12-Day Budget-Friendly Scotland Itinerary from Johannesburg Featuring Edinburgh, The Kelpies, Isle of Skye Waterfalls, and Loch Ness

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Day 1: Arrival and Edinburgh Introduction

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 10, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Johannesburg to Edinburgh

Depart Johannesburg with connecting flights and arrive 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

Walk the Royal Mile

Explore Edinburgh’s historic artery with shops, street performers and architecture.
Free, 1.5h

5:15pm

View from Vennel Viewpoint

Enjoy classic panoramic views of the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle.
Free, 0.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Dishoom Edinburgh

Enjoy delicious Indian cuisine with a warm atmosphere, open till 10pm.
GBP15, 1h
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Day 2: Edinburgh Workshops & Bookstores

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

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

9:00am

Islander Workshop Experience

Participate in a traditional crafts workshop in Edinburgh; pre-book morning sessions.
GBP25, 2h

11:30am

Climb Calton Hill

Take in city views and unique monuments atop this iconic hill.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Light Lunch at MUMS Great Comfort Food

Savor affordable comfort food with classic flavors.
GBP8, 1h

2:00pm

Browse The Book Lovers Bookshop

Discover Scottish and unique literature at this cozy independent bookshop.
Free, 1h

3:15pm

Visit Waterstones Princes Street

Explore a large bookstore with diverse collections, including Scottish authors.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax in Princes Street Gardens

Unwind in beautifully maintained gardens with Castle views.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Edinburgh Street Food Markets

Try budget-friendly street eats with local and international flavors, open till around 9pm.
GBP8, 1h
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Day 3: Castles, Museums & Gardens

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty included breakfast to start your busy day.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Tour Edinburgh Castle

Explore Scotland’s iconic fortress and rich history; opens 9:30am.
GBP19, 2h

11:30am

National Museum of Scotland

Visit this free-entry museum showcasing diverse Scottish heritage and science.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Light Lunch at Urban Angel

Delight in fresh and seasonal light dishes near the city center.
GBP9, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Dr Neil’s Garden

Enjoy this peaceful horticultural gem near Holyrood Park.
Free, 1h

4:15pm

Coffee and Pastry at Lannan Bakery

Taste a delicious bakery treat with artisan coffee.
GBP6, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mosque Kitchen

Savor affordable Middle Eastern dishes with generous portions.
GBP8, 1h
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Day 4: Swanson Farm & Transfer to Falkirk

Edinburgh to Falkirk, Scotland on April 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Edinburgh before heading out.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit Swanson Farm

Experience urban farming and sustainable agriculture up close.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at The Milkman

Grab budget-friendly sandwiches and coffee near city center.
GBP8, 1h

1:30pm

Train to Falkirk

Travel approximately 40 minutes to Falkirk with pre-booked budget ticket.
GBP10, 40m

2:30pm

Check-in Premier Inn Falkirk

Budget-friendly hotel featuring free breakfast for your stay.
GBP65, Overnight

3:30pm

Explore Falkirk Town Center

Enjoy a walk around the town’s shops or relax in a cafe.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at New Market Bar

Casual dining with affordable Scottish pub fare.
GBP10, 1h
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Day 5: The Kelpies & Falkirk Wheel

Falkirk, Scotland on April 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your included hotel breakfast.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit The Kelpies at Helix Park

Marvel at these impressive horse-head sculptures and surrounding parklands.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at KFC Falkirk

Quick and budget-friendly fast food meal close to town center.
GBP7, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Falkirk Wheel

Experience the world’s only rotating boat lift with optional boat rides (ticketed).
Free (optional boat ride GBP10), 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Falkirk Town Center

Take some leisure time before dinner.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Spice of Life

Affordable and tasty Indian dishes in a welcoming setting.
GBP12, 1h
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Day 6: Travel to Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

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

8:30am

Train and bus journey to Isle of Skye

Travel approximately 6.5 hours via Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh with advance bookings for best prices.
GBP40, 6h30m

3:30pm

Check-in The Skye Inn, Portree

Affordable accommodation with included breakfast located in Portree.
GBP65, Overnight

