London & Edinburgh 14-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in London

Arrive at London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) Airport, clear customs, and transfer to your hotel in central London.

Take a moment to settle in.

Pre-booking airport transfers or train tickets can save time upon arrival.

Westminster Walking Tour

Explore the iconic landmarks around Westminster, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey (exterior view), and Buckingham Palace.

Witness the Changing of the Guard if timing aligns (check schedule).

Trafalgar Square & National Gallery

Stroll through Trafalgar Square, admire Nelson's Column and the famous lion statues.

Optionally, visit the National Gallery (free entry) for a quick glimpse of world-renowned art.

The National Gallery is free to enter, but special exhibitions may have a charge. Check evening closing times.

Dinner in Covent Garden

Enjoy dinner in the lively Covent Garden area, known for its street performers, boutiques, and diverse restaurant options.

Train to Edinburgh

Depart from London King's Cross Station on a scenic train journey to Edinburgh Waverley Station.

Enjoy views of the British countryside.

Check into Edinburgh Accommodation

Arrive at Edinburgh Waverley, transfer to your hotel, and check in.

Settle into your new surroundings.

Royal Mile Exploration

Begin your exploration of Edinburgh with a leisurely stroll down the historic Royal Mile, connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.

Take in the medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

Many shops, pubs, and historic closes (alleys) to explore along the way.

St Giles' Cathedral Visit

Visit St Giles' Cathedral, the historic High Kirk of Edinburgh.

Admire its stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.

Free entry, but donations are welcome. Photography restrictions may apply in certain areas.

Dinner in Old Town

Enjoy a traditional Scottish dinner at a cozy pub or restaurant in Edinburgh's Old Town.

Edinburgh Castle

Explore the historic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock.

Visit the Scottish Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and skip queues, especially during peak season.

Lunch in Grassmarket

Descend from the castle to the lively Grassmarket area for lunch.

This historic square is filled with charming pubs and eateries.

Lind and Lime Gin Tour

Discover the story behind Lind and Lime Gin and their commitment to 'balance' in this tour and tasting experience in Edinburgh's historic distilling district of Leith.

Sunset at Calton Hill

Climb Calton Hill for spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh, including the city skyline, Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth. It's especially beautiful around sunset.

Dinner in New Town

Explore the elegant New Town for dinner, offering a variety of sophisticated dining options.

'A Wee Pedal' Cycle Tour

Embark on an award-winning circular cycle tour of Edinburgh, praised for its high-quality guest experience and support for the local community.

Rated as Visit Scotland's 'Best outdoor experience'. All equipment provided.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Visit the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Explore its historic apartments, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and the beautiful gardens.

Book tickets online in advance. Check for opening times, as it's a working palace.

Arthur's Seat Views

Take a walk in Holyrood Park and admire the views of Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano and the main peak of the Holyrood Park.

A less strenuous option is to walk around its base.

Wear comfortable shoes if planning to hike up Arthur's Seat. The full hike can take 1.5-2 hours round trip.

Dinner in Leith

Head to the vibrant Leith area, Edinburgh's port district, known for its excellent restaurants, including several Michelin-starred options, and lively waterfront atmosphere.

Private Edinburgh Tour

Embark on a private 4-hour tour of Edinburgh in a spacious Mercedes, guided by an experienced driver.

Explore both the Old and New Towns in comfort.

Lunch in City Centre

Enjoy a casual lunch in Edinburgh's city centre after your private tour, with many options available around Princes Street or George Street.

Gin Making Experience

Participate in a hands-on gin school workshop where you can distill your own bottle of gin on mini copper stills.

Learn about the workings of a micro distillery.

This is a unique and personal workshop experience.

Farewell Edinburgh Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Edinburgh, perhaps trying a restaurant you spotted earlier or returning to a favourite area.

Drive to Glencoe

Embark on a scenic drive from Edinburgh into the heart of the Scottish Highlands towards Glencoe.

Enjoy the changing landscapes from rolling hills to dramatic mountains.

Ensure you have snacks and drinks for the journey. Take frequent photo stops.

Glencoe Visitor Centre

Stop at the National Trust for Scotland's Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn about the history, geology, and wildlife of this iconic glen.

Explore Glencoe Valley

Drive through and explore the breathtaking Glencoe Valley.

Stop at viewpoints like 'Three Sisters' and take short walks to truly immerse yourselves in the dramatic scenery.

