FAB 10 day Scotland Itinerary - 5 PERFECT Options from a Local!

Here’s 5 FAB options for a 10 day Scotland itinerary that will take you through bustling cities as well as scenic landscapes. This itinerary covers the most iconic spots in 10 days in Scotland!

If you’ve ever wanted to explore Scotland, this 10 day Scotland itinerary will help you make the most of your visit.

Scotland has much to offer, from the historic cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the scenic Highlands.

I’ve created the best Scotland itinerary to help you plan your Scottish adventure, splitting the 10 days in Scotland into five days in the cities (perfect if you are visiting Scotland for the first time) and five days in the Highlands.

Trust me, you’re going to love this adventure in Scotland!

Before we dive into the details, this Scotland 10 day itinerary is designed to give you the best of both worlds in Scotland. You can follow this 10 day Scotland itinerary by train or take a 10 day Scotland road trip.
Here’s a short outline of what to see in Scotland in 10 days-

• Days 1-2: Edinburg
• Day 3: Edinburgh to Glasgow
• Day 4:Day trip to Stirling and Loch Lomond
• Day 5: Glasgow to Inverness
• Day 6: Day trip to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
• Day 7: Inverness to the Isle of Skye
• Day 8: Isle of Skye
• Day 9: Isle of Skye to Fort William
• Day 10: Fort William to Edinburgh via Glencoe

Please note that the travel time to and from Scotland isn’t included in this Scotland 10 day itinerary

Best time to spend 10 days in Scotland

The best time to spend 10 days in Scotland is late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September).

Late spring in Scotland offers mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and longer daylight hours with fewer crowds. Early autumn in Scotland provides beautiful fall colours and a quieter experience, with cooler temperatures and reduced tourist numbers.

Summer in Scotland (July to August) offers warm weather and long days but can be crowded and expensive.

Winter in Scotland (December to February) is colder and darker but offers fewer tourists and festive events.

Choose based on your weather preference and desired level of activity and crowd.

10 days in Scotland

Days 1 to 5 of 10 days in Scotland for first-timers

Days 1 and 2 of your 10 day Scotland itinerary

Edinburgh

Your journey begins in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. After arriving and checking into your hotel, start your 10 day Scotland itinerary.
Here’s what you can do in Edinburgh for two days out of your 10 day itinerary Scotland.

• Take this guided tour of the iconic Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock. The castle offers stunning city views and a deep dive into Scotland’s royal history.
• Stroll along the Royal Mile, the historic heart of Edinburgh, lined with shops, cafes, and landmarks.
  In the evening, head to Princes Street Gardens, a beautiful park in the city centre. If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of peace after a busy day, this is the perfect spot.
• On day 2, visit Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
• From there, if you’re up for it, hike up Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano that offers panoramic views of the city. It’s a bit of a climb, but the view is worth it—I remember feeling on top of the world up there.
• After the hike, take some time to explore the National Museum of Scotland. It’s one of my favourite museums because it’s so varied—you can learn everything from dinosaurs to Scottish culture.
• End your day in the Grassmarket area, known for its lively atmosphere and many bars and restaurants. For dinner, I’d recommend finding a cosy pub nearby to enjoy some traditional Scottish fare—maybe haggis if you’re feeling adventurous!

Where to stay in Edinburgh?

You can book a stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel. It is centrally located with modern amenities, perfect for exploring Edinburgh’s main attractions.

Day 3 of your 10 day Scotland itinerary

Glasgow

In the morning, you can easily hop on a train to Glasgow. The journey is about an hour long, allowing you plenty of time to explore once you arrive.

• Start with a visit to Glasgow Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
• You’ll find the Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery with a fascinating history behind the cathedral. It’s a bit eerie but in a beautiful way
• In the afternoon, head to the West End, where you can visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It’s one of the most famous museums in Scotland, and it’s free! The West End is also great, with many quirky shops, cafes, and restaurants. I always find something unique here—a piece of art or a delicious pastry.

Where to stay in Glasgow?

You can spend the night in Glasgow at the Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel & Spa or return to Edinburgh.

Day 4 of your 10 day Scotland itinerary

Day trip to Stirling and Loch Lomond from Glasgow

On the fourth day of this 10 days Scotland itinerary, take this day trip from Glasgow to Stirling, about an hour’s drive away. Here’s what you can do in Stirling –

• Stirling Castle is a must-see, with its rich history and incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
• After visiting the castle, go to the Wallace Monument, a tower commemorating Sir William Wallace, one of Scotland’s greatest heroes. I’ve always found Wallace’s stories inspiring, and the monument is pretty impressive.
• In the afternoon, drive to Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest freshwater loch. You can take a boat tour to enjoy the scenery or take a short hike in the nearby hills. There’s nothing quite like the tranquillity of Loch Lomond—I always leave feeling refreshed.

You can either return to Glasgow or spend the evening there. If you do not plan on staying in Glasgow, you can also opt for this day trip to Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs, and Whisky Tour from Edinburgh.

Day 5 of your 10 day Scotland itinerary

Glasgow to Inverness

Start your fifth day of your 10 days in Scotland with a drive to Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands. It’s a longer drive, about 3.5 hours, but the scenery is beautiful.

You should stop in Pitlochry, a charming town known for its whisky distilleries and scenic views. I once did a whisky tasting here, and it was such a fun way to break up the journey.

Once you reach Inverness, take some time to explore the city.

Visit Inverness Castle, which overlooks the River Ness, and enjoy a peaceful walk along the river. In the evening, relax and enjoy a nice dinner at Encore Restaurant. Inverness has a friendly, welcoming vibe—I always feel at home here.

