Ten days in Scotland is enough to see the best of the country: the historic capital, the most dramatic Highland landscapes, the legendary Isle of Skye, Speyside whisky country, iconic castles, and the Cairngorms. This itinerary covers Edinburgh's Royal Mile and Castle, Stirling Castle, the breathtaking Glencoe, Fort William, the Isle of Skye with its otherworldly landscapes, Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle, Inverness and Culloden Battlefield, the Speyside whisky trail, a taste of the North Coast 500's east coast, the Cairngorms National Park, and Perthshire's rolling hills. It's the ultimate Scotland tour – comprehensive, varied, and paced to let you actually enjoy it.
With a private chauffeur, you never touch the wheel. Your driver-guide handles single-track roads, parking in Edinburgh's narrow streets, finding the best viewpoints, and navigating Scotland's sometimes challenging routes while you take in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. Everyone in the car can enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation, driving on the left, or missing a turn. That matters over 10 days.
Day 1 — Edinburgh
Arrive in Edinburgh and settle into your accommodation. If you have a full day, start with Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the skyline from its volcanic rock. Allow at least 90 minutes to explore the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, St Margaret's Chapel, the Royal Palace, and the views across the city and Firth of Forth. The Royal Mile runs downhill from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse – walk it slowly, stopping at St Giles' Cathedral, the Real Mary King's Close if you want underground history, and the independent shops and cafés along the way. Edinburgh's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and every close and wynd tells a story.
In the afternoon, climb Arthur's Seat for panoramic views of Edinburgh, the coast, and the Pentland Hills – it's a moderate 45-minute walk from Holyrood Park. Alternatively, explore the New Town's Georgian streets, visit the Scottish National Gallery, or take a stroll through Princes Street Gardens. Edinburgh's dining scene is excellent: we can recommend restaurants across every style and price point, from Michelin-starred kitchens to honest bistros on Rose Street. For a more structured introduction, a private Edinburgh tour can cover the highlights in three hours: the Castle, Arthur's Seat for views, Dean Village, and the Royal Botanic Garden. Overnight in Edinburgh – the city has excellent hotels from luxury properties like The Balmoral and The Witchery to comfortable city centre options.
Day 2 — Edinburgh to Stirling & Glencoe
We collect you from your Edinburgh hotel and drive north. The first stop is Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's finest. Perched on volcanic rock, it was the seat of Scottish kings and queens and the setting for major moments in the Wars of Independence. The Great Hall and the Renaissance royal apartments are worth taking time over – the restored tapestries and period rooms bring the castle's history to life. Allow 60–90 minutes. The drive from Edinburgh to Stirling takes about 45 minutes. From Stirling, you can see the Wallace Monument and the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce secured Scottish independence in 1314.
From Stirling, we drive through the Trossachs and along the banks of Loch Lomond. The road climbs into wilder country past Crianlarich and Tyndrum, then drops into Glencoe – the most dramatic valley in Scotland. The Three Sisters, the Aonach Eagach ridge, and the Glencoe memorial to the 1692 massacre create a landscape that stops you in your tracks. We take time here for photographs and a short walk if conditions allow. This is not a drive-through. The journey from Stirling to Glencoe takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on traffic and stops. The glen's history is as powerful as its scenery – the 1692 massacre of the MacDonalds by government troops remains one of Scotland's most haunting stories.
We continue to Fort William, the outdoor capital of the Highlands, at the foot of Ben Nevis. The drive from Glencoe to Fort William takes about 30 minutes. Fort William has good lunch options – we can recommend restaurants overlooking Loch Linnhe or in the town centre. If time allows, take a short walk along the Caledonian Canal or visit the West Highland Museum. For a longer break, consider a private tour of Fort William and Lochaber, which can include the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the Commando Memorial, or a drive along the Road to the Isles. Overnight in the Fort William or Lochaber area – Inverlochy Castle Hotel offers luxury on the shores of a private loch beneath Ben Nevis, while the town has excellent B&Bs and hotels.
