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Scotland is one of the most sought-after destinations for international visitors, and over the past couple of years, the staycation craze has meant the number of UK visitors has grown incredibly. However, choosing that perfect 7-day Scotland itinerary for your trip is a minefield.
With so many beautiful places to visit and so many people chipping in and telling you to ‘not miss this one’, your planning can become a bit of a nightmare. This guide will walk you through the ultimate Scotland itinerary for 7 days. We’ll remove the worry so you can take the memories home with you.
Read the entire 7-day itinerary before making any decisions as we outline possible side trips if you can find more time that you could switch out locations for or bank for your next trip to Scotland! There’s just so much to do, and we appreciate that not everyone has the same travel styles, so we’ve included everything and advised how to create your own perfect 7 days in Scotland itinerary.
Note: We provide the approximate mileage and time to travel between stops, but this does not consider the time spent at attractions or tractors/tourists on the road.
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Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Lomond (80 miles, approx 2.5 hours)
First of all, Failte gu Edinburgh! (Pronounced Fall-cha goo).
You have woken up in one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world, and now your adventure begins.
Today, you will set off to explore Stirling, Loch Lomond, and Oban (image below) with tips for your overnight stay in either Loch Lomond or Oban.
Make sure you have all your electronic equipment charged and spare power banks ready because the itinerary that will assault all of your senses begins this morning.
You may also like our guide on how to get to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh by car, train, and tour.

Morning: The Kelpies and Stirling
Setting off on the M9 in your hire car from Edinburgh to Falkirk, the journey will take around an hour; your first stop is The Kelpies.

These statues are the largest equine sculptures in the world.
Standing over 100 feet tall and weighing more than 300 tonnes each, they symbolise the heavy horse lineage that shaped the Scottish industry and economy.
You can spend 20 minutes to hours at The Helix, as there are canal walks nearby, and the Falkirk Wheel is also nearby, but you don’t have time for that, so hop back in the car after you’ve got some pictures!
Public restrooms and a cafe are also found here.
From Falkirk, you now drive onwards to Stirling; this leg of the journey is about 30 minutes, but it can take much longer in traffic.
Note: Some rental car companies are located in the City Centre or just outside the centre; your pick-up time will dictate your start time.
Parking in the city centre is a challenge; read our guide to parking for more information and consider a hotel with parking if you have to tackle the city with a car.
Alternatively, save time and pick up your rental car at Edinburgh Airport.
Most car parks (parking lots) accept debit cards or use parking apps such as Ringo, but you may need some loose change such as pounds coins, 50p, 20p and 10p in rural areas.
Learn more about Scottish currency and money here.

Stirling
Stirling is a city in central Scotland, and at its heart is Stirling Castle.
This is the first must-see on your itinerary.
Set upon a volcanic rock, the castle offers views over the city and surrounding countryside.
Going back to the 12th century, Stirling Castle has a rich tapestry of involvement in Scottish history.
Almost every Scottish monarch has lived in the castle, died here, or been crowned in the castle.
Set aside 2-3 hours for Edinburgh Castle, and book the guided tour in advance if you plan to visit it.
The National Wallace Monument is also a popular attraction; you can see it from the castle.
Stirling is a city with plenty of food options; Brea is a popular Scottish restaurant.

Late Afternoon and Evening: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
Your next stop is Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, an hour’s drive from Stirling.
Only one of two National Parks in Scotland, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs is home to 21 Munros (mountains over 3000ft), 19 Corbetts (mountains over 2500ft but under 3000ft), and 22 large lochs!
The largest and most famous is, of course, Loch Lomond.

You may know the song “Loch Lomond’.
It is played at the end of every wedding in Scotland and is a tune that will get your feet tapping.
However, it is one of the saddest songs you will hear if you listen to the lyrics.
Sang from the viewpoint of a Scottish soldier who was being sent home for execution, the lyrics weave the tale of one soldier going home alive and the other in spirit.
He will never see his ‘true love’ again.

