Scotland

Best time to travel: Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the best times to visit Scotland, offering good weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful landscapes. Summer (June to August) is ideal for festivals and outdoor activities, while autumn is perfect for nature lovers, with stunning foliage and dramatic scenery.

Estimated Pricing:

Midrange: $2,750 - $4,600 per person**
Luxury: $4,900 - $9,200 per person**

**Airfare is not included in the estimated pricing, as fare pricing can vary significantly depending on your departure city

Day 1

Edinburgh to St. Andrews

Morning: Arrive in Edinburgh and transfer to St Andrews (approximately 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Arrive in St Andrews, check-in to your hotel, and take some time to relax.
Evening: Explore the town center, enjoy a leisurely walk down Market Street, and have dinner at a local restaurant like The Adamson, known for modern Scottish cuisine.

Day 2

Explore St Andrews

Morning: Visit the St Andrews Castle and enjoy the dramatic views over the coastline. Explore the underground tunnels and see the ancient ruins.
Afternoon: Head to St Andrews Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Scotland before it was ruined. Walk around the St Andrews Botanic Garden for some peaceful greenery.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in town or at your hotel.

Day 3

St Andrews - Golf & Beaches

Morning: If you're a golfer, visit the famous Old Course at St Andrews. Even if you're not golfing, take a stroll along the golf course, which is open to the public, and admire the West Sands Beach.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring Fisheries Museum, or take a trip to Craigtoun Park for a relaxing picnic or a boat ride.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a cozy bistro in town, like The Tailend for delicious seafood.

Day 4

St Andrews to Loch Lomond

Morning: After breakfast, drive from St Andrews to Loch Lomond (approx. 2–2.5 hours) with a stop at the amazing Stirling Castle.
Afternoon: Check-in at Cameron House, a luxury hotel on the shores of Loch Lomond. Take a walk around the grounds and enjoy the lake views.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Boat House, the hotel’s renowned restaurant with beautiful views of the loch.

Day 5

Cameron House

Morning: After breakfast, start the day with a scenic boat tour on Loch Lomond, exploring its islands and surrounding beauty.
Afternoon: Continue enjoying the castle’s amenities. You can go for a walk around the estate, relax in the castle spa, or try archery or falconry.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at the hotel or take a short cab ride into town to experience a local restaurant.

Day 6

Loch Lomond to Edinburgh

Morning: After breakfast, check out and drive to Edinburgh (approx. 1.5 hours)
Afternoon: Upon arrival, explore Edinburgh Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with panoramic views over the city.
Evening: Walk along the Royal Mile, and enjoy dinner at The Witchery by the Castle, known for its atmospheric setting and gourmet Scottish cuisine.

Day 7

Explore Edinburgh

Morning: Visit Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Then, take a walk through Holyrood Park and climb Arthur’s Seat for stunning views of the city.
Afternoon: Explore The National Museum of Scotland, with exhibits on Scottish history, culture, and technology. Alternatively, visit The Royal Botanic Garden for a peaceful retreat.
Evening: Enjoy a whisky tasting at a local whisky bar, such as The Scotch Whisky Experience, or dine at The Dome for a fine meal in a beautiful setting.

Day 8

Departure from Edinburgh

Morning: Depending on your flight time, do some last-minute shopping on Princes Street, or visit The Scottish National Gallery to see world-class art collections.
Afternoon: Transfer to Edinburgh Airport for your departure.

The Details

Here is an estimated cost breakdown for an 8-day Scotland itinerary (3 nights in St Andrews, 2 nights at Cameron House on Loch Lomond, and 2 nights in Edinburgh) based on midrange and luxury options. These estimated costs are costs are per person.

1. Accommodation (7 Nights)

St Andrews (3 Nights):
- Midrange: $150–$250 per night
- Luxury: $250–$500 per night
Cameron House (Loch Lomond, 2 Nights):
- Midrange: $400 - $600 per night
- Luxury: $600–$800 per night
Edinburgh (2 Nights):
- Midrange: $150–$250 per night
- Luxury: $250–$500 per night
Total Accommodation Cost:
- Midrange: $1,550-$2,450
- Luxury: $2,450-$4,100

2. Transportation

Midrange: $500–$750
Luxury: $1,000–$1,600

3. Activities & Sightseeing

St Andrews Castle & Cathedral: $15–$30 per person
Boat Tour on Loch Lomond: $20–$100 per person
Stirling Castle: $25 per person
Edinburgh Castle: $20–$30 per person
Holyrood Palace: $20–$30 per person
Whisky Tasting in Edinburgh: $50–$200 per person

4. Meals & Dining

Midrange Restaurants:
- $15–$30 per meal per person
- Total for 7 days:
  - Midrange: $300–$600 (for two people)
Luxury Dining:
- $40–$70 per meal per person
- Total for 7 days:
  - Luxury: $800–$1,400 (for two people)

5. Miscellaneous

Souvenirs, tips, and unexpected expenses:
- Midrange: $100–$200
- Luxury: $200–$400

Estimated Total Cost per Person

Midrange:
- Accommodation: $1,550-$2,450
- Transportation: $300–$600
- Activities: $500–$750
- Meals: $300–$600
- Miscellaneous: $100–$200
- Total for Midrange: $2,750-$4,600
Luxury
- Accommodation: $2,300–$4,600
- Transportation: $1,000–$1,600
- Activities: $600–$1,200
- Meals: $800–$1,400
- Miscellaneous: $200–$400
- Total for Luxury: $4,900-$9,200

Summary of Estimated Costs

Midrange: $2,750 - $4,600 per person
Luxury: $4,900 - $9,200 per person

These estimates are based on general pricing and can vary depending on the time of year, specific bookings, single vs double occupancy, and personal preferences. Booking in advance, especially for accommodation and activities, can help manage costs.