10-Day Scottish Honeymoon Itinerary: Mountains, Coast, Culture & Cuisine

Day 1: Scottish Capital Arrival

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 1, 2025

9:00am

Drive to Edinburgh

Depart Bournemouth early morning and drive to Edinburgh, approximately 7.5 hours including breaks and ferry crossing. Budget fuel accordingly to fit overall budget.
GBP £100 (fuel & ferry approx.), 7h0m

6:30pm

Check-in at a 4-star hotel in Edinburgh

Settle into a comfortable 4-star hotel with breakfast included, such as Apex Grassmarket Hotel close to the Royal Mile to enjoy city charm and easy access to attractions.
GBP £120 per night, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle

Enjoy a romantic dinner at The Witchery, a Michelin guide recommended spot offering classic Scottish dishes in an atmospheric historic building.
GBP £80 for two, 2h0m
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Day 2: Explore Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a hearty breakfast at your hotel to fuel your day of sightseeing.
Included in accommodation, 1h0m

9:30am

Guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle and Old Town

Join a 2-hour guided tour to explore Edinburgh Castle and the historic Old Town, learning about Scotland’s rich history and culture.
GBP £30 per person, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ondine Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in fresh Scottish seafood at Ondine, a stylish spot renowned for quality and atmosphere.
GBP £50 for two, 1h0m

1:30pm

National Museum of Scotland

Spend the afternoon exploring Scotland’s national history, culture, and innovation. Entrance is free.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Leisure stroll up Arthur’s Seat

Enjoy a moderate hike up Arthur’s Seat to get panoramic views of the city in late afternoon light.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Timberyard

Dine in this Michelin Guide recommended venue known for seasonal Scottish dishes prepared with creative flair.
GBP £70 for two, 2h0m
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Day 3: Travel to Cairngorms

Cairngorms National Park, Scotland on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before setting off to the countryside.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Cairngorms National Park

Approximately 2.5 hours drive from Edinburgh, head north to the Cairngorms for mountain adventures.
Fuel approx. GBP £25, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in at a country 4-star hotel

Choose a hotel such as The Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore, offering cosy comfort and breakfast included.
GBP £100 per night, N/A

1:00pm

Lunch at The Old Bridge Inn

Enjoy lunch with local ingredients at this charming country inn.
GBP £30 for two, 1h0m

2:30pm

Guided walk in Cairngorms

Book a guided nature and wildlife walk in the national park to soak in the stunning Highland scenery and learn about native species.
GBP £40 per person, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Relax with a comforting dinner at your hotel to prepare for tomorrow’s mountain climb.
GBP £40 for two, 1h30m
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Day 4: Climb Ben Macdui

Cairngorms National Park, Scotland on September 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early with a good breakfast for a full day hike.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Guided climb of Ben Macdui

Climb Scotland’s second highest mountain, Ben Macdui (1309m), with a certified guide for safety and insight; approximately 6-hour excursion.
GBP £70 per person, 6h0m

3:00pm

Return and rest

Return to hotel to rest and freshen up after the climb.
Free, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at a local pub

Enjoy dinner at a cosy local pub like The Cairngorm Hotel offering hearty Highland fare.
GBP £35 for two, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye, Scotland on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast included before departure towards the Isle of Skye.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Isle of Skye

A scenic 2.5-hour drive to the Isle of Skye for coastal views and island atmosphere.
Fuel approx. GBP £20, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in 4-star hotel

Stay at the Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree, providing great views and breakfast included.
GBP £120 per night, N/A

1:00pm

Lunch at Sea Breezes

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in a cosy setting in Portree.
GBP £35 for two, 1h0m

2:30pm

Guided boat tour

Take a wildlife and coastal scenery boat tour around Skye to spot seals, eagles and dolphins, a unique wildlife experience.
GBP £50 per person, 3h0m

6:00pm

Rest and leisure

Relax at the hotel or explore Portree village at your leisure.
Free, N/A

8:00pm

Dinner at The Three Chimneys

Dine at the renowned Michelin star restaurant on Skye for an unforgettable gastronomic experience featuring local ingredients.
GBP £160 for two, 2h30m
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Day 6: Hot Air Balloon & Explore Skye

Isle of Skye, Scotland on September 6, 2025

6:00am

Hot air balloon ride

Experience a stunning sunrise hot air balloon ride over Skye's dramatic landscapes, an unforgettable and unique activity.
GBP £150 per person, 2h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Return to hotel for breakfast and rest after the balloon ride.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Fairy Pools

Explore the Fairy Pools, famous crystal-clear blue pools beneath the Black Cuillin mountains; a scenic walk and natural attraction.
Free, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at a local café

Stop for a light lunch at a café like The Old School Restaurant in Carbost, offering locally sourced food.
GBP £25 for two, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Dunvegan Castle

Tour the historic Dunvegan Castle, home to the Clan MacLeod with beautiful gardens and loch views.
GBP £14 per person, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner on your own schedule

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local favourite, such as Scorrybreac restaurant in Portree for modern Scottish cuisine.
GBP £50 for two, 1h30m
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Day 7: Skye to Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast included before heading south to Glasgow.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Glasgow

Drive approximately 5 hours to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city and cultural hub.
Fuel approx. GBP £35, 5h0m

2:30pm

Check-in 4-star hotel

Stay at a central 4-star hotel like the Blythswood Square Hotel offering luxury and breakfast included.
GBP £130 per night, N/A

3:30pm

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Visit this renowned museum with diverse collections from art to natural history. Entry is free.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ubiquitous Chip

Enjoy dinner at this iconic Glasgow restaurant praised for its inventive Scottish cuisine and atmosphere.
GBP £70 for two, 1h30m
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Day 8: Explore Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland on September 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast is included and a good start before a day of culture.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Guided walking tour of Glasgow city centre

Join a 2-hour guided tour that covers Glasgow’s Victorian architecture and cultural landmarks.
GBP £20 per person, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Gandolfi

Enjoy modern Scottish dishes with a casual vibe at this popular city café.
GBP £40 for two, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

Explore the medieval Glasgow Cathedral and the atmospheric Victorian Necropolis nearby.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Leisure time and shopping

Spend time exploring Glasgow’s shopping streets or relax in a local café.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at a Michelin star restaurant - Cail Bruich

Experience exquisite Michelin star dining at Cail Bruich, famous for its dedication to modern Scottish cuisine using seasonal ingredients.
GBP £150 for two, 2h0m
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Day 9: Glasgow to Edinburgh Return

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before heading east to Edinburgh for your final day.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Edinburgh

Drive back to Edinburgh, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Fuel approx. GBP £15, 1h15m

10:30am

Check-in at Edinburgh hotel

Return to a central 4-star hotel such as Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel for comfort and breakfast.
GBP £120 per night, N/A

11:30am

Visit Royal Yacht Britannia

Tour the Queen’s former royal yacht docked in Leith, an iconic cultural attraction open 10:00am–5:30pm.
GBP £17 per person, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at The Kitchin

Enjoy lunch at The Kitchin, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for Nordic-inspired Scottish cuisine (consider a special lunch menu for budget).
GBP £90 for two, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Leith Shore & relax

Stroll along Leith Shore’s waterfront and enjoy local cafés or shops before dinner.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or local bistro

Choose a casual dinner option near your hotel to relax after many days of travel and activity.
GBP £40 for two, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return Journey

Edinburgh to Bournemouth, Scotland to England on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Final breakfast in Edinburgh before departure for home.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive back to Bournemouth

Start the approximately 7.5-hour drive back to Bournemouth ensuring breaks and ferry booking considered.
Fuel & ferry approx. GBP £100, 7h30m
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