Day 3 — Glenfinnan & Isle of Skye
Morning begins with a visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. The Jacobite Steam Train crosses the viaduct twice daily in summer (morning and afternoon), and the viewpoint offers spectacular views of the 21-arch structure spanning the glen. The Glenfinnan Monument, commemorating the 1745 Jacobite Rising, stands at the head of Loch Shiel. Allow 45–60 minutes here. The drive from Fort William to Glenfinnan takes about 20 minutes. For a deeper experience, a private Glenfinnan tour can include the viaduct, the monument, and the Road to the Isles.
From Glenfinnan, we drive west along the Road to the Isles, passing through Mallaig (if you want to see the fishing port) before crossing to Skye via the Skye Bridge. Alternatively, we can take the shorter route via Invergarry and the A87, which passes Eilean Donan Castle– one of Scotland's most photographed castles, perched at the meeting of three lochs. The castle's history spans from the 13th century, and the restored interior is worth exploring. Allow 60 minutes. The drive from Fort William to Eilean Donan takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, and from Eilean Donan to Portree (Skye's main town) takes another 45 minutes.
Arrive on the Isle of Skye and settle into your accommodation in Portree, Dunvegan, or one of the island's smaller villages. Portree has the best selection of restaurants and pubs, with excellent seafood and local produce. Skye's landscapes are otherworldly – jagged peaks, sea lochs, waterfalls, and ancient geology. The island feels remote and wild, yet it's accessible and welcoming. Overnight on Skye – options range from luxury hotels like The Three Chimneys and Kinloch Lodge to comfortable B&Bs and self-catering cottages. Skye deserves at least two nights to explore properly.
Day 4 — Isle of Skye
A full day exploring Skye's highlights. Start with the Old Man of Storr, a dramatic rock pinnacle rising from the Trotternish Ridge. The walk to the base takes about 45 minutes each way, and the views across the Sound of Raasay are spectacular. This is one of Skye's most iconic landmarks, featured in films and photographs. From the Storr, drive north to the Quiraing, a landslip area with extraordinary rock formations and views across to the Outer Hebrides. The Quiraing walk is moderate and takes 1–2 hours, depending on how far you go.
In the afternoon, visit the Fairy Pools near Glenbrittle – a series of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls in the Cuillin mountains. The walk is easy and takes about 45 minutes each way. The pools are popular, so early morning or late afternoon visits are quieter. Alternatively, explore Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the MacLeods of Dunvegan and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. The castle's gardens are beautiful, and boat trips to see the seal colony are available. Allow 90 minutes for the castle and gardens.
End the day in Portree, Skye's colourful harbour town. The harbour is lined with pastel-coloured houses, and there are excellent restaurants serving local seafood, lamb, and whisky. Portree is a good base for exploring Skye, with shops, galleries, and pubs. If you have time, drive to Neist Point Lighthouse for sunset views across the Minch to the Outer Hebrides – it's one of Scotland's most dramatic viewpoints. Overnight on Skye again, giving you time to appreciate the island's unique character and landscapes.
Day 5 — Skye to Loch Ness
Depart Skye and drive back across the Skye Bridge. If you didn't stop at Eilean Donan Castle on Day 3, make a stop now – it's worth it. The drive from Portree to Eilean Donan takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. From Eilean Donan, we drive east along the A87 and A82, following the Great Glen through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery. The route passes through Invergarry and alongside Loch Cluanie and Loch Loyne before reaching Loch Ness.