Stopping at Loch Lomond Shores, you can wander around the south end of Loch Lomond, grabbing some photo opportunities and indulging in a wee bit of shopping or early dinner.
Popular tourist activities include boat rides on the Queen of the Scottish Loch (reserve here); however, with such a jam-packed day, you might not have time for this during a 7-day visit to Scotland.
Accommodation is scattered around Loch Lomond, such as the famous Duck Bay Hotel.


Loch Lomond is a very busy area of Scotland.
Scots and tourists visit, especially on sunny days during the summer.
It is a popular overnight stop, so book your hotel in advance and reserve restaurant bookings for evening meals.
Alternatively, you could make Loch Lomond a casual stop and stay overnight in Oban, one of our favourite big towns in Scotland and the next stop on your seven-day Scotland itinerary.
This would be a lengthy drive with lots of stops, so it does really depend on how much driving you plan to do and how much daylight there is.
Need help planning your trip to Scotland?
Sign up for a one-to-one call with me, Gemma, the Scotland Trip Planner!
Click here for details.

Day 2: Luss, Oban, Glen Coe & Fort William (115 miles, approx 3 hours)
Morning: Luss, Tyndrum, and Loch Awe
Start the day early with breakfast—hopefully a full Scottish breakfast including haggis, black pudding, and potato scone—then head out for a quick stopover in Luss to visit a postcard-perfect village on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond.
Once you have enjoyed the charms of Luss, your journey will take you to Oban.
The drive is just under two hours, but it can take much longer as this is a popular tourist route.
As you wind your way up from Crianlarich (pronounced Cree-an-la-rich, the ch is the same as the ch at the end of the loch), the mountains begin to take shape and tower over you.
From Crianlarich, the next town is Tyndrum (pronounced Tine-drum).
The Green Welly is a landmark on the West Coast of Scotland.
Here, you can buy some Scottish souvenirs, stop for a toilet stop, and have a cuppa before you take the turn towards Oban.
The road now directs you to the top of Loch Awe, where you can make the most of fantastic photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Oban
Oban is the Highlands’ unofficial capital and Scotland’s seafood capital.
This picturesque seaside town is the gateway to the Hebridian islands and is packed with things to do and see.
One of Oban’s most prominent buildings is McCaig’s Tower, which can be reached by car or by climbing 144 steps!
It offers views over views over Oban Bay and the Atlantic Isles.

Or, do a tour of Oban Distillery, but be cautious that our Scottish drink driving limits are very strict, with you only being allowed 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100mls of breath.
Alternatively, walk the 30-minute trail to the ruins of Dunollie Castle via the Corran Esplanade.
This is ideal for those exploring the McDougalls family, as this is the clan seat of the McDougalls.
Another option is to explore the Woodland Trail, World of Trees, the spectacular Willow Hall, and the mischievous Faerie Garden.
There’s also a sandy shore 10 minutes drive from Oban called Ganavan Beach.
Since Oban is the seafood capital of Scotland, you are truly spoiled for choice with restaurants.
Ee-Usk is set on the pier, and its large windows offer views over to the Isles of Kerrera Lismore and beyond.
The Seafood Hut is a little green hut on the pier that prepares your meal there and then for you to enjoy alfresco.
It doesn’t get much fresher than this!
You could easily spend two days in Oban, but time is of the essence, so pick an activity and bank the others for another visit.
Local tip: Oban is where you catch the ferry to the Isle of Mull, Iona and Staffa, so if you can extend your trip, keep this in mind.

Accommodation-wise, I have stayed at The Ranald and would recommend it for its ease of access to the town centre and amenities.
Parking is at a premium for this hotel and in Oban in general.
The roads are narrow, and the town does operate a one-way system.
It can be frustrating, so when you get a parking spot, keep it!

