Exploring Edinburgh Castle, traveling through the breathtaking Scottish countryside, and spending three days discovering the Highlands and Isle of Skye.
My Scotland itinerary included four nights exploring Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, and the Isle of Skye, with some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve experienced in Europe.
After several wonderful days exploring Ireland, the next portion of my trip took me to Scotland.
I flew from Dublin into Edinburgh, where I would begin a three-day journey through the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye.
I knew Scotland would be beautiful, but I honestly wasn’t prepared for just how much I would love the countryside.
The dramatic mountains, rolling green hills, winding roads, and charming little villages made this part of the trip incredibly memorable.
While Edinburgh is a beautiful city in its own right, the Scottish countryside was what truly stole the show for me.
Here’s how I planned my Scotland itinerary, the hotels I booked, the tour I took, and a few things worth knowing before planning your own visit.
First Stop: Edinburgh, Scotland
Where I Stayed: Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
After arriving in Edinburgh from Dublin, I checked into the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton.
The hotel is centrally located, making it a convenient base for exploring Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
With limited time in the city before departing on my Highlands excursion, I wanted to make the most of the location and explore some of Edinburgh’s most recognizable landmarks.
Exploring Edinburgh Castle
One of the highlights of my time in Edinburgh was visiting Edinburgh Castle.
Perched high above the city, it’s one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see when exploring the historic Old Town.
Edinburgh has such a unique atmosphere, with its beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, and centuries of history.
The castle is an excellent addition to a first-time itinerary, and I recommend allowing yourself enough time to enjoy the experience rather than trying to squeeze it in between other activities.
Travel tip: Book Edinburgh Castle tickets in advance, particularly during peak travel months.
Other Edinburgh Attractions Worth Adding to Your Itinerary
If you have additional time in the city, consider exploring:
- The Royal Mile: The historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.
- Victoria Street: A beautiful curved street lined with colorful shops.
- Dean Village: A picturesque neighborhood popular with photographers.
- Arthur’s Seat: A scenic hike offering panoramic views across Edinburgh.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse: The King’s official residence in Scotland.
Scotland Itinerary: 3 Days Exploring the Highlands & Isle of Skye
The Tour I Booked: Rabbie’s 3-Day Isle of Skye Tour
Rather than renting a car and navigating the Scottish countryside myself, I booked a three-day Isle of Skye tour with Rabbie’s, departing from Edinburgh.
The tour included transportation through the Scottish Highlands, scenic stops, time exploring the Isle of Skye, and accommodations arranged as part of the trip.
For anyone who wants to experience the Highlands without the responsibility of driving unfamiliar rural roads, a guided multi-day tour is a convenient option.
And considering how much there is to see along the way, I really enjoyed being able to focus on the scenery.
The Scottish Countryside Was Absolutely Beautiful
Of everything I experienced during my visit to Scotland, the countryside was easily one of my favorite parts.
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
There are rolling green hills, dramatic mountains, beautiful valleys, and winding roads that seem to lead from one incredible landscape to another.
Our journey included traveling through the Highlands and the Glencoe region before continuing toward the Isle of Skye.
It’s one of those trips where the journey itself becomes just as memorable as the destination.
I found myself constantly looking out the window, taking photographs, and appreciating how different this part of Scotland felt compared with the cities.
If you enjoy nature, photography, and beautiful landscapes, I cannot recommend exploring the Scottish Highlands enough.
Staying in Portree on the Isle of Skye
Portree is a charming little harbor town on the Isle of Skye and makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
I really enjoyed staying in Portree. The town has a lovely atmosphere, and its colorful waterfront buildings make it particularly picturesque.
However, there is one thing I think is worth mentioning when planning accommodations in this part of Scotland.
What to Know About Portree Hotels
While I loved the location and enjoyed staying in Portree, I found the hotels to be quite dated.
If you’re someone who enjoys newer boutique hotels or modern luxury accommodations, it’s worth adjusting your expectations before visiting.