At Loch Ness, we stop at Urquhart Castle– one of Scotland's most atmospheric ruins, perched on a rocky promontory above the dark water. The castle's history spans from the 13th to 17th centuries, and the views across Loch Ness are unforgettable. Allow 60–90 minutes to explore the ruins and visitor centre. A Loch Ness boat cruise from the castle jetty or from Drumnadrochit is highly recommended – on a calm day, the loch is remarkably peaceful, and you'll see more of its 23-mile length. The drive from Eilean Donan to Urquhart Castle takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
After exploring the castle and loch, continue to Fort Augustus or Drumnadrochit for lunch. Both villages have good restaurants and cafés, and Fort Augustus offers views of boats navigating the Caledonian Canal locks. In the afternoon, we can visit the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition in Drumnadrochit, which tells the story of the loch and the monster myth with scientific rigour. Alternatively, take a walk along the loch shore or visit the Falls of Foyers. For a comprehensive experience, a private Loch Ness tour can include the castle, a boat cruise, and the surrounding area. Overnight in the Loch Ness area – options include luxury hotels, country house hotels, and comfortable B&Bs in Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus, or Invermoriston.
Day 6 — Inverness & Culloden
Morning begins with the short drive to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. The drive from Loch Ness to Inverness takes about 30 minutes. Inverness is a compact city with a rich history, excellent shopping, and good restaurants. Visit Inverness Castle (currently being redeveloped), walk along the River Ness, or explore the Victorian Market. The city makes an excellent base for exploring the Highlands, with good transport links and accommodation. For a structured introduction, a private Inverness tour can cover the city highlights and surrounding area.
In the afternoon, visit Culloden Battlefield – the site of the last pitched battle on British soil in 1746. The visitor centre tells the Jacobite story with clarity and dignity, using interactive displays, artefacts, and film. The battlefield itself is a moving place, with clan markers showing where the Jacobite and government forces stood. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours. The drive from Inverness to Culloden takes about 15 minutes. Nearby are the Clava Cairns, a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial site worth a short visit – these ancient standing stones and burial cairns are atmospheric and mysterious.
From Culloden, we can visit Cawdor Castle, made famous by Shakespeare's Macbeth. The castle is still a family home, and the gardens are beautiful. The drive from Culloden to Cawdor takes about 20 minutes, and you should allow 60–90 minutes for the castle and gardens. Alternatively, explore more of Inverness or take a walk along the Caledonian Canal. Overnight in Inverness – the city has excellent hotels, from luxury properties like the Ness Walk and Kingsmills Hotel to comfortable city centre options. Inverness is perfectly positioned for exploring Speyside whisky country, the Cairngorms, and the North Coast 500.
Day 7 — Speyside Whisky Trail
A full day exploring Speyside, Scotland's most famous whisky region. The drive from Inverness to Speyside takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on which distillery you visit first. Speyside is home to over half of Scotland's distilleries, including some of the world's most famous names. The region's whiskies are known for their smooth, fruity character, influenced by the Spey River and the local climate. A day on the whisky trail typically includes 2–3 distillery visits, with time for lunch and exploring the charming Speyside villages.
Start with Glenfiddich, one of the few remaining family-owned distilleries and the world's most awarded single malt. The distillery tour is excellent, covering the entire whisky-making process from malt to bottle. Allow 90 minutes for the tour and tasting. From Glenfiddich, drive to The Macallan, which has a stunning modern visitor centre and distillery. The Macallan is known for its sherry-cask maturation and rich, complex flavours. Book tours in advance, especially in summer.
Other Speyside highlights include Aberlour, a traditional distillery with excellent tours, and Strathisla, the oldest working distillery in the Highlands and the spiritual home of Chivas Regal. Dufftown is known as the "malt whisky capital of the world" and has several distilleries within walking distance. Lunch in Aberlour, Dufftown, or Craigellachie – all have excellent restaurants and pubs. The Speyside Cooperage in Craigellachie offers tours showing how whisky casks are made and repaired. Overnight in Speyside – options include luxury hotels like the Dowans Hotel in Aberlour, country house hotels, and comfortable B&Bs in Dufftown, Craigellachie, or Grantown-on-Spey.