Evening: Glencoe (33 miles, approx 1 hour from Oban)
Leaving Oban, drive towards Ballachulish, which takes you along the side of Loch Linnhe.
The loch is around 31 miles long, and due to its scenic surroundings, it is also one of the most visited.
The road through Glen Coe is one of the most breathtaking you will see during your Scotland trip planner.
This makes it one of the busiest routes in what the locals call “silly season.”
This is the name for the time when visitors from all over the world descend upon the Highlands, and traffic disrupts life in general.
We’re not used to traffic jams.
The only thing that holds us up on the roads is the farmer moving the animals!

Glen Coe
Possibly one of the most striking areas in the Highlands, Glen Coe is filled with intrigue as this is where the horrific Massacre of Glen Coe took place.
This road has two main viewing points filled with buses, cars, vans, and tours.
The first car park is where you can stop and see the Three Sisters of Glen Coe.
These three ridges form one of the most photographed sites in Glen Coe.
The parking further up is for the Hidden or Lost Valley entrance; imagine this is where the Clan MacDonald hid their stolen cattle.
It’s now time to begin the journey to Fort William or, alternatively, spend the night in Glencoe.
Local tip: You will notice two spellings of Glen Coe in this article.
The Glen is Glen Coe, whereas the village is Glencoe. Impress Scotland fans with your new knowledge!

Evening: Glencoe to Fort William (17 miles, approx 40 minutes)
Travelling to Fort William, you will notice the loch on the right-hand side swapping to the left side.
This is Loch Linnhe.
On a clear, calm day, the loch looks like a mirror.
Accommodation-wise, The Garrison is a great choice for accommodation.
It used to be the police station, and you can even book rooms in the old cells!
It is also central to all the amenities you will need.
If you like pizza and craft beer, then The Black Isle is your place.
Garrison West, or The Crannog, offers seafood and Scottish produce for more upmarket dining.
For pub grub, check out The Tavern’s hanging skewers.


Once you have eaten, the only place to be seen is The Volunteer Arms.
With a local band playing on a Friday night, you will be dancing until the wee hours.
Alternately, pop in for a nightcap at The Crofter.
Note: If you have time, we strongly advise you to do one or two of the Fort William attractions described below to save time in the morning.
You will be battling against the clock to get to Glenfinnan to see a very special moment on the silver screen in the morning.

Day 3: Fort William, Glenfinnan, and the Ferry to Skye
Today, following this classic route, you will travel to the Isle of Skye.
This Inner Hebridean island is the holy grail for those visiting Scotland, but it can feel like Disneyland in the summer due to over-tourism.
If you prefer less crowded experiences, try to avoid the school holidays and the high-season summer months of June, July, and August.
Today is all about monuments, trains, and white sands, which require an early start.
Note: To avoid disappointment, you should pre-book your ferry ride from Mallaig to Armadale on the Isle of Skye with CalMac Ferries.
You don’t have to take the ferry, although driving does add 2-3 hours to your trip.
For this option, take the road to Spean Bridge from Glenfinnan (point of interest below), then up the A87 to Eilean Donan Castle and over the Skye Bridge.
See this guide for full details on all the ways you can get to Skye.

Morning: Inverlochy Castle, Neptune’s Staircase, Caol & Glenfinnan
Start day three early, as you have two scheduled times to meet if you want to get the best out of fit.
Firstly, the Harry Potter train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct at 10:45, arriving in time to park by 10:00.
Secondly, your ferry to the Isle of Skye from Mallaig.
The first stop is Inverlochy Castle, ruins next to the Highland Soap Company shop.
While this journey should take around 8 minutes as it is only approximately 4 miles away from Fort William, during ‘silly season’, it can take up to 45 minutes.
The road infrastructure is such that traffic gets clogged up easily.
Enjoy the views of Ben Nevis as you drive along.
Is she showing her tip? It is often hidden!
Following the road out of Fort William towards Inverness, you will come to the turning for the Highland Soap Company.
Take this left turn and follow the road.
Passing over the bridge, you will see the castle ruins on the left.
Park around here and get out to wander around these ruins.

