Are you ready to experience dramatic landscapes, amazing architecture, and magnificent castles with your family? Do you want to experience magical memories? Well, an epic vacation in Scotland will check off all those things from your travel bucket list! Today, I am sharing an eight-day epic family vacation in Scotland. This itinerary will give you an idea of what you can see and experience with your family. Of course, your itinerary may look slightly different. When I plan your trip, I will personalize your itinerary, so it includes what you want to do. Use this itinerary as guidance to get started with thinking about what you want to do while on vacation in Scotland with your family.  

8 Day Amazing Vacation in Scotland with Your Family

Day One: Edinburgh 

The first day of your epic family vacation in Scotland will have you landing at Edinburgh Airport. Once you are all checked in at your hotel, you will have free time to walk around the city.  There is so much to see and do in Edinburgh, you probably won’t experience it all during this visit. 

Start by wandering along Victoria Street. This cobblestone street is one of the best streets in Old Town Edinburgh. Experience the history of this area in between stops in the local shops.  

From there, stop at Greyfriars Bobby and Kirkyard to pay your respects at the grave of John Gray and his dog. According to the legend, Bobby the dog spent fourteen years guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray. He sat by his grave until his own death in 1872.  

Your last stop of the day will be Holyrood Palace.  

Day Two: Edinburgh 

Your family will do a lot of walking today, as you take a guided tour of Edinburgh. You will walk along the Royal Mile to see numerous historical sites and buildings. Pay close attention to all the shops, restaurants, and pubs along this street. You may want to return to some of them during your free time.  

At the end of the Royal Mile is Edinburgh Castle. This castle is located on Castle Rock. A guided tour will have you seeing the Stone of Destiny, the Crown Jewels of Scotland, and the One O’Clock Gun.  

After a long day of walking, you will be more than happy to indulge in the scotch whiskey experience. You will be given a tour of the distillery before having a tasting of the best whiskey in Scotland.  

Day Three: Shetland Islands 

As fun as exploring Edinburgh will be for your family, there is so much more to this country. And you will want to see it all during your family vacation in Scotland. So, you will spend part of today on a plane, as you fly to the Shetland Islands.  

You may have time to wander around a little, depending on the time of your arrival. Don’t worry if you decide to take a later flight to the Shetland Islands. Tomorrow is another day. And at least you were able to make a few more memories in Edinburgh before the next part of your adventure.  

Day Four: Shetland Islands 

If you visit the Shetland Islands between the months of January and March, you will have the chance to attend one of the fire festivals. Up Helly Aa is what these fire festivals are called by the locals.  

These festivals include a torchlit procession led by costumed participants. The end of the procession includes the burning of Viking galley.  

Basically, this festival is something you will never see anywhere else in the world. It will be a magical time filled with opportunities to make memories with your family.  

Day Five: Shetland Islands 

Today, you will have the chance to wander around the Shetland Islands on your own. Or you can simply enjoy the amenities your hotel has to offer, as you experience a day of relaxation.  

Day Six: Inverness, Highlands 

After a day of family fun, you will be more than ready to hop on a plane to travel to Inverness, Highlands. This area is on the central northern coast of Scotland.  

I recommend visiting the Inverness Castle after checking into your hotel. Then you can venture over to the Victorian Market to do a little shopping. It is an excellent place to find a few souvenirs.  

Before you head back to your hotel for the night, stop at the Castle Tavern. This restaurant offers some of the best food in the area. Your whole family can enjoy a meal while looking out towards the River Ness.  

Day Seven: Pitlochry 

Have you ever wanted to search for the Loch Ness monster? You will have the chance when you are driven to Pitlochry!  

After a search for the infamous Loch Ness monster, you will continue to Cairngorms National Park. Here you will walk along the only reindeer in Britain. Those reindeer live at the Cairngorm Reindeer Center.  

A stop for a Dalwhinnie distillery tour will have you trying three different malt whiskeys before heading to your hotel in Pitlochry.  

Walk around town after dinner to see the sights.  

Day Eight: Livingston 

On your way to Livingston on day eight of your vacation in Scotland, you will stop at Stirling Castle. There is so much to do at this castle, and it will all be included in your admission. The highlights of your visit will include seeing the Chapel Royal, the Great Kitchens, and the Tapestry Studio.  

You won’t be spending as much time as you would like at this castle, because you will need to continue to The Kelpies in Falkirk. These horse head sculptures are located at the eastern entrance to the Forth and Clyde canal.  

The rest of your day will be spent in Livingston, as you prepare for your departure back home in the morning. This trip will have gone by way too fast. But you will always have the memories you made to cherish forever.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized itinerary for your family vacation in Scotland or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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