Day 8 — NC500 Taster: Dunrobin, Dornoch & the East Coast
Today offers a taste of the North Coast 500, one of the world's great road trips. We drive north from Speyside along the A9, following the east coast through some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery. The drive from Speyside to Dunrobin takes about 2 hours, passing through the Cairngorms National Park and along the Moray Firth. This section of the NC500 showcases Scotland's dramatic east coast, with cliffs, beaches, and historic fishing villages.
The highlight is Dunrobin Castle, the largest house in the northern Highlands and the ancestral home of the Dukes of Sutherland. The castle looks like a French château, with turrets, spires, and formal gardens cascading down to the sea. The interior is opulent, with fine furniture, paintings, and collections. The falconry displays are excellent. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours for the castle, gardens, and falconry. The castle's location overlooking the Moray Firth is spectacular.
From Dunrobin, continue to Dornoch, a charming cathedral town with a beautiful beach and one of Scotland's finest golf courses – Royal Dornoch. Even if you're not a golfer, Dornoch is worth a visit for its historic cathedral, independent shops, and excellent restaurants. The town has a relaxed, coastal atmosphere. The drive from Dunrobin to Dornoch takes about 15 minutes. After exploring Dornoch, we can continue north along the NC500 to Golspie or Brora, or head inland towards the Cairngorms. Overnight in Dornoch, Golspie, or Brora – all have good accommodation options, from luxury hotels to comfortable B&Bs. This gives you a taste of the NC500's east coast, with the option to extend your tour to include the full route if you have more time.
Day 9 — Cairngorms & Perthshire
Today we cross the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland's largest national park and home to some of the country's highest mountains, ancient Caledonian pine forests, and diverse wildlife. The drive from Dornoch to Aviemore (the main town in the Cairngorms) takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, passing through the heart of the park. The Cairngorms are a haven for red deer, red squirrels, golden eagles, and ptarmigan. If you're interested in wildlife, consider a guided walk or visit to the Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie.
In the Cairngorms, we can visit the Dalwhinnie Distillery, Scotland's highest distillery at 1,073 feet above sea level. The distillery's location in the heart of the Cairngorms influences its whisky, which is smooth and honeyed. The tour is excellent, and the setting is spectacular. Allow 60–90 minutes. From Dalwhinnie, we drive south through the Cairngorms, passing through Aviemore, Kingussie, and Newtonmore before reaching Perthshire.
In Perthshire, visit Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes of Atholl and home to Europe's only private army. The castle's whitewashed walls and turrets are distinctive, and the interior is rich with history, art, and collections. The grounds include beautiful gardens and woodland walks. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours. From Blair Castle, continue to Pitlochry, a Victorian resort town in the heart of Perthshire. Pitlochry is charming, with excellent shops, restaurants, and the Pitlochry Festival Theatre. For a deeper experience, a private Pitlochry tour can include the town, nearby distilleries, and the surrounding countryside. Overnight in Pitlochry or nearby – options include luxury hotels like the Atholl Palace and Fonab Castle, country house hotels, and comfortable B&Bs.
Day 10 — Glasgow or Edinburgh Return
The final day offers flexibility depending on your departure point and interests. If you're flying from Edinburgh or want to return to the capital, we can take the direct route via Perth and the M90, which takes about 1 hour 30 minutes from Pitlochry. Alternatively, if you want to see more, we can take a detour via St Andrews, the historic university town and home of golf. The drive from Pitlochry to St Andrews takes about 1 hour, and you should allow 2–3 hours to explore the town: the Old Course (even if you're not playing), the university, the cathedral ruins, and the charming streets. For a comprehensive experience, a private St Andrews tour can cover the highlights. From St Andrews to Edinburgh takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.
If you're flying from Glasgow or prefer to end there, we can drive from Pitlochry via Stirling and the M80, which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Glasgow is Scotland's largest city and offers excellent shopping, dining, and culture. The city's Victorian architecture, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and vibrant West End are worth exploring. For a structured introduction, a private Glasgow tour can cover the highlights. Glasgow Airport is about 30 minutes from the city centre, and Edinburgh Airport is about 30 minutes from the city centre.
