Scotland, a beautiful country known for its interesting history and breathtaking scenery, has attracted many visitors over the years. Whether you're visiting for the dramatic mountains, glens and forests, the enchanting castles, the food or the proud and interesting people, you'll never forget it. If you are looking for an adventure or just want to relax and enjoy the scenery, Scotland is the place for you! We have prepared a round trip guide to help you make the most of your visit to Scotland.
1) Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, has been the city's capital since the 15th century. The second most popular tourist destination in the United Kingdom in the twentieth century (right after London). This city, marked by a combination of ancient and modern, sits on a volcanic rock and its cobblestone streets are filled with museums and pubs. Start your tour in the Old Town and walk along the Royal Mile to one of the city's most famous landmarks, Edinburgh Castle. Be sure to check out the St. Visit Giles Cathedral and if you feel like walking, climb Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat and enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the city.
Good to know: Museums and galleries are free for visitors. So visit the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland.
Accommodation: Castle Rock Hostel, Safestay Edinburgh, High Street Hostel, Travelodge Edinburgh Central Princes Street
Food: The Bluebird Cafe, The Haven Cafe, Forage& Chatter, The Fishmarket
How to get to Edinburgh:
- Airplane: Edinburgh is well connected to other countries in terms of air traffic. You can easily reach the city from Edinburgh Airport by shuttle bus or private transfer
- Train: The city of Edinburgh also has good train connections to other cities in the UK. Most trains are operated by Scotrail.
- Bus:London – Edinburgh, Leeds – Edinburgh, Oxford – Edinburgh, Belfast – Edinburgh, Newcastle – Edinburgh, Manchester Airport – Edinburgh
2) Stirling
The next stop is the beautiful city of Stirling, also known as the gateway to the Highlands. Many battles for Scottish independence also took place here. The city has grown around the magnificent Stirling Castle, which is located on the Schlossbeg. Stirling Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in Scotland, attracts many visitors with its royal palace and chapel. Take a walk through the Old Town and marvel at the impressive stained glass of the Church of St. Impolite or visit the Old Town Jail where you can enjoy performance tours or the view from the observation tower. Remember Braveheart? You cannot leave before visiting the National Wallace Monument, which honors William Wallace and Stirling Old Bridge, one of the oldest stone bridges in Scotland, this is also the place where the Battle of Stirling Bridge took place.
Accommodation: Willy Wallace Hostel, Stirling Youth Hostel, Lost Guest House Stirling, Travelodge Stirling City Centre
Dining: The Bannockburn Coffee House, the Allan Park Pub& Restaurant, Hermanns, Birds& Bees, Brea
Edinburgh to Stirling:
- Train: there are several daily departures, the journey takes about 50 minutes and a one-way ticket costs about €11.50 – timetable (from 19. May to 14. December)
- Bus: Buses depart from Edinburgh Central Station. The drive takes about. 1 hour and 20 minutes and the ticket costs approx. 10,40 € – timetable
3) Perth
The former capital of Scotland is located on the banks of the River Tay. This beautiful town is home to Scone Palace, once the coronation site of Scottish kings, and home to the Stone of Destiny (a replica of which can be seen today) on which kings were crowned. There are a few castles nearby that are worth a visit, but we recommend Huntingtower Castle and Balhousie Castle, home of the Black Watch Museum. If you want to learn more about history or art, visit the Perth Museum and Art Gallery (admission is free!), Where you can even see a collection of Pictish stones.
Where to stay: Travelodge Perth Central, Holiday Inn Express Perth, Salutation Hotel, New County Hotel, The Station Hotel
Food: Hinterland, Perthshire button
from Stirling to Perth:
- Train: There are several daily departures that go through Stirling and then to Perth. The journey takes about 40 minutes and a one-way ticket outside peak hours costs €10. Ud during peak hours, a one-way ticket is approximately €16.50 – Timetable
- Bus: There are several daily departures from 07.40, then every two hours until 00:20. The drive takes approx. 50 minutes and a one way journey costs approx. 6 €.
4) Pitlochry
This small Victorian town will charm you with its beautiful stone houses, posh hotels and tea rooms. Pitlochry became famous after Queen Victoria stayed here in 1842. You can even visit their former residence in nearby Blair Atholl, Blair Castle. Menzies Castle from the 16. Another castle worth seeing in the vicinity is the eighteenth century castle. If you come here in October, you can experience the Enchanted Forest, amazing sound and light shows, and the Pitlochry Autumn Festival. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you can visit Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder or Queen's View overlooking Loch Tummel and take in the sights.
