Table of Contents
- Trip Overview
- Day 1 – Arrival, Old Town & Christmas Market
- Day 2 – Castles, Palaces, Whisky & Romantic Dinner
- Day 3 – Glenfinnan, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands
- Day 4 – Departure Day
- Local Meal Ideas in Edinburgh
- What to Wear in Late November
- What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)
- Cultural Considerations in Scotland
- Safety & Areas to Avoid
- Extra Tips for Travellers from the USA
Trip Overview
Flights
- Boston (Logan) → Dublin
Friday, 28 November 2025 – 17:10 to 04:15 (arrives next day) - Dublin → Edinburgh
Saturday, 29 November 2025 – 06:30 to 07:50 - Edinburgh → Dublin
Tuesday, 2 December 2025 – 12:00 to 13:15 - Dublin → Boston (Logan)
Tuesday, 2 December 2025 – 16:45 to 18:55
Hotel
Hotel Indigo Edinburgh – Princes Street (IHG)
20 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AN
Check-in: Saturday, November 29, 2025, 15:00
Check-out: Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 11:00
Weather
Airport Transport
From Edinburgh Airport, the easiest option is the Edinburgh Tram. It runs approximately every 7–10 minutes and takes about 30–35 minutes between the airport and St Andrew Square, which is a short walk from the hotel.
- Airport → City: Tram from Airport to St Andrew Square
- City → Airport: Tram from St Andrew Square to Airport
Daily Rhythm
- Plan days to roughly run from 08:00 to 23:00 (with exceptions on tour / flight days).
- Include a 1-hour mid-day hotel break to rest and regroup.
- Allow 3–4 hours at the airport before the long-haul return home.
- If the next destination is within about a quarter mile, walk. Otherwise, use Uber or the tram.
Day 1 – Saturday, November 29, 2025
Arrival, Old Town & Christmas Market
Morning – Arrival in Edinburgh
- 07:50 – Land in Edinburgh
Flight arrives from Dublin at around 07:50. - 08:00–09:15 – Immigration, baggage & tram tickets
Clear passport control, collect luggage, use the restroom, and buy tram tickets into the city. - 09:15–09:50 – Tram: Airport → St Andrew Square
Transport: Tram (about 35 minutes).
This drops you in the New Town, just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. - 09:50–10:00 – Walk to Hotel Indigo
Transport: Walk (about 5–10 minutes, less than ¼ mile).
Drop bags at reception if the room isn’t ready yet.
10:00–11:00 – Late Scottish Breakfast Near the Hotel
Use this as a gentle landing after the overnight flight.
- Twenty Princes Street (in/next to the hotel) Enjoy a Full Scottish breakfast with Lorne sausage, black pudding, tattie scones, eggs, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms, plus coffee and juice.
- The Scottish Café & Restaurant (Scottish National Gallery) Order traditional Scottish porridge with oats and local honey, or smoked salmon on oatcakes.
- Edinburgh Larder (Old Town) For an all-out rustic breakfast, this is a lovely option, but it’s a short Uber ride rather than a walk.
Midday – First Look at the Royal Mile
- 11:00–11:10 – Uber to the Royal Mile (Lawnmarket area)
Transport: Uber (about 10 minutes).
Distance and slope make this easier than walking with jet-lag. - 11:10–13:00 – Royal Mile Wander & Photos
Take in some iconic Old Town sights:- Views of Edinburgh Castle from the Esplanade.
- St Giles’ Cathedral and Parliament Square.
- Photogenic closes like Advocate’s Close with castle views.
This is more of a gentle orientation walk than a full-on museum day.
13:00–14:10 – Lunch Near Princes Street
- 13:00–13:10 – Uber to lunch back towards New Town
Transport: Uber (~10 minutes). - 13:10–14:10 – Lunch (1 hour)
Pick one of these Scottish spots:- Makars Mash Bar – Famous for mash-based plates and comfort food. Try venison sausage with whisky gravy or haggis with tatties.
- The Auld Hundred (Rose Street) – Classic pub with dishes like Cullen skink (smoked haddock chowder) or a steak & ale pie.
