5 Day Scotland Itinerary
Crowned with haunted castles, story-ridden battlefields and misty mountain tops, Scotland is steeped deep in adventure. Whether it’s whiskey or the wilderness that’s caught your attention, find it all here in this 5 Day Scotland Itinerary.
Pinned with roaring pub culture, picturesque landscapes and atmospheric ancient ruins, this corner of Europe is undoubtedly special. From the age-old steam trains and hill-perched villages to the boozed-up whiskey distilleries and forest-woven valleys, Scotland makes for a fantastic foray.
How to Spend 5 Days in Scotland
Scotland is woven with a world of opportunities, from the bays and near-deserted beaches to the buzzing cities and eerie bridges. If you're speculating over how much time you'll need, you can scroll down below to find 7, 14 and 21 day Scotland itineraries.
This 5 day route is the perfect way to dip your feet in the water. Kicking off in the historical hot pot of Edinburgh, you’ll have the chance to uncover some of the city’s most notorious time-told treasures. Then, you’ll venture up north to Inverness and unlock the secrets of the ancient Loch Ness monster.
Following a fruitful foray, you’ll head out west to discover the dazzling diversity in the vibrant Isle of Skye. If you’re a first-timer, this Scotland itinerary offers a taste of what’s on offer in the land of lyrical contrasts.
Day 1-2: Edinburgh
Day 3: Inverness
Day 4-5: Isle of Skye
Day 1-2: Edinburgh
Touch down! After landing at the major airport, make your way into the heart of the city. Commence your 5 day Scotland itinerary in the capital city, Edinburgh.
Crowned with a centuries-old skyline, quintessential castles and a surprising fusion of fascinating experiences, this city is the perfect spot to get the ball rolling. Admire the contrast between the colourful streets and the Botanic Gardens, roll down the Royal Mile and climb to the peak of an extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat.
Taste local beers in the atmospheric pub scene, channel your inner wizard on a Harry Potter guided walking tour and get enchanted by the stately Real Mary King’s Close. Unleash your inner artist at the Scottish National Gallery, pop by St Giles’ Cathedral and enjoy an afternoon picnic in the Princes Street Gardens. Swing past the Scott Monument, spot the ruins in Holyrood Park and scale the history-ridden streets on an underground vaults tour.
If you can manage to squeeze in an extra day into your Scotland itinerary, you could explore the New Town in Edinburgh. Touted as the more contemporary side of the city, you’ll find Georgian architecture gracing the scene.
Comprised of three main streets, you could easily spend a day strolling around Princes Street, Queen Street and Georges Street. Highlights here include the panoramic Carlton Hill, the resplendent Charlotte Square and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Things to do in Edinburgh:
Discover the depths of the iconic Edinburgh Castle
Drink like a local on a Scotch Whiskey experience tour
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Get your heart racing on an Outlander Adventure tour
Pop out of the city on a Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands on a tour
Get immersed in St. Giles’ Cathedral on a guided walking tour
Check out the Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria on a day trip tour
Where to Stay in Edinburgh:
€€€: The Glasshouse
Day 3: Inverness
After frolicking about in the city centre, catch a high-speed train or drive up north to Inverness.
Framed for its unfathomable tales of the Loch Ness monster, Inverness is intricately woven with a world of wonder. Hemmed in by the highlands, Inverness is etched with an array of age-old attractions. Stroll along the shore-perched Urquhart Castle, soak up the Gothic ambience in Inverness Cathedral and get a dose of greenery in the Botanic Gardens.
Shop for local delicacies at the Victorian Market, visit the 18th-century Fort George and stop by the Culloden Battlefield. Of course, you can't leave Inverness with dabbling in the stories of the ancient Loch Ness monster. Be sure to schedule some time to visit Loch Ness!
Things to do in Inverness:
Take a cruise to Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle
Visit Glen Affric, Culloden & Clava Cairns
Tour the Highlands
Check out John O’Groats and the Far North
Discover the Speyside Whisky & Moray Firth
Explore the Cairngorms National Park
Where to Stay in Inverness:
€€: Glen Mhor Hotel
€€€: Loch Ness Lodge
Day 4-5: Isle of Skye, Scotland
Following a day dabbling in the time-told delights of Inverness and Loch Ness, now’s the time to drive or hop on a high-speed train. Usher in the last leg of your 5 day Scotland itinerary on the otherworldly west coast, the Isle of Skye.
