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Scotland Itinerary 7 Days: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Isle of Skye

Planning a trip to Scotland? I have actually lost track of how many times I have been to Scotland. It is one of my favourite places. Sure the weather is all over the place but when it is good there are few places as beautiful on earth.

If you’re looking to get a feel for this beautiful country in one week I have put together a Scotland Itinerary 7 days that to me encapsulates many of Scotland’s highlights as well as giving you a feel for the range of experiences that can be had in this beautiful country.

This ranges from a major international city in Edinburgh to the wilds of the Isle of Skye, all with great places to eat and a high thread count on your sheets come the evening.

Pheasant bird in hay in Scotland
A local Pheasant

Scotland Itinerary 7 Days: Getting to Scotland and Getting Around

The starting point for this 7 day Scotland Itinerary is Edinburgh. Edinburgh is quite walkable and there isn’t a need to hire a car.

To get from Edinburgh to Glasgow I would recommend taking the train. The train between Edinburgh and Glasgow only takes 45 minutes (fastest option) and they run very frequently. Again, there is no need for a car in Glasgow.

However, I would recommend hiring a car in Glasgow and driving up and back to the Isle of Skye. The Isle of Skye does not have a train station.

It is possible to get a train from Glasgow to Fort William, however, you will then need to connect to a bus and the whole journey takes on average at least 8 hours. Not a great use of time on a 7-day trip.

It is a straightforward drive and if you’re visiting outside of July and August traffic should be fine.  At the end of your trip, the nearest airport to the Isle of Skye is Inverness. It is 100 miles away and takes about 2 1/2 hours.

Scotland 7 Day Itinerary: Days 1-3: Edinburgh

Edinburgh as a city used to be literally just the royal mile area or what is now the Old Town Edinburgh. The city is built on hills so when it began to fill up the only way to accommodate people was to go up and down.

Streets known as Closes began to be filled with houses literally on top of each other. And thus began the creation of a city under Edinburgh. This is just one of the many interesting things to do in Edinburgh.

View over Edinburgh
View over Edinburgh

1. Explore Underground Edinburgh

One of the most fascinating things to do in Edinburgh is to explore its underground side. Edinburgh had a whole community underneath its now main streets until disease broke out and the area was evacuated, sealed, and forgotten about until a pub owner discovered he had a vault in the 1980s.

Two main tours will take you under Edinburgh. Mercat Tours kicks off from the Mercat Cross and covers the Blair Street Underground Vaults. The Real Mary King’s Close is perhaps the most famous Edinburgh underground Tour.

The Real Mary King’s Close tour is quite a different type of tour from the Mercat Tour. It is far more interactive and theatrical.

sign for underground edinburgh
Head Underground!

The Real Mary King’s Cross features character guides in costumes and doesn’t allow photos to be taken. This is a great option if you’re with kids or anyone who is easily bored.

The Mercat Tour is a more traditional tour that takes in several underground vaults and you will hear some fantastic stories.             

Book your Edinburgh historic vaults walking tour

⇒ Read more about Underground Edinburgh

Vaults staircase
Vaults staircase

2. Take an Edinburgh Ghost Tour

Edinburgh loves a ghost tour. There are many stories of ghosts – and some dreadful stories around what life was like living in the Edinburgh vaults – and the fate of some of its inhabitants.

Edinburgh ghost tours are generally held as an evening tour – adds some atmosphere. Hop on the Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh and you’ll get a sightseeing tour of Edinburgh as well as some amusing ghostly tales.

3. Edinburgh Castle

There can be few castles in the world as magnificent as Edinburgh Castle! It perches literally on the top of Edinburgh. Don’t leave Edinburgh without visiting Edinburgh castle. 

There are some fantastic UK City and Sightseeing passes which offer free entry to all must-see attractions & great deals.

view over edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle sits on the top of Edinburgh

4. The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the central street in Edinburgh and is home to historic buildings, shops, several tourist attractions and lots of atmosphere – particularly during August.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk from Holyrood Castle at one end to Edinburgh Castle at the other end. 

5. Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is home to one of the best views over Edinburgh. It takes about 30 minutes to walk up to the top. Do be careful with the weather as boy, is it windy on a windy day.

view over edinburgh

6. The Royal Yacht Britannia

I must admit, I was particularly keen to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia after watching The Crown. And it didn’t disappoint. I was supplied with a terrific audio tour that did a brilliant job of bringing to life what it must have been like on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

I most enjoyed being able to see and in some cases walk through the private areas of the royal family. It felt so special being, in one case, in a room where most of the major players of the 20th century had visited at least once. And they make a great afternoon tea.

Book Your Royal Yacht Britannia

royal yacht britannia dining room
The Royal Yacht Britannia Dining Room

7. Edinburgh Dungeon

Keep up the perky mood with a visit to the Edinburgh Dungeon.

