Personalized trips to Scotland
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Travelers love kimkim

"Kimkim is the perfect solution for independent travelers who are too busy to plan it all themselves" - Gayle R., traveled with kimkim in October 2019

Introducing Scotland

The romantic landscapes and dramatic features of this small territory make travelers feel like the region is much larger than it actually is. Pair that with a friendly culture, plenty of outdoor adventure, and incredible seafood, and Scotland is the trip that stays with visitors long after they leave.

When is the best time to visit?
As a year-round destination with distinct seasons, travelers should pick the time they visit on what they plan to do. Spring, summer, and fall are better for outdoor recreation, while winter is a popular time to explore the holiday festivals and seasonal cheer.

Where to go in Scotland?
Delight your senses at the bright green rolling hills of the Isle of Skye, enjoy the fun-oriented culture of Glasgow, camp out or trek the mountains surround Loch Lomond, learn about the history and architecture of Edinburgh, and tour the distilleries of Islay.

Thinking about traveling around the United Kingdom? Learn more about planning a trip to England or Wales. Many travelers also combine their trip to the UK with a visit to Ireland.

How many days do I need?
You can briefly get to know Edinburgh in about 3 days, but to experience the breadth of opportunities Scotland has to offer, upwards of 1 or 2 weeks is much preferable.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 9 days · 10 days · 14 days

Scotland Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Etive Mor waterfall, Glencoe
Map of Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days
Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days

Discover the enchanting history and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands with this 8-day self-drive itinerary. Starting in Edinburgh,  drive north to the rugged highlands, where you’ll explore ancient castles, visit important battle sites, sail Loch Ness, and ride the world’s most scenic railway.

Neist Point at Isle of Skye
Map of Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days
Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days

This seven-day adventure combines Scotland's most memorable tourist destinations with a tour of the countryside in the magnificent Scottish highlands. You will start your trip by exploring Edinburgh's galleries, castles, and pubs before heading to the spectacular castles in Inverness. You'll spend two nights in Portree, where you'll visit castles and famous geological sites and tour the hiking routes before traveling to Glencoe, which is home to spectacular scenery.

The Old Man of Storr overlooking Skye's coast.
Map of Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days
Hike Scotland's Highlands & Islands: Glen Coe, Ben Nevis & the Isle of Skye - 9 Days

This active 9-day hiking itinerary travels through some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. Starting in the heart of the Highlands, you’ll walk along the West Highland Way, experiencing the wild beauty of Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe. The first leg of your walking journey ends at the adventure capital of Fort William, where you’ll get the chance to scale Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak. After a memorable ride on the historic Jacobite Express Steam Train, board a ferry for the Isle of Skye, where you’ll have three days to explore the rugged mountains, secluded coves, and idyllic villages of the Inner Hebrides.

The ruins of Castle Urquhart at Loch Ness
Map of Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness & Skye - 7 Days
Scenic Scotland: Edinburgh, Inverness & Skye - 7 Days

This week-long itinerary perfectly introduces Scotland's most scenic locales—blending a self-drive adventure with unforgettable guided excursions and experiences. Beginning and ending in the charming capital of Edinburgh, you'll set off into the rugged Highlands for a road trip to remember. Step back in time at the Culloden Battlefield, cruise the legendary waters of Loch Ness, and tour whiskey distilleries on the Isle of Skye.

Glenfinnan Viaduct
Map of Discover the Scottish Highlands: Perthshire, Cairngorms National Park, Ben Nevis & Edinburgh - 9 Days
Discover the Scottish Highlands: Perthshire, Cairngorms National Park, Ben Nevis & Edinburgh - 9 Days

Begin your scenic Highlands tour in the rolling hills of Perthshire and head to Cairngorms National Park, famed for its royal summer visitors.  Meander through the Spey River Valley and its world-famous distilleries to the rugged coastline of the Moray Firth.  Next up is Torridon, an ancient wilderness that embodies the quintessential Highlands landscape.  The return journey takes you to the Great Glen and the majesty of Ben Nevis before ending your adventure in Edinburgh.

