12-Day Family Adventure Exploring Scotland’s Historic Cities and Scenic Highlands

Day 1: Arrival and Edinburgh Introduction

Edinburgh, Scotland on August 16, 2025

9:00am

Arrival at Edinburgh Airport

Land at Edinburgh Airport and settle in for the start of your Scottish journey.
0GBP, 0h30m

10:30am

Check-in at Hotel

Check into a centrally located family-friendly hotel, such as the Apex Grassmarket Hotel, providing easy access to city attractions.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Oink

Enjoy traditional Scottish hog roast sandwiches in a casual setting, perfect for families and teenagers.
Approx. 8GBP per person, 1h

1:30pm

Edinburgh Castle

Explore this iconic historic fortress perched on Castle Rock, offering breathtaking views and rich Scottish history.
Adults 19.50GBP, Teens 12.50GBP, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll the Royal Mile

Walk the historic Royal Mile, enjoy street performances, and visit shops with Scottish crafts and souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Howies Victoria

Dine on classic Scottish dishes made with local ingredients in a warm family-friendly atmosphere.
Approx. 20-30GBP per person, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Edinburgh Museums and History

Edinburgh, Scotland on August 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder Cafe

Start with hearty Scottish breakfast options focusing on local, organic produce.
Approx. 10GBP per person, 1h

10:00am

National Museum of Scotland

Discover Scotland’s history, science, and culture with interactive exhibits suitable for all ages, open 10:00am-5:00pm.
Free entry, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mary's Milk Bar

Have some fresh Scottish ice cream and light lunch sandwiches, ideal for a relaxed midday break.
Approx. 6GBP per person, 1h

2:30pm

Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat Hike

Take a moderate 2-hour hike to Arthur's Seat and enjoy panoramic views over Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle

Experience fine Scottish dining in a historic and atmospheric setting near Edinburgh Castle.
Approx. 40-50GBP per person, 2h
View Hotels

Day 3: Explore More of Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on August 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Loudons

Enjoy a varied menu with Scottish bakeries and breakfast favourites in a bright café.
Approx. 12GBP per person, 1h

10:00am

Royal Yacht Britannia

Tour the former royal yacht to learn about modern royal history and maritime life, open 10:00am-5:30pm.
Adults 17GBP, Teens 12.50GBP, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Kitchin

Experience top-tier Scottish cuisine emphasising local produce—advance booking recommended.
Approx. 40GBP per person, 1h30m

3:00pm

Dean Village

Walk through this charming historic village on the Water of Leith to enjoy picturesque architecture and peaceful lanes.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Wasabi Edinburgh

Enjoy high-quality Japanese food that will also appeal to teenagers looking for something different.
Approx. 20-30GBP per person, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: Travel to Glasgow and City Exploration

Glasgow, Scotland on August 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel and check-out

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before travelling to Glasgow.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:30am

Travel Edinburgh to Glasgow by train

Take a direct train (approx. 1h) from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street station.
Approx. 15GBP per person, 1h

10:30am

Check-in Hotel in Glasgow

Settle into a family-friendly hotel such as the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow.
Varies, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Paesano Pizza

Enjoy some of Glasgow’s best pizzas in a casual atmosphere suitable for families.
Approx. 12GBP per person, 1h

1:30pm

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Explore a vast collection of art, natural history, and artefacts housed in a beautiful building, open 10:00am-5:00pm.
Free entry, 3h

5:00pm

Walk by the River Clyde and Glasgow Riverside Museum

Discover transport history and scenic riverwalks to unwind.
Free entry, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Crabshakk

Savour fresh seafood with a Scottish twist, great for a family dinner experience.
Approx. 25-35GBP per person, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Glasgow Culture and History

Glasgow, Scotland on August 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Singl-end

Try high quality coffee and freshly baked goods to start the day well.
Approx. 8GBP per person, 1h

10:00am

The Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

Visit this majestic medieval cathedral and stroll the adjoining Victorian cemetery for a historic experience, open 9:30am-5:00pm.
Free entry, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Gandolfi

Enjoy fresh Scottish ingredients in a historic setting, ideal for families looking to relax.
Approx. 20GBP per person, 1h

2:00pm

People’s Palace and Glasgow Green

Learn about Glasgow’s social history in this cultural museum with gardens perfect for an afternoon walk, 10:00am-5:00pm.
Free entry, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Ubiquitous Chip

Dine on authentic Scottish cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients in a cosy atmosphere.
Approx. 30-40GBP per person, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 6: Head to Cairngorms National Park - Hiking

Cairngorms National Park, Scotland on August 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check-out

Breakfast at hotel before driving or taking transport to Cairngorms National Park.
Included or varies, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Cairngorms National Park

Journey to the Cairngorm Mountains area (approx. 3h by car), settle at a lodge or B&B near Aviemore.
Varies, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore

Enjoy hearty Scottish pub fare with beautiful views along the River Spey.
Approx. 15GBP per person, 1h

