town, stop in pubs, visit St. Giles' Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle. Walk the Royal Mile and browse the New Town's squares and boutiques. By evening, head to Calton Hill for sunset views.
Optional Activities
- Visit Dunnottar Castle
- Stroll through Edinburgh Old Town
- Visit St. Giles' Cathedral
- Tour Edinburgh Castle (admission available on site)
- Walk the Royal Mile
- Explore the New Town
- Dine at Greyfriars Bobby's Bar
- View statue of Greyfriars Bobby
- Watch sunset from Calton Hill
Landmarks Dunnottar Castle St Giles' Cathedral Edinburgh Castle Royal Mile Greyfriars Bobby statue Calton Hill - Day 9
Edinburgh
Climb Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park early on for panoramic city views. If you're interested, tour Holyrood Palace, the royal residence, and check out its gardens. This evening, have dinner at The Witchery by the Castle, which has gothic-themed ambiance and is quite memorable.
Optional Activities
- Climb Arthur's Seat
- Tour Holyrood Palace (admission available on site)
- Explore Holyrood Palace gardens
- Dine at The Witchery by the Castle
Landmarks Arthur's Seat Holyrood Park Holyrood Palace The Witchery by the Castle - Day 10
Edinburgh
Your last day in Edinburgh. Depending on your departure time, you'll have a few hours to walk around the city before returning your rental car and heading to the airport.
Optional Activities
- Further exploration of Edinburgh
