21 days in Scotland, Western Ireland & Wales Itinerary
Created using Klarna Trips Europe vacation planner
Start: Fairbanks, United States
Fly to Glasgow International Airport, Drive to Fort William
1
Fort William, United Kingdom
— 2 nights
Drive
2
Isle of Skye, United Kingdom
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Inverness, United Kingdom
— 2 nights
Fly
4
Stromness, United Kingdom
— 2 nights
Fly
5
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
— 3 nights
Fly
6
Galway, Ireland
— 3 nights
Drive
7
Pembroke, United Kingdom
— 2 nights
Drive
8
Caernarfon, United Kingdom
— 3 nights
Drive to Manchester Airport, Fly to Fairbanks
End: Fairbanks, United States
Sun, May 14 - Sat, Jun 3
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Fort William, United Kingdom — 2 nights

Fort William is the second largest settlement in the Highlands of Scotland with around 10,000 inhabitants – and the largest town: only the city of Inverness is larger.Fort William is a major tourist centre, with Glen Coe just to the south, Aonach Mòr to the east and Glenfinnan to the west, on the Road to the Isles. Get some cultural insight at Glenfinnan Viaduct and Fort Augustus Abbey. Get some historical perspective at Glenfinnan Monument and General Wade’s Military Roads. The adventure continues: admire the sheer force of Steall Waterfall, pause for some photo ops at Commando Monument, take in the awesome beauty at Nevis Range Mountain Resort, and contemplate the waterfront views at Loch Linnhe Picnic Area.
For other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Fort William trip planner.
Fairbanks, USA to Fort William is an approximately 20-hour combination of flight and car. You'll lose 9 hours traveling from Fairbanks to Fort William due to the time zone difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) so you can drive to Isle of Skye.
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For other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Fort William trip planner.
Fairbanks, USA to Fort William is an approximately 20-hour combination of flight and car. You'll lose 9 hours traveling from Fairbanks to Fort William due to the time zone difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) so you can drive to Isle of Skye.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 15 — 17:
Highlights from your trip
Isle of Skye, United Kingdom — 2 nights

Blessed with picturesque lochs and a dramatic, rocky coastline, the far-flung Isle of Skye remains one of Scotland's most beloved destinations.Start off your visit on the 18th (Thu): take in the dramatic natural features at Neist Point, then relax in the rural setting at The Oyster Shed, and then admire the sheer force of The Fairy Pools, Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye. On the 19th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the dramatic natural features at The Old Man of Storr, explore the striking landscape at Kilt Rock, and then hike along The Quiraing.
To see traveler tips, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Isle of Skye day trip planning website.
Traveling by car from Fort William to Isle of Skye takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In May, daytime highs in Isle of Skye are 56°F, while nighttime lows are 44°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) so you can go by car to Inverness.
Find places to stay May 17 — 19:
Highlights from your trip
Inverness, United Kingdom — 2 nights
Gateway to the Highlands
Inverness, often described as the Gateway to the Highlands, is a thriving commercial and industrial center.Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sat): take in the history at Culloden Battlefield, explore the ancient world of Clava Cairns, then step into the grandiose world of Cawdor Castle, and finally kick back and relax at Nairn Beach. On the next day, walk around RZSS Highland Wildlife Park, take an exotic tour of Highland Wildlife & Birdwatch Safaris, and then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports.
To find maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Inverness day trip tool.
You can drive from Isle of Skye to Inverness in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a daytime high around 58°F in May, and nighttime lows around 41°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) so you can catch the flight to Stromness.
Side Trips
Nairn, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns, Highland Wildlife & Birdwatch Safaris, RZSS Highland Wildlife Park
Find places to stay May 19 — 21:
Highlights from your trip
Stromness, United Kingdom — 2 nights

Stromness is the second-most populated town in Orkney, Scotland. On the 22nd (Mon), steep yourself in history at Click Mill, contemplate the long history of Skara Brae, then admire the landmark architecture of Skaill House, then contemplate the long history of Barony Mill, and finally head off the coast to Brough Of Birsay. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: steep yourself in history at Standing Stones of Stenness, explore the ancient world of Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, then delve into the distant past at Ring of Brodgar, and finally delve into the distant past at Barnhouse Neolithic Settlement.
To see other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Stromness driving holiday planning site.
You can fly from Inverness to Stromness in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and ferry; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. While traveling from Inverness, expect a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Stromness, ranging from highs of 53°F to lows of 40°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Tue) to allow time to fly to Edinburgh.
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To see other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Stromness driving holiday planning site.
You can fly from Inverness to Stromness in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and ferry; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. While traveling from Inverness, expect a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Stromness, ranging from highs of 53°F to lows of 40°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Tue) to allow time to fly to Edinburgh.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 21 — 23:
Highlights from your trip
Edinburgh, United Kingdom — 3 nights

