12-Day Budget-Friendly Scotland Itinerary from Johannesburg Including Edinburgh Highlights, Isle of Skye, and Loch Ness

Day 1: Arrival and Initial Edinburgh Walk

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 10, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Johannesburg to Edinburgh

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

2:00pm

Check-in at Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge – Royal Mile

Budget-friendly hotel with central location and free breakfast included.
GBP70, Overnight

3:30pm

Stroll the Royal Mile

Explore the historic Royal Mile, vibrant shops, and street performers in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Free, 1.5h

5:15pm

Visit Vennel Viewpoint

Enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh’s old town and castle from this charming hidden spot.
Free, 0.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dishoom Edinburgh

Experience acclaimed Indian cuisine with rich flavors and culture in a stylish setting, open until 10pm.
GBP15, 1h
View Hotels

Day 2: Edinburgh Landmarks & Bookstores

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your included hearty breakfast to prepare for a full day.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Island Workshop Experience

Hands-on traditional crafts workshop with booking recommended for morning session.
GBP25, 2h

11:30am

Walk up Calton Hill

Climb this iconic hill for iconic cityscape views including the Dugald Stewart Monument and Nelson Monument.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Light Lunch at MUMS Great Comfort Food

Enjoy a hearty, budget-friendly lunch offering traditional comfort dishes with a cozy atmosphere.
GBP8, 1h

2:00pm

Explore The Book Lovers Bookshop

Browse this cozy independent bookshop specializing in Scottish literature and unique titles.
Free, 1h

3:15pm

Visit Waterstones Princes Street

Explore a large UK bookseller with extensive Scottish author sections and events.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Walk in Princes Street Gardens

Relax in the scenic gardens below Edinburgh Castle with views of the Old Town skyline.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Edinburgh Street Food Markets

Experience the variety of budget-friendly street food vendors offering local and international dishes in popular spots like George Street or Summerhall, typically open until 9pm.
GBP8, 1h
View Hotels

Day 3: Castles, Museums and Gardens

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with your complimentary breakfast included in your stay.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Tour this iconic fortress with history spanning centuries; opens at 9:30am, budget for entrance fee.
GBP19, 2h

11:30am

National Museum of Scotland

Explore free entry to Scotland’s diverse history, science, and culture collections.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Light Lunch at Urban Angel

Enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes that are light and affordable near the city center.
GBP9, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Dr Neil’s Garden

Visit this hidden gem garden with beautiful greenhouses nestled near Holyrood Park.
Free, 1h

4:15pm

Coffee and Pastry at Lannan Bakery

Sample fresh, deliciously baked pastries and artisanal coffee at this local bakery.
GBP6, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mosque Kitchen

Return for another round of filling and affordable Middle Eastern dishes.
GBP8, 1h
View Hotels

Day 4: Farm and Local Life

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast at the Edinburgh hotel before day’s activities.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit Swanson Farm

Experience urban farming and learn about sustainable local agriculture practices.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at The Milkman

Enjoy budget-friendly sandwiches and coffee close to city attractions.
GBP8, 1h

1:30pm

Last stroll and souvenir shopping on Victoria Street and Grassmarket

Browse colorful shops and buy souvenirs before departing Edinburgh for Falkirk.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Train to Falkirk

Travel 40 minutes to Falkirk for next part of trip, budget ticket booked in advance.
GBP10, 40m

5:00pm

Check in at Premier Inn Falkirk

Budget hotel with free breakfast for your Falkirk stay.
GBP65, Overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at New Market Bar

Enjoy casual and affordable pub fare with a friendly atmosphere, a great alternative for dinner in Falkirk.
GBP10, 1h
View Hotels

Day 5: The Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel

Falkirk, Scotland on April 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with included breakfast to prepare for local sightseeing.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit The Kelpies at Helix Park

See the monumental horse-head sculptures and explore surrounding parklands.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at KFC Falkirk

Opt for a quick, budget-friendly KFC meal near Falkirk town center for lunch.
GBP7, 1h

1:30pm

Falkirk Wheel Visit

Enjoy views or optional boat ride on this unique rotating boat lift, with ticket purchase if desired.
Free (optional boat ride GBP10), 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Falkirk town center

Leisurely stroll or rest before dinner.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Spice of Life