Framed by green-graced hilltops, serrated rock formations and trickling pools, this part of Scotland is knee-deep in adventure. Whether it's hiking, biking or sightseeing that is your taste, this nook of the country will not disappoint. Feast your eyes on the wind-worn Quiraing, visit the landslide-sculpted Old Man of Storr and pop by the enchanting Fairy Glen. Appreciate the contrast of the crashing coastline and the ethereal mountains from Neist Point and soak up the ambience in Dunvegan Castle & Gardens.
Take a dip in the crystal-clear Fairy Pools and witness a waterfall plunge down into the ocean at Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls. Take a step back in time in the cottages of the Skye Museum of Island Life, sample local flavours in the Talisker Distillery and splash around in the Claigan Coral Beach.
Lock eyes with dinosaur footprints at Staffin, cross the Sligachan Old Bridge and admire mother nature’s nonpareil nuance as you venture through the verdant Lealt Falls.
If you’re set out on a 7 day Scotland itinerary, you could swap things up and lead down to Glencoe, Fort William, Inverlochy, Glasgow or Pitlochry.
Things to do in the Isle of Skye:
Swim in the Fairy Pools in Glen Brittle
Cruise on a boat to Loch Coruisk
Hike the daring Cuillin Mountain
Stop in the picturesque city of Portree
Trail through the time-worn Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum
Walk to the scenic Neist Point Lighthouse
Where to Stay in the Isle of Skye:
€: Kyle Hotel
Scotland Itineraries for 7, 14 and 21 days
7 days
Day 1-3: Edinburgh
Day 4: Pitlochry
Day 5: Inverness
Day 6-7: Isle of Skye
14 days
Day 1-4: Edinburgh
Day 4-6: Pitlochry
Day 7-8: Inverness
Day 9-11: Isle of Skye
Day 12-14: Glasgow
21 days
Day 1-4: Edinburgh
Day 4-7: Pitlochry
Day 8-9: Inverness
Day 10-12: Ullapool
Day 13-15: Gairloch
Day 16-18: Isle of Skye
Day 19-21: Glasgow
Best Time To Visit Scotland
Scotland is scattered with sublime sites at every end, from the rolling mountains to the vibrant cities. Known for its wild weather, the temperature can have a big impact on how well your trip pans out.
The best time to visit Scotland is during the shoulder seasons, the spring (late March to May) and the autumn (September to early November).
You can make the most of your 5 day Scotland itinerary during this time, with access to more affordable accommodation, activities and transport. Plus, the snow-capped Highlands and Cairngorms make exploring all the more magical.
The summer season, June to August, offers longer daylight hours. During this season, you’ll soak up the best weather on offer in Scotland. If you’re keen to take a dip in the wind-swept beaches, this is the ideal time to do so.
The winter season, December to February, boasts a rather unique side of Scotland. Snowy conditions dominate the scene, with the mountains and castles becoming all the more enchanting.
The only issue can be navigating the wild weather, especially if you’re not in a 4WD. December is brimming with jolly-good Christmas markets in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Dundee and Aberdeen, as well as a handful of other hot spots.
How to Get Around Scotland
Bursting with breezy mountains, narrow valleys and landlocked seas, Scotland's landscape lies with it all. Although it's coined as compact on the map, venturing from place to place can take up a lot more time than expected. When planning a trip to Scotland, make sure you factor in these ways of getting around:
Catch a train
I was surprised when I found out just how extensive Scotland’s train system is… Some of the most scenic train rides are from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochalsh line, and there West Highland line from Glasgow to Fort William. Many areas are easily accessible by train, but there are a handful of spots like in the Highlands and the Southern Uplands where you'll need to switch to a bus.
If you’re combining this Scotland itinerary with another Europe trip, you can save money on transport with the Interrail pass (EU residents) and the Eurail pass (non-European residents). Before going ahead with your train booking, make sure you check out Omio and Trainline to consider all options, times and prices. Here are some of the most popular train routes and times in Scotland:
Edinburgh to Glasgow: 50 minutes
Edinburgh to Inverness: 3 hours and 35 minutes
Edinburgh to Isle of Skye: 5 hours and 5 minutes
Inverness to Isle of Skye: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Isle of Skye to Glasgow: 3 hours and 50 minutes
Glasgow to Fort William: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Glasgow to Mallaig: 5 hours and 15 minutes
Hop on a ferry
If you're planning on travelling through the islands and cross lochs, ferries are an ideal way of getting around. The west coast and northern islands are well-connected with big-name and smaller ferries. If you’re a budget traveller, consider hiring a car upon arrival at your desired destination. Tickets for foot passengers boast a low price tag when compared to the cost of bringing a car across.