Portree is more about its charm, location, and access to the beautiful Isle of Skye than a luxury hotel experience.
For me, staying there was still worthwhile because of the surrounding scenery and convenience.
My travel tip: Research your accommodations carefully and look at recent guest photographs rather than relying solely on promotional hotel images.
The Fairy Pools: When Scotland’s Weather Changes Your Plans
One of the places I had hoped to visit during my Isle of Skye excursion was the famous Fairy Pools.
Unfortunately, the Scottish weather had other plans!
We weren’t able to visit the Fairy Pools because of the weather conditions during our tour.
While it was disappointing to miss this particular attraction, it’s also an important reminder that the weather in the Scottish Highlands can be unpredictable.
Even a carefully planned itinerary may need to change, especially when you’re visiting remote outdoor attractions.
And that’s okay.
There is so much beautiful scenery throughout the Highlands and Isle of Skye that missing one stop certainly didn’t take away from my overall experience.
My recommendation: If the Fairy Pools are high on your must-see list, consider allowing additional time on the Isle of Skye so you have some flexibility if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Other Scenic Attractions Around the Highlands & Isle of Skye
If you’re planning your own Scottish Highlands itinerary, there are several well-known attractions worth researching.
Depending on your tour route, available time, and weather conditions, these may include:
- Glencoe: One of Scotland’s most dramatic Highland landscapes.
- Eilean Donan Castle: A beautiful and frequently photographed Scottish castle.
- Old Man of Storr: An iconic rock formation on the Isle of Skye.
- Fairy Pools: Natural pools and waterfalls surrounded by mountains.
- Portree Harbour: A picturesque waterfront lined with colorful buildings.
- Highland cows: Always a fun photo opportunity when traveling through the Scottish countryside.
If you’re booking a guided tour, review the itinerary carefully, as sightseeing stops may change depending on the weather and other conditions.
Returning to Edinburgh
Final Scotland Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport
After completing my three-day Highlands and Isle of Skye excursion, I returned to Edinburgh.
Since I had a morning flight back to Dublin, I decided to spend my final night at the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport.
Staying close to the airport made the following morning’s travel logistics much easier.
From Edinburgh, I flew back to Dublin for one final evening before returning home to Tampa.
My Scotland Hotels & Tours at a Glance
| Destination | Hotel / Experience |
|---|---|
| Edinburgh | Hilton Edinburgh Carlton |
| Edinburgh attraction | Edinburgh Castle |
| Scottish Highlands | Rabbie’s 3-Day Isle of Skye Tour |
| Isle of Skye | Tour-arranged accommodations in Portree |
| Edinburgh Airport | Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport |
My Recommendations After Visiting Scotland
Make time for the countryside. Edinburgh is beautiful, but the Highlands and Isle of Skye offer an entirely different experience.
Consider booking a guided tour. Rabbie’s three-day tour was a convenient way to explore the region without needing to rent a car.
Manage your hotel expectations in Portree. It’s a lovely town, but I found the accommodations quite dated.
Be flexible with your itinerary. We missed the Fairy Pools because of the weather. It’s worth having backup plans when visiting remote outdoor attractions.
Pack waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes. Scotland’s weather can change quickly, particularly in the Highlands.
Bring a good camera. The Scottish countryside is absolutely spectacular, and you’ll want to capture as much of it as possible.
Would I Recommend Visiting the Isle of Skye?
Absolutely!
Scotland was beautiful, and the countryside was easily the highlight of my visit.
If you’re planning a trip that combines Edinburgh with the Scottish Highlands, I would make every effort to include at least a few days exploring the Isle of Skye.
It’s a wonderful contrast to city sightseeing and an unforgettable way to experience Scotland beyond Edinburgh.
Planning what to bring? Check out my Europe Packing Guide for my favorite carry-on essentials and cooler-weather clothing tips.
Happy Travels,
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend experiences and accommodations I have personally enjoyed or believe may be helpful to fellow travelers.
