Scotland’s rich landscapes, historic castles, and cultural gems are within easy reach from Edinburgh. Whether you’ve got three, four, or five days, you can mix city highlights with day trips into the Highlands, coastal escapes, or charming smaller towns. Below is a flexible itinerary you can use (or adapt) for guests staying at Ocean Serviced Apartments in Edinburgh.

Why Choose Edinburgh as Your Base

• Edinburgh is well connected by train, bus, and road to many of Scotland’s top sights.

• You get the best of city life (history, museums, dining) plus the ability to take day trips or short overnight excursions.

• After your outings, you return each evening to a comfortable, well-equipped serviced apartment (with kitchen, space, and relaxing surroundings) rather than constantly changing locations.

Day Zero / Arrival Day (If applicable)

• Arrive, check into Ocean Serviced Apartments, unpack, relax and recover from travel.

• Depending on arrival time, go for a light stroll in Leith or the waterfront, and perhaps have a relaxed dinner at one of the nearby seafood restaurants or cafés from our “Restaurants & Cafés near Ocean” guide.

• Use the evening to start planning your day trips, check trains/bus schedules, and ensure you have warm layers (weather in Scotland changes fast).

Day 1: Explore Edinburgh

Spend your first full day soaking up Edinburgh itself; this gives you context before venturing outward.

• Morning: Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile
  Start as early as possible at Edinburgh Castle, then walk the Royal Mile, visiting St Giles’ Cathedral, the Museum of Edinburgh, and hidden closes.

• Lunch: Grab something in the Old Town or cross to the New Town for a café change.

• Afternoon: National Museum of Scotland + Dean Village (or stroll Princes Street Gardens and climb Scott Monument)
  You could also take a short trip up Calton Hill for views or wander the Georgian New Town (Charlotte Square, George Street, etc.).

• Evening: Dinner in Leith or at a city-centre restaurant; consider catching a theatre show, evening ghost walk, or strolling Calton Hill at night for views of the illuminated castle.

This full-day immersion helps you appreciate Edinburgh’s layers before heading into the countryside.

Day 2: The Highlands & Lochs (Option A)

On day two, venture out into the Highlands to see quintessential Scottish landscapes. A classic day trip is the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs or Glenfinnan / Glencoe depending on how far you want to travel.

Option A1: Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

• Depart early and head northwest by car or via a guided tour.

• Explore the loch shores, take a short boat or ferry ride, wander in forest trails (e.g. around Luss or Balmaha), or ride part of the West Highland Way.

• Return in evening to Edinburgh.

Option A2: Glencoe & the Highlands

• Head further toward Glencoe, passing through scenic valleys and mountain passes.

• Visit Glencoe Visitor Centre, dramatic vistas (e.g. Signal Rock), and perhaps stop at Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter fans will enjoy).

• This is a longer day, but possible with a guided full-day tour.

Return in the evening or consider staying overnight in the Highlands if you want a more relaxed pace (for 4–5 day version).

Day 3: Northern Castles / Coastal Fife (Option B)

Option B1: Fife & East Coast (St Andrews, Anstruther, Falkland)

If you prefer exploring gentle landscapes and historic towns rather than deep highland drives, consider heading east:

• Visit St Andrews (old university town, castle ruins, cathedral, the Old Course).

• Drive or stop through coastal fishing villages (Anstruther, Crail) and enjoy fish and chips by the sea.

• Visit Falkland (Falkland Palace, small town charm) on the way back to Edinburgh.

Option B2: Stirling & Loch Lomond

• South-west route: Visit Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and then head to Loch Lomond (for a more relaxed nature experience).

• This option blends history and landscapes without venturing too deep into the remote Highlands.

Return in evening to Edinburgh.

Day 4 (for 4- or 5-Day Plan): Deep Highland Overnight or Outer Isles

If you have an extra day (or two), you can stretch farther:

• Overnight in Isle of Skye: Head north through Glencoe toward Fort William, then cross over to Skye. Stay overnight, explore Fairy Pools, the Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, and return the next day (or continue).

• Oban and Western Isles Loop: Head to Oban, ferry to Mull or Iona, stay one night, return.

• Cairngorms National Park: Head northeast instead—visit Aviemore, Loch Morlich, Rothiemurchus, or Balmoral (if open).

• Speyside Whisky Trail: Visit distilleries along the River Spey (Glenfiddich, Macallan) and return via Deeside and Royal Deeside.

If staying overnight outside Edinburgh, you’ll explore local dining and lodging options, then return to Edinburgh for one final night (or depart from the Highlands if you’re continuing your Scottish journey).

Day 5 (if included): Return & Leisure Day in Edinburgh

• Use this day as buffer or “soft return.”

• Revisit favourite spots you didn’t finish earlier (e.g. walk Holyrood Park / Arthur’s Seat if time remains).

• Shop in Princes Street, explore new museums, or visit the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith if you haven’t yet.

• Enjoy a farewell dinner in Leith or in the Old Town and reflect on your Scotland adventure.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary Summary

If you stretch to 4 or 5 days, mix in overnight Highland stays, longer drives, or deeper exploring.

Tips & Practical Advice for Itineraries

1. Transport Options:

   • If you don’t have a car, many guided day tours depart from Edinburgh (e.g. to Glencoe, Loch Ness, Fife).

   • Trains and buses connect you to Stirling, Fife, Inverness, etc.

   • For more remote areas like Skye, self-driving gives flexibility, but allow for wider travel times and weather impact.

2. Start Early:
   Many scenic drives require hours; leaving early gives more time at destinations and allows return before dark (especially in shorter itineraries).

3. Be Flexible with Weather:
   Scotland’s weather is famously changeable. Build some buffer time or alternative indoor options (museums, castle visits) in your plan in case of rain.

4. Book Accommodations in Advance:
   For overnight Highland stays (especially Skye or small towns), book early to avoid sold-out lodging during summer.

5. Pack for Layers:
   Bring waterproof outerwear, warm layers, good walking shoes, and a daypack for snacks, camera, extra clothing. Even summer days can surprise you.

6. Fuel & Food Stops:
   In remote areas, services can be sparse. Keep fuel topped up and carry some snacks (especially for mid-journey stretches).

7. Guide vs Self-Drive:
   If you prefer no stress navigating unfamiliar roads, guided tours offer experienced drivers and local insight. But with a car, you gain control and flexibility.

Why Staying at Ocean Serviced Apartments Helps

• You return each evening (or several nights) to a stable base rather than constantly switching hotels.

• Our serviced apartments offer kitchen facilities, so you can prep breakfasts or light dinners to balance touring and dining.

• Free parking is a major plus when venturing out on day trips by car (Edinburgh city centre often lacks convenient parking).

• Being in Leith / Western Harbour means you start and end your day in a quieter, scenic area rather than always being in busy centre hotels.

Optional Add-On: Edinburgh as a Return Hub

If you’re exploring the Highlands or islands on a longer trip, consider using Edinburgh as your “home base” at the start and end of your trip. For example:

• Arrive Edinburgh → 3–5 day tours (or a loop) → return final two nights in Edinburgh to rest and do final city exploration before departure.

• This gives you a buffer day for travel delays and time for last-minute shopping or explorations.