4-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey Through Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands

Day 1: Historic Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on May 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder

Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast with fresh, locally sourced ingredients to energise your day exploring Edinburgh.
GBP15, 1h

9:30am

Edinburgh Castle Visit

Explore this historic fortress with panoramic views of the city and learn about Scotland's royal history. Open 9:30am - 6pm.
GBP19.50, 2h

11:45am

Walk along the Royal Mile

Stroll down Edinburgh's famous street connecting the castle to Holyrood Palace, filled with shops, street performers, and historic sites.
Free, 1h 15m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Witchery by the Castle

Dine in an atmospheric and historic setting, enjoying Scottish dishes such as haggis or fresh seafood. Open 12pm - 10pm.
GBP35, 1h 15m

2:30pm

Visit the National Museum of Scotland

Discover Scotland’s rich history, culture, and natural world with extensive exhibits. Open 10am - 5pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Ondine Seafood Restaurant

Savour fresh seafood dishes from the Scottish coast in a relaxed setting. Open 5pm - 10pm.
GBP40, 1h 30m
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Day 2: Loch Ness Adventure

Inverness, Scotland on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Village Bakery

Grab a quick pastry and coffee to fuel up before your long day of sightseeing.
GBP8, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Loch Ness

Travel south from Inverness to the famous Loch Ness for a scenic day exploring the iconic lake and its surroundings.
Fuel cost approx GBP25, 1h 15m

10:00am

Loch Ness Boat Tour

Enjoy a 1-hour boat cruise on Loch Ness to appreciate the serene beauty and try to spot the legendary monster.
GBP16, 1h

11:30am

Visit Urquhart Castle

Explore the dramatic ruins on the loch’s edge, steeped in history and offering wonderful photo opportunities. Open 9am - 6pm.
GBP12, 1h 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Dores Inn

Eat traditional Scottish pub fare with beautiful views over Loch Ness. Open 12pm - 3pm for lunch.
GBP20, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Inverness

Return to Inverness to relax and explore the city centre.
Fuel cost approx GBP10, 30m

3:00pm

Explore Inverness Castle Grounds

Walk around the castle grounds and enjoy views over the River Ness; the castle interior is closed to the public.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Mustard Seed

Dine on contemporary Scottish cuisine using fresh, local produce in a cosy setting. Open 5pm - 9:30pm.
GBP35, 1h 30m
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Day 3: Isle of Skye Exploration

Isle of Skye, Scotland on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Inverness Café

Enjoy a quick Scottish breakfast before an early start heading to Skye.
GBP12, 45m

7:45am

Drive to Isle of Skye

A scenic 2.5-hour drive west through impressive Highlands landscapes to the Isle of Skye.
Fuel cost approx GBP35, 2h 30m

10:30am

Visit the Fairy Pools

Walk to the famous crystal-clear blue pools and waterfalls; ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Free, 1h 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Old Inn, Carbost

Relax and enjoy local seafood and Skye speciality dishes at this charming pub. Open 12pm - 3pm.
GBP25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Dunvegan Castle

Discover the historic seat of the MacLeod clan with beautiful gardens and fascinating heritage. Open 10am - 5pm.
GBP14, 1h 30m

4:00pm

Drive to Portree

Head to the island’s largest town to enjoy its harbourside scenery and quaint streets.
Fuel cost approx GBP5, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Rosedale Hotel

Sample locally sourced Scottish cuisine with fine views over Portree harbour. Open 5pm - 10pm.
GBP35, 1h 30m
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Day 4: Return to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Arriba, Portree

Enjoy a casual breakfast with good coffee and pastries before your journey back.
GBP10, 45m

8:45am

Drive back to Edinburgh

A long but scenic drive approximately 5 hours passing through the Highlands and central Scotland.
Fuel cost approx GBP45, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch Stop in Pitlochry

Break your journey with a pleasant lunch in this charming town; try Hettie’s Tearoom for traditional fare. Open 11am - 3pm.
GBP20, 1h

3:00pm

Continue Drive to Edinburgh

Complete your journey back to Edinburgh arriving late afternoon.
Fuel cost approx GBP10, 1h 30m

5:00pm

Relaxing Evening Walk in Princes Street Gardens

Unwind in the city centre gardens with views of Edinburgh Castle as the sun sets.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Number One at Balmoral

Celebrate your trip with exquisite Michelin-starred Scottish cuisine in an elegant setting. Open 6:30pm - 10pm.
GBP65, 2h
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