THE ULTIMATIVE SCOTLAND-ROADTRIP

Day 1: Stirling
Your round trip starts with two nights in Stirling. Explore the charming centre, visit Stirling Castle and maybe you have the time to visit the William Wallace Monument as well.

Day 2 & 3: Stirling – Glencoe
On your way to Fort William, we recommend a stop at the ruins of Doune Castle, known from several movies and tv shows. Take an audio guide Monty Python style, narrated by one of the actors. From Doune, you will drive through the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and on to the breathtaking Glencoe Valley, where you will stay for two nights. On the second day, you can visit the Glenfinnan monument. At the parking lot you will find a viewpoint, from where you have a beautiful view over the monument and over the Glenfinnan viaduct. You might even spot the Jacobite steam train, now also known as the Hogwarts Express. Continue over the A830 and take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale to visit the Isle of Skye. Take the bridge back to Kyle of Lochhals and visit Eilean Donan Castle.

Day 4: Glencoe – Gairloch
If the weather allows, we recommend taking a detour to Applecross, a peninsula on the west coast, home to one of the highest roads in Great Britain and known for its sensational drive. A note before you go: beware of the single tracks and hairpin bends. The drive is not an easy one, but you will be rewarded with the most amazing views. You will stay the night in Gairloch.

Day 5 & 6: Gairloch – Melvich/Thurso
Leaving Gairloch, you will continue on the North Coast 500, Scotland’s Route 66. Experience the feeling of freedom on the long bendy roads, enjoy the views over the silent lochs, the mountains, the coast, cliffs and sea caves, but remember to watch out for the sheep. In the Melvich and Portskerra area, you might be lucky and spot a puffin. On your second day, we recommend a day trip to Orkney.

Day 7: Thurso – Inverness
Today, you will head to the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. South of the city, you will find the famous Loch Ness. We recommend an afternoon boat trip on the loch. Finish your day with a walk through the historic city centre.

Day 8: Inverness – Deeside
Just outside Inverness, we recommend a stop at the Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite Rising of 1745 ended. In the heart of the Speyside whisky region, you can stop at the charming Cragganmore distillery. In the afternoon, you have another beautiful drive ahead of you, this time through Cairngorms National Park. Before arriving at your hotel in Royal Deeside, take the time to visit Queen Elisabeth’s summer residence, Balmoral Castle (open for public between the beginning of April and end of July).

Day 9: Deeside – Edinburgh
Your round trip ends with yet another highlight: Edinburgh. The capital of Scotland offers an exciting combination of Medieval architecture and modern influences. Walk the Royal Mile from Holyrood House to Edinburgh Castle, visit the Scotch Whisky Experience and shop for tartan in one of the many traditional shops, while listening to Scotland the Brave played by a bagpiper.

Day 10: Home
Today your round trip is finished, and you will head home.