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5-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands

Viewed by 61 travelers

Day 1: Edinburgh Exploration

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Edinburgh Larder

Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast made with local ingredients to fuel your day.
GBP15, 1h

10:00am

Edinburgh Castle

Visit the historic fortress on Castle Rock, featuring the Crown Jewels and panoramic city views.
GBP19.50, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Witchery by the Castle

Dine in an atmospheric setting offering Scottish cuisine near the castle.
GBP30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Royal Mile Walk

Stroll this historic street lined with shops, historic sites, and street performers.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

National Museum of Scotland

Explore diverse exhibits from Scottish history, art, and science; open until 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Timberyard

Enjoy contemporary Scottish dishes made with local produce in a stylish setting.
GBP40, 2h
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Day 2: Historic and Natural Wonders

Edinburgh, Scotland on June 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Loudons

A popular café serving artisanal breakfast options, perfect to start your day.
GBP12, 1h

10:00am

Arthur’s Seat Hike

Climb this ancient volcano for stunning views over Edinburgh; offers easy and moderate routes.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hendersons Vegan

Relax with wholesome vegan dishes featuring seasonal Scottish ingredients.
GBP15, 1h

2:30pm

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Explore the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, rich with royal history; closes at 5pm.
GBP18, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Scottish Parliament Building

Take a guided tour of this modern architectural masterpiece; available until 5:30pm.
Free, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ondine

Savour fresh Scottish seafood in a stylish setting near the Royal Mile.
GBP45, 2h
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Day 3: Travel to Cairngorms

Aviemore, Scotland on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Urban Angel

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee before the journey north.
GBP10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Aviemore

Travel approximately 2.5 hours through beautiful landscapes into Cairngorms National Park.
Driver's own cost, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Winking Owl

Traditional Scottish pub with hearty dishes in Aviemore town centre.
GBP15, 1h

1:30pm

Cairngorm Reindeer Centre

Visit Europe’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer; open 10am to 4pm.
GBP15, 2h

4:00pm

Loch Morlich Walk

Enjoy a scenic walk or relax on the beach by the freshwater loch.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Old Bridge Inn

Enjoy locally-sourced Scottish dishes in a cosy atmosphere.
GBP30, 2h
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Day 4: Inverness and Surrounds

Inverness, Scotland on June 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe 1

Enjoy a healthy breakfast with locally-roasted coffee before heading out.
GBP12, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Inverness

Short 40-minute drive to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
Driver's own cost, 40m

9:30am

Inverness Castle and River Walk

Walk around the castle grounds and enjoy views over the River Ness.
Free (castle exterior only), 1h

11:00am

Visit Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Discover Highland history and culture; open 10am to 4pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Mustard Seed

Dine in a converted church featuring locally inspired dishes.
GBP25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Boat tour on River Ness

Relax on a guided boat trip seeing historic sights from the water; tours last around 1 hour.
GBP15, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Victorian Market

Browse local shops in this covered market before dinner.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rocpool Restaurant

Savour modern Scottish cuisine in an elegant setting in Inverness city centre.
GBP40, 2h
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Day 5: Loch Ness and Castles

Near Inverness, Scotland on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a relaxed start with breakfast before a day exploring Loch Ness.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Loch Ness Cruise

Take a 1.5-hour boat cruise on the famous Loch Ness, searching for the legendary monster.
GBP17, 1h30m

11:00am

Urquhart Castle

Visit the ruins of a dramatic castle overlooking Loch Ness, open 9am to 6pm.
GBP10, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dores Inn

Enjoy waterside dining with views across Loch Ness at this lovely pub.
GBP20, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Culloden Battlefield

Visit the historic site of the 1746 battle; visitor centre open until 5pm.
GBP11, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Inverness

Drive back to Inverness (20 minutes) and enjoy leisure time before departure.
Driver's own cost, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Kitchen Brasserie

Relax with a final meal featuring Scottish produce in an elegant brasserie setting.
GBP35, 2h
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