Do you hear the music in your head? I certainly do! (It’s the theme song from Outlander—The Skye Boat Song). And that’s how I ended up in Scotland! Does it call to you, too?

Travel planning can be a bit of a beast, especially when you’re trying to tackle an entire country that’s brimming with things to see and do. There’s just so much to explore, and let’s face it—you can’t do it all. So, when I plan trips, I always consider the personalities of the people I'm traveling with. Do they have a must-see spot, a food obsession, or a need for a balance of culture, activity, and relaxation? With that in mind... Scotland, here we come!

What to do first in Edinburgh? Well, the moment you set foot in this city, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Harry Potter scene. The inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s magical world is everywhere! With three days in this charming city, we were ready to dive right in. We always start our trips with a walking tour—it’s a great way to get historical context and a deeper understanding of the city. It’s like your history class coming to life right in front of you.

After soaking in all that history, we refueled with a fabulous lunch before heading to Edinburgh Castle (tip: book your tickets in advance!). Then, we took a leisurely stroll down Victoria Street—said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. By this point, we were head over heels for Edinburgh.

Dinner was at the Michelin-starred The Kitchin—easily one of the most memorable meals we’ve ever had.

No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a hike up Arthur’s Seat. This extinct volcano offers sweeping views of the city that’ll take your breath away. Pause at the top, take it all in, and soak up the beauty. We wrapped up the day with a quirky tweed purse-making workshop at the Islander Shop—such a fun and interactive way to bring home a souvenir!

Leaving Edinburgh was bittersweet, but Scotland’s stunning landscapes were calling. Our guide, Tommy, was a delight—kilts, infectious laughter, and a true love for his country. As we made our way to Oban, we stopped at The Kelpies (those giant horse sculptures), Doune Castle (aka Castle Leoch from Outlander), and St. Conan’s Kirk. Along the way, we kept our eyes peeled for the iconic “hairy coos” (Highland cows).

Oban itself is a lovely harbor town—perfect for our boat tour the next day to the Isle of Mull and Isle of Staffa. We kicked things off with a visit to the Oban Distillery (because who doesn’t want a dram of whisky in the morning?). The smell of salt air, the sound of waves, and then—Fingal’s Cave. Located on Staffa, this incredible sea cave is known for its basalt columns and mesmerizing acoustics. Mendelssohn was inspired by it for his Hebrides Overture. It was an unforgettable day on the water.

Time to hop on a ferry to the Isle of Skye (cue the Skye Boat Song once more…). Was it everything I imagined? Absolutely—and then some! The island felt so intimate, yet it stretched out before us in all its vast beauty. We stayed in Portree, the island’s postcard-perfect town (book your accommodations early—it gets busy!). Dinner at the Cullins Hills Hotel was delightful, with views that made it all the more magical.

The next day, we hiked up to the iconic Old Man of Storr—a striking rock formation that towers over the landscape. The hike was challenging but worth it for the stunning views. We took plenty of breaks to breathe, admire the scenery, and snap photos. After a lovely picnic lunch, we continued to The Quiraing and the Fairy Glens. The magic of Skye is real.

As foodies, we couldn’t miss lunch at The Three Chimneys—a must-do in Skye. Afterward, we made our way to Neist Point Lighthouse and Dunvegan Castle, the MacLeod family’s 800-year-old fortress. The history was palpable, and the food at our stay in Taransay House was some of the best we had in Scotland.

Sadly, after three wonderful nights, it was time to leave Skye. On our way to Pitlochry, we stopped to marvel at Eilean Donan Castle and Queen’s View—both absolutely dazzling. The weight of history is all around you here, especially when thinking of the Battle of Culloden, where the Scottish clans’ resistance came to an end.

Pitlochry, a charming town on the opposite side of Scotland, was a perfect stop before heading back to Edinburgh. We explored The Hermitage Park and The Wallace Monument, a tribute to William Wallace, the famed hero of Braveheart who fought for Scotland’s independence. Standing at these sites, you can truly feel the power of history and the fierce love Scots have for their homeland.

On our last night in Edinburgh, we watched the sun set behind the castle, casting a golden glow over the Scott Monument. We reflected on all we’d seen, experienced, and felt. Our hearts were full—from the friendships made to the breathtaking views, from the historical weight of the places we visited to the incredible food we savored. We were humbled and in awe of Scotland—its history, beauty, culture, and soul. The next time you meet a Campbell, MacLeod, MacGregor, or Mackenzie, pause for a moment. Think of Scotland. Let its history, its spirit, and its heart whisk you away.

Want more Scotland travel tips? Email me at kris.Derrico.Mb@gmail.com.