12-Day Budget-Friendly Scotland Adventure from Johannesburg Including Isle of Skye and Edinburgh Experiences

Day 1: Arrival and Settle In

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 10, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Johannesburg to Edinburgh

Depart Johannesburg with connecting flights to Edinburgh, arriving midday.
ZAR6000, Approx. 14h

2:00pm

Check into Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge – Royal Mile

Stay at this budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast and a central location near Old Town.
GBP70, Overnight

4:00pm

Walk Royal Mile

Acclimate with a stroll on the historic Royal Mile, exploring shops and local cafes.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mosque Kitchen

Enjoy budget-friendly vibrant Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine in a lively hub.
GBP8, 1h
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Day 2: Edinburgh Book and Workshop Day

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Kick off with included breakfast to prepare for your day.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Islander Workshop Experience

Join the Islander Workshop to learn traditional island crafts; reservation recommended.
GBP25, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at Henderson’s Vegan

Relish fresh, healthy vegan salads and soups in city-center surroundings.
GBP8, 1h

1:30pm

The Book Lovers Bookshop

Browse this quaint bookstore with a focus on Scottish literature and unique finds.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Waterstones Princes Street

Explore one of the largest UK bookshops, special collections, and Scottish authors.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Oink

Try budget-friendly Scottish hog roast sandwiches near the Royal Mile.
GBP7, 1h
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Day 3: Farms and Culture

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with your included breakfast.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit Swanson Farm

Tour the urban community farm showcasing local sustainable agriculture.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at Urban Angel

Sample seasonal, fresh, and affordable lunch options at this popular café.
GBP9, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Edinburgh’s New Town or National Museum of Scotland

Walk in the elegant Georgian New Town or visit the free National Museum.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mosque Kitchen

Return to this affordable spot famed for spicy curries and breads.
GBP8, 1h
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Day 4: Falkirk and The Kelpies

Falkirk, Scotland on April 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your included breakfast before departing Edinburgh.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Train to Falkirk

Take a 40-minute direct train to Falkirk High, cost-effective and quick.
GBP10, 40m

10:30am

Check in at Premier Inn Falkirk

Budget hotel with free breakfast to base your day exploring Falkirk.
GBP65, Overnight

11:00am

Visit The Kelpies

See the famous colossal horse-head sculptures at Helix Park and stroll the park grounds.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Light Lunch at The Station Kitchen

Enjoy sandwiches and light fare conveniently located near Falkirk station.
GBP7, 1h

3:00pm

Optional visit Falkirk Wheel

View this engineering marvel from public walkways or pay for a tour (optional).
Free (optional GBP10), 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Wagon Inn

Affordable Scottish pub classics in a cozy local venue.
GBP10, 1h
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Day 5: Travel to Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with your included breakfast.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Train and Bus journey to Isle of Skye

Take train from Falkirk to Kyle of Lochalsh via Inverness, then bus/taxi to Isle of Skye (total approx 6-7 hours). Book in advance for best fares.
GBP40, 6h30m

3:30pm

Check-in at The Skye Inn, Portree

Budget-friendly accommodation in Isle of Skye’s main town with included breakfast.
GBP65, Overnight

4:30pm

Visit Isle of Skye Candle Co

Stop by this local artisan shop in Portree to browse hand-poured candles inspired by Skye.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Isles Inn

Enjoy affordable meals with local seafood and Scottish fare in Portree.
GBP12, 1h
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Day 6: Fairy Pools and Old Man Storr

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with hotel breakfast to explore the island.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Visit Fairy Pools

Drive or take local transport to these stunning waterfalls and natural pools; enjoy short hikes and photo ops.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Light Lunch Picnic

Pick up sandwiches or takeaway from Portree before heading out for hikes.
GBP8, 30m

12:00pm

Hike Old Man Storr

A popular hike to famed rock pinnacles with breathtaking views; moderate trail taking about 2-3 hours round trip.
Free, 3h

