12-Day Leisure Trip: Exploring Liverpool, Edinburgh, and the Scottish Highlands

Day 1: Arrival and Liverpool

Liverpool, UK on June 26, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Moose Coffee Liverpool

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with North American-style pancakes and quality coffee to start your trip.
GBP15, 1h30m

10:45am

Visit The Beatles Story Museum

Explore Liverpool's greatest musical export through interactive exhibits and memorabilia. A must-see for music lovers.
GBP18, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Art School Restaurant

Dine in a fine dining setting with a focus on locally sourced modern British cuisine.
GBP30, 1h30m

2:45pm

Walk around the Albert Dock and Merseyside Maritime Museum

Take a scenic stroll at the UNESCO World Heritage site and learn about Liverpool’s maritime history at the museum, open 10am-5pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at St George's Hall

Marvel at the neoclassical architecture and enjoy the setting sun at this iconic building in Liverpool’s city center.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mowgli Street Food

Savor authentic Indian dishes in a casual and vibrant setting, perfect for dinner after a busy day.
GBP25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Liverpool Highlights

Liverpool, UK on June 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Leaf on Bold Street

Start your day with specialty coffee and delicious pastries at this popular café.
GBP10, 1h

9:45am

Visit Tate Liverpool

Experience contemporary and modern art with free entry, open 10am-5:50pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Tour Liverpool Cathedral

Explore one of the world’s largest cathedrals and enjoy panoramic city views from the tower. Open 9am-5pm.
GBP6, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Baltic Market

Enjoy a variety of street food vendors offering local and international flavors in a lively market atmosphere.
GBP15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Walker Art Gallery

See a collection of European art spanning 600 years; free entry and open 10am-5pm.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Sefton Park

Relax in Liverpool’s largest green space, featuring beautiful gardens and a peaceful boating lake.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Philharmonic Dining Rooms

Dine in a historic and ornately decorated pub serving classic British dishes.
GBP20, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Edinburgh

Liverpool to Edinburgh, UK on June 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Light breakfast before departure to Edinburgh by train or flight.
GBP10, 1h

9:00am

Travel from Liverpool to Edinburgh

Train journey of approx. 3.5-4 hours through beautiful English and Scottish countryside.
GBP50, 4h

1:30pm

Check-in and lunch near hotel

Have a relaxing lunch at Henderson’s Vegan in Edinburgh, with fresh, healthy options, open 12pm-9pm.
GBP20, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Royal Mile and Edinburgh Old Town

Stroll the historic Royal Mile with its shops, street performers, and landmarks.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Tour the historic fortress with stunning views of the city. Open 9:30am-6pm.
GBP20, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Angels with Bagpipes

Enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine with a modern twist on the Royal Mile.
GBP30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Edinburgh Cultural Day

Edinburgh, UK on June 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Urban Angel

Freshly baked breads and organic coffee to start your day in a cozy atmosphere.
GBP12, 1h

9:45am

Visit National Museum of Scotland

Explore diverse exhibits from Scottish history to science and technology. Open 10am-5pm, free entry.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Elephant House Café

Famous as where J.K. Rowling wrote early Harry Potter books, enjoy a cozy cafe atmosphere.
GBP15, 1h

1:15pm

Climb Arthur’s Seat

Hike up this ancient volcano for panoramic views of Edinburgh; allow 2 hours for round trip.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax in Princes Street Gardens

Stroll through these beautifully maintained gardens at the foot of Edinburgh Castle.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle

Experience fine Scottish dining with a dramatic Gothic ambiance near the castle.
GBP50, 2h
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Day 5: Edinburgh to Highlands

Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands, UK on June 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

A filling breakfast to prepare for the journey to the Highlands.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel from Edinburgh to Inverness

Drive or take a scenic train route north to the gateway of the Highlands, approx. 3.5 hours travel time.
GBP40, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Castle Tavern in Inverness

Traditional Scottish pub food in a central location to relax after arrival.
GBP18, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Inverness Castle viewpoint and River Ness walk

Explore the castle grounds and enjoy a scenic walk along the river, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Drive to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

Spend the afternoon exploring the mythical Loch Ness and ruins of Urquhart Castle, open 9am-6pm.
GBP12, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rocpool Restaurant

A contemporary restaurant offering delightful Scottish dishes in Inverness.
GBP35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Highlands Nature and Culture

Highlands, UK on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a fresh homemade breakfast with local ingredients.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Guided hike in Cairngorms National Park

Join a morning guided walk to experience the rugged Highlands landscape, lasting about 3 hours.
GBP30, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Winking Owl in Aviemore

Relax with delicious pub fare and local ales in a charming village setting.
GBP20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Highland Folk Museum

An open-air museum showcasing traditional Highland life, open 10am-6pm, perfect for cultural insight.
GBP10, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Inverness