Loch Morlich in the Cairngorms National Park
Map of Winter in the Scottish Highlands - 6 Days
Winter in the Scottish Highlands - 6 Days

Experience winter in the Scottish Highlands on this unforgettable six-day itinerary. Surrounded by frozen lochs and ancient pine forests, you'll settle into a wonderland of scenic treks, wildlife watching, whiskey tasting, and cozy fireside evenings. Spend three days with an expert guide who will take you hiking in this spectacular landscape and share fascinating tales of local history and their vast knowledge of the local flora and fauna. The guide will be able to tailor activities to your interests and activity level and act as your driver for those days.

Make the Most of Your Time in Scotland

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
A Scot plays the bagpipes in Edinburgh
How Many Days to Spend in Scotland

From ancient castles to whiskey distilleries and Highland Games (not to mention a mythical monster in Loch Ness), there's a reason bonnie Scotland is awash with "Outlander"...

Scotland Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Sunrise, Loch Lomond
Planning Your Perfect Honeymoon in Scotland

Conjuring up romance effortlessly and with subtlety, Scotland is a stunning destination in which to celebrate your love for each other. For the backdrop to your honeymoon here,...

Our Latest Scotland Content

Edinburgh Castle
Map of 5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

From touring ancient castles to sampling local whiskey to walking along serene beaches, there's plenty to do on a five-day trip to Scotland. You can keep things basic with a three-stop tour that takes you from the beautiful city of Edinburgh to the mountainous region of Glencoe. Or, make the most of your stay by visiting five destinations, including the Highland capital of Inverness and the coastal village of John O'Groats.

Whiskey tasting in Scotland
Map of Whiskey & History in the Scottish Highlands - 5 Days
Whiskey & History in the Scottish Highlands - 5 Days

This 5-day tour of Scotland is designed for history and whiskey enthusiasts. Begin with a private walking tour in Edinburgh. Next, a driver accompanies you to the Highlands to enjoy your first toast at Dalwhinnie Distillery and a tour of the renowned Culloden Battlefield, followed by more distillery stops in Dufftown. Then, embark on the Skye & Raasay Whiskey Trail—accompanied by stunning scenery—a beautiful architecture tour of Glasgow, and a final historical stop in Bannockburn.

Wind your way through Glen Coe on a self-drive tour
Map of Scenic Scotland Road Trip: Edinburgh, Inverness & Fort William - 5 Days
Scenic Scotland Road Trip: Edinburgh, Inverness & Fort William - 5 Days

This five-day road trip through scenic Scotland gives you a great taste of the highlights. Begin in Edinburgh to do some sightseeing between Old Town and New Town before heading into Stirling and the Highlands to visit plenty of small towns, castles, abbeys, and historic sites. Then, head to Inverness, home of Loch Ness, and board the Jacobite Train—popularly known as the "Hogwarts Express." The grand finale is a visit to the majestic Glen Coe mountains.

Scotland Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Scotland map: 2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Scotland map: 5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Scotland - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Scotland map: 1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Scotland
Travel specialist Alex Rawson
active 2 days ago

Alex Rawson

My working life has been consumed with travel in the best possible way. I've come to realise that travelling - quite simply - not only makes people immensely happy but is also incredibly...

read more...
Travel specialist Stephen Molloy
active 1 day ago

Stephen Molloy

Urbanist by training, he spent most of his twenties traveling and living overseas. Bitten by the bug, he lived in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, California, Australia, DRC, Kenya, Pakistan...and...

read more...
Travel specialist Owen Davies
active 1 day ago

Owen Davies

Growing up in the West Country of England and having lived in Bristol, Liverpool, London and now on the rugged Welsh coastline in Pembrokeshire I know first-hand the diversity of life, history and...

read more...
Travel specialist Eleanor Whitticombe
active 22 hours ago

Eleanor Whitticombe

I have been lucky enough to travel to many places, from the USA to Dubai to Thailand. I have lived and worked in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Eventually the draw of the coast and home,...

read more...

