7 days in Scotland: Top 3 Recommendations
With 7 days in Scotland, you can easily see a couple of great cities like Edinburgh, Fort William or Glasgow, before heading out to amazing islands like the Isle of Lewis or the Shetland Islands, and maybe even spend a day hiking in the Cairngorms National Park! Touring Scotland in just 7 days might seem daunting, but with a good itinerary, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the history of the Highlands, the culture of Edinburgh and Glasgow, and the natural beauty of the amazing islands like the Shetlands, Hebrides, and Orkneys. If you’re not sure what to see in Scotland in 7 days, we’ve got you covered with these itineraries from six to eight days.
- Anna Lewis
1. Amazing Scotland: 6 days in Scotland
| Day 1 | Arrive in Edinburgh |
| Day 2 | Spend the day touring Edinburgh |
| Day 3 | Journey to the rugged and mystical Scottish Highlands |
| Day 4 | Explore the outdoorsy paradise of Aviemore and Loch Ness |
| Day 5 | Travel via the legendary Stirling Castle before arriving in Glasgow |
| Day 6 | End your trip in Glasgow |
Discover two of the most beautiful and popular Scottish cities in under a week, with this itinerary that hops between Edinburgh and Glasgow. It’s perfect for travelers who are short on time and want to experience both of these cultural heavyweights, from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Of course, the magic of traveling between these two amazing cities is that you get to journey through the adventure wonderland of Aviemore and the iconic Loch Ness. Take a break to live your Harry Potter dreams by visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct! See all our 6-day tours in Scotland.
2. Highlights of Scotland: 7 days in Scotland
| Day 1 | Arrive in Edinburgh |
| Day 2 | Journey north to Inverness |
| Day 3 | Explore the highland capital of Inverness, including a trip to the historic Culloden Moor |
| Day 4 | Travel to the Isle of a Skye |
| Day 5 | Discover the city of Fort William with a whisky tasting at the Ben Nevis Distillery |
| Day 6 | Journey down to Glasgow where you can check out sights like Celtic Park and Glasgow Botanic Gardens |
| Day 7 | End your tour in Glasgow |
If you’re looking for a 7-day Scotland itinerary, you have the time to jump between the iconic cities of southern Scotland before heading north to the stunning Scottish Highlands. Carve out time to visit the majestic Black Cullin mountains, feel the history and culture at the Culloden Battlefield near Inverness, or even hike Scotland’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis! With a beautiful mix of vibrant cities, like Edinburgh and Glasgow, which have a whole host of museums, like the Mackintosh House, as well as high-end restaurants, independent stores, and great nightlife, and the wild open spaces of the Highlands and islands, you can get the best of Scotland all rolled into one week. See all our 7-day tours in Scotland.
3. The Great Glen Way: 8 days in Scotland
| Day 1 | Arrive in Fort William |
| Day 2 | Trek past Old Inverlochy Castle to Gairlochy |
| Day 3 | Continue onwards to South Laggan |
| Day 4 | Head via The Well of the Seven heads to Fort Augustus |
| Day 5 | Trek past Loch Ness on the way to Invermoriston |
| Day 6 | Experience views of Ben Nevis on the way to Drumnadrochit |
| Day 7 | Descend the Great Glen Way into Inverness |
| Day 8 | Conclude your tour in Inverness before heading home! |
If you have just over 7 days in Scotland, one of the best ways to see this gorgeous country is by foot. Scotland has so many incredible long-distance, multi-day hiking trails, including the Great Glen Way, which takes you past iconic sights like Ben Nevis and Old Inverlochy Castle. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views of natural spots like Loch Lomond, the Hebrides, the Irish Sea, and many more iconic Scottish locations. Depending on the route, you can also hike past ancient castle ruins and beautiful waterfalls like the Cia-aig waterfall, so if you want to slow down and appreciate Scotland’s beauty and history, hiking tours in Scotland are going to be the trips for you. See all our 8-day tours in Scotland.
If you have around 7 days in Scotland, give or take, there are plenty of amazing itineraries that celebrate the natural beauty, awesome cities, and historic locations that make Scotland a world-class destination. Check them out and choose your favorite! If you’re looking for advice about a customized trip in Scotland, connect with our in-country travel experts to find out more!
