14-Day Budget-Friendly Scotland Itinerary from Johannesburg Including Edinburgh, Aberdeen, The Kelpies, Isle of Skye, and Loch Ness

Day 1: Arrival and 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 & Bookshops

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

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

9:00am

Islander Workshop Experience

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

11:30am

Walk up Calton Hill

Climb this iconic hill for cityscape views and historic monuments.
Free, 1h

12:45pm

Light Lunch at MUMS Great Comfort Food

Savor budget-friendly traditional Scottish comfort dishes with a cozy atmosphere.
GBP8, 1h

2:00pm

The Book Lovers Bookshop visit

Browse this independent shop specializing in Scottish literature.
Free, 1h

3:15pm

Visit Waterstones Princes Street

Explore a large bookseller featuring authors from Scotland and beyond.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Relax in Princes Street Gardens

Stroll and unwind in this iconic city park with castle views.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Edinburgh Street Food Markets

Try affordable, diverse street food vendors bustling in areas like Summerhall or George Street, open usually until 9pm.
GBP8, 1h
View Hotels

Day 3: Castles, Museums & Gardens

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your complementary breakfast before sightseeing.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Edinburgh Castle Visit

Explore Scotland’s iconic fortress; entry starts at 9:30am, book in advance to save time.
GBP19, 2h

11:45am

National Museum of Scotland

Free museum showcasing Scottish culture, history, and science.
Free, 2h

1:45pm

Light Lunch at Urban Angel

Enjoy fresh, light, and affordable meals near city center.
GBP9, 1h

3:00pm

Dr Neil’s Garden

Peaceful garden near Holyrood Park with lovely natural features.
Free, 1h

4:15pm

Coffee and Pastries at Lannan Bakery

Taste delicious artisan baked goods and coffee in a local favorite spot.
GBP6, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mosque Kitchen

Affordable and taste-rich Middle Eastern dishes close to University of Edinburgh.
GBP8, 1h
View Hotels

Day 4: Swanson Farm and Travel to Aberdeen

Edinburgh / Aberdeen, Scotland on April 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy the included breakfast before your farm visit.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Swanson Farm Visit

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

11:00am

Light Lunch at The Milkman

Fresh sandwiches and coffee near city center.
GBP8, 1h

12:30pm

Train to Aberdeen

Travel approximately 2h 30m northeast to Aberdeen, booking off-peak fares for savings.
GBP25, 2h30m

3:30pm

Check-in at Premier Inn Aberdeen City Centre

Budget hotel with breakfast included located centrally.
GBP65, Overnight

4:30pm

Explore Aberdeen Harbor and Beach Esplanade

Walk the harbor, watch boats, and enjoy fresh sea air along the sands.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Ashvale

Affordable local favorite known for fresh fish and chips in Aberdeen.
GBP12, 1h
View Hotels

Day 5: Aberdeen Museums & Travel to Falkirk

Aberdeen / Falkirk, Scotland on April 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your included breakfast to prepare for museum visits.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Explore Aberdeen’s maritime heritage, free entry with optional donations, opens 10am.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Light Lunch at Café Cappuccino

Budget-friendly café offering fresh sandwiches and cakes near the museum.
GBP7, 1h

12:45pm

Train to Falkirk

Travel around 3h 30m via Edinburgh with booked budget tickets.
GBP30, 3h30m

4:30pm

Check-in at Premier Inn Falkirk

Budget-friendly accommodation with breakfast included.
GBP65, Overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at The Wagon Inn

Hearty, affordable pub fare with local ambiance.
GBP10, 1h
View Hotels

Day 6: The Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel

Falkirk, Scotland on April 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

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

9:30am

Visit The Kelpies at Helix Park

See the iconic giant horse-head sculptures and enjoy surrounding parklands.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at The Station Kitchen

Enjoy affordable sandwiches and quick bites near Falkirk station.
GBP7, 1h

1:30pm

Falkirk Wheel Visit

Experience this unique rotating boat lift; free to visit and GBP10 for boat rides.
Free (boat ride optional GBP10), 2h

5:00pm

Free time in Falkirk town center

Shop or relax before dinner.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Spice of Life

Enjoy delicious Indian cuisine at budget-friendly prices.
GBP12, 1h
View Hotels

Day 7: Travel to Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your included breakfast before the long travel to Isle of Skye.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Train and bus to Isle of Skye

Join scenic longer journey by train and bus (~6-7h) from Falkirk to Portree, Isle of Skye.
GBP40, 6h30m