Inverlochy Castle was built in the 13th century as a stronghold for the lords of Badenoch.
Situated on the River Lochy, it allowed ease of access to Loch Linnhe.
It has hosted Queen Victoria, who is said to have written in her diary, “I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot”, and you will find the same tranquillity when you visit.
Once you have wandered around the castle grounds for ten minutes, the next stop is a true feat of engineering.

Banavie (4 miles approx 6 minutes)
Banavie is a small suburb of Fort William where you can park and walk up Neptune’s Staircase.
This is a set of locks on the Caledonian Canal where boats pass through as they make their way down or up the Great Glen using the waterways.
It takes around 90 minutes to travel these locks, and spectators can sit on the banks and watch as the boats are quite literally taken up a ‘water staircase.’
If you are pushed for time, you can skip this attraction.

Corpach Wreck
If you leave the car where you have parked it and walk over one of the locks to the left-hand side, you can walk down towards the Corpach Wreck.
This boat has been here since a storm in 2011 brought it all the way from Kinlochleven.
The boat itself has the perfect backdrop, as you will see from the many photos on social media.
Ben Nevis gives this wreck a reason to stay put.
With the surrounding Loch Linnhe, you would not find a more picturesque set.

How to get to Corpach Wreck
- Cross the canal at Corpah Basin so you are on the side of Ben Nevis
- Turn into the woods at the blue tourist signs
- Walk down towards the shore
- Cross the bridge over the water
- Turn right and walk down the manmade path, skipping over the empty drink bottles and tins to the beach
If this already sounds too rushed, enjoy a slow breakfast instead and head straight to Glenfinnan for 10:00.


Glenfinnan (17 miles, approx 25 minutes)
Situated at the top of Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan’s small hamlet is where the Jacobite uprising began in 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie arrived on the shores and raised his standard.
The monument was built 70 years later and is an iconic tower recognizing this historic event.


The other famous structure which fans come from all over the world to see is the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
This is where the Harry Potter steam train passes over 1000ft of land at a height of 100ft at approx 10:45.

The local residents of Glenfinnan Community have created a car park for the visitors who want to stop and film the train going over.
Please pay the parking charge and don’t give your ticket to another car.
The money goes towards the investment in the area, so you have somewhere to park, pee, and eat.
Leaving your car here, you can walk up to the viaduct and grab a prime spot for that once-in-a-lifetime video.


Remember, you’re on Highland time now, and it may be running a little late.
Warning: The midges, Scottish nippy bugs that bite, are pretty bad around the viaduct. We actually wore our midge nets—no shame!
If you can, take some time to walk down to Loch Shiel to see the Glenfinnan Monument and appreciate the area’s stillness.
If you plan to drive to Skye, skip the next section, follow the road to Spean Bridge, and then onto the A87.

Glenfinnan to Arisaig (19 miles, approx 30 minutes)
As you drive towards Arisaig, the views become more beautiful with every passing mile.
The lochs change from Loch Shiel to Loch Eilt and then to Loch Ailort.
Various islands make the whole landscape stunning in the middle of the lochs.
Use the parking places to stop and take photographs.
It is a busy road, and you need to take care.

Arisaig Beaches
To get into Arisaig, take the alternative coast road on B8008.
You will not be disappointed.
This road gives you the first glimpses of the turquoise waters and white sands this part of Scotland is famous for.
The road is a single-track road, and you must follow the rules for allowing traffic to pass.
Here are some simple rules to remember:
- Locals use this road daily and know it well.
- If someone is close behind you as you enjoy the scenery, please let them overtake you.
- This stops frustration and accidents.
- Don’t park at the side of the road or in passing places.
- This can cause problems for other road users.
- Most of all, enjoy the drive!
You won’t find anywhere else like this in the world.
The road winds alongside the water, and as you look out over the turquoise waters, you can see Eigg, Rhum, Mull, Skye, and South Uist on a very clear day!
The beaches are breathtaking, but they are for public use, meaning they are not wild camping spots.
The white, smooth sand resembles what you would find in the Caribbean.
The water may be a little less warm than the Caribbean, though!
You can stop at a few different beaches and enjoy a picnic.
Traigh Beach has a designated car park and is easy to access.

