3 Day Scotland Itinerary

Three days in Scotland is enough to see the capital city, drive through the Highlands' most dramatic glen, and visit the legendary Loch Ness – all at a pace that lets you actually enjoy it. This itinerary is perfect for a long weekend, a short break from London, or as part of a longer UK trip. It covers Edinburgh's historic heart, Stirling Castle, the breathtaking Glencoe, Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, and the iconic Loch Ness with Urquhart Castle.

With a private chauffeur, you never touch the wheel. Your driver-guide handles single-track roads, parking in Edinburgh's narrow streets, and finding the best viewpoints while you take in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. Everyone in the car can enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigation or driving on the left. That matters.

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, 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.

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 — Stirling, Glencoe & Fort William

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, 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, depending on traffic and stops.

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 — Loch Ness & the Highlands

Morning begins with the drive from Fort William to Loch Ness. The route follows the Great Glen through some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery, passing through Spean Bridge and alongside Loch Lochy. The drive takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, and we can stop at viewpoints along the way.

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.

After lunch in Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus, we can 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, and the battlefield itself is a moving place. The drive from Loch Ness to Culloden takes about 30 minutes. Nearby are the Clava Cairns, a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial site worth a short visit.

From Culloden, you can return to Edinburgh (approximately 3 hours' drive) or continue to Inverness Airport (about 15 minutes) for onward travel. If you're extending your trip, Inverness makes an excellent base for exploring the Highlands further – Speyside whisky country, the North Coast 500, or the Isle of Skye are all within reach.

Extend your trip

Three days gives you a taste of Scotland, but there's much more to see. If you have more time, consider:

• Add the Isle of Skye – extend to 5–7 days and include Scotland's most dramatic island. See our 7-day Scotland itinerary for a route that includes Skye, Speyside whisky, and the Cairngorms.
• Add Speyside whisky – spend a day visiting distilleries like The Macallan, Glenfiddich, or smaller producers like Aberlour. See our 5 days in Scotland itinerary for a route that includes whisky country.
• Add the Cairngorms – include Aviemore, the Caledonian pine forest, and Scotland's highest mountains for wildlife and outdoor activities.
• Add the North Coast 500 – if you have 7–10 days, loop Scotland's most famous driving route from Inverness through the far north and west coast.

Booking your 3-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 7-day Highlands and Skye tour page for pricing and what's included, or contact us to request a quote for a bespoke 3-day itinerary tailored to your interests, dates, and group size.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

7 Day Scotland Itinerary · 10 Day Scotland Itinerary · 5 Days in Scotland Itinerary · Browse all tours · Destination guides