Morning: Depart Pittsburgh on an overnight flight, arriving at Edinburgh Airport in the early afternoon. Transfer by taxi to your city‑centre hotel and settle into a comfortable gluten‑free friendly room.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk along Princes Street Gardens to stretch your legs and enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle perched above the skyline. Grab a light lunch at a nearby café offering dedicated gluten‑free menus.
Evening: Dine at Whiski Rooms, known for its excellent gluten‑free Scottish dishes, and enjoy a gentle stroll down the historic Royal Mile as the city lights up.
Find HotelsMorning: Join a guided walking tour of the Royal Mile, exploring historic closes, the St Giles' Cathedral and the atmospheric Grassmarket. Your guide will highlight the city's medieval legends.
Afternoon: Visit the fascinating National Museum of Scotland, where entry is free and you can discover Scottish history, natural wonders, and interactive exhibits.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Henderson’s, a celebrated vegetarian spot with extensive gluten‑free options, followed by a nightcap at a traditional pub on Canongate.
Find HotelsMorning: Climb the historic ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, spending about two hours exploring the Crown Jewels, the Great Hall, and the stunning views over the city.
Afternoon: Walk down the Royal Mile to Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Tour the royal apartments and the ruins of the ancient abbey.
Evening: Savor a gluten‑free tasting menu at The Witchery by the Castle, famed for its romantic ambiance and locally sourced ingredients.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a comfortable coach for a full‑day excursion to the legendary Loch Ness. The journey includes scenic stops at Pitlochry and the historic Urquhart Castle on the loch’s shore.
Afternoon: Enjoy a short cruise on the loch, keeping an eye out for the famed “Nessie”. Return to the coach for a leisurely drive through the Cairngorms National Park, with photo opportunities at breathtaking vistas.
Evening: Arrive back in Edinburgh and unwind with dinner at Vittoria on the Bridge, which offers a dedicated gluten‑free menu and a relaxed atmosphere.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the tram to the vibrant waterfront district of Leith. Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht now serving as a fascinating museum.
Afternoon: Wander the charming streets of Leith, stopping at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for a tranquil stroll among diverse plant collections.
Evening: Dine at The Ship on the Shore, a renowned seafood restaurant with a full gluten‑free menu, and enjoy a sunset view over the harbor.
Find HotelsMorning: Catch a scenic train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street (≈ 1 hour). Check into a centrally located hotel offering gluten‑free breakfast options.
Afternoon: Explore the bustling Buchanan Street shopping district, then visit the iconic Glasgow Cathedral and the nearby Necropolis for panoramic city views.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ubiquitous Chip, a Glasgow staple famous for its creative gluten‑free Scottish cuisine, followed by a stroll along the lively Southside bars.
Find HotelsMorning: Spend a few hours at the world‑class Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, where admission is free and you can admire masterpieces and natural history exhibits.
Afternoon: Cross the River Clyde to the bohemian West End. Visit the beautiful Glasgow Botanic Gardens and the historic University of Glasgow campus.
Evening: Sample Glasgow’s thriving food scene at The Gannet, which provides a dedicated gluten‑free tasting menu, then catch a live music performance at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom.
Find HotelsMorning: Discover contemporary creativity at the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), located on Royal Exchange Square, and enjoy its rooftop café.
Afternoon: Browse independent boutiques and vintage shops on Byres Road, and treat yourself to a gluten‑free pastry at Mono café.
Evening: Celebrate your final night in Glasgow with dinner at Alchemilla, featuring a seasonal gluten‑free tasting menu, and a nightcap at a nearby whisky bar.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a morning train back to Edinburgh, storing luggage at the hotel’s left‑luggage desk.
Afternoon: Visit the quirky Camera Obscura & World of Illusions for interactive fun, then relax in the tranquil setting of Calton Hill for panoramic city views.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Ondine, a seafood restaurant offering gluten‑free dishes, and take a last evening walk along the historic Royal Mile.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack and check out of the hotel. Grab a quick gluten‑free breakfast at a nearby café before heading to Edinburgh Airport.
Afternoon: Board your flight back to Pittsburgh, carrying memories of Scotland’s castles, lochs, and vibrant cities.
Evening: Arrive home rested and inspired, with plenty of photos and stories to share.
Find HotelsIf you’d like to extend the trip, consider adding a day in the Scottish Highlands to visit Glenfinnan Viaduct and the West Highland Line, or a night in the historic town of Stirling. To shorten the itinerary, you could combine Day 5 (Leith) with Day 2’s Old Town walk, skipping the Royal Botanic Garden, and fly out directly from Glasgow, saving travel time and reducing accommodation costs.