Days 6 to 10 of 10 day Scotland itinerary

Days 6 to 10 – Exploring the Highlands

Day 6 of your 10 day Scotland itinerary

Day trip to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle from Inverness

No 10 day trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to Loch Ness, a 30-minute drive from Inverness. You can book this guided tour to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

• Start your day with a boat tour on the loch—who knows, you might just catch a glimpse of Nessie, the famous Loch Ness Monster!
• After the boat tour, head to Urquhart Castle, which offers stunning views of the loch and a fascinating history. I love imagining life when the castle was still in use.
• In the afternoon, take your time exploring the area around the loch. The scenery is truly stunning, and you’ll find plenty of spots to take in the natural beauty.

Where to stay in Inverness?

In the evening, return to Inverness for dinner and a good night’s rest at the Kingsmills Hotel.

Day 7 of your 10 day Scotland itinerary

Inverness to the Isle of Skye

On day 7 of your 10 days in Scotland itinerary, drive from Inverness to the Isle of Skye, with a stop at Eilean Donan Castle on the way.

This castle is one of the most photographed in Scotland, and it’s easy to see why—it’s located on a small island where three lochs meet, creating a picture-perfect scene. I’ve visited a few times, and it never gets old.

Once you arrive on Skye, head to Portree, the island’s main town. Spend the afternoon exploring the town and visiting the Old Man of Storr, a famous rock formation that offers incredible views.

If you love dramatic landscapes like I do, you’ll be blown away by Skye.

You will be spending two nights at the Isle of Skye. If you do not wish to stay, you can opt for this Isle of Skye Full-Day Trip.

Where to stay at the Isle of Skye?

In the evening, settle into your accommodation at The Skye Inn and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 8 of your 10 day Scotland itinerary

Isle of Skye

Skye is known for its dramatic landscapes, and Day 8 of your ten days in Scotland is all about exploring them.

• Start with a visit to the Quiraing, a landslip on the northernmost point of the Trotternish Ridge. The views here are out of this world, and there are plenty of hiking trails if you’re up for it.
• Next, visit the Fairy Pools, a series of crystal-clear blue pools and waterfalls near Glenbrittle. They’re a bit of a walk from the car park but worth it.

The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Skye’s natural beauty, perhaps with a visit to the remote Talisker Bay or driving around the island’s winding roads.

You can explore alone or book this Best of Isle of Skye Full-Day Tour.

Day 9 of your 10 day Scotland itinerary

Isle of Skye to Fort William

In the morning, drive to Fort William, stopping at the Glenfinnan Viaduct ( 1.5 hour drive from Skye) along the way. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll recognise the viaduct as the one the Hogwarts Express crosses. It’s still a beautiful spot worth visiting, even if you’re not.

Once in Fort William, spend the afternoon exploring the town and the surrounding area.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike in Glen Nevis or even climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. I’ve done it once, and it’s a challenge, but the views from the top are unbeatable.

Where to stay in the Highlands?

Enjoy your last night in the Highlands by spending a night at The Garrison.

Day 10 of your 10 day Scotland itinerary

Fort William to Edinburgh via Glencoe

On the final day of your 10 days in Scotland , drive through the stunning Glencoe Valley, known for its dramatic scenery and rich history.

Stop at the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn more about the area’s past, and take a short hike to appreciate the landscape’s beauty fully.

Glencoe is one of those places that feels like a painting comes to life—I always spend a bit of extra time here.

In the afternoon, continue your drive back to Edinburgh, which will take about 3 hours.

Once you arrive, take some time to reflect on your journey, maybe with one last stroll around the city or a visit to a favourite spot before you head home.

Other options for your Scotland road trip itineraries

Classic Scotland Road Trip: 7 Days

• Day 1: Edinburgh to Stirling
• Day 2: Stirling to Loch Lomond
• Day 3: Loch Lomond to Glencoe
• Day 4: Glencoe to Fort William
• Day 5: Fort William to the Isle of Skye
• Day 6: Isle of Skye Exploration
• Day 7: Isle of Skye to Edinburgh

North Coast 500 (NC500): 7 Days

• Day 1: Inverness to Ullapool
• Day 2: Ullapool to Durness
• Day 3: Durness to Thurso
• Day 4: Thurso to Orkney Islands
• Day 5: Orkney Islands Exploration
• Day 6: Orkney Islands to Inverness
• Day 7: Inverness to Edinburgh

The Ultimate 10 day road trip Scotland Highlands

• Day 1: Edinburgh to Pitlochry
• Day 2: Pitlochry to Aviemore
• Day 3: Aviemore to Inverness
• Day 4: Inverness to Loch Ness
• Day 5: Loch Ness to Fort William
• Day 6: Fort William to the Isle of Skye
• Day 7: Isle of Skye Exploration
• Day 8: Isle of Skye Exploration
• Day 9: Isle of Skye to Oban
• Day 10: Oban to Edinburgh

Spending 10 days in Scotland is truly an experience I’ll never forget, and I hope this 10 day Scotland itinerary helps you make the most of your adventure.

I fondly remember my 10 day Scotland tour—the thrill of spotting a distant castle, the quiet serenity of Loch Ness, and the warm, welcoming people I met along the way.

FAQ – 10 Day Scotland Itinerary

• How many days are enough for Scotland?

For a well-rounded experience, 7 to 10 days are ideal for exploring Scotland. This allows you to comfortably visit key cities, landmarks, and the Highlands.

• How much money do I need for 10 days in Scotland?

For 10 days, budget around £1,500 to £2,500 per person, including accommodation, meals, and activities, depending on your travel style.

• What is the cheapest month to go to Scotland?

The cheapest months to visit Scotland are typically January and February, when flights and accommodations are more affordable, though the weather can be cold and unpredictable.

• Can you travel to Scotland without a car?

While having a car provides the most flexibility, you can travel in Scotland using trains, buses, and guided tours, especially in urban areas and popular tourist destinations.