12-Day Budget-Friendly Scotland Tour Including The Kelpies, Loch Ness & Edinburgh Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & City Walk

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 1, 2025

12:00pm

Arrival at Edinburgh Airport

Take Airlink Bus (£8) or taxi (£25) to Staycity Aparthotels West End. Accommodation approx £70 with breakfast included.
£78, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Royal Mile & Princes Street

Enjoy strolling this historic and vibrant area for free.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dishoom Edinburgh

Affordable and delicious Indian meals inspired by Bombay; around £25 for two.
£25, 1h
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Day 2: Swanson Farm & Bookshops

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Included breakfast to start the day.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Visit Swanson Farm

Explore this charming urban farm in Edinburgh; entry is usually free, but check seasonal activities in advance.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Urban Angel

Healthy and locally sourced lunch costing about £15 for two.
£15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Book Lovers' Bookshops

Check out independent bookshops including Armchair Books and Golden Hare Books; free to browse.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Islander Workshop Experience

Hands-on Scottish crafts workshop costing £40 for two; must book ahead.
£40, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bonnie & Wild Scottish Marketplace

Casual dining with a variety of Scottish specialties; estimated £30 for two.
£30, 1h
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Day 3: The Kelpies Day Trip

Falkirk & Edinburgh, Scotland on September 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Check-out

Included breakfast before day trip.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Falkirk

Train from Edinburgh to Falkirk High costing approx £14 for two return tickets.
£14, 1h

10:00am

Visit The Kelpies

Marvel at these iconic 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures; walking around is free, £16 for guided tour for two.
Free or £16, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Coppertop Falkirk

Affordable Scottish pub lunch with hearty meals; approx £20 for two.
£20, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Edinburgh

Train back to Edinburgh, part of return ticket.
Included, 1h

3:30pm

Check-in Staycity Aparthotels West End

Comfortable, budget hotel with breakfast included, approx £70 per night.
£70, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Piemaker

Enjoy homestyle Scottish pies and comfort food at budget prices, about £20 for two.
£20, 1h
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Day 4: Edinburgh Culture & Shopping

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Included breakfast to start the day.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Visit Waterstones Bookstore

Browse Scotland's largest bookstore for free and enjoy the latest literary finds.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Explore Edinburgh Castle Grounds

Walk the castle perimeter and grounds free or pay £40 for two to enter the castle.
Free or £40, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Henderson’s Vegan

Affordable plant-based dishes, approximately £20 for two.
£20, 1h

3:00pm

Leisurely Afternoon at Princes Street Gardens

Relax in the gardens and enjoy views of the castle, entirely free.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bross Bagels

Casual dining with budget-friendly bagels, costing about £15 for two.
£15, 1h
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Day 5: Travel to Inverness

Inverness, Scotland on September 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & Check-out

Included breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Inverness

Scenic 2.5-hour journey, tickets approx £35 for two.
£35, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Castle Tavern

Affordable Scottish pub food costing about £25 for two.
£25, 1h

2:30pm

Check-in Glen Mhor Hotel

Comfortable B&B with breakfast included, approx £75 per night.
£75, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Inverness Castle Grounds

Free to explore castle grounds and nearby scenic walks.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hootananny Inverness

Enjoy lively pub atmosphere with affordable meals, £25 for two.
£25, 1h
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Day 6: Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness & Inverness, Scotland on September 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Glen Mhor Hotel

Included Scottish breakfast before day trip.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Loch Ness Boat Tour

2-hour boat tour exploring Loch Ness, costing £60 for two.
£60, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Loch Ness Inn

Affordable and cozy pub for light lunch, about £20 for two.
£20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Urquhart Castle

Historic castle ruins with entry £20 for two; open till 6pm.
£20, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Inverness

Travel back to Inverness included in earlier transfers.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Castle Tavern

Casual Scottish fare for about £25 for two.
£25, 1h
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Day 7: Inverness Leisure

Inverness, Scotland on September 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Included breakfast.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Riverside Walk & Market

Free leisure stroll along the River Ness and visit local markets.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Greenfields Restaurant

Locally sourced dishes for around £25 for two.
£25, 1h

2:00pm

Relax or Visit Local Museums

Optional visits to Inverness Museum & Art Gallery free of charge.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mix Restaurant

Affordable fusion cuisine, approx £25 for two.
£25, 1h
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Day 8: Aberdeen Excursion

Aberdeen, Scotland on September 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Check-out

Included breakfast before the journey.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Aberdeen

Approx 2.5 hour journey, tickets £40 for two.
£40, 2h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Moonfish Café

Fresh, affordable seafood; approx £25 for two.
£25, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Aberdeen Beach & Harbor

Relaxing, free coastal walk.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Check-in Lost Guest House

Budget B&B with breakfast, approx £70 per night.
£70, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Silver Darling

Seafood dishes with sea views, budget around £28 for two.
£28, 1h
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Day 9: To Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & Check-out

Included breakfast before traveling.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Glasgow

Approx. 3-hour journey costing £40 for two.
£40, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The 78

Vegetarian-friendly, budget-friendly meals for £20 for two.
£20, 1h

2:00pm

Kelvingrove Park & West End Walk

Free exploration of park and surrounding neighborhood.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Check-in easyHotel Glasgow

Affordable hotel approx £70/night; breakfast options nearby.
£70, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Paesano Pizza

Highly recommended affordable pizza; around £20 for two.
£20, 1h
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Day 10: Glasgow Museums & Market

Glasgow, Scotland on September 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a Local Café

Try Singl-end café for breakfast, about £20 for two.
£20, 1h

10:00am

Glasgow Cathedral & Necropolis

Explore historic sites free of charge with great photo opportunities.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Willow Tea Rooms

Enjoy affordable Scottish fare for about £15 for two.
£15, 1h

2:00pm

Riverside Museum & Tall Ship

Free admission; interesting transport history open until 5pm.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mother India’s Café

Budget-friendly Indian tapas, approx £25 for two.
£25, 1h
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Day 11: Return to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast & Check-out

Included breakfast before traveling back to Edinburgh.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Edinburgh

Approx. 1-hour journey, costing £30 for two.
£30, 1h

11:00am

Check-in Staycity Aparthotels West End

Budget-friendly hotel with breakfast included, about £70/night.
£70, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Oink

Taste Scottish hog roast sandwiches, approx £15 for two.
£15, 1h

2:00pm

Arthur’s Seat Hike

Free scenic hike providing panoramic views, approx 2.5 hours.
Free, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Piemaker

Budget-friendly pies and Scottish comfort food about £20 for two.
£20, 1h
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Day 12: Departure

Edinburgh, Scotland on September 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast & Pack

Enjoy included breakfast and final packing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Airport

Airlink bus or taxi, costing approx £10 for two.
£10, 30m

11:00am

Flight to Johannesburg

End of Scotland itinerary; flight cost not included.
N/A, N/A
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