Scottish Highlands 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Inverness and the Black Isle

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café or bakery in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit Inverness Castle, a 19th-century castle that now serves as a court and a popular tourist attraction. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.
  • 11:30 AM: Head to the Black Isle, an area known for its natural beauty, scenic coastal routes, and picturesque villages. Stop by the Cromarty Firth and take in the stunning views of the Moray Firth and the surrounding countryside.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at a local pub or restaurant in the nearby village of Fortrose, where you can enjoy some fresh seafood and traditional Scottish fare.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final Jacobite Rising in 1746. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the battle and its significance in Scottish history.
  • Evening: Return to Inverness for dinner and explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

  • Morning: Start your day with a scenic drive along the shores of Loch Ness, one of Scotland’s most famous lakes. Take in the breathtaking views of the loch and surrounding countryside.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit Urquhart Castle, a 13th-century ruin that offers stunning views of Loch Ness and the surrounding landscape. Learn about its history and significance as a key stronghold during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
  • Lunchtime: Grab lunch at a local café or restaurant in the nearby village of Drumnadrochit. Try some traditional Scottish fare, such as Cullen skink (smoked haddock chowder) or bridies (meat pies).
  • Afternoon: Take a boat tour of Loch Ness to spot Nessie, the legendary monster said to inhabit the loch.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Inverness and take some time to relax after your busy day.

Day 3: Glencoe and Fort William

  • Morning: Start your day with a scenic drive through Glencoe, one of Scotland’s most beautiful and historic valleys. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and learn about the infamous massacre that took place here in 1692.
  • 12:00 PM: Visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn more about the history and geology of the area. You can also take a guided walk or hike through the valley, depending on your interests.
  • Lunchtime: Grab lunch at a local café or restaurant in the nearby town of Fort William, where you can try some traditional Scottish fare.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ben Nevis Distillery for a tour and tasting of their famous whisky. Learn about the distilling process and sample some of their finest products.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Fort William and take some time to relax after your busy day.

Day 4: Isle of Skye

  • Morning: Take an early ferry from Kyleakin on the mainland to the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most beautiful and remote islands.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Cuillin Mountains, a range of hills that are famous for their stunning scenery and challenging hiking trails. Take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Lunchtime: Grab lunch at a local café or restaurant in the nearby village of Portree, where you can try some traditional Scottish fare.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Old Man of Storr, a famous rock formation that is said to be the remains of a giant who was killed by a rival giant. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant on the island and take some time to relax after your busy day.

Day 5: Eilean Donan Castle and Inverness

  • Morning: Visit Eilean Donan Castle, a 13th-century castle that sits on a small island in Loch Duich. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside and learn about its history and significance.
  • Lunchtime: Grab lunch at a local café or restaurant in the nearby town of Dornie, where you can try some traditional Scottish fare.
  • Afternoon: Return to Inverness for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to learn more about the history and culture of the Highlands.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Inverness and take some time to reflect on your amazing adventure through the Scottish Highlands.