Enjoy a scenic drive back after a full day of adventure.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Mustard Seed Restaurant

Dine riverside with fresh Scottish produce and a warm atmosphere.
GBP35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Highlands Castles and Villages

Highlands, UK on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a sightseeing day with a delicious breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Dunrobin Castle

Explore this stunning fairy-tale castle with beautiful gardens and falconry displays. Open 10am-5pm.
GBP10, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Dornoch Village

Visit this quaint coastal village with historic cathedral and quaint shops.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Golspie Hotel

Cozy hotel restaurant offering locally inspired dishes and fresh seafood.
GBP20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Glenmorangie Distillery

Take a tour and tasting session at one of Scotland’s finest whisky distilleries. Tours approx. 1h and open 10am-5pm.
GBP15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Inverness

Scenic drive back for relaxation.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chez Roux at The Rocpool

Treat yourself to exquisite French-Scottish fusion cuisine in an intimate setting.
GBP50, 1h30m
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Day 8: Explore Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye, UK on July 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a nourishing breakfast for your day trip to Skye.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Isle of Skye

Enjoy the 2.5-hour scenic drive to the Isle of Skye across the Skye Bridge.
Free, 2h30m

10:30am

Visit Fairy Pools

Walk around the enchanting crystal-clear blue pools; great for photos and nature lovers.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Old Inn, Carbost

Traditional Scottish food with a cozy atmosphere near the Talisker Distillery.
GBP20, 1h

2:00pm

Tour Talisker Distillery

Discover Scotland’s only distillery on Skye, with guided tours and tastings. Open 10am-5pm.
GBP15, 1h30m

3:45pm

Explore Portree

Wander around the island’s main town, with colorful buildings and shops.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Drive back to Inverness

Return drive after a full day of island sightseeing.
Free, 2h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at hotel or nearby

Light dinner and rest after a long travel day.
GBP20, 1h
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Day 9: Relax and Local Exploration

Inverness, UK on July 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Velocity Café and Bicycle Workshop

Enjoy organic coffee and homemade breakfast in a unique café.
GBP12, 1h

10:00am

Visit Culloden Battlefield

Explore Scotland’s historic battlefield and visitor center, open 9am-5pm.
GBP8, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Kitchen Brasserie

Contemporary Scottish cuisine with excellent locally sourced ingredients.
GBP25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Inverness Museum and Art Gallery

Free entrance museum focusing on Highlands history and culture, open 10am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk or boat on River Ness

Relax with a peaceful stroll or short river cruise in the afternoon sun.
GBP15 for boat, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Mustard Seed Restaurant

End the day with a refined dinner featuring local game and seafood.
GBP35, 1h30m
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Day 10: Highland Scenic Drive

Highlands to Fort William, UK on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Healthy, hearty breakfast before a scenic drive south toward Fort William.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Fort William via Glencoe

Enjoy spectacular scenery through Glencoe valley, a photographer’s paradise with many stops. Approx. 3 hour drive.
Free, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Clachaig Inn in Glencoe

Traditional pub favorite known for hearty meals and real ales amidst stunning views.
GBP20, 1h

1:30pm

Continue drive to Fort William

Short drive to Fort William town for check-in and rest.
Free, 30m

3:00pm

Visit West Highland Museum

Discover fascinating history of the Highlands, open 10am-5pm.
GBP5, 1h

4:30pm

Stroll Fort William Town

Explore shops and cafés with views of Ben Nevis.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Grog & Gruel

Casual dining with a wide range of Scottish and British classics.
GBP25, 1h30m
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Day 11: Ben Nevis and Surroundings

Fort William, UK on July 6, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for hiking or sightseeing in the Ben Nevis area.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Hike Ben Nevis or take Nevis Range gondola

If up for a challenge, hike the highest peak in the UK (allow 6-8h). Alternatively, enjoy the gondola ride offering stunning views and shorter walking routes. Gondola open 10am-5pm.
GBP15 (gondola), 4h+ (hike) or 2h (gondola)

1:00pm

Lunch at The Ben Nevis Inn

Classic Scottish pub fare in a friendly atmosphere near the base of the mountain.
GBP18, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Glenfinnan Viaduct

See the iconic railway bridge featured in Harry Potter films, just a 30-minute drive from Fort William.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Fort William

Relax before dinner.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Lochy

Enjoy fine dining at a contemporary restaurant with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
GBP35, 1h30m
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Day 12: Return to Edinburgh and Departure

Fort William to Edinburgh, UK on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a last Scottish breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel back to Edinburgh

Drive or train back to Edinburgh, about 3.5 to 4 hours.
GBP40, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Dome, Edinburgh

Splendid historic venue with classic British fare in the New Town area before departure.
GBP30, 1h

2:30pm

Airport transfer and departure

Head to Edinburgh Airport for your onward travel, completing a memorable trip.
GBP15, 1h
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