5 DAY SCOTLAND ROAD TRIP ITINERARY | BEST THINGS to DO, EAT & SEE | Travel Guide

November 3, 2023

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Getting there:

The best way to get to Scotland is by plane. There are several international airports in Scotland, including Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Glasgow Airport (GLA).

When to go:

The best time to visit Scotland depends on what you want to see and do. If you want to experience the Highlands, the best time to go is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is mild and there are plenty of daylight hours.

If you are interested in history and culture, the best time to go is during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) when the weather is still good but there are fewer tourists.

Where to stay:

There are a variety of accommodation options available in Scotland, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. If you are on a tight budget, you could consider staying in a hostel or guesthouse. If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, you could consider staying in a castle or manor house.

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What to do:

There are many things to do in Scotland, from exploring the Highlands to visiting historical sites to sampling the local cuisine. Here are a few suggestions:

Visit Edinburgh Castle: Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland. It is a historic castle that has been used as a royal residence, a military fortress, and a prison.
Take a walk down the Royal Mile: The Royal Mile is a historic street in Edinburgh that is lined with shops, restaurants, and pubs. It is a great place to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere of the city.
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse: The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. It is a beautiful palace that offers stunning views of Edinburgh.
Take a boat trip to Loch Ness: Loch Ness is one of the most famous lakes in the world. It is said to be home to a monster, known as Nessie. You can take a boat trip to Loch Ness to see if you can spot Nessie for yourself.
Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct: The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a famous railway bridge that was featured in the Harry Potter films. It is a beautiful bridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Food and drink:

Scotland has a rich culinary tradition. Here are a few of the most popular Scottish foods and drinks:

Haggis: Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made with sheep’s liver, lungs, heart, and oatmeal. It is usually served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) and accompanied by whisky.
Shortbread: Shortbread is a sweet Scottish biscuit made with butter, sugar, and flour. It is a popular teatime treat.
Scotch whisky: Scotch whisky is a famous Scottish spirit that is distilled from barley. It is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Tips:

Scotland can be a cold country, so it is important to pack warm clothes, even in the summer.
If you are planning on hiking in the Highlands, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Scotland is a relatively safe country, but it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
Be sure to try some of the local cuisine, such as haggis, shortbread, and Scotch whisky.

With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and delicious food, Scotland is a country that has something to offer everyone.

5-day Scotland road trip itinerary:

Day 1

Morning: Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and pick up your rental car.
Afternoon: Drive to Glenfinnan, a beautiful valley in the Scottish Highlands. On the way, stop at Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Britain.
Evening: Check into your hotel in Glenfinnan and have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the village.

Day 2

Morning: Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a famous railway bridge that was featured in the Harry Potter films.
Afternoon: Take a Jacobite Steam Train ride over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. This is a truly magical experience and a must-do for any Harry Potter fan.
Evening: Drive to the Isle of Skye, one of the most beautiful islands in Scotland. On the way, stop at the Eilean Donan Castle, a stunning castle located on a small island in Loch Duich.

Day 3

Morning: Explore the Trotternish Peninsula, a scenic peninsula on the Isle of Skye. Visit the Kilt Rock, a waterfall that cascades into the sea, and the Old Man of Storr, a rocky pinnacle that is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island.
Afternoon: Take a boat trip to the Loch Coruisk sea loch, where you can see amazing views of the Cuillin Mountains.
Evening: Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye.

Day 4

Morning: Drive to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. On the way, stop at the Urquhart Castle, a ruined castle located on the shores of Loch Ness.
Afternoon: Visit the Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle fought on British soil.
Evening: Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Inverness.

Day 5

Morning: Drive back to Edinburgh Airport and return your rental car.
Afternoon: Catch your flight home.

BEST THINGS to DO, EAT & SEE | Travel Guide

Here is a list of the best things to do, eat, and see in Scotland, incorporating images when they enhance the content:

Things to do:

Visit Edinburgh Castle, a historic castle that is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland.
Take a walk down the Royal Mile, a historic street in Edinburgh lined with shops, restaurants, and pubs.
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
Take a boat trip to Loch Ness, one of the most famous lakes in the world.
Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, a famous railway bridge that was featured in the Harry Potter films.
Take a Jacobite Steam Train ride over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Visit the Isle of Skye, one of the most beautiful islands in Scotland.
Explore the Trotternish Peninsula, a scenic peninsula on the Isle of Skye.
Visit the Kilt Rock, a waterfall that cascades into the sea, and the Old Man of Storr, a rocky pinnacle that is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island.
Take a boat trip to the Loch Coruisk sea loch, where you can see amazing views of the Cuillin Mountains.

Food to eat:

Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made with sheep’s liver, lungs, heart, and oatmeal.
Shortbread, a sweet Scottish biscuit made with butter, sugar, and flour.
Scotch whisky, a famous Scottish spirit that is distilled from barley.
Irn-Bru, a carbonated soft drink that is popular in Scotland.
Cullen skink, a Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions.
Fish and chips, a classic British dish made with fried fish and chips.

Things to see:

The Highlands, a mountainous region of Scotland that is known for its stunning scenery.
The Isle of Skye, an island off the west coast of Scotland that is known for its beauty and its rich culture.
Loch Ness, a lake in the Highlands that is famous for its alleged monster.
Edinburgh Castle, a historic castle in Edinburgh that is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scotland.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct, a famous railway bridge that was featured in the Harry Potter films.

These are just a few of the many things to do, eat, and see in Scotland. With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and delicious food, Scotland is a country that has something to offer everyone.