Romance in the Highlands: A Scotland Honeymoon Itinerary

You’ll begin your honeymoon in Edinburgh, where history and romance go hand in hand. I recommend checking into 100 Princes Street or Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel; both offer stylish, welcoming stays in the heart of the city.

Once you’ve settled in, take a leisurely walk along George Street and Rose Street. George Street is wide, elegant, and lined with neoclassical buildings, boutique shops, and stylish cocktail bars. This area is full of local life and bustling vibes. I recommend popping into Wellington Coffee for a warm drink and their specialty scones with clotted cream.

In this area, you can also find The Georgian House—a restored 18th-century manor that has a fascinating history and well-preserved collection of period art and furniture.

For lunch, head to the well-known (for good reason) Willow Tea Rooms. This tucked-away cafe boasts the best view of Edinburgh Castle in the city, and they aren’t kidding. If you are lucky enough to get a window seat, you'll have an unimpeded view of one of the most fortified castles in history.

Take a lazy afternoon—you deserve it as newlyweds! Princes Street Gardens has beautiful views of the castle as well and has ample space to explore and relax.

In the evening, dine at The Witchery, one of Edinburgh’s most romantic restaurants, known for its candlelit atmosphere and historic setting. They love a celebration, so make sure to tell them you are on your honeymoon.

While you are in the Old Town of Edinburgh at night, I highly recommend taking advantage of one of the many haunted walking tours. Edinburgh has a dark history, and the locals are very proud of their ghost stories. My husband and I found this to be a wonderful way to learn more about the city in a unique way.

Start your morning with a cozy coffee at Cairngorm Coffee. The cinnamon buns are life-changing, so maybe get two!

Today is all about immersing yourself in Edinburgh’s history and charm. Start at Edinburgh Castle to uncover its dramatic stories and sweeping views. This is a highly sought-after tourist destination, so make sure to book tickets in advance. Pro tip: Schedule a guided tour. The tour will include skip-the-line tickets and make navigating the large fortress much more manageable and fascinating. Our tour of the castle was one of the highlights of our trip.

After your tour, head downhill from the castle. This will take you through the famous Royal Mile of Edinburgh. This street has many pubs, shops, and historical stops. Although it is a famous area in Scotland, I don’t recommend spending too much time here. It is very crowded and there are many other beautiful areas of Edinburgh that show off its charm in more unique ways.

Halfway down the hill, you will find Victoria Street. Now this is a spot that is worth the hype. This street inspired many scenes in Harry Potter and has wonderful boutiques that have been there for centuries. Stop into Knoops for a luxury hot chocolate!.

At the end of the Royal Mile, you will find the Palace of Holyrood House, where you can wander through regal rooms and gardens. I highly recommend the audio guide—it was interactive and very helpful in navigating the beautiful palace.

For dinner, head to one of the most beautiful restaurants in Scotland: The Spence. Located in the stunning Gleaneagles Hotel, The Spence offers a modern, celebratory atmosphere perfect for toasting to your new adventure as newlyweds. In addition to being beautifully decorated, the food is fantastic and the service impeccable.

After dinner? Head over to Bramble, an underground cocktail lounge serving up delicious cocktails and swanky vibes.

Pick up your rental car and head north. Today’s drive is part of the romance. You’ll wind through stunning Highland scenery while making some unforgettable stops.

First stop: Swanston Farms. This cozy farm, gift shop and café is home to some adorable Highland cows (pronounced “coo” in Scotland). Thelma and Louise will greet you at the fence and love to show off for some photos!

Next, head north to the historical Scone Palace. Scone is where all monarchs were crowned up until Mary Queen of Scots, and it drips with regal elegance. Surrounded by peacocks and turrets, you will love walking hand-in-hand through the gardens. Make sure to grab a scone from the café, since this is where scones were created.

In the afternoon, continue toward Inverness, where you can check in at Rocpool Reserve for a luxurious, intimate stay. For fans of “Outlander,” Inverness is the setting for most of the show and many tours can be found that are focused around filming locations.

For dinner, I recommend The Mustard Seed, a farm-to-table restaurant with stunning views of River Ness. The venison and falafel were particular favorites of ours.

Begin the day with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, a poignant and powerful site that tells the story of Scotland’s clans. The battlefield is surrounded by incredible views and has a great museum to wander through.

From there, make your way to the famous Loch Ness. Rather than stopping at the busy visitor center, I suggest heading to Urquhart Castle on the shores of the lake. The castle ruins are atmospheric and there are multiple tours offered daily that will give you a fascinating history of both the castle and Loch Ness. Try to spot Nessie from the ramparts of the ruins!

In the afternoon, head back to Inverness to enjoy a romantic walk along the River Ness or explore the charming small shops.

For dinner, head to Rocpool for an elegant Highlands dinner. The service here was fantastic and some of the most memorable we had in Scotland. The wine list is extensive and the desserts are to die for.

Today, you’ll set out from Inverness toward Fort William, a beautiful drive with the option to stop at Eilean Donan Castle for that iconic photo opportunity. This is the most photographed castle in Europe, and for good reason.

Next stop is a visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct—the iconic bridge made famous by Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Express—is a must. For something extra special, you can book an overnight stay on the luxury Jacobite train to see the countryside.

For an evening of pampering, check into the Inverlochy Castle Hotel and have a romantic dinner at the renowned Seasgair Restaurant.

The Isle of Skye feels like stepping into a dream—a place where dramatic cliffs meet misty moors and hidden waterfalls tumble into crystal-clear pools. Its wild, untamed beauty creates the perfect backdrop for romance and adventure—from wandering castle ruins and windswept beaches to sharing quiet moments beneath endless skies.

To experience Skye, you can either drive the route yourselves or book a private/small-group driving tour of the Isle of Skye. You’ll explore highlights like the Fairy Pools, Quiraing, Portree’s colorful harbor, and Dunvegan Castle.

Dunvegan Castle is a lovely example of a Scottish clan’s ancestral home and still hosts the head of the MacLeod Clan. This was one of our favorite stops on our tour of the Highlands, as it combined unique history with incredible views.

If you are looking for a great coffee and a bite of lunch, I recommend the Community Cafe in Dunvegan. The food is amazing, and with floor-to-ceiling windows, this café stole our hearts with surprising panoramic views of Skye.

On your final day, take the scenic drive back to Edinburgh. I recommend stopping in Stirling for lunch at Fletcher’s and a visit to Stirling Castle, a fitting farewell to Scotland’s rich history. Continuing on your drive, stop by the famous sculptural Kelpies for a photo op.

For your last night in Edinburgh, I recommend dinner at ROLLO. One of the most romantic spots in town, this restaurant has an innovative menu with an Asian flare. It has great drinks and impeccable, romantic vibes.

Want one last view of Scotland? Walk up to Calton Hill to get the best views of the city at night.