The Ultimate 6-Day Scotland Itinerary: Castles, Highlands & Magical Skye
This is the ultimate, detailed 6-day Scotland itinerary you’ve been searching for, complete with budget estimates in Rupees!
This is a fast-paced plan for seeing the icons of Scotland. We’ll cover Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town, the epic Highlands, and the magical Isle of Skye. I’ve packed in all the booking links, pro-tips, and street-level details—and costs—you need. Save this, and your planning is done.
Day 1: Arrival & The Royal Mile Deep Dive
1. Start at the Top: Edinburgh Castle
The Sight: The non-negotiable icon of the city.
Timings: Allow 2-3 hours.
Tickets: (CRITICAL PRO-TIP) You MUST book tickets online in advance.
- Booking Link: Book at the official site:
[Link to edinburghcastle.scot] Cost: ~£21.50 (₹2,500) per adult (online price)
2. The Royal Mile (Upper Section: Castlehill & Lawnmarket)
The Route: As you exit the castle, you are on the Royal Mile.
Sights-in-between:
- The Scotch Whisky Experience: Tours start from ~£24 (₹2,800).
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions: A fun 90-minute stop. Cost: ~£22 (₹2,560).
- Gladstone’s Land: A 17th-century restored tenement. Cost: ~£7.50 (₹875).
- The Hub: Free to see from outside (it’s a cafe/event space).
3. The Royal Mile (Middle Section: High Street)
The Route: The busiest, widest part of the Mile.
Sights-in-between:
St. Giles’ Cathedral: Free to enter (donation encouraged).
Heart of Midlothian: Free (it’s on the pavement).
Mary King’s Close: A must-book tour. Cost: ~£21 (₹2,450).
John Knox House: Included with a Scottish Storytelling Centre ticket.
4. The Royal Mile (Lower Section: Canongate)
The Route: The street gets quieter and more residential.
Sights-in-between:
Museum of Edinburgh: Free entry.
Canongate Kirk: Free to enter.
The Scottish Parliament (Holyrood): Free to see from outside; tours are also often free but must be booked.
5. End at the Bottom: Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Sight: The King’s official residence in Scotland.
Timings: Allow 1.5-2 hours. Book tickets in advance.
Cost: ~£20 (₹2,330) per adult.
Evening: Old Town Alleys & Pubs
Route: Walk from the Palace or take a bus to the Grassmarket area for dinner.
Key Sights:
- Victoria Street: The “real” Diagon Alley. Free to walk.
- Grassmarket: Historic square, free to explore. A pub meal will cost ~£15-£20 (₹1,750 – ₹2,330).
Alternative Sunset: Calton Hill is Free to climb.
Day 2: The Magical Highlands & "Harry Potter" Bridge
All Day: Highlands Day Trip:
Activity: Book a full-day (approx. 12 hours) bus tour from Edinburgh.
Key Sights: Glencoe, Fort William (lunch stop), and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Recommended Tour:
Tour Title: “From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Highlands Tour”
Booking Link:
[Link to GetYourGuide: Glenfinnan Tour from Edinburgh]Cost: ~£60 – £90 (₹7,000 – ₹10,500) per person. This is the best value way to see all these spots in one day.
Pro-Tip: Bring a packed lunch and snacks to save money.
Highlights
- Discover the rugged charm of the Scottish Highlands and Cairngorms National Park
- Learn about significant events in Scottish history in the town of Glencoe
- Spot a variety of filming locations from your favorite Hollywood movies
- Admire the scenery at Fort William, situated at the foot of imposing Ben Nevis
- See the Jacobite Steam Train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct (05/05/25 to 26/09/25)
Day 3: Edinburgh: New Town vs. Old Town Secrets
Morning: Choose Your Adventure
OPTION 1: The “New Town & Village” Walk (Classic & Picturesque)
Sights-in-between:
Princes Street Gardens: Free
Scott Monument: £8 (₹930) to climb.
Scottish National Gallery: Free (special exhibitions may have a fee).
End Point: Dean Village: Free to explore.
OPTION 2: The “Royal & Rugged” Walk (Active & Historic)
Sights-in-between:
Palace of Holyroodhouse: See Day 1 for cost.
Hike Arthur’s Seat: Free. This is the best budget activity in the city!
Afternoon: Choose Your Tour
Option 1 (The Potterhead): “Harry Potter Wizard Walking Tour”
- The Sight: A 2-hour guided tour of magical inspirations.
- Booking Link:
[Link to GetYourGuide: Harry Potter Walking Tour] - Cost: ~£20 – £24 (₹2,330 – ₹2,800)
Option 2 (The Old Historian): “Edinburgh: Old Town Walking Tour”
The Sight: A 1-hour tour around the Royal Mile.
Booking Link:
[Link to GetYourGuide: Old Town City Tour]Cost: ~£29 (₹3,380)
Day 4: Coastal Morning & The Highland Main Line
Morning: Choose Your Coastal Vibe
Option 1: Portobello Beach: Free (just the local bus fare).
Option 2: Leith: Free to explore. Entry to the Royal Yacht Britannia is ~£19.50 (₹2,270).
Afternoon: Travel to Inverness
Timings: 3.5 – 4 hours.
Transport Options:
Train (Scenic): ~£30 – £80+ (₹3,500 – ₹9,300+). Book via ScotRail or LNER.
Bus (Budget): ~£15 – £40 (₹1,750 – ₹4,660). Book via Megabus or FlixBus.
Pro-Tip: Book transport as far in advance as possible for the cheapest prices.
Evening: Arrive in Inverness. A riverside pub meal will cost ~£15-£20 (₹1,750 – ₹2,330).
Day 5: The Mystical Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle
Another essential 10-12 hour day trip. A tour is the only practical way to do this in one day.
All Day: Isle of Skye Tour
Activity: Full-day bus tour from Inverness.
Key Sights: Loch Ness, Eilean Donan Castle, Portree, Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, The Quiraing.
Recommended Tour:
Tour Title: “Inverness: Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Day Trip”
Booking Link:
[Link to GetYourGuide or operator: Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness]Cost: Expect to pay a similar price to the Highlands tour: ~£70 – £90 (₹8,150 – ₹10,500) per person.
Optional Extra: Entry to Eilean Donan Castle is often not included in the tour price.
Cost: ~£12 (₹1,400) per adult. You can pay on the day or just take photos from the outside (which is just as good!)
Day 6: Inverness: City vs. Battlefield & Departure
A final morning exploring the compact city or a historic battlefield.
Morning: Choose Your Finale
OPTION 1: The “City Centre” Walk (Relaxed)
Sights-in-between: All are Free to visit!
Inverness Castle (viewpoint)
St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Ness Islands
Leakey’s Bookshop
Victorian Market
OPTION 2: The “History Buff” Morning (Ambitious)
Sights-in-between:
Culloden Battlefield: ~£16 (₹1,860) for the visitor centre (the battlefield itself is free to walk).
Clava Cairns: Free to enter.
Afternoon: Departure
Activity: Grab a final coffee or souvenir.
Departure: Head to Inverness Airport (INV) or the train/bus station.