4:30pm

Visit Isle of Skye Candle Co

Browse charming hand-crafted candles inspired by the island’s landscape.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Portree Pizza Company

Enjoy budget-friendly delicious pizzas in a relaxed environment.
GBP10, 1h
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Day 7: Fairy Pools & Old Man Storr Hike

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included breakfast to fuel your outdoor adventures.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Explore Fairy Pools

Walk among beautiful waterfalls and crystal-clear pools, perfect for nature photography.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Light lunch picnic

Enjoy takeaway sandwiches from Portree amid nature’s tranquility.
GBP8, 0.5h

12:00pm

Hike Old Man Storr

Take a moderately challenging hike to famous rock formations with sweeping panoramic views.
Free, 3h

4:00pm

Return to Portree

Relax or visit a local café after your hike.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuchullin Restaurant

Taste affordable traditional Scottish dishes in Portree.
GBP15, 1h
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Day 8: Sligachan Waterfalls & Coastal Sights

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast included to prepare for a scenic day of exploration.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Visit Sligachan Waterfalls

Enjoy peaceful walks and stunning views of the waterfalls at Sligachan, a must-see natural attraction on Skye.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at Sligachan Hotel

Affordable pub lunch near the waterfalls with warm local atmosphere.
GBP10, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Old Sligachan Bridge & Kilt Rock

Stroll the picturesque surroundings including the iconic Old Sligachan Bridge and dramatic coastal cliffs of Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Lower Deck Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh, delicious seafood in a casual and budget-friendly setting in Portree.
GBP15, 1h
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Day 9: Travel to Inverness

Inverness, Scotland on April 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Final breakfast on Skye before departure.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Bus and Train to Inverness

Travel approx 4 hours from Skye to Inverness with advance ticket purchase advisable.
GBP25, 4h

1:00pm

Check in at Travelodge Inverness

Budget accommodation with included breakfast in Inverness center.
GBP60, Overnight

1:30pm

Light Lunch at The Castle Tavern

Enjoy affordable Scottish dishes near Inverness Castle.
GBP8, 1h

3:00pm

Walk River Ness & Inverness Castle Viewpoint

Scenic walk along the river and castle surroundings for photographs and relaxation.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hootananny Inverness

Experience lively Scottish pub food with a fun atmosphere, great value for money.
GBP12, 1h
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Day 10: Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield

Inverness, Scotland on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included breakfast to prepare for your Loch Ness adventure.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Loch Ness Monster Cruise

Budget-friendly guided boat tour on Loch Ness including stories and beautiful views.
GBP30, 3h

1:00pm

Light Lunch at Loch Ness Visitor Centre Café

Quick and affordable lunch near the cruise departure point.
GBP8, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Culloden Battlefield

Explore the historic battle site with a small entrance fee to the visitor center.
GBP10, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Café 1

Affordable local dining with seasonal ingredients, perfect for the evening.
GBP12, 1h
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Day 11: Return to Edinburgh & Final Exploration

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Final included hotel breakfast in Inverness before traveling back to Edinburgh.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Train to Edinburgh

Approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes journey back to the capital.
GBP25, 3h40m

1:00pm

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

Return to central budget hotel with breakfast included for your final night.
GBP70, Overnight

1:30pm

Light Lunch at Clarinda’s Tea Room

Enjoy freshly prepared light lunch with Scottish flair close to the Royal Mile.
GBP10, 1h

3:00pm

Edinburgh Castle Grounds or Visit

Revisit the castle grounds for free or take a ticketed castle tour if missed previously (open till 5pm).
GBP19 or Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Piemaker

Affordable Scottish pies and light fare near your accommodation.
GBP6, 1h
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Day 12: Departure

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your included breakfast before checkout and airport transfer.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Bus or Tram to Edinburgh Airport

Take the affordable Airlink 100 bus or tram to the airport, cost-effective and reliable.
GBP4.50, 30m

11:00am

Flight from Edinburgh to Johannesburg

Begin return journey home after an immersive Scottish adventure.
ZAR6000, Approx.14h
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