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: 7 days · 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Trek to the Old Mann of Storr in Skye
1 Week in Scotland - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Seven days in Scotland gives you ample time to see its historic cities, breathtaking mountains, magnificent castles, and stunning coastlines. How you spend your week depends on just how adventurous you want to be. You can visit three to four destinations from Edinburgh into the Highlands or take an active trip to two natural areas like Cairngorms or Craignure.

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" fans. At roughly the same size as South Carolina, Scotland is small enough to explore the highlights in one week. However, you'll need at least two weeks to explore the mainland and one or even two extra weeks to take in the major islands.

Eilean Donan Castle in the western Highlands of Scotland
Best Time of Year to Visit Scotland

True, most colloquial Scottish terms for the climate refer to fickle—and mostly "dreich" (dreary)—weather, despite which the sun shines more than you may imagine: Palm trees even grow on the west coast, sustained by warm Gulf Stream waters and air. Scotland frequently defies its stereotypes and can be sublime in any season, each uniquely showcasing the country's rugged beauty. So don't let the Scots' talk about the weather put you off.

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: Self-Drive Scottish Highlands Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days
Self-Drive Scottish Highlands Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days
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Scotland map: Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days
Best of Scotland: Edinburgh & the Highlands - 7 Days
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Scotland
Travel specialist Owen Davies
active 3 days 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...

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Travel specialist Alex Rawson
active 1 day 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...

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Travel specialist Eleanor Whitticombe
active 38 mins 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,...

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Travel specialist Rachel Long
active 31 mins ago

Rachel Long

Although I have always lived in beautiful Wales, I am passionate about travel. As a child I spent family holidays in Britain, touring the west coast of Scotland and the south coast of England,...

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Why travelers love kimkim

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Trip Reviews for Scotland

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our trip was the trip of a lifetime! After ou... · Scotland - Jun 6 - Jun 13, 2022

Traveler: Lindsey F. - Local specialist: Owen Davies

Our trip was the trip of a lifetime! After our long day of flying we were met at hotel du vin by the unbelievable staff! Ben actually parked our car in their disabled parking for us so that my mom wouldn’t have to walk back and forth from the qpark. He was an exceptional human and I hope to pass on his kindness!
Our driver guides, Stuart for Edinburgh and Ian for The Isle of Skye were nothing short of amazing! They were so kind and knowledgeable and generally good people. I highly recommend... read more

Our trip was the trip of a lifetime! After our long day of flying we were met at hotel du vin by the unbelievable staff! Ben actually parked our car in their disabled parking for us so that my mom wouldn’t have to walk back and forth from the qpark. He was an exceptional human and I hope to pass on his kindness!
Our driver guides, Stuart for Edinburgh and Ian for The Isle of Skye were nothing short of amazing! They were so kind and knowledgeable and generally good people. I highly recommend them both for anyone wishing for a guided tour of the area! Stuart took us to Blackness Castle, where part of Outlander was filmed and Ian went off of his way to take us to Skye Skyns. It was the best!
Driving through Edinburgh was a bit rough just due to the unbelievable amount of people and traffic, but eventually we got the hang of it!
Owen was wonderful during this entire process and really planned a trip tailored to us! He even had a Scottish history book sent to our hotel! It was a wonderful heartfelt surprise!
I will absolutely use Owen and KimKim for all trips we plan in the future!

Marty

Best family vacation · Scotland - May 25 - Jun 5, 2022

Traveler: Marty B. - Local specialist: William Armstrong

Absolutely one of the best family vacations we have had. Extremely organized and excellent communication before and during the entire trip. We will absolutely use Kim Kim for our next adventure. read more

Absolutely one of the best family vacations we have had. Extremely organized and excellent communication before and during the entire trip. We will absolutely use Kim Kim for our next adventure.

Hotel Reviews

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, an IHG Hotel

Edinburgh

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Great hotel, very clean, very helpful staff members

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Tigerlily

EDINBURGH

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

Great hotel, very clean, excellent staff members

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

William Armstrong profile photo
William Armstrong, local specialist, responded to this review:

Thank you for choosing us Marty and Brad - it was a pleasure organizing this adventure for you.

Jenifer

Breathtaking · Scotland - Apr 25 - May 5, 2022

Traveler: Jenifer S. - Local specialist: William Armstrong

We had the trip of a lifetime with the help of William and Stephen. They tailored the trip to the things we liked and took out all the stress of planning the trip. We particularly liked all of our tours, the wildlife tour, riding bikes in Callander, and the tour of islands in Oban. All of our guides were knowledgeable and kind. There was not one activity we did not love, and the team checked in to make sure things were going smoothly. The accommodations were also amazing. Our favorites... read more

We had the trip of a lifetime with the help of William and Stephen. They tailored the trip to the things we liked and took out all the stress of planning the trip. We particularly liked all of our tours, the wildlife tour, riding bikes in Callander, and the tour of islands in Oban. All of our guides were knowledgeable and kind. There was not one activity we did not love, and the team checked in to make sure things were going smoothly. The accommodations were also amazing. Our favorites were the Dunstane Houses and Hotel du Vin. We miss Scotland already and are already thinking about when we can come back- and we know we will use KimKim again!

Hotel Review

The Dunstane

Edinburgh

Overall Rating
Hotel Review

The place to stay in Edinburgh. An old house that was updated but kept the integrity of the house. You feel transported.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Staff

Authenticity & Character

Location

Slightly farther from town center for those that can not walk long distances
Activity Review

Electric Mountain Bike Hire in Callander

Callander

Overall Rating
Activity Review

Incredible views you can take in at your own pace. Very little energy expenditure with E-bikes but a large reward with epic views as you ride through the woods.

Transport

Guides, drivers and staff

Quality of Experience