Athens of the North
World Heritage-listed Edinburgh combines ancient and modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere.Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Edinburgh Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia. Popular historic sites such as Rosslyn Chapel and St Giles' Cathedral are in your itinerary. And it doesn't end there: explore the striking landscape at Arthur's Seat, brush up on your knowledge of spirits at The Scotch Whisky Experience, make a trip to The Royal Mile, and take a stroll through Edinburgh Old Town.
To find traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Edinburgh trip builder site.
Getting from Stromness to Edinburgh by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In May, daily temperatures in Edinburgh can reach 58°F, while at night they dip to 43°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) early enough to catch the flight to Galway.
Side Trip
Find places to stay May 23 — 26:
Highlights from your trip
Galway, Ireland — 3 nights

City of the Tribes
A major hub for visitors exploring Ireland's western regions, Galway serves as a city of art and culture, renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals.Salthill Promenade and Galway Cathedral will appeal to history buffs. Step off the beaten path and head to Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre and Ireland's School of Falconry. There's still lots to do: head outdoors with Wild Atlantic Way.
To find more things to do, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Galway trip planner.
Fly from Edinburgh to Galway in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 57°F in May, and nighttime lows around 44°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Mon) so you can go by car to Pembroke.
Side Trip
Find places to stay May 26 — 29:
Highlights from your trip
Pembroke, United Kingdom — 2 nights

Pembroke is a historic settlement and was the county town of Pembrokeshire in West Wales. Kick off your visit on the 30th (Tue): explore the historical opulence of Pembroke Castle and then enjoy the sand and surf at Barafundle Beach. Here are some ideas for day two: steep yourself in history at St Davids Bishop's Palace, then see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Davids Cathedral, and finally admire the natural beauty at St Davids Plant & Garden Nursery.
To find ratings, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Pembroke road trip planning app.
You can drive from Galway to Pembroke in 8 hours. Expect a daytime high around 59°F in May, and nighttime lows around 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Wed) so you can drive to Caernarfon.
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To find ratings, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Pembroke road trip planning app.
You can drive from Galway to Pembroke in 8 hours. Expect a daytime high around 59°F in May, and nighttime lows around 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Wed) so you can drive to Caernarfon.
Side Trip
Find places to stay May 29 — 31:
Highlights from your trip
Caernarfon, United Kingdom — 3 nights

Caernarfon is a royal town, community, and port in Gwynedd, Wales, with a population of 9,615. On the 1st (Thu), steep yourself in history at Harlech Castle, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Morfa Bychan - Black Rock Sands, and then get outside with Outdoor Activities. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to Beaumaris Castle, then head outdoors with Seacoast Safaris, and then step into the grandiose world of Conwy Castle.
To find ratings, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Caernarfon day trip website.
Traveling by car from Pembroke to Caernarfon takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. May in Caernarfon sees daily highs of 58°F and lows of 47°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Sat) to allow time for travel back home.
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To find ratings, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Caernarfon day trip website.
Traveling by car from Pembroke to Caernarfon takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. May in Caernarfon sees daily highs of 58°F and lows of 47°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Sat) to allow time for travel back home.
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 31 — Jun 3:
Highlights from your trip
Scotland travel guide
A land packed with thousands of years of history, Scotland is home to numerous thriving cities and a vibrant population proud of its distinct culture, heritage, and art. The Scottish people are fond of saying "Good things come in small packages," and nowhere is that more true than in their compact homeland. Despite its relatively small size, the country is crammed full of attractions, not the least of which are numerous world-famous golf courses and whiskey distilleries. Though the sun may not always shine here, Scotland is a stunning country renowned for its dramatic scenery of mountains, valleys, hills, green fields, and rugged coastlines, guaranteeing a diverse holiday. While most tourists restrict their itinerary to the historic Highlands, where they search for the mysterious Loch Ness monster, you can also explore the Lowlands’ outstanding natural wonders and flourishing cultural scene.
Western Ireland travel guide
Western Ireland overflows with quaint coastal towns, historical castles, and picturesque rocky landscapes. With big cities like Galway, Cork, and Limerick, the region has the right amount of urban flavor to balance Ireland's rugged west coast. Carpeted green fields end abruptly at the Cliffs of Moher, which draw visitors as a top tourist attraction in the region. The area's Aran Islands, a collection of three small islands, showcase the original language through many native Irish speakers.
Wales travel guide
Wales attracts tourism with its stunning landscape, a wealth of history, and a huge number of imposing castles. Yet behind the spectacular scenery and the ancient fortress walls hides the simple warmth of the Welsh people, whose pride in their Celtic heritage is only exceeded by the love they feel for their homeland. This may be a relatively small country, but its spirit is truly grand. Your itinerary may just be made up of joining the locals at the pub or a village rugby game to soak up the famous Welsh spirit and learn about "hiraeth," a deep bond the Welsh feel with their land. Though compact, Wales has no shortage of secluded corners easily and quickly explored on an extensive network of footpaths, which makes a trip to this land a true hiker’s paradise.