Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile & highlands & Loch Ness

Good to know

Best season

12-17 May

Pace

Busy, back-to-back plans

Where you sleep

Design hotel, Old Town

Getting around

Trains, transit, and walking

Length

5 days

Budget

€979

The trip, day by day

1. 1

   Arrival & Royal Mile Warm-Up

   Arrive at Edinburgh Airport and transfer to the Old Town Design hotel

   Check in and drop bags

   Stroll the length of the Royal Mile from the Castle esplanade down to Holyrood

   Coffee and a Scotch pie at a traditional cafe

   Dinner at a Grassmarket pub with live folk music
   Book
2. 2

   Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Tour

   Early entry to Edinburgh Castle to beat the crowds

   See the Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny and the One O'Clock Gun

   Guided walking tour of the Royal Mile and its hidden closes

   Visit St Giles' Cathedral

   Explore Victoria Street and the Writers' Museum

   Evening underground vaults ghost tour beneath the South Bridge
   Book
3. 3

   Highlands & Loch Ness Day Trip

   Early departure for the Scottish Highlands

   Drive through Glencoe's dramatic mountain scenery

   Photo stops at Highland lochs and viewpoints

   Loch Ness boat cruise and Urquhart Castle visit

   Stop in Fort Augustus or Inverness

   Return to Edinburgh for a late dinner
   Book
4. 4

   Arthur's Seat Hike & Whisky Tasting

   Morning hike up Arthur's Seat for panoramic city and coast views

   Explore the Salisbury Crags and Holyrood Park

   Lunch near Holyrood

   Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse grounds

   Guided Scotch whisky tasting flight in the Old Town

   Casual dinner with a dram nearby
   Book
5. 5

   Final Morning & Departure

   Breakfast in the Old Town

   Browse tartan and whisky shops for souvenirs

   Quick visit to the National Museum of Scotland if time allows

   Check out and transfer to Edinburgh Airport

   Return flight to AMS
   Book

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