4:00pm

Return to Portree for rest

Relax after the hike at your hotel or local café.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuchullin Restaurant

Enjoy reasonably priced traditional Skye dishes close to your accommodation.
GBP15, 1h
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Day 7: Old Sligachan Bridge and More

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy included breakfast before your day out.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit Old Sligachan Bridge

Explore this iconic picturesque stone bridge and nearby hiking paths known for stunning mountain views; ideal for photography and short walks.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at Sligachan Hotel

Affordable lunch options with great views near the bridge.
GBP10, 1h

1:30pm

Scenic Drive and Additional Skye Exploration

Discover nearby spots such as Kilt Rock or take a leisurely drive along the coastline before heading back to Portree.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Lower Deck Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy affordable fresh seafood dining in Portree for your last night on Skye.
GBP15, 1h
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Day 8: Travel to Inverness

Inverness, Scotland on April 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last included breakfast on Skye before leaving.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Bus to Kyle of Lochalsh and Train to Inverness

Take local transport to Kyle of Lochalsh and then onward train to Inverness, approx 3-4 hours total.
GBP25, 4h

1:00pm

Check in at Travelodge Inverness

Budget hotel with included breakfast in central Inverness.
GBP60, Overnight

1:30pm

Light Lunch at The Castle Tavern

Casual light dishes near Inverness Castle to recharge after travel.
GBP8, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Inverness Castle viewpoint and River Ness walk

Leisurely stroll and photo opportunities at key city landmarks.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hootananny Inverness

Enjoy affordable Scottish pub food with traditional music nights.
GBP12, 1h
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Day 9: Loch Ness Monster Tour

Inverness, Scotland on April 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Full breakfast included for a full-day adventure.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Loch Ness Monster Cruise

Take an affordable boat cruise on Loch Ness with commentary on the legendary monster; book ahead.
GBP30, 3h

1:00pm

Light Lunch at Loch Ness Visitor Centre Café

Quick and budget-conscious lunch near the cruise dock.
GBP8, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Culloden Battlefield

Discover Scottish history at the battlefield site and Visitor Centre (modest entry fee).
GBP10, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Café 1

Relax with an affordable meal serving locally sourced, simple dishes.
GBP12, 1h
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Day 10: Return to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with hotel breakfast before heading back to Edinburgh.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Train to Edinburgh

Catch the scenic train back from Inverness to Edinburgh (approx 3h 40m).
GBP25, 3h40m

1:00pm

Check in at Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge – Royal Mile

Return to your budget accommodation in Edinburgh with breakfast included.
GBP70, Overnight

1:30pm

Light Lunch at Clarinda’s Tea Room

Light Scottish classics and tea on Royal Mile to refresh.
GBP10, 1h

3:00pm

Edinburgh Castle Grounds

Free access to castle grounds or optional paid entry inside (available until 5pm).
Free or GBP17, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Piemaker

Affordable Scottish pies at this popular takeaway spot.
GBP6, 1h
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Day 11: Final Day in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last hotel breakfast included with your stay.
Included, 0.5h

10:00am

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Interactive attraction with illusions and city views; prebook online for a discount.
GBP16, 2h

12:30pm

Light Lunch at The Milkman

Casual café offering tasty sandwiches and beverages at a budget price.
GBP8, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping on Victoria Street and Grassmarket

Browse local artist shops and souvenir stores for gifts.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Mums Great Comfort Food

Hearty Scottish comfort food in a friendly atmosphere, great for your last night.
GBP10, 1h
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Day 12: Departure Day

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your included breakfast before checkout.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel to Edinburgh Airport

Take the Airlink 100 bus or tram to Edinburgh Airport for your flight home.
GBP4.50, 30m

11:00am

Flight from Edinburgh to Johannesburg

Depart Edinburgh concluding your 12-day Scottish adventure.
ZAR6000, Approx. 14h
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