Wear comfortable shoes and waterproofs, as the weather can change quickly. Plenty of lay-bys for photo opportunities.

Dinner in Glencoe

Enjoy a hearty Scottish dinner at a local pub or restaurant in the Glencoe area, reflecting on the day's stunning sights.

Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint

Drive to Glenfinnan to see the famous viaduct, often called the 'Harry Potter Bridge'.

Enjoy the panoramic views of Loch Shiel and the monument.

If planning to see the Jacobite Steam Train cross the viaduct, check the timetable well in advance (operates seasonally, usually May-October). Parking can be busy.

Drive to Loch Ness Area

Continue your scenic drive towards the Loch Ness area, passing through Fort William and along the Caledonian Canal.

Consider a quick stop in Fort Augustus to see the locks of the Caledonian Canal.

Lunch in Drumnadrochit

Grab lunch in the charming village of Drumnadrochit, a popular hub on the shores of Loch Ness.

Loch Ness Cruise

Embark on an award-winning Loch Ness cruise aboard 'Nessie Hunter' or 'Jacobite' to explore the mysterious waters and hear tales of the Loch Ness Monster. Excellent views of Urquhart Castle.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially in September.

Visit The Loch Ness Centre

Delve into the legend and science behind the Loch Ness Monster with a visit to the newly renovated Loch Ness Centre.

A fully audio-visual experience.

Dinner in Inverness

Enjoy dinner in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, offering a variety of dining options.

Scenic Drive to Isle of Skye

Embark on one of Scotland's most iconic drives, heading west from Inverness towards the Isle of Skye. Pass through dramatic landscapes and charming villages.

The route via A832 and A87 is incredibly scenic. Allow extra time for photo stops.

Eilean Donan Castle Photo Stop

Stop at the world-famous Eilean Donan Castle, beautifully situated on an island where three sea lochs meet.

A perfect spot for photos.

You can view the castle from the outside without paying for entry, or opt for a quick visit inside if time allows.

Cross Skye Bridge & Lunch

Cross the iconic Skye Bridge to officially arrive on the Isle of Skye.

Enjoy lunch in Kyleakin or Broadford.

Check into Skye Accommodation

Arrive in Portree, the capital of Skye, and check into your accommodation.

Explore Portree Harbour

Stroll around Portree's picturesque harbour, famous for its colourful houses, and browse the local shops.

Dinner in Portree

Enjoy dinner at one of Portree's highly-rated restaurants, often featuring fresh local seafood.

Hike Old Man of Storr

Undertake a moderate hike to the iconic Old Man of Storr, a large pinnacle of rock on the Trotternish peninsula, offering spectacular panoramic views.

Wear sturdy hiking boots. The path can be steep and muddy in places. Allow plenty of time for photos.

Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Viewpoint

Visit the stunning Kilt Rock viewpoint, where Mealt Falls plunges 60 metres from the cliffs into the Sound of Raasay.

The cliffs resemble the pleats of a kilt.

Easy access from the road with a short walk to the viewpoint. Free parking.

Lunch in Staffin

Enjoy a simple lunch in the village of Staffin, perhaps at a local cafe or taking a packed lunch to a scenic spot.

Explore the Fairy Glen

Wander through the whimsical, miniature landscape of the Fairy Glen near Uig, with its conical hills, 'fairy circles', and sparkling streams.

A magical place for a gentle walk. Please be respectful of the natural environment and do not move stones or create cairns.

Return to Portree

Enjoy the drive back to Portree after a day of breathtaking scenery.

Dinner in Portree

Another opportunity to sample Skye's culinary delights, perhaps trying a different restaurant in Portree.

Southern Skye Exploration (Optional)

Option to visit additional Skye sights like the Cuillin mountains from Sligachan or a visit to Talisker Distillery (booking essential for tours) for whisky enthusiasts.

If visiting Talisker, book a tour well in advance. Otherwise, enjoy a walk or scenic drive in the shadow of the Cuillin mountains. Talisker Distillery booking: https://www.malts.com/en-gb/distilleries/talisker

Depart Isle of Skye, Drive East

Begin your journey off the Isle of Skye, heading east towards the central Highlands.

Enjoy the last views of the island as you cross the Skye Bridge.

This will be a significant driving day, so ensure you have snacks and plan for comfort breaks.

