Have you always been fascinated with Scottish history and castles? Do you love to see spectacular views while on vacation? Well, a family vacation in Edinburgh, Scotland may be exactly what you need. I have created an itinerary that shows the best of Edinburgh in five days. You can easily spend more time in this city in Scotland. Or combine a visit here with other destinations in Scotland during a longer family vacation. After all, you may be interested in seeing some of the Roman ruins in Scotland. The choice is yours and I can make your vacation dreams come true, as I am personalizing an itinerary that meets the needs of your family. Until then, gather some ideas from my five days in Edinburgh itinerary.  

5 Days in Edinburgh 

Day One: Arrive in Edinburgh 

Day one of your family vacation in Edinburgh will begin with you arriving at the airport. You will then be whisked away to your hotel by a private driver. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city a little on your own.  

Day Two: Explore Edinburgh 

Your day will begin with a private walking tour of Edinburgh. Your guide will personalize this tour according to your likes and dislikes. If there is an attraction in the city you do not want to miss, please make sure you tell your guide at the beginning of the tour. This will ensure they include it in all the fun! 

After your half day walking tour, it will be time to check out the National Gallery of Scotland. This is one of the most popular attractions in Edinburgh. There are three buildings that are connected. Each building holds collections of fine art. You won’t want to miss paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Raeburn, and Raphael.  

Before returning to your hotel for the evening, you will dine at The Witchery. This restaurant is located in a 16th century merchant’s house. While the original dining room with its oak paneled walls is extraordinary, the secret garden dining area offers a secluded terrace. You may prefer that if you are looking for a quieter atmosphere.  

Day Three: Go Underground in Edinburgh 

Start day three of your family vacation in Edinburgh with a stop at Dean Village. This village is only a short walk away from the center of Edinburgh. Check out the Well Court before heading to the Water of Leith or the Dean Cemetery.  

Next, take a tour of Mary King’s Close. This underground area is rich in history. It is located underneath the Royal Mile. Your tour guide will show you how to unlock the secrets in this hidden labyrinth. You will even get to follow in the footsteps of the former residents.  

After a busy morning, you can spend the afternoon at the National Museum of Scotland before enjoying afternoon tea at Edinburgh Castle.  

Day Four: Edinburgh’s Cuisine 

It is all about the local cuisine on day four of your 5 days in Edinburgh vacation. The Johnnie Walker Journey of Flavor tour is a completely immersible experience. It is complete with music, flashing lights, and special effects. Although, your favorite part will be the three whisky drinks you get to enjoy throughout this experience. Oh, and there are non-alcoholic versions for the kids!  

Since you can’t fill up on whisky, you will want to take a food tour of Edinburgh next. I recommend the three-hour guided tour of Old Town Edinburgh. At each stop, you will have the opportunity to eat local cuisine that includes a haggis, neeps, and tatties dish, cheese, and Scottish cakes.  

If you have the time and energy, stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens and The Lookout before returning to your hotel for the evening.  

Day Five: Goodbye Edinburgh 

Depending on the time of your flight, you may get to wander around Edinburgh to say a few final goodbyes to your favorite places. Then it will be time to hop on the plane for your flight home. During the flight, your entire family can reminisce about all the memories you made during this fascinating trip to Scotland.  

This is only a sample of an itinerary you can follow while on a family vacation in Edinburgh. Five days in Edinburgh may not be enough for you or it may be too long. Only you know for sure, which is why I would personalize your family itinerary for Edinburgh according to what you want to experience.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Edinburgh or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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