To get the most out of your time in Scotland in 1 or even 2 weeks requires a little strategizing, and we offer some suggestions below. The first two itineraries cover the highlights—how many you see depends on how much time you have—and the other two are more specialized, one looking at some places we consider to be distinctly Scottish. The other one is for families, who will discover that Scotland can be a heck of a lot of fun for young travelers. The scenery and other sights may leave you feeling a bit breathless, but we don’t want the pace of your touring to do so. Take it slow in places, and be sure to allow time for some well-deserved relaxation. And finally, make room in the itinerary to sit in a pub or two, or on the side of a mountain watching the mist rising from the glens below—after all, these are time-honored Scottish pursuits. 

For visitors to Europe, one of the great pleasures is getting "lost" in the Highlands and islands of Scotland: wandering about at random, making new discoveries off the beaten path, and finding charming towns and Brigadoon-like villages such as Pittenweem or Crail. Unfortunately, few of us have unlimited time. That's why you may find "Scotland in 1 Week" or "Scotland in 2 Weeks" helpful for skimming the highlights. If you've been to Scotland before and explored the well-trodden meccas of Glasgow and Edinburgh, you may want to visit a different area of the country this time.

If you stick to the main highways, you'll find that Scotland has some of the best-maintained roads in Europe. But when you wander off the beaten track, you may have to open and shut a fence to keep the sheep from wandering astray.

The itineraries that follow take you to some major attractions, such as Edinburgh, but also direct you to more secluded spots, such as the Trossachs. The pace may be a bit breathless for some visitors, so skip a town or sight occasionally to have some downtime -- after all, you're on vacation. Note: Each itinerary requires the use of a car.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.