Budget-friendly Indian cuisine with generous portions.
GBP12, 1h
View Hotels

Day 6: Travel to Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your included breakfast prior to departure for Skye.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Train and bus to Isle of Skye

Travel by train and bus approx 6-7 hours via Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh; early booking for best rates.
GBP40, 6h30m

3:30pm

Check in at The Skye Inn, Portree

Cost-effective accommodation with included breakfast in main town of Skye.
GBP65, Overnight

4:30pm

Visit Isle of Skye Candle Co

Browse hand-crafted candles inspired by the island at this local shop.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Isles Inn

Affordable local seafood and Scottish dishes in Portree.
GBP12, 1h
View Hotels

Day 7: Fairy Pools and Old Man Storr

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast included to energize for the day’s natural hikes.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Visit Fairy Pools

Explore beautiful waterfalls and natural pools; perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Light lunch picnic

Bring takeaway sandwiches from Portree to enjoy in nature.
GBP8, 30m

12:00pm

Hike Old Man Storr

Moderate hike to iconic rock formations with sweeping views over the island.
Free, 3h

4:00pm

Return to Portree

Relax at your accommodation or café after the long hike.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuchullin Restaurant

Savor affordable Scottish meals close to your stay in Portree.
GBP15, 1h
View Hotels

Day 8: Old Sligachan Bridge and Scenic Drive

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

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

9:30am

Visit Old Sligachan Bridge

Scenic location known for its stunning views and relaxing walks near the bridge.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at Sligachan Hotel

Affordable lunch option with a warm atmosphere located near the bridge.
GBP10, 1h

1:30pm

Explore nearby coastal sites

Visit spots like Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls with dramatic seascapes before returning to Portree.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Lower Deck Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh, budget-friendly seafood dishes in Portree for your last evening on Skye.
GBP15, 1h
View Hotels

Day 9: Travel to Inverness

Inverness, Scotland on April 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have your last breakfast on Skye before departure.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Bus and Train to Inverness

Travel via Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness, approx 3-4 hours total journey.
GBP25, 4h

1:00pm

Check in at Travelodge Inverness

Affordable accommodation with breakfast included in the heart of Inverness.
GBP60, Overnight

1:30pm

Light Lunch at The Castle Tavern

Casual lunch with traditional Scottish fare close to Inverness Castle.
GBP8, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Inverness Castle viewpoint & River Ness walk

Leisurely walk along the river and castle viewpoint, perfect for photos.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hootananny Inverness

Enjoy lively Scottish pub food paired with music, great value for dinner.
GBP12, 1h
View Hotels

Day 10: Loch Ness and History

Inverness, Scotland on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included breakfast to prepare for your day of touring.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Loch Ness Monster Cruise

Enjoy a budget-friendly guided boat tour on Loch Ness with monster lore commentary.
GBP30, 3h

1:00pm

Light Lunch at Loch Ness Visitor Centre Café

Quick meal near the cruise departure point, ideal for a light bite.
GBP8, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Culloden Battlefield

Explore the historic battle site and visitor center with an entry fee.
GBP10, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Café 1

Relaxed dining offering affordable local dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
GBP12, 1h
View Hotels

Day 11: Return to Edinburgh and Final Explorations

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final included hotel breakfast in Inverness.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Train to Edinburgh

Return to Edinburgh by train, approximately 3h 40m journey.
GBP25, 3h40m

1:00pm

Check-in at Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge – Royal Mile

Return to familiar budget-friendly hotel with breakfast included.
GBP70, Overnight

1:30pm

Light lunch at Clarinda’s Tea Room

Enjoy Scottish-style light lunch and tea on the Royal Mile close to your hotel.
GBP10, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Edinburgh Castle or grounds

If you did not enter before, consider the castle visit (tickets available until 5pm). Otherwise, enjoy the free castle grounds.
GBP19 or Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Piemaker

Grab authentic Scottish pies, filling and budget-friendly near your accommodation.
GBP6, 1h
View Hotels

Day 12: Departure

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your included breakfast before checkout.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Bus or tram to Edinburgh Airport

Take the efficient Airlink 100 bus or tram for airport transfer costing just a few pounds.
GBP4.50, 30m

11:00am

Flight from Edinburgh to Johannesburg

Begin your journey home after an unforgettable Scottish adventure.
ZAR6000, Approx. 14h
View Hotels