2:00pm

Moderate hike in Cairngorms: Ryvoan Pass

A scenic 3-hour hike suitable for teenagers, featuring forests, lochs, and stunning views.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Cairngorm Hotel

Relax and enjoy traditional Scottish dishes in a cosy hotel setting.
Approx. 20-30GBP per person, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 7: Elgin Visit and Explore Moray

Elgin, Moray, Scotland on August 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and check-out

Have breakfast and depart from Cairngorms to Elgin (approx. 1h30m travel).
Included or varies, 1h30m

9:30am

Visit Elgin Cathedral

Explore the impressive ruins of this 13th-century Gothic cathedral, an important historic site, open 9:30am-5:00pm.
Free entry (donations welcome), 1h

10:45am

Elgin Museum

Discover local Moray history including Pictish artefacts and natural history.
Free entry, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Mason Bar and Kitchen

Enjoy modern Scottish dishes in a friendly environment popular with locals.
Approx. 15GBP per person, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Moray Coast Trail (short hike)

Experience beautiful coastal scenery on a family-friendly section of the Moray Coast Trail.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in at local accommodation

Relax in Elgin before evening meal.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Rocpool

Dine on fresh seafood and modern Scottish cuisine in a stylish setting in Elgin.
Approx. 25-35GBP per person, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 8: Travel to Inverness and Loch Ness

Inverness, Scotland on August 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Start the day with breakfast before travelling to Inverness (approx. 1h15m).
Included or varies, 1h15m

10:00am

Visit Inverness Castle viewpoint and city centre

Explore the city centre and viewpoints around the Inverness Castle grounds, free to visit outdoors.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Castle Tavern

Have traditional Scottish pub food popular with families and tourists.
Approx. 15GBP per person, 1h

1:30pm

Loch Ness cruise

Enjoy a boat cruise on Loch Ness featuring stunning views and the legendary Nessie story, cruises run 11am-5pm.
Adults 16GBP, Teens 13GBP, 1h30m

4:00pm

Chapel of Glenmoriston visit

Explore a historic chapel near the loch, adding cultural depth to your adventure.
Free, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Waterside Restaurant

Offering contemporary Scottish dishes with great views over the River Ness.
Approx. 30-40GBP per person, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 9: Inverness and Surrounding Area

Inverness, Scotland on August 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Velocity Café and Bicycle Workshop

Enjoy a unique café experience with great coffee and fresh pastries.
Approx. 8GBP per person, 1h

10:00am

Culloden Battlefield

Visit the historic site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising, with an interactive visitor centre, open 9:30am-5:00pm.
Adults 11GBP, Teens 8GBP, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Kitchen Brasserie

Sit down for a relaxed meal with authentic Highland ingredients.
Approx. 20GBP per person, 1h

2:00pm

Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition

Explore detailed exhibits about the ecology and legend of the loch, opens 9:30am-6:00pm.
Adults 10GBP, Teens 7GBP, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax in Inverness city centre

Take some leisurely time shopping or enjoying coffee before the evening meal.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Mustard Seed

Finish your day with a meal in a converted church offering contemporary Scottish cuisine.
Approx. 30GBP per person, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 10: Return to Elgin and Explore

Elgin, Scotland on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Breakfast at Inverness accommodation before drive back to Elgin (approx. 1h15m).
Included or varies, 1h15m

10:00am

Visit to Spynie Palace

Explore the ruins of the historic episcopal palace, a fascinating medieval site near Elgin.
Free entry, 1h

11:30am

Leisurely walk in Elgin Town Park

Relax and enjoy nature in the peaceful town park.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Diem

Enjoy a light meal and coffee at this friendly local café.
Approx. 10GBP per person, 1h

3:00pm

Visit local art galleries or shops

Explore local culture through galleries or browse shops around Elgin.
Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Elgin’s The White Hart Inn

Enjoy welcoming Scottish fare in one of the town’s oldest inns.
Approx. 20-25GBP per person, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 11: Return to Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on August 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast and check-out

Have breakfast and prepare for your journey back to Edinburgh (approx. 3h drive).
Included or varies, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in Edinburgh Hotel

Relax and freshen up after arrival in Edinburgh.
Varies, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Elephant House

Visit the café famous for being where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of Harry Potter, serving good food in a quirky atmosphere.
Approx. 12GBP per person, 1h

2:30pm

Scottish Storytelling Centre

Engage in Scotland’s oral history and legends in an interactive centre, open 10:00am-5:00pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Angels with Bagpipes

Celebrate your trip with a meal of refined Scottish cuisine on the Royal Mile.
Approx. 35-45GBP per person, 2h
View Hotels

Day 12: Departure Day

Edinburgh, Scotland on August 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy final Scottish breakfast at your accommodation before heading to the airport.
Included in accommodation, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Edinburgh Airport

Allow ample time for transfer to the airport and check-in for your return flight.
Varies, 1h

9:00am

Depart Edinburgh Airport

Fly home with wonderful memories of your Scottish adventure.
Varies, 0h
View Hotels