Related Destinations

Travelers who visit Scotland also visit these destinations

Why travelers love kimkim

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Trip Reviews for Scotland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

It was magical
Scotland | Aug 7 - Aug 22, 2022

C
Carolyn S.
Canada | Aug 27, 2022

We started planning this trip a few years ago in 2020. When the pandemic hit we had to pause for two years. As a result the trip had to be planned again. Kate and Alex did a remarkable job both times to create a memorable experience for my mom's 80th birthday. We flew into Edinburgh and explored that city for a few days, then travelled up into the Highlands and back down into Edinburgh. The hotels and attractions they booked were exactly what we wanted. Our trip then shifted into... read more

We started planning this trip a few years ago in 2020. When the pandemic hit we had to pause for two years. As a result the trip had to be planned again. Kate and Alex did a remarkable job both times to create a memorable experience for my mom's 80th birthday. We flew into Edinburgh and explored that city for a few days, then travelled up into the Highlands and back down into Edinburgh. The hotels and attractions they booked were exactly what we wanted. Our trip then shifted into Ireland as we flew into Belfast and then drove around Ireland staying in a different place every night or two. Again, the hotels, restaurants and attractions were all booked for us, met the precise needs we had and were spaced very well.

I couldn't have built a better trip myself! They customized it for us and it fit us like a glove. There is no question that I would use KimKim again to plan a trip. They saved me so much planning time before the trip and during the trip I didn't have to worry about anything because they had given us such detailed plans. Also, we were able to reach out for support if we needed them.

Alex proactively checked in with us a few times to make sure all was going according to plan. The personal touch was so appreciated.

Local specialist: Alex Rawson

Despite a very short notice we managed to org...
Scotland | Jul 8 - Jul 19, 2022

A
Alexandre G.
Hong Kong SAR China | Jul 22, 2022

Despite a very short notice we managed to organise our tour to Scotland in the best conditions. Rachel has been very helpful and professional. Thank you! read more

Despite a very short notice we managed to organise our tour to Scotland in the best conditions. Rachel has been very helpful and professional. Thank you!

Hotel Reviews
Beadnell Towers
Chathill
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Marmalade Hotel
Portree

Staff rude and not respectful of the clients.

Authenticity & Character
Impersonal. It could be in any city in the world. Skye deserves better.
Location
Staff
Service is rude and absolutely non professional. I have been called after 10 PM when sleeping for asking me what time I wanted to have breakfast. Staff is not trained and disfunctional.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dream Variations
Edinburgh
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The owner is very kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kingsmills Hotel
Inverness

Very nice restaurant and food

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel du Vin
Glasgow
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Fonab Castle
Pitlochry

Good hotel but the service at the breakfast was disfunctional and not very professional.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cameron House
Alexandria

Wonderful location but a little artificial.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sightseeing Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour
Edinburgh
Portree Boat Trip
Isle of Skye

Amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, drivers and staff
Transport
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh
The Potter Trail Tour
Edinburgh
Visit Scone Palace
Scotland
Sheep Dog Demonstration
Inverness

Very interesting for kids and adults

Loch Ness Boat Cruise
Inverness
Local specialist: Rachel Long

Excellent Trip to London, Scotland's Highlands, and Ireland
Scotland | Jun 1 - Jun 20, 2022

Rebecca
Rebecca G.
Boulder, CO | Jul 15, 2022

We had the best trip to London, Northern Scotland, and Ireland! Kimkim connected us to William and Stephen who created an itinerary for us. They listened closely and added well-coordinated experiences around our interests. We combined: time in London, hiking in Northern Scotland, visiting Isle of Skye, and spending time in the South East coast of Ireland. We worked closely with Stephen, and he was knowledgeable and created a great trip for us. We loved taking the overnight train from... read more

We had the best trip to London, Northern Scotland, and Ireland! Kimkim connected us to William and Stephen who created an itinerary for us. They listened closely and added well-coordinated experiences around our interests. We combined: time in London, hiking in Northern Scotland, visiting Isle of Skye, and spending time in the South East coast of Ireland. We worked closely with Stephen, and he was knowledgeable and created a great trip for us. We loved taking the overnight train from London to N Scotland! We loved our accommodations in Isle of Skye! Every one of the drivers that was part of the trip was also a tour guide, and taught us so much about the areas we visited. Stephen suggested the West Highlands Way for hiking which was perfect! We also really enjoyed where we stayed in Wicklow, and then a swim rise in Greystones. We appreciated communicating with Stephen throughout the trip . They made it super easy: air flights, trains, accommodations, bag transfers. I think Kimkim, William, and Stephen did a great job. We are extremely pleased!