On the other side, you have a 9-hole golf course with views that nowhere else can boast.
Further along, you have Camsudarach Beach.
Again, there is a car park here, but access is a little trickier as you need to navigate the dunes.
Then, you will encounter the Silver Sands of Morar.
These three beaches are jam-packed on a hot summer’s day.
However, there is still room to move and enjoy some sunbathing.
Be cautious of your time as you have a pre-booked ferry to catch.
If you are anxious about missing it, head straight to Malliag from Glenfinnan.

Afternoon: Airsaig to Mallaig (8 miles approx 15 minutes)
Mallaig is a port town where you can catch a pre-booked ferry to Skye.
The ferry takes around 45 minutes and docks in Armadale, south of the island.
You can also take the mail boat to the Knoydart peninsula from Mallaig.
The Isle of Skye: Armadale to Portree (42 miles, approx 1 hour)
Welcome to the largest of the Inner Hebridean Islands!
When you disembark, it is tempting to head straight to Portree.
However, if you have time, take a beat to appreciate the stunning Sleat Peninsula.
Just a short walk from the pier is Armadale Castle.
The castle and the gardens are part of the Clan Donald’s Land trust, and again, if you are researching your heritage, this is a good place to explore.
After you have explored this wee village, your drive now takes you through the Cullins.
These spectacular mountains tower above you, following the road that winds towards your destination.
The roads will be busy as this is the most popular of the Scottish Islands.
Portree
Here is your base for the next two nights.
There are lots of different accommodations to choose from.
We would recommend the Royal Hotel or Skeabost House Hotel.

Evening
Portree offers many fantastic restaurants that use the vast array of seafood Skye boasts.
If you want something a little more upmarket with a bit of a drive, then the Michelin-starred Loch Bay in Stein is well worth a visit.
Or the Three Chimneys.
Having eaten here, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
It was the only reason for one of my trips to Skye!
Locally, you will find everything from Scottish cuisine to pizza eateries.
After you have enjoyed a meal, wander along Portree’s streets; you will find a cosy wee pub where you can enjoy a dram or two.
Seeing the sunsets over the island finishes the day perfectly.

Day 4: Isle of Skye’s Trotternish Loop
As this is the biggest of the islands, it is a good idea to spend two nights here when completing your Scotland travel planning.
If you had more time, you’d go for three.
There are so many fantastic sights to see; you really need to cherry-pick the ones that stand out to you.
Today’s itinerary will give you a selection that we feel is on the “most wanted” list, but feel free to add or substitute others.
The Trotternish Loop is where the day will be focused.
Driving the loop with no stops takes 2 hours and 15 minutes (60 miles), and you will take lots of stops!
If this feels too much, you can always complete half of the loop. It’s your trip; you decide!
I know couples who have visited Skye and felt their trip was successful with only three tourist stops; Skye is a live museum.
If you can, grab a picnic from a bakery, cafe, or shop in Portree the day before.
Lunch options might be pretty limited until you get back into Portree.
Ensure you have all your power banks charged and ready for a day of photos and videos.
Note: The weather can dictate what you do on Skye, so be prepared to make changes if it is too wet or windy.
Portree to Old Man of Storr (15 minutes)
Old Man of Storr is probably the most recognisable landmark on Skye and one you will not want to miss.
The large pinnacle rock can be seen from miles around.

This makes it the busiest of the attractions on Skye.
Parking below, you can complete this hike in about an hour and a half, but you can walk so far and turn back whenever you feel like you’ve soaked up enough of the striking landscape.

Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls (15 minutes)
Kilt Rock is so named as it looks like the pleats of a kilt.
The waterfall here is spectacular.
It cascades down 90ft into the ocean below.
There is a large car park and a quick view of the falls.

Kilt Rock to Quiraing (15 minutes)
One of the most scenic routes in Skye is the Quiraing.
The road is a single track and is hair-raising in places as it follows the mountainside on hairpin bends.
But, if you can’t face such a terrifying drive, you can get to the Quiraing from Uigg.
You can spend 15 minutes (in and out) or 3 hours (circular) hiking here.
Note: The Quiraing has a much smaller car park than the Old Man of Storr, so if visiting this attraction is a must, make it your priority for the day and arrive before 9 a.m.

Quiraing to Skye Museum of Life (20 minutes)
The Skye Museum of Life is a great place to stop and imagine what life in Skye was like in the 18th century.
A well-preserved township of thatched cottages allows you to step back 100 years and see what Highland village life was like.
Check opening times on the website.
This museum is a little out of the way, but if you want to save time, you can add it to your bucket list for later.
Skye Museum of Life to Fairy Glen (20 minutes)
Think Alice in Wonderland-style gardens, and you are there!
There is a small car park close to Fairy Glen, so do not park on the side of the road.
The walk itself takes around 40 minutes and is not a strenuous hike.
As you wander among the trees and rocks, you may just spot one of the elusive fairies
Please don’t confuse the Fairy Glen with the Fairy Pools, which is on tomorrow’s itinerary.
From the Fairy Glen, a side step trip, Uig is only 1 mile away.
Here, you will find a restaurant and brewery.
The sleepy village is a port for ferries to the islands, such as quiet North Uist and the majestic Harris and Lewis.
Now complete the Trotternish Loop, driving back to Portree in around 30 minutes.
Evening in Portree
It has been a very busy day with all the driving and hiking.
A quiet evening dining out and sipping a dram at a pub in Portree is your reward.

Day 5: Portree to Edinburgh
Today’s drive is very long.
If that doesn’t suit your travel style, you have two options:
- Option one: Drive the route with minimal stops, earmarking locations for future Scotland itineraries
- Option two: Head straight to Edinburgh down the A9 (4.5 hours), stopping for lunch in Pitclochry
- Option three: Spend two nights in Skye and adjust your accommodation plans
If you’ve rented a car, consider your return time and location.
Do you need parking in Edinburgh?
Read our guide to hotels with parking here.
Leaving the Isle of Skye will be a wrench today, especially after your fantastic tour yesterday.
Don’t be downhearted, though.
Our journey towards Fife will take you through more of Scotland’s countryside, which you must see, and allow you to make the most of this long road trip.
Before we head off, we know that the Fairy Pools in Skye is a must-do for many.
Personally, we think other attractions are just as magical or even more so, but if a visit is non-negotiable, get up early and take the 50-minute drive out.
Give yourself at least 40 minutes to find parking at the car park and walk to the falls and back.
The official first stop of the morning is Eilean Donan Castle.
The journey from the Fairy Pools to the castle takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, so remember to add that to your trip.

Morning: Portree to Eilean Donan Castle (43 miles, approx. 1 hour)
Making the most of your last hour on Skye, enjoy the view from the road as you pass the Cullins, stop to dip your face in The Enchanted Waters of Sligachan, and meander through the wee villages leading up to the Skye Bridge.
Once you are over the bridge, you will pass through Kyle of Lochalsh.

Just outside Kyle is the next castle you will want to visit during your one week in Scotland.
Eilean Donan Castle is perhaps the most recognisable of the castles in Scotland.
Accessed via a stone bridge, it dominates the skyline.
On the shores of Loch Duich, this 13th-century structure protected the lands against the Viking invasion.
It also played a role in the Jacobite uprising, which ultimately culminated in its destruction.
The castle you see today was rebuilt and was completed in 1932.
It is the Clan Macrae seat if you are completing some ancestry research.
If you’ve spent a long time at the Fairy Pools in Skye, you might need to miss this attraction or bypass our suggestions at Loch Ness.