- The Scottish Café & Restaurant – Great soups, smoked fish and local cheeses.
Afternoon – Check-In & Calton Hill
- 14:10–14:20 – Uber back to the hotel
Transport: Uber (~10 minutes).
Full check-in, pick up your room key. - 14:20–15:20 – Regroup at the hotel (1 hour)
Shower, unpack a bit, and change into warmer layers for the evening. - 15:20–15:30 – Uber to Calton Hill
Transport: Uber (~10 minutes).
The walk is longer and uphill, so a car keeps energy high. - 15:30–17:00 – Calton Hill Viewpoint
Capture panoramic photos of:- Edinburgh Castle and Old Town skyline.
- Princes Street and the Scott Monument.
- The Balmoral clocktower and Royal Mile.
Wander among the National Monument, Nelson Monument and Dugald Stewart Monument.
- 17:00–17:10 – Uber back to the hotel area
Transport: Uber (~10 minutes).
17:10–18:10 – Dinner Near Princes Street
Stay close to the hotel for a relaxed early dinner.
- Twenty Princes Street – Modern Scottish dishes (local beef, venison, seafood) and castle views.
- Number One at The Balmoral – Michelin-starred fine dining with Scottish ingredients (can also be saved for another night if you want two very fancy dinners).
- The Auld Hundred – Cosy pub ambience with hearty Scottish mains.
Evening – Edinburgh Christmas Market
- 18:10–18:15 – Walk to the Christmas Market
Transport: Walk (~5 minutes, directly across Princes Street into the gardens). - 18:15–22:00 – Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market
Wander through stalls selling:- Mulled wine and festive drinks.
- Local crafts, ornaments and gifts.
- Street food and sweets (look for Scottish twists like tablet or shortbread).
Ride the Big Wheel for night-time photos of the castle and city lights.
- 22:00–22:10 – Walk back to the hotel
Transport: Walk (~10 minutes or less).
Back well before 23:00 to sleep off the travel day.
Day 2 – Sunday, November 30, 2025
Castles, Palaces, Whisky & Romantic Dinner
08:10–09:10 – Breakfast
Start the day with a full hour for breakfast.
- Edinburgh Larder – Rustic spot with excellent Full Scottish, including veggie options.
- The Scottish Café & Restaurant – Porridge, smoked salmon, oatcakes and scones.
- Hotel / Twenty Princes Street – Stay in-house for a Full Scottish breakfast with a view.
If you eat in the hotel or nearby, you can walk. If you head up to Old Town (e.g. Edinburgh Larder), grab an Uber (~10 minutes).
Morning – Edinburgh Castle
- 09:10–09:20 – Uber to Edinburgh Castle
Transport: Uber (~10 minutes).
The castle sits atop a steep hill, so a car saves time and energy. - 09:20–11:45 – Explore Edinburgh Castle
Allow 2–2.5 hours to see:- The Crown Jewels and Stone of Destiny.
- The Great Hall and Royal apartments.
- Mons Meg cannon and epic city views.
- The National War Memorial.
Pre-book tickets to avoid long queues, especially in peak times.
11:55–12:55 – Lunch in the Old Town / New Town
- 11:45–11:55 – Uber down from the castle to lunch
Transport: Uber (~10 minutes). - Lunch (1 hour):
- Makars Mash Bar – Try dishes like haggis, neeps & tatties or venison sausages with mash.
- The Devil’s Advocate – Hidden in Advocate’s Close, modern Scottish plates and great whisky list.
- Angels with Bagpipes – Refined Scottish cuisine on the Royal Mile.
Afternoon – Johnnie Walker Princes Street (Whisky Tour)
- 12:55–13:05 – Uber to Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Transport: Uber (~10 minutes) from Old Town to 145 Princes Street. - 13:15–14:45 – Whisky Experience (≈90 minutes)
Take the Journey of Flavour tour (or equivalent), which includes:- Interactive storytelling about the brand and Scotch whisky regions.
- Guided tastings tailored to your flavour preferences.
This is your dedicated whisky tour for the trip.