Board a bus
Travelling by bus in Scotland is fairly hassle-free. Boasting frequent connections between big cities and rural areas, this can be convenient if you’re planning a day trip. There are an array of operating bus companies, with the National Express, Megabus and Scottish Citylink stealing the show. Before booking your bus tickets, make sure you compare the timetables, prices and options on Busbud.
Hire a car
When it comes to comfort, you really can’t beat hiring a car. Dotted with dazzling scenery at every end, a car allows you to get off the beaten path and go at your own pace. Scotland hosts a well-maintained road network with far less traffic congestion than England.
If you’re planning on driving during the winter season, it’s advised to have supplies of food, water and blankets in the car in case of blocked roads. Preparation is key, right?
Fly on an aeroplane
Flying isn’t the most cost-effective way of getting around Scotland. If you’re running short on time but want to visit spots like Shetland, Orkney or the Outer Hebrides, flying could be an option to consider. The major domestic airline is Loganair, and before booking, make sure you compare your options with Skyscanner.
The major airports in Scotland are:
Top Travel Tips for Your 5 Day Scotland Itinerary
Fringed with historic hilltops and ethereal natural splendour, this country is a traveller’s treasure trove. To help you make the most out of your Scotland itinerary, consider these travel tips before you go:
From Edinburgh Airport (EDI), you can catch a train, tram or bus to the city centre in less than 30 minutes
The Scottish drive is on the left side of the road, not the right!
Master the art of packing light so that no extra baggage fees sneak up on you
The currency in Scotland in the pound sterling (£)
Download a digital SIM card for your Scotland trip. See this full guide on the Best eSIMs for Europe.
Get bug spray to combat the midges (tiny bugs)
Learn the lingo– lochs are lakes, bens are mountains and glens are valleys
You’ll need a valid Driver’s Licence (written in English)
Set a travel budget and organise a savings plan for your trip
Ditch peak season and save money by opting for the shoulder seasons
The weather is notoriously wild, so make sure you pack plenty of layers
Learn how to score cheap flights for your Scotland trip
Purchase local products from markets rather than chain stores
Get organised with travel insurance
Book flights and accommodation in advance to save money (at least 3-4 months)
Don’t overschedule your itinerary and allow yourself to get off the beaten track
Planning The Ultimate Trip to Europe?
Scotland is a destination from the godsend. Given its location, you could easily sprinkle in a little more flavour to this itinerary. Whether it's a few days in Britain, a week in Northern Europe or a couple of nights in Scandinavia, there really is so much to see.
If you’re looking to spice up your 5 day Scotland itinerary, you could consider the following:
FAQS
Can you do Scotland in 5 days?
In a 5 day itinerary, you could see most of Scotland’s major highlights and tourist attractions. From the capital city of Edinburgh to the ancient castles, there’s plenty to keep you on your feet.
How do I plan a 5 day trip to Scotland?
Here’s how to plan a 5 day trip to Scotland:
Determine the best time to visit
Set a travel budget and savings plan
Figure out which cities you’ll visit
Book your airfares and accommodation
Plan transportation i.e., train, bus, ferry
Research different tours and activities
Make an itinerary (keep it rough and allow room for spontaneity)
How many days is enough to see Scotland?
Generally, 10 to 14 days is enough time to see all of Scotland’s highlights. In this time, you’ll be able to dive into the historical hot spots, hidden gems and natural landscapes.
How can I see Scotland in 6 days?
Begin your Scotland trip with 2 days in the capital city, Edinburgh. Spend day 3 in Inverness, and then 2 days in the Isle of Skye. Wrap up your trip with a day in the south in the city of Glasgow.
Why Visit Scotland?
Replete with rolling hilltops, rowdy pubs and rustic countryside villages, this is one of the globe’s most riveting road trip destinations.
Feel the fairytale-like ambience in the castles, climb to the summit of soaring mountains and get lost in the wonder of ancient cities. Whatever trip you’re after, this 5 day Scotland itinerary will not disappoint!