8. Seasonal Edinburgh

Edinburgh has some brilliant events. The Edinburgh Festival is one of the biggest arts festivals in the world and is held every August. Although it has a whole range of artists and events it is perhaps best known for its fantastic comedy talent.

I highly recommend booking some shows as well as checking the schedule as many comedians often do free late-night sets during the festival. 

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo runs at the same time as the Edinburgh Festival and I can’t recommend this more highly. When I went I didn’t really expect much but I was blown away. The sights and sounds are just fantastic and the atmosphere is electric.

And Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the biggest celebrations of New Year’s Eve in the world.

royal yacht britannia bell
Bell on the Royal Yacht Britannia

9. Edinburgh Day Trips

The most popular day trip from Edinburgh is to Loch Ness to see if you can spot one of the world’s most famous monsters. Whilst you may reasonably expect that you won’t see the Loch Ness monster, you will get some outstanding scenery as this is one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.

For fans of the tv series Outlander, there is a day trip that takes in key locations from the show. 

And whether or not you were a fan of Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code, Rosslyn Chapel is absolutely stunning and I highly recommend you add it to your Edinburgh itinerary.

Scotland Itinerary 7 Days: Where to Stay in Edinburgh

I had a fantastic stay at 21212 restaurant with rooms. There are just four rooms at this beautiful and stylish Edinburgh boutique hotel. And the food is amazing.

Book 21212 Restaurant with Rooms Now

21212 edinburgh
My lovely room at 21212 Edinburgh

The Dunstane Houses is actually 2 villas put together to form a beautiful boutique hotel that is filled with rich and earthy colors. 

Book Dunstane Houses Now

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

You can have dinner at 21212 whether you are staying at the hotel or not and I highly recommend checking it out. For Asian-fusion and small sharing plates head to Noto.

Go farm to fork at Merienda. For a decadent and memorable dining experience check out the tasting menus at Fhior. 

⇒ Looking for some relaxation during your week in Scotland? Check out my post on Scotland’s Best Spa Breaks and learn more about this beautiful country in my article on Scotland Fun Facts.

21212 edinburgh
Amazing soup at 21212

A Week in Scotland: Days 4-5: Glasgow

Glasgow just oozes charm and character. This is Scotland at its cheekiest best. This is a city to experience rather than being about big wow tourist attractions.

Tours are a great way to get to know the city and to hear about its amazing and often very amusing history – and the stories still happening today. 

Glasgow street art
Glasgow street art

Take a Walking Tour

The Glasgow City Centre walking tour departs at 1230 and 2pm every day. It covers all of the key Glasgow sites such as Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis, and is run by locals. And it’s incredibly good value.

The Glasgow Gander is an excellent free walking tour. However, it is expected that if you enjoy the tour you will tip at the end. 

glasgow cathedral view

Hop on Hop off bus

I know they seem like a cliche but I quite like a Hop on Hop off bus. I often take them on my first day at a new destination. And I actually did do this the first time I went to Glasgow quite a few years ago.

A hop on hop off bus is a fantastic way to get a feel for the key sites, how far apart they are, and which ones you will find the most interesting. 

black cab outside bar in glasgow

Riverside Museum

Riverside Museum is a transport museum that sits on the banks of the Clyde River. To be honest, visiting a transport museum isn’t normally high up my list.

However, this transport museum is in a building designed by the amazing architect Zaha Hadid and is absolutely stunning – not to mention very photogenic.

Mackintosh House

Charles Rennie Mackintosh is synonymous with Glasgow. He was a Scottish architect, designer and artist. Personally, I love his unique work and really enjoy visiting anything exhibiting his works.

The Mackintosh House is a recreation of the actual Glasgow home of Mackintosh and his wife. They lived in this house from 1906 to 1914. The house is beautiful and features much of the signature Mackintosh designs. 

statue in glasgow with orange cone

Enjoy a wee dram

There are MANY options for enjoying a whisky when in Glasgow. If you’re curious about whisky but unsure as to if it is for you check out the Single Malt Whisky and Distillery Tour.

This tour will teach you how to drink whisky, take you to a distillery and see how it is made, and then check out a couple of Glasgow’s whisky bars.

Or you could combine visiting a distillery with visiting Loch Lomond on a half-day tour.  If you are passionate about your whisky there are many tours that offer the chance to visit some of the most famous distilleries in Scotland, taste their whisky and see how whisky is made. 

house for an art lover
Inside House for an Art Lover

House for an Art Lover

House for an Art Lover is just outside the center of Glasgow. The house is an art gallery, exhibition space, a lovely restaurant, studio and visitor attraction.

House for an Art Lover Glasgow was designed by Glasgow’s most famous architect, Rennie Scott Mackintosh, as a country retreat. The house sits within the 169 acre ground of Bellahouston, one of Glasgow’s oldest and loveliest parks.

