Edinburgh is a travel destination that exudes history and culture everywhere you go, making it ideal for a group of people looking to experience the best of Scotland. Be it the city’s rich heritage, the vibrant arts scene, or its stunning natural beauty, the city has something for everyone.
Before we dive into our comprehensive five-day tour plan, let’s look at some important aspects to keep in mind.
Things to Know Before You Pack
- Weather: Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and waterproof clothing. Even in the summer, temperatures can be cool, and it can rain frequently.
- Festivals: Edinburgh is known for its festivals, particularly the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which takes place in August. If you’re visiting during this time, be prepared for crowds and book accommodation and tickets in advance.
- Currency: The currency in Scotland is the British Pound. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and tips.
- Transportation: While Edinburgh has an efficient bus and tram system, you probably want to consider a company that offers Coach Hire in Edinburgh, especially if you are traveling with a somewhat large group of people.
These are services that offer several coach sizes ranging from 24 and going all the way up to 70 people. This is definitely an option to consider if you are visiting with a lot of friends and family, as it offers a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience.
- Accommodation: Accommodation can be quite expensive in Edinburgh, especially during peak season, so try your best to book a place in advance to secure the best deals.
- Tipping: In restaurants, it’s customary to leave a 10-15% tip, and in bars and pubs, it’s common to round up to the nearest pound for drinks.
The 5-Day Tour Plan
With the preparatory steps out of the way, here is our 5-day tour plan that will help you make the most of your time in a structured way. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the countless places to go and the amazing sights to see, so this should come in handy.
Day 1: Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral, and The Royal Mile
Upon arrival in Edinburgh, you and your group would check into your hotel and have the chance to freshen up before embarking on an afternoon walking tour of the Old Town. You can either hire a guide in advance or choose to follow an online guided tour on your phone as you move through the streets.
This tour will take you through some of the city’s most historic and picturesque streets and will include visits to Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Royal Mile.
The Castle is an ancient fortress that has stood on Castle Rock since the 12th century and has been the royal residence of Scotland for many centuries. St Giles’ Cathedral, meanwhile, is a beautiful medieval church that has been at the heart of Edinburgh’s religious life for over 900 years.
The Royal Mile is the main thoroughfare of the Old Town, extending from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and is lined with shops, restaurants, and pubs.
After the tour, you can enjoy a delicious dinner at a traditional Scottish restaurant, where you’ll have the chance to sample some of the country’s most famous dishes, such as haggis, neeps and tatties, Cullen skink and smoked salmon.
Day 2: The Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, and Whiskey Distillery
On the second day of your tour, you’ll embark on a full-day excursion to the Scottish Highlands. This tour will take you to some of the most beautiful and remote parts of Scotland, including Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and The Singleton Distillery.
Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands and is best known for the Loch Ness Monster, a mythical creature that is said to inhabit the loch. Urquhart Castle is a ruined medieval fortress that sits on the shores of Loch Ness, and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
At the whisky distillery, you’ll have the chance to learn about the history and process of whisky-making, and sample some of the finest whiskies that Scotland has to offer. After a long day of exploring, your group will return to Edinburgh in the evening, where you’ll have the chance to relax and unwind before dinner.
Day 3: The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Holyrood Abbey and Exploration
On the third day of your tour, you’ll start your morning with a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, and has been the home of kings and queens for over 500 years.
You’ll have the chance to explore the palace’s state apartments, gardens, and the ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey.
In the afternoon, you can choose to split up and explore Edinburgh individually. You can choose to go shopping, grab a pint of ale in one of the many pubs, or simply take a stroll through the city’s many beautiful parks and gardens.
In the evening, you can rejoin your group and enjoy a dinner and show at a local theater or concert venue. Edinburgh is renowned for its arts and culture, and you’ll have the chance to experience some of the best theater, music and comedy that the city has to offer.
Day 4: St. Andrews, The Old Course, More Exploration
On the fourth day of your tour, you’ll take a day trip to St Andrews, the home of golf and the oldest university in Scotland. St Andrews is a small coastal town that is located about an hour’s drive from Edinburgh.
The town is famous for its beautiful medieval ruins, including the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and Castle, as well as its world-renowned golf course, the Old Course.
If you’re interested in golf, you’ll have the opportunity to play a round on the Old Course, which is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious courses in the world.
You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the town’s rich history and culture. You can visit the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, which was once the largest church in Scotland and the center of the medieval Catholic Church in Scotland.
You can also visit St Andrews Castle, which dates back to the 12th century and offers stunning views of the town and the North Sea.
Day 5: Saying Goodbye to Edinburgh
On the final day of your tour, you can choose to stay in and process all the experiences you’ve had or take one last trip, exploring any nearby shops. Finally, it’s time to enjoy a farewell lunch together with your group before checking out of the hotel and departing Edinburgh.
Conclusion
At the end of this 5-day tour plan, you would have had a well-rounded and diverse experience. You would have explored the city’s rich heritage and culture and experienced the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. It’s quite possible that you’ll never forget this memorable trip.