Lunch in Highlands

Stop for lunch at a village en route, such as Kyle of Lochalsh, Dornie, or Invermoriston.

Continue Drive to Aviemore Area

Proceed eastward through the scenic Highlands towards the Aviemore area, a good base for breaking the journey before heading to the Speyside region tomorrow.

The route takes you past stunning lochs and through Cairngorms National Park. Keep an eye out for wildlife.

Dinner in Aviemore

Enjoy dinner in Aviemore, a popular outdoor adventure hub, with various dining options.

Travel to Speyside

Enjoy a scenic drive from the Isle of Skye area towards the heart of Scotland's whisky country, Speyside, with your destination being the Knockando region.

This journey will offer diverse landscapes from rugged mountains to rolling hills.

There are many picturesque stops along the way if you wish to stretch your legs or take photos.

Lunch in Aberlour

Enjoy lunch in Aberlour, a charming village in Speyside, known for its whisky connections and picturesque setting.

Whisky Distillery Tour

Experience a traditional Speyside whisky distillery tour.

Learn about the malting, mashing, fermenting, and distilling processes, culminating in a tasting of single malt Scotch whisky. Consider visiting distilleries like Cardhu or Glenfarclas in the wider Speyside area, as the Knockando distillery is not publicly open for tours.

Many distilleries require advance booking for tours, especially for a group of 4. Ensure you have a designated driver if participating in tastings.

Check-in & Relax

Arrive at your accommodation in the Moray region (e.

g., Elgin or Forres area), settle in, and enjoy some relaxation after your drive and distillery visit.

Dinner in Elgin

Savour a delightful dinner in Elgin, a historic town offering various dining options, including traditional Scottish fare.

Drive to Aberdeen

Enjoy a morning drive from the Moray coast to Aberdeen, known as the 'Granite City' for its distinctive grey stone buildings and rich maritime history.

Explore Old Aberdeen

Wander through the historic cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen, home to King's College, St Machar's Cathedral, and charming traditional buildings.

Immerse yourselves in the academic and ancient heart of the city.

Don't miss the stunning architecture of King's College Chapel and the serene atmosphere of St Machar's Cathedral.

Lunch in City Centre

Grab lunch in Aberdeen's vibrant city centre, with a wide array of cafes and restaurants ranging from casual eateries to fine dining.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Discover Aberdeen's long relationship with the sea at this fascinating museum.

Explore exhibits on shipbuilding, fishing, and the North Sea oil industry, offering panoramic views of the harbour.

Entry is usually free. Check opening hours for Saturdays before your visit.

Walk through Footdee

Take a leisurely stroll through Footdee (Fittie), a charming old fishing village at the harbour mouth, known for its quirky houses and unique 'squares'.

It offers a glimpse into a bygone era.

Dinner in Aberdeen

Enjoy a final dinner in Aberdeen, perhaps trying some locally sourced seafood or contemporary Scottish cuisine.

Drive to Highland Folk Museum

Depart from Aberdeen and drive southwest towards Newtonmore to visit the Highland Folk Museum.

This scenic journey takes you through varying Scottish landscapes, from the coast to the Cairngorms National Park.

Highland Folk Museum

Step back in time at Britain's first open-air museum.

Explore reconstructed buildings and learn about Highland life from the 1700s to the 1960s. This interactive museum allows you to walk through history and experience different eras.

Entry is free, but donations are welcome. Plan for comfortable walking shoes as it's a large site. There's a café on site for a late lunch or snacks.

Travel Towards Departure City

Begin your journey southward from Newtonmore, heading towards a convenient location for your departure flight from Scotland, likely near Edinburgh or Glasgow.

You'll pass through beautiful areas like Perthshire.

Dinner in Perth or Stirling

Enjoy dinner in a town like Perth or Stirling, depending on your chosen accommodation, as you make your way closer to your departure airport.

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final Scottish breakfast at your hotel before heading to the airport for your departure.

Travel to Airport & Car Return

Drive from your overnight location to either Edinburgh Airport (EDI) or Glasgow Airport (GLA), depending on your flight schedule.

Allow sufficient time for car rental return procedures and check-in.

Airport Check-in & Departure

Proceed with check-in and security for your onward flight, concluding your wonderful Scottish adventure.

Allow ample time for any duty-free shopping or last-minute souvenirs.