3:00pm

Check-in at The Skye Inn, Portree

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

4:00pm

Visit Isle of Skye Candle Co

Browse lovely handcrafted candles made locally.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Isles Inn

Try affordable seafood and Scottish dishes in Portree.
GBP12, 1h
View Hotels

Day 8: Fairy Pools & Old Man Storr Hikes

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included breakfast to fuel your day of hiking.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Hike Fairy Pools

Visit breath-taking waterfalls and natural pools, ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Light picnic lunch

Carry a takeaway sandwich from Portree to enjoy outdoors.
GBP8, 30m

12:00pm

Hike Old Man Storr

Moderate climb to iconic rock formations with remarkable island views.
Free, 3h

4:00pm

Return to Portree and relax

Rest and enjoy a quiet evening in charming Portree.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cuchullin Restaurant

Sample budget-friendly Scottish meals in town.
GBP15, 1h
View Hotels

Day 9: Old Sligachan Bridge & Scenic Drive

Isle of Skye, Scotland on April 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

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

9:30am

Visit Old Sligachan Bridge

Enjoy walks and striking views around this iconic location.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Light Lunch at Sligachan Hotel

Casual dining with affordable prices near the bridge.
GBP10, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls

See scenic cliffs and waterfalls with dramatic coastal vistas.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Lower Deck Seafood Restaurant

Taste fresh and affordable seafood before your last night on Skye.
GBP15, 1h
View Hotels

Day 10: Travel to Inverness

Inverness, Scotland on April 19, 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 approx 3-4 hours via Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness.
GBP25, 4h

1:00pm

Check in at Travelodge Inverness

Budget hotel with breakfast included in Inverness city center.
GBP60, Overnight

1:30pm

Light Lunch at The Castle Tavern

Enjoy traditional Scottish pub fare near Inverness Castle.
GBP8, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Inverness Castle viewpoint & River Ness walk

Scenic stroll by the river and castle viewpoint ideal for photography.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hootananny Inverness

Scottish pub food with lively atmosphere and budget prices.
GBP12, 1h
View Hotels

Day 11: Loch Ness Monster Cruise & History

Inverness, Scotland on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included hotel breakfast prepares you for the day.
Included, 0.5h

9:30am

Loch Ness Monster Cruise

Guided budget-friendly boat tour on Loch Ness with scenic views and monster stories.
GBP30, 3h

1:00pm

Light Lunch at Loch Ness Visitor Centre Café

Grab quick and affordable bites near the Loch Ness docks.
GBP8, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Culloden Battlefield

Explore this historic battlefield site with museum entrance fee.
GBP10, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Café 1

Casual dining spot with local, affordable dishes made from seasonal produce.
GBP12, 1h
View Hotels

Day 12: Return to Edinburgh, Light Exploring

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Included breakfast to fuel your journey south.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Train to Edinburgh

Travel approx 3h 40m back to Edinburgh central.
GBP25, 3h40m

1:00pm

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

Spend your final two nights in comfortable, budget-friendly accommodation with breakfast.
GBP70, Overnight

1:30pm

Light Lunch at Clarinda’s Tea Room

Traditional Scottish light lunch and tea on the Royal Mile.
GBP10, 1h

3:00pm

Edinburgh Castle Grounds or Last Souvenirs

Visit castle grounds or souvenir shops; purchase tickets for full castle entry if desired.
GBP19 or Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Piemaker

Enjoy iconic Scottish pies that are delicious and budget-friendly.
GBP6, 1h
View Hotels

Day 13: Final Day in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last hotel breakfast.
Included, 0.5h

9:00am

Free Morning for Local Sights or Shopping

Relax or explore any missed attractions such as the Scottish National Gallery or Grassmarket area.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Light Lunch at Henderson’s Vegan

Healthy, affordable lunch with Scottish vegetarian favorites.
GBP9, 1h

2:00pm

Visit to Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat (optional)

Optional gentle hike offering splendid views of the city and landscape.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Mosque Kitchen

Enjoy your final Scottish meal with affordable Middle Eastern cuisine.
GBP8, 1h
View Hotels

Day 14: Departure

Edinburgh, Scotland on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Final included breakfast before departure.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Bus or Tram to Edinburgh Airport

Take Airlink 100 bus or tram for a budget-friendly airport transfer.
GBP4.50, 30m

11:00am

Flight from Edinburgh to Johannesburg

Departure to Johannesburg after an enriching Scottish adventure.
ZAR6000, Approx. 14h
View Hotels