My boyfriend and I just returned from an unforgettable adventure in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. Scotland is often an underrated travel destination, yet it offers some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll find anywhere. From scenic drives and rugged hikes to stunning waterfalls and tranquil lochs, the natural beauty is truly awe-inspiring. Trust me, it’s a place you need to experience for yourself.
Know Before You Go
If you are looking for a sunny vacation, Scotland is not the place for you. It is windy and rainy, but that is what creates the underrated travel destination with lush landscapes and magical misty views. The best time to travel is mid-spring, early April-early May. This is because the shops, restaurants and hotels are opening back up for the peak season, but it is not yet busy so you can still enjoy your trip without the crowds. Temperatures are 50 degrees, but the wind is harsh and will make it feel like 30 degrees so a windbreaker that doubles as a rain jacket is a must!
Where to Stay in Edinburgh
We took a short trip to Scotland (only 6 days!) so we focused on the underrated travel destinations of Scotland, the Highlands and Islands. We did not have time to stay in Edinburgh. If I was to go again, I would fly into Edinburgh and stay there for 2 nights.
If I was to stay in Edinburgh, I would choose Gleneagles Townhouse, a boutique hotel with only 33 guest rooms conveniently located in St. Andrews Square. The hotel has so much charm and character with wooden floors, a free standing bathtub, luxurious fabrics and antique rugs. If you book through me, you will receive a full breakfast included, upgrades upon arrival and a $100 credit to use at the hotel restaurant or rooftop bar.
What To Do in Edinburgh
When you are in a city for a short amount of time, the best way to make sure you see everything is pre-booked tours. I recommend the Edinburgh In A Day Tour With Private Early Access to Edinburgh Castle.
“Discover the best of Edinburgh in one unforgettable day. Your tour begins with exclusive early access to Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll step inside before the public arrives. Take advantage of this rare early access to explore its fascinating history and treasures in serene solitude, including the Crown Room, Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel—the oldest building in Edinburgh.
Next, your guide will lead you down the Royal Mile, the historic heart of Edinburgh. Along the way, you’ll uncover its cobbled streets, secret closes, and towering tenements. Stop to admire St. Giles’ Cathedral (exterior only), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and hear stories of Scotland’s dramatic past. You’ll also explore the charming Canongate area, and hear about its royal connections and local history.
Your day wraps up at the majestic Holyrood Palace. With an audio guide, you’ll wander its opulent staterooms, tranquil gardens, and the evocative ruins of Holyrood Abbey—the perfect finale to your Edinburgh adventure.”
Private Whiskey Tasting
If you are a drinker, you need to try the Scottish Whiskey! Consider a Private Tutored Tasting Experience in VIP Suite for a personalized tasting experience.
“Immerse yourself in the stories, myths, culture, and romance of Scotland’s rich distilling heritage, as you sample four beautifully contrasting single malts.
Each dram has been expertly chosen from one of Scotland’s five whisky-producing regions (Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside, Campbeltown, and Islay), to illustrate how geography and weather combine to create unique regional characteristics, aromas, and flavors.
As your tastebuds become attuned to the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) regional variations, including differences in wood finish, ages of maturation, and methods of production, we’ll introduce you to the five stages of appreciating Scotch whisky: color, body, nose, palate and finish.
We’ll then test your potential as a budding Master Blender, with our fun sensory aroma quiz, which includes a prize for the best nose. As a special souvenir, each guest will receive an exclusive crystal tasting glass.”
Where To Stay in Inverness
Inverness is an underrated charming town, often known as the door to the Highlands. Stay at the Rocpool Reserve, a beautifully restored Georgian mansion with views of the River Ness. The hotel has the small feeling of a bed and breakfast, but luxury amenities of a hotel with a full bar, outdoor hot tubs, and a concierge service to assist you in booking activities and restaurant reservations. If you book through me, you will receive breakfast included at the restaurant, early/late check in/out and choice of one: Luxury Picnic Basket with half a bottle of wine per person, provided once during your stay, to take away for a day out exploring the Highlands or for your onward journey, OR a Whiskey Tasting experience which includes a selection of 3 Scottish whiskeys presented by a manager along with tasting cards to take away.
What To Do in Inverness
Wander around! Talon and I just wandered and wandered until we realized that it really is a small city. To get away from the rain, we popped into Leakey’s Bookstore and bought a book on the highlands and islands, a new tradition when we travel. As we walked, we loved crossing the bridges back and forth over River Ness. If you are traveling after this summer, you need to take a tour of the Inverness Castle. Unfortunately, it was still under construction while we were there.
Talon and I spent a day doing the Loch Ness And The Highlands From Inverness and had an absolute blast. Not only did we do a cruise along the popular Loch Ness, but we discovered all of the hidden gems around the loch. My favorite was the Falls of Foyers, which was heavily flowing after a recent rain.
Where To Stay in Isle of Skye
There is not a great way to get from Inverness to Isle of Skye, my best recommendation is to rent a car. Why not take the bus? The bus route is much longer, inconvenient and doesn’t allow for spontaneous stops at castles and to pet highland cows.
Isle of Skye is remote, the prices are higher and there are no big hotels but luckily, bed and breakfasts are everywhere! I recommend staying in the main town Portree to be near cute cafes and shops while also a short drive from the stunning hikes. We stayed at the Ballintoy BnB and loved the cozy home in the most perfect location. Our host was so kind and provided us several restaurant recommendations.
What To Do in Isle of Skye
The hikes in Isle of Skye were my favorite part of the trip. While they are far from an underrated travel destination, the pictures online didn’t do the sights justice. Old Man Storr, Quiraing Hike, Fairy Glen, and Kilt Rock took our breath away. We used a rental car to get to each hike, which I would recommend over a scheduled group tour because hikes are so personal. The group tours stop at each site, but don’t allow time to explore and hit the trail (which is missing out on all the fun!).
Old Man Storr
The Quiraing
Kilt Rock
Fairy Glen
Looking for more ideas?
Check out my Scottish Highland and Islands Wanderlust list!
Have you thought about Ireland?
Read one of my first posts from back in 2019 about my family’s trip to Ireland! Crazy to look back on my posts that are six years old, wow how we have grown.
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