Got five days to spend in Scotland and wondering how to make the most of it?

You’re in the right place.

Whether you're after dramatic landscapes, historic castles, or just a good dose of fresh air and friendly locals, five days is plenty of time to get a real feel for what Scotland has to offer and enough time to see a bit of everything!

In this post, we’ll show you a tried-and-tested Scotland itinerary for 5 days, packed with must-see highlights and an interactive route map to show you where everything is. Hopping on a tour like this means you can spend less time planning and more time looking forward to your trip!

Small-Group of people on a trip through Scotland standing with a Scotland flag at a beautiful view — Why Visit Scotland?

Scotland packs a lot into a small country. In just a few days, you can go from exploring historic cities to standing at the edge of a loch surrounded by towering mountains. It’s a place where ancient history meets wild natural beauty, and every turn in the road brings a new view—or a new story.
For history lovers, Scotland is rich in castles, battlefields, and heritage sites. Think Stirling Castle, Culloden, and the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. If the outdoors is more your thing, you’ve got endless options—from hiking in the Highlands to spotting wildlife on the coast or taking a peaceful walk along a loch.
The culture is warm, welcoming, and proud. Expect friendly locals, traditional music, and hearty food (yes, haggis is worth trying at least once). Whisky lovers are in for a treat too, with distillery tours dotted all over the country—from the Isle of Skye to Speyside.

5-Day Scotland Itinerary - Interactive Map

(Simply click, drag, zoom and interact with the map to see more!)

5-Day Isle of Skye, Glencoe & Standing Stones Tour – Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Edinburgh to Oban

Depart Edinburgh and head into the Highlands.
Visit the pretty village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Stop at the historic town of Inveraray.
Explore the ancient landscapes of Kilmartin Glen, filled with standing stones and burial cairns.
Overnight in the coastal town of Oban.

Day 2: Oban to Isle of Skye

Travel through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe.
Stop at Glenfinnan Viaduct (famous from the Harry Potter films).
Take the ferry from Mallaig to the Isle of Skye.
Settle in Portree, the island’s main village, for a two-night stay.

Day 3: Exploring the Isle of Skye

Full day exploring Skye’s highlights, including:
- The Trotternish Peninsula
- The Old Man of Storr
- Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls
- The Quiraing
- Fairy Glen
Enjoy local stories, landscapes and legends along the way.
Second night in Portree.

Day 4: Skye to Loch Ness

Visit Eilean Donan Castle.
Journey along Loch Ness, with a stop to try spotting the famous monster.
Overnight in Fort Augustus, near the southern tip of Loch Ness.

Day 5: Return to Edinburgh

Travel through the Cairngorms National Park.
Stop in the Highland town of Pitlochry.
Return to Edinburgh in the evening.

Scotland is a place that stays with you—whether it’s the wild beauty of the Highlands, the charm of coastal villages, or the magic of standing stones and castle ruins. And with just five days, you can experience a brilliant mix of it all without feeling rushed.

Choosing a guided tour of Scotland takes the stress out of planning. You’ll see the best spots, hear the stories behind them, and travel in comfort—leaving you free to soak it all in.

So why wait? Take the leap, pack your bag, book a trip and let us do the rest.
Book your dream 5-day Scottish getaway today—your next adventure is just around the corner.

5-Day Isle of Skye Adventure