A Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary: Exploring Edinburgh and the Isle of Skye

  • Day 1: Edinburgh Castle
    15 minutes (1 mile) from Royal Mile

    Start your trip with a visit to the Edinburgh Castle, an iconic fortress sitting atop Castle Rock that overlooks the city. Explore the castle’s history and significance, including the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

  • Day 2: Edinburgh Old Town and Arthur's Seat
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Edinburgh Castle

    Discover the charming cobblestone streets, unique shops, and pubs of the Edinburgh Old Town. Don’t miss the Royal Mile, which spans from the castle to Holyrood Palace. Afterward, head to Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano that offers scenic views of the city.

  • Day 3: Portree and Isle of Skye
    4 hours (216 miles) from Edinburgh

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Isle of Skye! Start with a visit to the charming town of Portree, with its colorful houses and bustling harbor. Then drive to popular landmarks, such as the Old Man of Storr and the Fairy Pools.

  • Day 4: Eilean Donan Castle and Loch Ness
    2 hours and 15 minutes (85 miles) from Portree

    Explore the Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, located on a small island at the confluence of three lochs in the western Highlands. Then head to the famous Loch Ness, where you can enjoy a scenic boat ride to catch a glimpse of the legendary Nessie!

  • Day 5: Glenfinnan Viaduct and Edinburgh
    3 hours (135 miles) from Loch Ness

    Visit the historical Glenfinnan Viaduct, which gained popularity for its appearance in the Harry Potter movies. Relive the magic of Hogwarts Express on a steam train ride across the viaduct. Return to Edinburgh and head to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to end the trip on a peaceful note.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Edinburgh Castle (3 hours, £20 per adult)
  • Edinburgh Old Town and Arthur's Seat (1 day, free)
  • Portree and Isle of Skye (2 days, free)
  • Eilean Donan Castle (1 hour, £9 per adult)
  • Loch Ness boat ride (1.5 hours, £14.50 per adult)
  • Glenfinnan Viaduct (2 hours, train ride £39 per adult)
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (3 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: £82.50 per adult

Transportation

Consider renting a car to have the flexibility to explore the countryside. Public transportation is also available between major cities, but it may be more time-consuming. The average cost for car rental is around £30 per day with a full tank. Petrol is approximately £1.20 per liter. Most tourist attractions offer free parking.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other cities like Glasgow or St. Andrews. For those with less time, skip Loch Ness and Glenfinnan Viaduct and add another day to Edinburgh or the Isle of Skye.

Airports

The main airport in Scotland is Edinburgh Airport (EDI), located about 8 miles west of the Edinburgh city center. Glasgow Airport (GLA) is another option, located about 7 miles west of the Glasgow city center. Both airports offer various transportation options, including buses, taxis, and car rentals.

0