Accommodation: Pitlochry Backpackers Hotel, Pitlochry Youth Hostel, Swallow Fishers Hotel
Food: Escape Route Cafe, the Old Mill Inn, the Steakhouse at Acarsaid, McKays Restaurant and Bar
From Perth to Pitlochry:
- Train: there are several daily trains from Perth to Pitlochry. The trip takes half an hour and a one way ticket costs 17,40 €. – Timetable
- Bus: There are several daily buses from Perth to Pitlochry. The trip takes about an hour and a one-way ticket costs about €5. – Timetable
5) Inverness& Loch Ness
Time to visit the capital of the Highlands and one of the oldest cities in Scotland, Inverness. You must have heard of Nessie. Well, most visitors come here because the Loch Ness Monster is said to have inhabited the lake south of Inverness. But this city has many other things to offer, from Inverness Castle built in 1847 to the Old High Church to the Inverness Museum& Art Gallery. Be sure to check out one of the city's most impressive buildings, the Gothic Town House. And if you can't get enough of these amazing castles, visit nearby Urquhart Castle, one of the most visited castles in Scotland.
Accommodation: Inverness Youth Hostel, Highland Backpackers Inverness, BazPackers, Inverglen Guest House, The Royal Highland Hotel
Food: Comfort Foods, Nourish, Culloden Moor Inn, Ashes at the Phoenix
Pitlochry to Inverness:
- Train: Several departures, the trip takes approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes, one way costs approx. 28 €. – Timetable (from 19. May to 19. December)
- Bus: There are a couple of bus departures from Pitlochry to Inverness, the first is at 10:20 and the last at 21:00. The trip takes approx. 2 hours and one way costs approx. 12,80 €. – Timetable
6) Fort William
Fort William is a small Highland town located on the eastern shore of Loch Linnhe near Ben Nevis and other Munro mountains and is an ideal starting point for mountain walks. If you don't feel like walking or hiking, take a cruise on Loch Linnhe. The High Street is the heart of the town and here you will find most of the pubs, restaurants and churches. Visit the West Highland Museum and the St. Andrew's Church.
Overnight: Fort William Backpackers, Travelodge Fort William, Hostel Chase The Wild Goose
Dining: The Lochy, Cobbs in Nevisport, The Food Stop, The Imperial Restaurant
From Inverness to Fort William:
- Bus:Line 919 connects Inverness and Fort William, the journey takes 2 hours and a one-way ticket costs €12.
7) Glencoe
A beautiful village in one of the most famous and beautiful places in Scotland, the Glencoe Valley. Visit the Glencoe Museum, the Glencoe and North Lorn History Museum and the National Trust Visitor Center to learn more about the town's long and bloody history. You can't visit Glencoe without exploring the valley! Movies like Braveheart, Skyfall and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban were filmed here. So take a walk and be enchanted by the spectacular mountain scenery.
Accommodation: Glencoe Youth Hostel, Ballachulish Hotel, the Glencoe Inn
Dining: The Quarry Centre, Kingshouse Hotel Restaurant, Laroch Restaurant& Bar, the Clachaig Inn Restaurant
From Fort William to Glencoe:
- Bus: Citylink lines 914 and 915 connect Fort William and Glencoe. The journey takes about half an hour and a one-way ticket costs about €10.20.
8) Glasgow
The largest city in Scotland is located on the banks of the river Clyde. This city has boomed in recent years and it is no wonder that it attracts so many visitors with its sights, history and culture. If you are a fan of architecture, visit Glasgow's Gothic Cathedral, George Square and the City Chambers. You can't leave before visiting the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum (free admission!) and visit the Riverside Museum. If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, take a walk through the Botanic Gardens, but be sure to visit one of Glasgow's many pubs for some fun as well!
Overnight: Hot Tub Hostel, Euro Hostel Glasgow, Glasgow Youth Hostel, Alba Hostel Glasgow, Argyll Hotel
Dining: Revolution, Hug& Pint, Saint Judes, Stravaigin, BrewDog Glasgow