Road trip: Scotland’s major cities in 7 days

Explore Edinburgh, the beating heart of Scotland! The seat of power and a centre for the arts, Scotland’s beautiful capital harmoniously blends its medieval past with its Georgian new town, its peaceful gardens (Princes Street, Calton Hill…) contrast with imposing neoclassical buildings. Begin your visit with the majestic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock. Then, get carried away by the excitement of the Royal Mile, a vibrant street that leads you past picturesque shops and welcoming pubs to St Giles’ Cathedral.

Step back in time and enjoy the scenery as you stroll through the opulent streets of the Georgian New Town, which captures the elegance of the 18th century. If you visit the royal residence of Holyroodhouse, be sure also to see the Scottish Parliament, a symbol of modern democracy with its striking architecture.

Want to learn a little more about the history of the country? Head to the National Museum of Scotland, a must-see for an insight into Scotland’s fascinating history and rich cultural heritage. If you love art, don’t leave without visiting the Scottish National Gallery, which houses paintings by some of the greatest names in European and Scottish art, from the Renaissance to the late 19th century.

Head west to Glasgow, a treasure trove of real architectural gems. Start by exploring its Gothic cathedral, then stroll along the pathways of the atmospheric necropolis cemetery. Next, admire the Georgian and Victorian buildings in the Merchant City, continue to the civic grandeur of George Square, before discovering architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s buildings, including former newspaper offices for The Herald (now The Lighthouse) and The Daily Record (now home to the Stereo pub). Finish your tour with a look at the ancient site of the Glasgow Cross and the Tolbooth steeple. Then, take a stroll along the banks of the River Clyde to admire the contemporary buildings, including the Riverside Transport Museum.

 Head to Loch Leven, the largest body of water in the Lowlands, before continuing to Perth, once the capital of Scotland for 300 years. Make sure to visit Scone Palace, a 9th-century ruin famous for royal coronations. Walk along Tay Street before exploring the Georgian streets of the city. Finally, treat yourself to a tranquil break in the small but charming Branklyn Garden.

Make for Dundee, a city of design and great explorers. Take a stroll through the city centre before walking along the banks of the Tay. There, you can immerse yourself in the V&A Dundee, an internationally renowned design museum, discover the secrets of the great explorers at Discovery Point Museum, and climb aboard the HMS Unicorn. Take time to stroll around the recent urban developments on the Tay, which bring a compelling touch of modernity to the city, then finish up with stargazing at the Mills Observatory.

The last stage of your tour takes you to St Andrews, home to Scotland’s oldest university and the nation’s religious capital, which is also a paradise for golfers from all over the world. Start your visit by crossing West Port, which marks the main entrance to the old town. Continue to the imposing ruins of the medieval cathedral overlooking the sea, then climb the steep steps of St. Rule’s Tower, which offers a magnificent view of the city and its monuments. Then walk along the harbour to reach St Andrews Castle. If you’re travelling with children, head to the aquarium, or if you have brought along golf enthusiasts, visit the R&A World Golf Museum, which traces 500 years of the sport’s history.

For your return drive to Edinburgh, take the Fife coastal road to enjoy superb views of the scenery. Take the time to stop at Dunfermline, a former capital built around the ancient abbey, and visit the Royal Burgh of Culross, a wonderfully preserved 17th-century village.