Late Afternoon – Palace of Holyroodhouse
- 14:45–14:55 – Uber to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Transport: Uber (~10 minutes). - 14:55–16:25 – Tour the Palace & Abbey
Highlights include:- State Apartments used by the monarch in Scotland.
- Historic rooms associated with Mary, Queen of Scots.
- The ruined Holyrood Abbey and views towards Arthur’s Seat.
- 16:25–16:35 – Uber back to the hotel
Transport: Uber (~10 minutes). - 16:35–17:35 – Hotel regroup (1 hour)
Warm up, change into evening clothes and freshen up.
Evening – Dusk Photos & Romantic Dinner
- 17:35–17:45 – Uber to Calton Hill or Castle area
Transport: Uber (~10 minutes).
If the weather cooperates, head back to Calton Hill or linger around the Castle Esplanade for dusk views. - 17:45–18:15 – Blue-hour / night photography
Capture:- Orange-lit Old Town skyline from Calton Hill.
- Castle and Royal Mile at night.
- 18:15–18:25 – Uber to The Witchery by the Castle
Transport: Uber (~10 minutes) if you’re not already nearby. - 18:30–20:30 – Fancy Romantic Dinner at The Witchery
This is the signature romantic meal of the trip:- Sumptuous candlelit rooms near the castle gates.
- Dishes such as Highland venison, Scottish beef, local seafood and desserts like cranachan (whipped cream with whisky, raspberries and oats).
Book ahead and request a particularly atmospheric table if possible.
- 20:30–20:45 – Uber back to the hotel
Transport: Uber (~15 minutes). Back around 21:00 for a relaxed evening before the early start tomorrow.
Day 3 – Monday, December 1, 2025
Glenfinnan, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands
Early Start & Breakfast
This day begins earlier than usual because of the fixed tour departure.
You need to be at the meeting point by 07:00, for a 07:15 departure.
- 05:45–06:30 – Early hotel breakfast
Keep it simple and filling: porridge, eggs, toast, fruit and plenty of coffee. - 06:30–06:45 – Uber to Castle Terrace (tour departure)
Transport: Uber (~10–15 minutes).
Meeting point: Castle Terrace, outside NCP Car Park
(What3Words:///casino.cove.works). - Arrive by 07:00 as requested (15 minutes before departure).
07:15–~19:15 – Glenfinnan, Glencoe & Highlands Day Trip
This is a 12-hour tour that covers some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes and viewpoints.
- Operator: From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Scottish Highlands Day Trip.
- Language: English, with live commentary.
- Tickets: Two adults, total $121.20 (tickets in app after payment processed).
- Key notes:
- You do not board the Jacobite Steam Train on this tour.
- The famous train may or may not be visible, as the afternoon service only runs May 5 – September 26, 2025.
- No toilet on board; the first restroom stop is about 1.5 hours into the day.
- You may bring cold food and drinks, but no hot food is allowed on the coach.
- Typical stops include:
- A village or café stop such as Callander for coffee.
- Glencoe – dramatic glen with tragic history and sweeping mountain views.
- Fort William area – usually where you’ll have time for lunch (~1 hour).
- Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint and Glenfinnan Monument.
- Additional sights like Neptune’s Staircase, Laggan Dam or viewpoints in the Cairngorms / Pitlochry area.
- Accessibility & policies:
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated with a helper.
- Assistance dogs allowed; other pets are not.
What to Bring for the Highlands Day
- Warm, layered clothing (thermal base layer, fleece or sweater, waterproof outer shell).
- Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes or boots.
- Gloves, scarf and warm hat – it can be significantly colder and windier in the Highlands.
- Snacks: nuts, fruit, granola bars, cold sandwiches (no hot food on the bus).
- Portable battery pack and camera / phone for lots of photos.
Evening – Back to Edinburgh
- ~19:15 – Arrive back at Castle Terrace
The tour returns to the original departure point in Edinburgh. - 19:15–19:30 – Uber back to the hotel
Transport: Uber (~15 minutes). - 19:30–20:30 – Hotel regroup (1 hour)
Hot shower, change into something cosy, rest up. - 20:30–21:30 – Light dinner near the hotel
After a long day, keep it simple and nearby:- Twenty Princes Street – lighter plates of Scottish seafood or a smaller main.