I went to see a couple of exhibitions, including a recreation of some of Rennie Scott Mackintosh’s lovely work, had a great lunch and enjoyed wandering the grounds.

Visiting House for an Art Lover is a great thing to do in Glasgow – and very photogenic.

Day trips from Glasgow

If you’re a fan of the tv series Outlander then this is the day trip for you. This 8-10 hour Outlander Tour will take you to some of the key filming locations for the series including Lallybroch, Castle Leoch and Crainsmuir. Castle Leoch has also been used in Game of Thrones.

house for an art lover glasgow
Sculptures at House for an Art Lover

Or combine Stirling Castle with Loch Lomond and the Whisky Trail – one of the Glasgow days out for adults due to the whiskey component.

Finally, Scotland is heaven for photographers – when the light is right. That tends to happen several times a day but is rather unpredictable. 

This Photography Tour of Glencoe gives you a whole day in the area, improving your odds of getting some nice shots. There is also one-to-one teaching.

Where to stay in Glasgow

Hotel du Vin is in the heart of Glasgow’s West End and has 49 fabulous rooms with Egyptian linen, hand-sprung mattresses and deep roll-top baths. 

Book Hotel Du Vin Glasgow Now

For a modern approach that is super tech-friendly check out Citizen M which also has a great central location. 

Book Citizen M Now

steak and vegetables on a plate

Where to eat in Glasgow

Glasgow is a fantastical foodie city. If you’re keen to try modern Scottish cuisine, head to Cail Bruich. For a more formal dining experience, you won’t forget, try Two Fat Ladies at the Buttery.

For a much more relaxed experience, head to the Hanoi Bike Shop for some great Vietnamese.

The old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye Scotland
The Old Man of Storr

1 week Itinerary Scotland: Days 6-7: The Isle of Skye

1. Glen Coe

When you leave Glasgow head north on the A82 main road. This drive takes you through the stunning Glen Coe. It is frequently commented on in travel books for good reason – it is absolutely beautiful.

But it is always about the light and the weather when it comes to photography – and you have to be quick in Scotland.

⇒ Heading to London? Check out my posts on 13 Unusual Experiences in London, the best London Food Tours, my virtual London Travel Blog, some great Earlsfield restaurants, 14 Things to do in Notting Hill, restaurants near Clapham Junction and Victoria Station restaurants, 16 Famous Landmarks in Europe, a mad hatter afternoon tea party and a day trip to Brighton, 67 Fascinating Facts about London, 18 Landmarks of London from a local, 15 Places to see Sunsets in London, 9 Places to watch the Sunrise in London, 10 Bridges in London Not to Miss and Cotswolds tour from London options.

Scottish male goat
A friendly local

2. Fort William

Fort William is the outdoor capital of the United Kingdom. There is rock climbing, ice climbing in the winter, trekking, canoeing, kayaking – you name it and Fort William probably offers it.

Fort William has become the outdoor capital of the United Kingdom because it is home to Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis.

views from the climb up Ben Nevis
Views from Ben Nevis

If you’re interested you could alter the itinerary and stay in Fort William for Days 6 and 7. The Isle of Skye is a 2 1/2 hour drive from Fort William so it could be done in a full-on day trip.

Or why not climb the highest mountain in the UK?  If you prefer that option, there is more information on things to do in Fort William in my 10 days Scottish Highlands Itinerary post. 

But now onto the amazing Isle of Skye. This island is a magical, mystical place and incredibly beautiful in this uniquely rugged way. 

3. Eilean Donan Castle

The stunning Eilean Donan Castle is literally on the A87 road not far before it heads over to the Isle of Skye. The castle is on a small tidal island that is located where three different lochs meet and it is extremely photogenic.

Capture it both from a distance and up close. Plus, you will pass Eilean Donan Castle again on your way out of the Isle of Skye.

Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle

Do make sure you check the opening hours before you go as they change throughout the year – plus the castle can be closed for weddings.

4. The Cuillin Hills

I had read that it was a good idea to get a guide for the Cuillin Hills and I found Mitchell from Skye Ghillie online. 

He came and picked me up at my hotel and was a lovely guy. We headed to the base of the Cuillin Hills, grabbed a coffee at the little pub there, and then headed for the hills.

The Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye
The Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye

I visited the Isle of Skye in early April and the weather was still quite mixed. We walked for a couple of hours and it was absolutely stunning.

However, the wind picked up a lot so instead of staying out in the Cuillin Hills for the entire day, Mitchell suggested a sightseeing drive – which was a much warmer option.

5. Drive the A87 and B roads around the top east side of The Isle of Skye

This was one of my favorite activities on the whole trip – thanks to Mitchell from Skye Ghillie. The scenery in this area of the Isle of Skye was absolutely majestic – although, of course, it was constantly changing with the weather.

