5-Day Cultural and Culinary Tour of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland

Day 1: Edinburgh arrival

Edinburgh, Scotland on May 18, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder

Start your trip with hearty Scottish breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder, known for its locally sourced ingredients. It's open from 8am, perfect for an early start.
GBP15, 1h

10:30am

Stroll along Princess Street Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Princess Street Gardens, with great views of Edinburgh Castle from this peaceful green space. Open all day, free entry.
GBP0, 1h30m

12:00pm

Visit the National Gallery of Scotland

Discover Scottish and international art in one of Edinburgh’s prime cultural spots. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm, free admission.
GBP0, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Oink

Try traditional Scottish hog roast sandwiches at Oink, located on Victoria Street; open until late afternoon, perfect for a casual lunch.
GBP8, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Victoria Street and Grassmarket

Explore these historic, colourful streets full of independent shops and cafés, ideal for photos and shopping. Open all day.
GBP0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle

Dine in atmospheric surroundings with classic Scottish dishes near the castle; reservations recommended. Open from 5:30pm.
GBP50, 2h
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Day 2: Historic Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hula Juice Bar & Cafe

Enjoy fresh fruit juices and healthy breakfast options starting from 7:30am, great for a refreshing start before sightseeing.
GBP12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Explore the iconic castle, rich in Scottish history and stunning views; open 9:30am to 6:00pm, ticket required.
GBP20, 2h

12:00pm

Walk along the Royal Mile

Experience medieval streets lined with shops, pubs and landmarks connecting the castle to Holyrood Palace. Open all day, free to explore.
GBP0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Devil’s Advocate

Enjoy excellent traditional Scottish cuisine and whisky selection in a unique setting just off the Royal Mile. Open noon to 11pm.
GBP20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit The Scotch Whisky Experience

Learn about whisky making with an interactive tour and tastings, open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
GBP17, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Holyrood Park

Walk or rest in this natural park surrounding Arthur’s Seat, with panoramic views over the city. Open all day, free entry.
GBP0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Angels with Bagpipes

Sample modern Scottish dishes in a cosy restaurant on the Royal Mile, open from 5:30pm.
GBP40, 2h
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Day 3: Loch Ness Day Trip

Edinburgh, Scotland on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at your accommodation

Have an early breakfast to prepare for a full day excursion. Many hotels offer breakfast from 7am.
Varies, 30m

7:30am

Depart for Loch Ness Tour

Join a guided day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Ness by coach, including stops at scenic Highlands spots. Duration: 11-12 hours.
GBP55, 11h

7:30pm

Return to Edinburgh and Dinner at Mums Great Comfort Food

After returning, enjoy classic comfort dishes in a relaxed bistro open until 10pm.
GBP20, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Pantry

Enjoy a hearty breakfast in Glasgow’s vibrant West End, open from 8am.
GBP15, 1h

9:30am

Train to Glasgow from Edinburgh

Take a direct train from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street, approximately 1h15 travel time.
GBP12, 1h15m

11:00am

Explore Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

Visit the medieval Glasgow Cathedral followed by a short walk up to the Necropolis for city views. Both open all day with free cathedral entry.
GBP0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ubiquitous Chip

Enjoy upscale Scottish cuisine in this iconic Ashton Lane restaurant. Open 12pm to 3pm.
GBP30, 1h

2:30pm

Walk through Kelvingrove Park to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Visit this extensive museum with art, history and natural exhibits, open 10am-5pm and free entry.
GBP0, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Ashton Lane

Explore Glasgow’s lively cobbled street full of bars and cafes, ideal for evening drinks or a light bite.
GBP0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Gannet

Dine on contemporary Scottish cuisine in a highly rated restaurant in Finnieston, open from 5:30pm.
GBP45, 2h
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Day 5: Glasgow museums

Glasgow, Scotland on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Gandolfi

Enjoy a Scottish breakfast made with local produce, open from 8am.
GBP14, 1h

10:00am

Visit Riverside Museum and Tall Ship

Explore Glasgow’s transport history with interactive exhibitions plus a visit to the restored Tall Ship. Open 10am-5pm, free entry.
GBP0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Finnieston

Sample fresh seafood dishes in a chic Glasgow restaurant, open 12pm to 3pm.
GBP25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA)

View contemporary art in a beautiful neoclassical building situated in the city centre. Open 10am-5pm, free entry.
GBP0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Departure or leisure time

Depending on your onward travel plans, either head to the station/airport or explore more of Glasgow at leisure.
Varies, Varies
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