- Makars Mash Bar – if you still have energy for a short Uber or walk, tuck into comforting mash and gravy.
- The Auld Hundred – relaxed pub food if you want something unfussy.
- 21:30–23:00 – Early night
Rest before departure the next morning.
Day 4 – Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Departure Day
Flight from Edinburgh to Dublin departs at 12:00. To allow roughly
3 hours at the airport for check-in, security and potential queues, aim to arrive by around 09:00.
- 07:30–08:30 – Breakfast & final packing
Have a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, finish packing, and settle any bills. - By 08:30 – Check out of the hotel
Hand in room keys and head for the tram. - 08:30–08:40 – Walk to St Andrew Square tram stop
Transport: Walk (~5–10 minutes, less than ¼ mile). - 08:40–09:15 – Tram: St Andrew Square → Edinburgh Airport
Transport: Tram (~35 minutes). - 09:15–12:00 – Airport check-in & security
You’ll have just under three hours before your flight, which is a comfortable window.
From Dublin, you’ll connect onto your afternoon flight back to Boston, including US pre-clearance.
Local Meal Ideas in Edinburgh
Breakfast – Start Like a Scot
Look for these traditional Scottish breakfast dishes:
- Full Scottish Breakfast – Bacon, Lorne sausage, black pudding, baked beans, tattie scones, eggs and grilled tomatoes.
- Porridge – Scottish oats cooked with milk or water, sometimes served with cream, honey or berries.
- Smoked Salmon & Oatcakes – A lighter but very Scottish option.
Great places to find them:
- Edinburgh Larder – Cosy, local-ingredient focused breakfast and brunch.
- The Scottish Café & Restaurant – Top-notch porridge and smoked fish dishes with a view.
- Hotel Indigo / Twenty Princes Street – Convenient and substantial hotel breakfast.
Lunch – Hearty Comfort Food
Perfect for cold, short winter days:
- Haggis, Neeps & Tatties – The most famous Scottish dish: haggis with mashed turnip and potato.
- Cullen Skink – Creamy smoked haddock soup from the northeast coast.
- Steak & Ale Pie – Slow-cooked Scottish beef with ale under a pastry crust.
Try them at:
- Makars Mash Bar – Excellent haggis and mash combinations.
- The Auld Hundred – Traditional pub classics on Rose Street.
- The Devil’s Advocate – Modern Scottish cooking in a hidden Old Town close.
Dinner – From Cosy Pubs to Fine Dining
Dinner is where you can really experience Scottish produce:
- Highland Venison – Often served with rich gravy, root vegetables and seasonal sides.
- Scottish Seafood – Think scallops, salmon and langoustines from nearby coasts.
- Cranachan – Dessert made with cream, whisky, honey, raspberries and toasted oats.
Recommended dinner spots:
- The Witchery by the Castle – Atmospheric and romantic, perfect for a special evening.
- Number One at The Balmoral – Refined tasting menus showcasing Scottish ingredients.
- Twenty Princes Street – Modern dishes with great views, very convenient from the hotel.
What to Wear in Late November / Early December
Expect cold, damp weather with daytime highs around 3–9°C (38–48°F)
and lows that can drop below freezing. Wind and showers are common, and it will get dark early.
Recommended Clothing
- Waterproof jacket with hood – Ideally a breathable shell to go over warm layers.
- Insulated mid-layer – A fleece, wool jumper or lightweight down/synthetic jacket.
- Base layers – Thermal top and leggings, especially for the Highlands day.
- Waterproof, comfortable shoes or boots – With good grip for cobblestones.
- Wool socks – Bring several pairs; they make a big difference in cold weather.
- Warm hat, scarf and gloves – Essential once the wind picks up.
- Smart-casual outfit – Shirt, dress, or nice knit with trousers for your romantic dinner.
- Compact umbrella – Helpful, though a good hood is more reliable in wind.
What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)
What to Bring
- Daypack – For camera, water, snacks and extra layers.
- Refillable water bottle – Tap water is safe to drink.