Depending on the weather, your first stop can be Quiraing – a very scenic rock formation. There is a walk to the prison, but the weather was not on my side, so we didn’t risk it.

The Old Man of Storr is also great for photos and is perhaps the most famous walk on the Isle of Skye as well as its icon. The Isle of Skye is one of the highlights of this Scotland Itinerary 7 Days.

Kilt Rock Isle of Skyes hotels attractions activities
Kilt Rock

Driving along the coast and you’ll then hit the stunning and windy Kilt Rock – so named as it resembles a tartan print. Then head inland to the picturesque Fairy Glen.

Movies have been filmed here and it does have a genuinely magical feel – and a lot of sheep.

Where to Stay on the Isle of Skye

Portree is the main town on the Isle of Skye and has a good central location. If you’re looking to stay here, check out The Cuillin Hills Hotel.

This Scottish Highland Hotel was much bigger than I expected – I think it is well set up for bus tours. But my room was lovely and I ate well there both nights.

Book The Cuillin Hills Hotel Now

tours to isle of skye from glasgow
The Isle of Skye

Kinloch Lodge is for you if you’re looking for a more uniquely Scottish luxury hotel. This stunning 16th-century hunting lodge is in the far south of the island at the foot of Kinloch Hill. It is also known for its outstanding restaurant.

Book Kinloch Lodge Now

Where to Eat

This is one foodie island. There are loads of fantastic bakeries and restaurants and even good coffee. 

In Portree, check out Scorrybreac. If you’re after something special, there are several Michelin star restaurants on the island.

When to visit Scotland in a week

July and August are the warmest months of the year in Scotland – but even then the average temperature is around 15 degrees Celcius. These are also both the busiest months of the year.

I think it is a much better option to visit May, June or September. Average temperatures are not much lower at 13 degrees but there will be fewer people. 

A Highlands Cow
A Highlands Cow

In December and January there is only about one hour of sunshine per day so this is not the best time to visit. It is still quite cold and dark in February and March.

If you’re keen to head to Scotland a bit earlier do try to wait until after Easter as this is when many businesses re-open for the season. 

⇒ If you’d like to extend your Scotland trip have a look at the South West Coastal Road 300 route. And don’t miss the lovely area of Dumfries and Galloway as well as nearby Ayrshire.

Things to know before your Scotland Itinerary 7 Days

⇒ Scotland is all over connectivity. There is free wifi in Edinburgh, Glasgow and even Portree in the Isle of Skye.

You may only face some issues during your 1 week in Scotland between Glasgow and the Isle of Skye. If you’re hiring a car for that leg, make sure you get a sat-nav just in case.

⇒ Credit cards etc will be accepted virtually everywhere in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Portree.

But do take a small amount of cash for when you leave Glasgow for the Isle of Skye and if you decide to take day trips from Edinburgh or Glasgow just in case.

⇒ Scotland has its own pounds. But don’t worry, these can also be used in England so you don’t need to use them all up before leaving Scotland.

highland tours from glasgow
scottish sheep

What to Pack for seven days in Scotland

Scotland’s weather likes to change frequently so layers are critical – and don’t forget to bring a set of waterproofs and an umbrella.

This Scotland travel itinerary will involve much walking, so pack some good flat shoes.  The better restaurants in Glasgow and Edinburgh can be dressier so you may want to pack one dressier outfit. 

And here is a brilliant Scotland Packing Guide for your trip 

Guided Scotland Tours

If you love the sound of Scotland but would prefer to join an organised tour for your one week in Scotland there are some great options:

⇒ For a range of different Scotland organised tours check out Tourradar

Rabbies has a huge range of small trip organised tours in Scotland

Intrepid also has a big range of tours in Scotland

scottish ewe up close
scottish sheep with a black face
I do love Scottish Wildlife!
Green hills and lakes of Scotland with small cows in the distance
The beautiful Scottish Countryside

Who Paid for What in this Post

I covered all of the costs associated with writing this Scotland Itinerary 7 Days post. This post does contain affiliate links. This means if you click through on them and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure that you were aware of this.

READ NEXT: SCOTLAND 10 DAY ITINERARY: SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Related Posts:

Things to do in Inverness

Most Beautiful Places in Scotland

Spa Breaks in Scotland

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Scotland itinerary 7 days

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Greta

Saturday 14th of March 2020

Can you believe I've been to the UK for 8 years and still haven't been to Scotland?! I need to get out of London more! Saving this one for when I do eventually go there! Thanks for putting it together, lovely pictures :)

Kariss Ainsworth

Saturday 14th of March 2020

I love scotland but I've only ever visited Edinborough and Glasgow, I'd love to do this

Tiffany

Saturday 14th of March 2020

Wow! You covered everything in this post, especially the things we don't think of until we arrive. Thank you, I look forward to visiting Scotland one day.

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