Your 10-day Scotland tour concludes with drop-off at your chosen location – airport, hotel, railway station, or cruise ship port. This itinerary has covered the best of Scotland: historic cities, dramatic landscapes, legendary islands, iconic castles, world-class whisky, and the diversity that makes Scotland special. Every day has been paced to let you enjoy it, with realistic driving times and overnight stops in the right places. With a private driver-guide, you've experienced Scotland without the stress of driving, navigation, or missing the best viewpoints. That's what makes a private tour different.
Booking your 10-day Scotland tour
Your tour includes a dedicated driver-guide, a luxury Mercedes V-Class, fuel, parking, and tolls. Accommodation, meals, and attraction entry fees are separate, but we advise on all of these and can help with booking. We know the hotels, the restaurants, and the routes. Everything is tailored to you.
We pick up and drop off at airports, hotels, railway stations, or cruise ship ports anywhere in Scotland. See our tours page for sample itineraries and pricing, or contact us to request a quote for a bespoke 10-day itinerary tailored to your interests, dates, and group size. This route is a foundation – we can extend it, shorten it, or completely customise it to match what matters most to you.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough to see Scotland?
Ten days gives you a comprehensive tour of Scotland's greatest highlights: the capital city, the most dramatic Highland landscapes, the Isle of Skye, Speyside whisky country, historic castles, and the Cairngorms. You'll cover Edinburgh, Stirling, Glencoe, Skye, Loch Ness, Inverness, the whisky trail, a taste of the NC500, and Perthshire – essentially the best of Scotland at a comfortable pace. While you won't see every corner, you'll experience the diversity that makes Scotland special: cities, islands, mountains, lochs, castles, and distilleries.
What is the best route for a 10-day Scotland tour?
This itinerary follows a logical circular route starting and ending in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Day 1–2 covers Edinburgh and Stirling, Days 3–4 take you through Glencoe to the Isle of Skye, Day 5 moves to Loch Ness and Inverness, Day 6 explores Inverness and Culloden, Day 7 focuses on Speyside whisky, Day 8 offers a taste of the NC500's east coast, Day 9 crosses the Cairngorms to Perthshire, and Day 10 returns via St Andrews or Glasgow. The route minimises backtracking and maximises scenic drives, with realistic driving times and overnight stops in the right places.
How much driving is involved in a 10-day Scotland tour?
With a private driver-guide, you don't do any driving – that's the point. Typical daily driving ranges from 2–4 hours, with plenty of stops for attractions, viewpoints, and meals. The longest drives are Edinburgh to Skye (about 5 hours with stops) and the return journey on Day 10 (3–4 hours). Most days involve 2–3 hours of actual driving time, broken up by castle visits, distillery tours, walks, and photo stops. Your driver-guide handles navigation, parking, and finding the best routes while you relax and enjoy the scenery.
What is included in a 10-day private Scotland tour?
A 10-day private tour includes a dedicated driver-guide, a luxury Mercedes V-Class (or similar), fuel, parking, tolls, and local expertise throughout. Accommodation, meals, attraction entry fees, and distillery tour bookings are separate, but we advise on all of these and can help with reservations. We know the best hotels, restaurants, and routes. Everything is tailored to your interests, pace, and preferences. Typical pricing starts from around £4,500–£6,500 depending on season, group size, and specific routing.
Can you customise this 10-day itinerary?
Absolutely. This is a sample route designed to show pacing and geography. Every tour we run is bespoke: swap distilleries, add more time on Skye, include the Outer Hebrides, focus more on history or wildlife, adjust the route to start from Glasgow or Inverness, or extend to 12–14 days to include the full NC500 or Orkney. Tell us what matters most – castles, whisky, hiking, photography, history, golf – and we build the itinerary around your interests. This 10-day route is a foundation, not a fixed plan.
Related reading
3 Day Scotland Itinerary · 7 Day Scotland Itinerary · 5 Days in Scotland Itinerary · Browse all tours · Destination guides