Eilean Donan to Fort Augustus, Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle (52 miles approx. 1 hour 20 mins)
Fort Augustus is located at the bottom of Scotland’s famous Loch Ness; look for Nessie!
Here, you can also see the middle part of the Caledonian Canal and its locks.
Urquhart Castle, the 13th-century ruins that played a massive part in Scotland’s fight for independence, is close, but there is little time to explore this attraction.

Fort Augusts to Pitlochry (104 miles, approx. 2 hours)
This drive takes you down the A9.
This speedy road passes through the second of our national parks, Cairngorm National Park.
Afternoon: Pitlochry
Pitlochry is the jewel of Perthshire.
This small, bustling town is nestled underneath the mountains and surrounded by forests.
The town sits on the River Tummel and boasts a beautiful loch, Loch Faskally.
One of the best times to visit Perthshire is autumn when the leaves change.
To see the russets, golds, oranges, and fiery reds that blanket the hillsides from late September to November gives you a whole new insight into what the area has to offer.
Read our guide on things to do in Perthshire at Two Scots Abroad Travel Guides.

Pitlochry to Edinburgh (71 miles approx, 1 hour 41 minutes)
Arriving in Edinburgh, you should make your way to your accommodation for the evening.
If you need any ideas on where to stay, look at our Edinburgh accommodation guide.
Evening
Tonight is about enjoying Scottish hospitality and exploring the Scottish capital in the evening.
You will be spoiled for choice when you are to eat out in Edinburgh.
We’ve got you covered for evening activities as well!
Note: If you have rented a car, do you need to return it tonight or find parking?

Day 7 in Edinburgh’s City Centre and Old Town
It’s the time in your 7 days in Scotland to explore the capital.
Below is just a snapshot of how to spend your day.
We also have an extensive one-day itinerary.

Morning in Edinburgh
Your first stop is Calton Hill, where you can watch the Old and New Town spring to life.
Easily accessed, the walk to the top should be around 10 minutes.
Walking around the summit, you will see the Athenian Acropolis.
This unfinished structure makes for some fantastic photo backdrops.

Check out Princes Gardens to see the famous floral clock and the glorious Ross Fountain.

Would you prefer to pick up some souvenirs?
Princes Street has Scotland shops, and St James Quarter has upmarket and high-street store names.
After all this exploring, you’ll be hungry, so head to Rose Street, George Street, the West End, or the Old Town for lunch.


Afternoon
Walk off lunch with a self-guided Harry Potter walking tour or a tour of Edinburgh Castle.

Evening
Dine at one of these restaurants, pub crawl along our favourite bars or join a spooky tour of the Old Town!
Check out this guide for more tips on things to do at night.
Finish off with a nightcap and live music at Whistle Binkies or Stramash.
A fantastic way to round off your day in Edinburgh and your 7-day self-drive tour of Scotland!

Planning a Trip to Scotland
Before you finalise your one-week Scotland itinerary, read our extensive guide on how to plan a trip to Edinburgh, which covers everything you need to know about Scotland, including accommodation types, driving in Scotland, currency, what to eat, and Scottish culture.
If you are from the US, you should definitely read our guide to things Americans should know before visiting Scotland, written by Nicole, a fellow North American who now resides in Edinburgh.
It includes everything she wishes she had known before her first visit. A must-read!
You’ve heard there are four seasons in one day in Scotland?
Well, we’ve created this extensive packing list to help you plan your luggage regardless of the season you are visiting.

