8-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Scotland

  • Day 1: Edinburgh Castle
    20 minutes (8.5 miles) from Edinburgh Airport

    Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress in the center of Edinburgh that has played a critical role in Scottish history for centuries. Take a guided tour to learn about its rich past and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.

  • Day 2: Loch Ness & Highland Tour
    3 hours (131 miles) from Edinburgh Castle

    Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands and the famous Loch Ness on a budget-friendly tour. Visit the quaint villages, mountains, and lochs while learning about Scottish folklore and traditions.

  • Day 3: Isle of Skye
    2.5 hours (111 miles) from Loch Ness

    The stunning Isle of Skye offers natural beauty and historical sites. Visit the Fairy Pools, Old Man of Storr, and the Talisker Distillery for some whisky tasting.

  • Day 4: Glasgow Cathedral & Necropolis
    4.5 hours (177 miles) from Isle of Skye

    Explore Glasgow's medieval cathedral, the oldest building in the city, and the adjacent Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery filled with elaborate statues and monuments.

  • Day 5: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum & Riverside Museum
    20 minutes (2 miles) from Glasgow Cathedral

    Kelvingrove is one of Scotland's most popular attractions, housing various art collections, natural history exhibits, and historic artifacts. Later, visit the Riverside Museum, which displays the history of transport in Scotland.

  • Day 6: Stirling Castle
    36 minutes (23 miles) from Glasgow museums

    The impressive Stirling Castle has been an important site since ancient times, playing a critical role in Scotland's history. Take a guided tour of the castle and the surrounding area to learn about its significance.

  • Day 7: Edinburgh Old Town
    40 minutes (27 miles) from Stirling Castle

    Take a stroll through the charming streets of Edinburgh's Old Town, filled with historical landmarks, traditional pubs, and unique souvenir shops.

  • Day 8: Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace
    20 minutes (2 miles) from Edinburgh Old Town

    Hike up to the top of Arthur's Seat for panoramic views of the city before visiting the Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the monarch in Scotland.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Edinburgh Castle (2 hours, £18)
  • Loch Ness & Highland Tour (12 hours, £49)
  • Isle of Skye (10 hours, £45)
  • Glasgow Cathedral & Necropolis (2 hours, free)
  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum & Riverside Museum (4 hours, free)
  • Stirling Castle (2 hours, £16)
  • Edinburgh Old Town (3 hours, free)
  • Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace (3 hours, £16)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £144

Transportation

Travel around Scotland on a budget by using a combination of trains, buses and coaches. Book in advance and consider purchasing an Explorer Pass to save money on admission to historical sites. The average cost of transportation is around £30 per day, and travel times between major cities is approximately 2-3 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, extend your trip to the Isle of Skye or take a guided tour of the Whisky Trail. If you have less time, eliminate visits to Glasgow museums, skip the Holyrood Palace and Arthur's Seat, and enjoy a leisurely day exploring Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

Airports

Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is the primary airport in Scotland with flights from several international and domestic destinations. It's located 8.5 miles west of the city center, and travelers can get to the city center via Airlink Express Bus (30 minutes, £4.50) or tram (35 minutes, £5.50). Glasgow Airport (GLA) is another option, located 10 miles west of Glasgow city center. A bus service is available that takes 25 minutes and costs £8.50 one-way.

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