20 days in Scotland & Ireland Itinerary

Gairloch is a village, civil parish and community on the shores of Loch Gairloch in Wester Ross, in the North-West Highlands of Scotland. Eilean Donan Castle and Russian Arctic Convoy Project are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Corrieshalloch Gorge and Victoria Falls. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Gairloch: Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve (in Garve), Ullapool Hill (in Ullapool) and Culag Woods (in Lochinver). Next up on the itinerary: identify plant and animal life at Shieldaig Falconry, hike along Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, stroll through Beinn Eighe Mountain Trail, and get outside with Walking and Wildlife Adventures.

Discover how to plan a Gairloch trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Billings, USA to Gairloch is an approximately 23.5-hour combination of flight and car. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 7 hours traveling from Billings to Gairloch. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Billings in October: highs in Gairloch hover around 54°F, while lows dip to 43°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to drive to Inverness.

Inverness, often described as the Gateway to the Highlands, is a thriving commercial and industrial center.

Visiting Cairngorm Reindeer Centre and Aigas Field Centre will get you outdoors. Do some cultural sightseeing at Fort George and Urquhart Castle. Change things up with these side-trips from Inverness: Ballindalloch Castle (in Ballindalloch), Knockando Woolmill (in Aberlour) and Anagach Woods (in Grantown-on-Spey). There's lots more to do: witness the site of a historic battle at Culloden Battlefield, contemplate the long history of Wardlaw Mausoleum, take in the exciting artwork at Scottish Flair Art Gallery, and make a trip to Inverness Castle Viewpoint.

To find other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Inverness trip planner .

Drive from Gairloch to Inverness in 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around 56°F in October, and nighttime lows around 41°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Fri) so you can drive to Fort William.

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. Take a break from the city and head to Highland Titles Nature Reserve and Glencoe Lochan. Get a sense of the local culture at Glenfinnan Viaduct and Saint Andrew's Church. Step out of Fort William with an excursion to Glen Etive in Glencoe Village--about 1 hour away. Next up on the itinerary: get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, pause for some serene contemplation at MacIntosh Parish Church, appreciate the history behind Bronze Ford Model T, and make a trip to Neptune's Staircase.

To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Fort William day trip planning app .

You can drive from Inverness to Fort William in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Edinburgh.

World Heritage-listed Edinburgh combines ancient and modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Holyrood Abbey and Dean Village. Get outdoors at Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat. There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at The Real Mary King's Close, stroll the grounds of Greyfriars Kirk, don't miss a visit to Scottish National War Memorial, and get a new perspective on nature at National Museum of Scotland.

Before you visit Edinburgh, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Drive from Fort William to Edinburgh in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 56°F in October, and nighttime lows around 43°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) so you can travel to Dublin.

A history spanning over a thousand years, vibrant nightlife, and a mix of Georgian and modern architecture make Dublin a popular European tourist destination.

Get some historical perspective at Trim Castle and Guinness Storehouse. Step off the beaten path and head to Bru na Boinne and Newgrange. Venture out of the city with trips to St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower (in Kilkenny), The Mill at Avoca Village (in Avoca) and Castlecomer Discovery Park (in Castlecomer). There's lots more to do: admire the striking features of Glendalough Monastic Settlement, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Michan's Church, browse the collection at Marsh's Library, and steep yourself in history at Kilmainham Gaol.

To see photos, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Dublin route planner .

Getting from Edinburgh to Dublin by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of flight and bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 57°F, and evening lows to 45°F. You'll have a few hours on the 20th (Tue) to wrap things up before traveling home.