Side Trip to Mull
If you read this itinerary and think, I can find 2-3 days for Mull and Iona, here’s our suggested itinerary.
Mull and Iona (194 Miles, Overnight Stay)
We refer to this leg of the itinerary as a bonus overnight stay, as island hopping and an overnight stay on Mull might be a tad too much for those who prefer a slower-paced trip.
Let someone else organise if you are desperate to see these islands but can’t face the driving.
Consider the Three Islands Tour of Mull, Iona, and Staffa and stay overnight again in Oban.
It’s a 12-hour tour, so be prepared for an early rise and late return with potentially another overnight stay in Oban.
If you visit during summer, there is a high chance you will see puffins on Staffa. It is well worth the trip, in our opinion!

Self-Drive Oban to Mull
The Oban to Mull ferry must be pre-booked and can only be done on the CalMac Ferry webpage.

Morning
The 46-minute ferry journey to Mull allows you to enjoy the views over the Sound of Mull and spot native wildlife, such as basking sharks and puffins.
As you sail in, look for Rubha nan Gall, aka Mull Lighthouse, and Duart Castle.
Mull’s Craignure to Fionnphort (35 miles, 1 hour 30 mins)
Mull is the second biggest in the Inner Hebrides, offering moors, mountains, and sandy beaches.
While Google Maps will tell you the drive between Craignure and Fionnphort, where you catch the ferry to Iona, is only 1 hour 5 mins, in reality, the journey takes at least 1 hour 30 minutes as the road is single track with passing places to let drivers get past.
Tour buses also use this road, as do local farmers.
The road takes you along Glen More and then follows the coastal inlet at Pennyghael before rising higher.

At Pennyghael, you can stop and see the otters that have their home there.
If you have them, it is worth taking your binoculars to spot the wildlife Mull is filled with.
When you arrive at Fionnphort, you can park your car (via app or with coins) and then get the ferry over to Iona, which is a passenger only ferry ride..
There’s a food vendor at Fionnphort that sells fishy dishes and a cafe that sells snacks.
Public restrooms require coins to access.

Afternoon on Iona
The island of Iona is the smallest of the Inner Hebrides and is only 1.5 miles wide by 3 miles long.
There are around 120 residents, and they are the only ones who are allowed vehicles on the island.
We recommend spending around two to three hours visiting the main attractions and enjoying the scenery and beaches.
One of the first places you will want to visit is Iona Abbey.

Dating from the year 536, this building was said to be founded by St. Columba.
While little of this period remains in the building that stands today, it is still used as a place of worship for the Community that inhabits Iona.
You can visit the Abbey as Historic Scotland owns it.
Iona’s highest point is Dùn I, and the views here will take your breath away.

Looking over to the Treshnish Isles, Tiree, Coll, and on a clear day, Rhum, Eigg, and Skye with Ireland visible to the South, you truly gain a panoramic experience at the top of this hill.
The Heritage Centre is worth walking to as it has all the information you need to know about Iona, living on the island, and the flora and fauna you can discover here.
Hop on a ferry back to Fionnphort and stay the night back in Craignure at Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa or drive to the main town, Tobermory.
Note: While there is a ferry port in Tobermory, you must return to Craignure to take the ferry back to Oban.
Hence why, we have added this as a bonus side trip. It’s a lot of effort but a healthy reward.

Evening in Tobermory
If you have ample time, skip the ferry home to Oban and stay the night in the big town on Mull.
Tobermory is one of the most colourful towns you will see on your travels.
The brightly painted houses light up the landscape and make the area come alive.
Dine at Coast for seafood.
Naturally, you could cross Iona off your list and spend more time on Mull.
If you have more time to spend on Mull:
- Mull pottery shop
- Mull Museum that you can visit and find out more about the history of the island
- Look out for one of the most famous residents here, a womble called Uncle Tobermory!
- Do a tour of Mull Distillery.
- Isle of Mull Cheese Farm Glass Barn Cafe which is about a 10-minute drive from the main street
- Calgary Bay, give yourself 1 hour to drive here
Here’s our guide on things to do in Mull, which will take you to our other travel site, Two Scots Abroad.