Hotel Reviews
House Of Juniper - The Cabins
Isle of Skye

We stayed in an upper floor suite at the Manse (the main house). This is a beautiful, modern accommodation with an excellent location and beautiful view of the sea. This was one of our favorite accommodations! Breakfast was delivered each morning with fresh croissants and overnight oats. Thank you House of Juniper! They even had a sauna. Lovely.

Tips for future travelers

1 block walking distance to a good pub/restaurant and a few more blocks to a grocery and town.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

This is an excellent quality hotel with comfortable rooms, a good restaurant, great service, good breakfast, and a great location. We were incredibly pleased with our time at the Ashling Hotel. We were able to walk easily to many things in Dublin. It was the best breakfasts on our entire trip.

Tips for future travelers

Enjoy the great quality free breakfast

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Caledonian Sleeper Train Cabin
Edinburgh

The Caledonian Sleeper Train was probably the highlight of our trip. We had two adjoining rooms, where we were able to open the door and all of our family could be together. The beds were incredibly comfortable. The train was incredibly clean and efficient. The food was very good and decent and we got a great nights sleep. We got off at Bridge of Orchy and started directly hiking. An amazing experience! I recommend to anyone!

Tips for future travelers

Book early so you have a choice of first class or standard sleeper cars. Both are good quality. The benefit of first class is that you have access to the lounges at the train stations, which could be really nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff of the train were incredible. Knowledgeable, helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club
Fort William, Inverness-shire

We enjoyed the location and we really enjoyed the pool. However the rooms are only average. The restaurant is poor.

Tips for future travelers

Pass on the restaurant. It was the full cost of a restaurant, but the food was very bland and felt like maybe it catered to seniors and bus tours.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Indigo Glasgow, an IHG Hotel
Glasgow

This is a decent urban hotel. The rooms were comfortable and the restaurant was decent. We did find that the decor was a bit garish for my taste (bright pink lamp shades in the rooms, etc.)

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kilomokea
Campile, Co. Wexford

This is a very specialized property and would be ideal for someone who is looking for a formal, traditional, manor-house kind of experience. On those terms it would be a 4.5 stars. For our preferences it would be 3.

Tips for future travelers

Do you enjoy a traditional, formal manor house experience, then this is for you.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Bridge Tavern
Wicklow Town Co. Wicklow

We loved this accommodation. It was freshly renovated, with very comfortable rooms and well appointed bathrooms. The location was great. We also really enjoyed being above the tavern, which had great food and a really good atmosphere. Really enjoyable to look out over the river and sea.

Tips for future travelers

The tavern is really good as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great comfortable clean new rooms!
Kings House Way Inn
Glencoe

Gorgeous location! We really enjoyed having 2 nights in this location. It is big and open and not as cozy as we hoped. However, a great spot and beautiful setting.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
It felt like the staff were mainly new. They all did a good job, but were still finding their way with creating a friendly environment.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: William Armstrong
William
William Armstrong
Local specialist in Toulon | Jul 15, 2022

Dear Rebecca,

Well we are really happy that you enjoyed yourselves. Sending families to the most interesting corners of the United Kingdom and Ireland is a real joy. It gave me a lot of satisfaction to read that you appreciated the work of Stephen and our team. We are happy to hear that. I also appreciate that you highlighted your preferred suppliers, and that you loved the West Highland Way. It is an epic, yet achievable adventure isn't it!

Thank you for travelling with us, and taking the time to write such a detailed review.

All the best Rebecca,
William at High Point