The Ultimate 5-Day Scotland Itinerary including Hogwarts Express Train Tour

  • Day 1: The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle & Ghost Tour
    2 hours 37 minutes (45 miles) from Glasgow

    Start off in the capital of Scotland exploring the bustling Royal Mile with its abundance of shops, restaurants, and opportunities to enjoy street performers. Take the time to explore the historic Edinburgh Castle, an impressive fortress with amazing panoramic views. End the day with a thrilling ghost tour of the city that will take you on a spine-tingling journey through the hauntingly beautiful streets.

  • Day 2: Hogwarts Express Train Tour, Glenfinnan Viaduct & Isle of Skye
    3 hours 41 minutes (129 miles) from Edinburgh

    No visit to Scotland is complete without taking the Hogwarts Express Train Tour. You'll cross the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter movies. Finally, head to the breathtaking Isle of Skye filled with crystal-clear waters, majestic mountains and iconic landmarks.

  • Day 3: Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Inverness
    2 hours 30 minutes (103 miles) from Isle of Skye

    Take a trip to the legendary Loch Ness and keep an eye out for the famous monster! Admire the stunning beauty of Urquhart Castle, perched on the brink of the loch. Finally, visit the vibrant city of Inverness, famous for its lively pubs, restaurants, and vibrant culture.

  • Day 4: Cairngorms National Park & Balmoral Castle
    1 hour 32 minutes (49 miles) from Inverness

    Explore the rugged and awe-inspiring Cairngorms National Park, an area that boasts deep valleys, ancient forests, and a range of unique wildlife. After that, visit the famous Balmoral Castle, the residence of the British monarch in Scotland.

  • Day 5: Stirling, Stirling Castle & The Kelpies
    1 hour 26 minutes (49 miles) from Cairngorms National Park

    Spend the final day of your Scotland itinerary exploring the fascinating city of Stirling, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and the impressive Stirling Castle. End your trip by visiting The Kelpies, a must-see sculpture of two giant horse heads standing in a field.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Day 1: Edinburgh Castle (2-3 hours, £19.50), Ghost Tour (1 hour, £15)
  • Day 2: Hogwarts Train Tour (8 hours, £59), Glenfinnan Viaduct (1 hour, free), Isle of Skye (5 hours, free)
  • Day 3: Loch Ness (1-2 hours, free), Urquhart Castle (1-2 hours, £12), Inverness (3 hours, free)
  • Day 4: Cairngorms National Park (6 hours, free), Balmoral Castle (2-3 hours, £16)
  • Day 5: Stirling Castle (2-3 hours, £16), The Kelpies (1 hour, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £117.50

Transportation

Scotland is relatively easy to navigate, with a good road network linking its major cities and attractions. Hiring a car is the most convenient way to travel, and costs around £150 for five days, including fuel. Alternatively, you can take public transportation, such as buses or trains, which offer scenic routes to your destinations but can be more time-consuming.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider adding a trip to the Orkney Islands, or exploring the whisky trails of Speyside. If you have less time, you may want to reduce some of the destinations in the itinerary, such as Inverness, or reduce the visitation time at other attractions.

Airports

Scotland has several international airports, including Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Glasgow Airport (GLA), and Aberdeen Airport (ABZ). Edinburgh Airport is the busiest airport in Scotland, located nine miles west of the city centre, while Glasgow Airport is located eight miles west of Glasgow city centre. Aberdeen Airport is located around seven miles northwest of the city centre.

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