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With historic cities, a vast wilderness comprising lochs and mountains, and fascinating legends waiting to be unraveled, a trip to Scotland is always an unforgettable travel experience. To ensure you do not miss out on any of the country’s gems, plan to spend around ten days in Scotland. This duration will allow you to discover its famous cities, go castle chasing, and maybe even spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster!

To help you plan your most exciting vacation, we are sharing our top itineraries for spending 10 days in Scotland.

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1. Unforgettable Scotland: 9 days in Scotland

Traditional scottish bagpiper in full dress code at Dunnottar Castle
The hike to the ruins of the Dunnottar Castle involves a flight of steep steps. Yet, travelers can find easily accessible viewpoints before reaching the destination -- a distinctive cliff-top location.

Day 1

Arrive in Edinburgh

Day 2

Tour Saint Andrews & travel to Aberdeen

Day 3

Visit Dunnottar Castle

Day 4

Tour Glenfiddich Distillery and Leault Farm

Day 5

Cruise on Loch Ness and visit Urquhart Castle

Day 6

Check out Scottish Crannog Centre, then travel to Glasgow

Day 7

Explore Glasgow and visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery

Day 8

Uncover the history of Edinburgh during a sightseeing tour

Day 9

Catch your flight home

Fly into Edinburgh and discover the city at your leisure before hitting the road to the gorgeous seaside town of Saint Andrews, famous for its golf courses. Then continue onto Aberdeen and marvel at the cliffside Dunnottar Castle. You might find this medieval fortress familiar as it has been featured in hit TV shows like 'Game of Thrones' and 'Outlander’.

Up next, taste Scotland’s best whisky at Glenfiddich Distillery before heading out to hunt for Nessie in Inverness. Then head for the cultural hub of Glasgow before traveling back to the capital. See more 9-day tours in Scotland.

2. West Highland Way: Scotland in 10 days

Beautiful mirror like conditions at the head of Loch Lomond.
The Loch Lomond lake in southern Scotland is a must-visit destination for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and tourists.

Day 1

Arrive in Milngavie

Day 2

Hike from Milngavie to Drymen

Day 3

Enjoy views of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill en route to Rowardennan

Day 4

Walk in the shadow of Ben Lomond

Day 5

Hike past Glen Falloch as you continue to Tyndrum from Ardlui

Day 6

Take the picturesque route from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy

Day 7

Continue to Kings House & see the impressive Buachaille Etive Mor

Day 8

Call it a day on reaching Kinlochleven

Day 9

Follow Victorian hunting tracks and cross Lairigmor Pass to reach Fort William

Day 10

Bid farewell to Scotland

This ten days in Scotland itinerary starts in Milngavie, a town eight miles away from Glasgow, and involves a 96-mile trek. The first leg is 12 miles long and takes you to Drymen, followed by a further 14 miles to Rowardennan on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. Rest your sore legs on reaching the lake and enjoy the stunning views of the loch and its islands. Then, on Day 4, take the coastal path north to Ardlui, traveling past the prison and cave of Rob Roy, the legendary Scottish outlaw.

The halfway point will see you arriving in the tiny village of Tyndrum, where you can experience the local way of life. Enjoy hiking through picturesque mountain routes as you head for the peaceful Loch Tulla next and travel past Kings House and Kinlochleven before ending this walking tour in Fort William, where Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak, awaits you. See more 10-day tours in Scotland

3. Discover Scotland: 10-day Scottish itinerary

Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow   Scotland
Glasgow is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture and a rich musical legacy.

Day 1

Fly to Glasgow

Day 2

Tour Glasgow and visit the National Piping Centre

Day 3

Travel through Glencoe and Rannoch Moor towards Ballachulish

Day 4

Explore the Isle of Skye

Day 5

Head deeper into the highlands and cruise in Loch Ness

Day 6

Explore the Orkney Islands

Day 7

Visit Culloden Battlefield and see Dunrobin Castle

Day 8

Enjoy a road trip from Inverness to Edinburgh

Day 9

Tick off the highlights of Edinburgh  

Day 10

Catch your flight home

Discover the highlights of Scotland in ten days during this jam-packed tour which starts in Glasgow and ends in Edinburgh. Drive through the scenic Scottish Highlands from Glasgow, soaking up the views of green hills and lochs along the way. Then take a trip to the Isle of Skye and admire its many wonders, which range from rugged landscapes to medieval castles and cute fishing villages.

Continue your Scottish exploration with a trip to two of the most famous sights in the region, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness, before heading for the fascinating Neolithic sites on the Orkney Islands. Learn more about Scottish history during a trip to Culloden Battlefield. Finally, enjoy the untouched wilderness of Cairngorms National Park during a long, scenic drive to Edinburgh. Describe your ideal 10-day Scotland tour for a customized itinerary.

If the above ideas for Scotland trips do not appeal to you, you might want to browse through our list of tours that take you to the highlights of Scotland in ten days. Should you be interested in spending more or less than ten days in Scotland, check out our travel guide on how many days to spend in Scotland. You can also reach out to our travel experts for a personalized Scotland itinerary.

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Published by Will Cooper, updated on May 17, 2023

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