- UK power adaptor (Type G) – The UK uses 230V, 50 Hz and three-pin plugs.
- Portable charger – To keep phones alive for maps, tickets and photos.
- Printed and digital confirmations – Flights, hotel, tours and restaurant bookings.
- Snacks for the Highlands tour – Cold snacks like nuts, bars and fruit.
- Travel-size toiletries – Space-saving and easy to pack.
- Travel insurance details – Especially important for international trips.
What Not to Bring
- Large amounts of cash – Cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry just a little GBP cash.
- Flashy jeweler or valuables – Reduces the risk of petty theft or worry.
- US-only voltage hair appliances – If they aren’t dual-voltage, they can burn out on 230V.
- High heels or smooth-soled shoes – Difficult on hills, wet cobbles and icy patches.
- Bulky luggage for day trips – Leave big suitcases in the hotel; use only a daypack when exploring.
- Oversized camera rigs and huge tripods – Unless photography is the primary purpose of your trip, they can be more hassle than they’re worth.
Ten Cultural Considerations for Visiting Edinburgh & Scotland
- Queuing is important. Scots take orderly lines seriously. Always join the back of the queue at tram stops, shops and attractions.
- Politeness and understatement. Expect lots of “please,” “thank you” and “sorry.” A friendly but not overly loud manner fits in well.
- Tipping etiquette. 10–12% in sit-down restaurants is appreciated if service is good. In pubs and taxis, rounding up is common but not required.
- Left-hand traffic. Cars drive on the left. When crossing the road, look right first.
- Weather talk is universal. Chatting about rain, wind and sunshine is standard small talk.
- Pubs are social hubs. Many are family-friendly during the day and early evening, and they serve excellent food, not just drinks.
- Football and politics can be sensitive. Avoid heated debates about local football clubs or Scottish independence unless you know your audience.
- Respect historic and religious sites. Keep voices low in churches, memorials and graveyards. Don’t climb on monuments or barriers.
- Dress codes are relaxed, but smart-casual wins. For high-end places like The Witchery, a neat shirt/dress and decent shoes are perfect.
- Public drinking rules. Open-container rules vary, and drinking is best kept to pubs, restaurants, or clearly signed festival areas.
Safety & Areas to Be Cautious In
Edinburgh is generally considered a safe city, particularly in the central tourist areas. Most incidents are minor, such as pickpocketing or the occasional late-night scuffle around bars.
Central & Tourist Areas
- City Centre (Old Town, New Town, West End) – Highest recorded crime numbers mainly because it’s where everyone gathers: shoppers, tourists and nightlife. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
- Christmas Market & nightlife streets – Watch your belongings in crowds and avoid leaving bags unattended.
Neighborhoods with Higher Reported Crime
You might see references to higher crime rates in areas like Leith, Wester Hailes, Muirhouse, Sighthill & Gorgie, Portobello & Craigmillar, and Liberton & Gilmerton. These are normal residential districts with good people living in them, but as a short-stay visitor you probably won’t need to spend much time there at night.
Practical Safety Tips
- Use Uber or taxis at night if you’re tired, have been drinking or are far from your hotel.
- Keep phones and wallets secure in zipped pockets or a cross-body bag.
- Avoid poorly lit back streets late at night; stick to main roads and busier areas.
- Be cautious with ATMs, especially if they’re isolated or look tampered with.
- As always, trust your instincts. If somewhere feels off, move on.
Five Extra Tips for Travelers from the USA
- Check entry requirements. Make sure your passport is valid for the entire trip, and check current UK and EU entry rules, including any electronic travel authorizations.
- Get a card with no foreign transaction fees. Chip-and-PIN and contactless payments are standard. You’ll rarely need to sign a receipt.
- Prices include tax. VAT is included in the displayed price, so what you see is what you pay at the till.
- Learn the metric basics. Weather is in °C; a winter day in single digits (3–9°C) is chilly, especially with wind and rain. Distances may be in miles and kilometres, but you’ll adapt quickly.
- Know the emergency number. Dial 999 (or 112) for police, fire or ambulance. Medical emergencies are treated regardless of nationality, but travel insurance is strongly recommended for anything beyond that.