### Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh
**Morning**
- **Arrival**: Arrive in Edinburgh. Collect your rental car at the airport for easy transportation throughout your trip.
- **Check-in**: Check into a centrally located hotel in Edinburgh such as The Balmoral Hotel. It's famous for its luxury and central location.
**Afternoon**
- **Lunch**: Enjoy a traditional Scottish lunch at a local pub, like The Sheep Heid Inn.
- **Activity**: Begin your Scotland adventure with a walk through the historic Royal Mile, exploring its unique shops and the stunning architecture.
- **Visit**: Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, offers a spectacular view of the city and loads of historical insights.
**Evening**
- **Dinner**: Dine at The Witchery by the Castle, known for its delicious and traditional Scottish fare.
- **Relaxation**: Rest back at the hotel or stroll along Princes Street Gardens to unwind.
### Day 2: Edinburgh Exploration
**Morning**
- **Breakfast**: Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast at your hotel.
- **Activity**: Explore Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Abbey. Walk up to Arthur’s Seat for a panoramic view of the city.
**Afternoon**
- **Lunch**: Have a light lunch at The Elephant House, a café famed as the birthplace of Harry Potter.
- **Activity**: Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a deep dive into the country’s past.
**Evening**
- **Dinner**: Enjoy dinner at a local bistro like Wedgwood The Restaurant.
- **Activity**: Attend a local theatre or cultural event, depending on availability.
### Day 3: Road Trip to the Highlands
**Morning**
- **Breakfast**: Early breakfast at the hotel.
- **Drive**: Depart for Inverness, the gateway to the Highlands (approximately a 3-hour drive).
**Afternoon**
- **Lunch**: Stop for lunch in Pitlochry, a charming town with scenic views.
- **Activity**: Visit Blair Castle on your way to Inverness to appreciate its history and beautiful gardens.
**Evening**
- **Check-in**: Arrive in Inverness and check into a cozy bed & breakfast, like the Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel.
- **Dinner**: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant such as Rocpool Restaurant.
### Day 4: Inverness and Loch Ness
**Morning**
- **Breakfast**: Full breakfast at your B&B.
- **Activity**: Take a Loch Ness cruise and visit Urquhart Castle ruins.
**Afternoon**
- **Lunch**: Enjoy a picnic by the lakeside.
- **Activity**: Explore the nearby Glen Affric for some breathtaking natural scenery.
**Evening**
- **Dinner**: Dine at The Kitchen Brasserie, offering local dishes.
- **Relaxation**: Evening stroll along River Ness to relax.
### Day 5: Journey to Isle of Skye
**Morning**
- **Breakfast**: Breakfast at your B&B.
- **Drive**: Head towards Isle of Skye (around 2.5 hours drive).
**Afternoon**
- **Lunch**: Stop at the village of Kyle of Lochalsh for lunch.
- **Activity**: Cross the Skye Bridge and visit the Eilean Donan Castle.
**Evening**
- **Check-in**: Stay at a waterfront hotel like the Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree.
- **Dinner**: Dinner at The Three Chimneys, famous for its high-quality dishes made from local ingredients.
### Day 6: Isle of Skye Exploration
**Morning**
- **Breakfast**: Breakfast at the hotel.
- **Activity**: Hike the Old Man of Storr for incredible views.
**Afternoon**
- **Lunch**: Have lunch at a local café in Portree.
- **Activity**: Visit the Fairy Pools, a series of beautiful waterfalls.
**Evening**
- **Dinner**: Dinner at Scorrybreac, which offers great local fare.
- **Relaxation**: Relax at the hotel with a view of the water.
### Day 7: Exploration of Fort William
**Morning**
- **Breakfast**: Breakfast at the hotel.
- **Drive**: Travel to Fort William (approximately 2 hours).
**Afternoon**
- **Lunch**: Have lunch at a local restaurant such as Crannog Seafood Restaurant.
- **Activity**: Visit Neptune’s Staircase and take a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train (featured in Harry Potter films).
**Evening**
- **Check-in**: Check into a countryside B&B like Glentower Lower Observatory.
- **Dinner**: Dinner at the Lime Tree Restaurant.
### Day 8: Fort William and Ben Nevis
**Morning**
- **Breakfast**: Breakfast at the B&B.
- **Activity**: Hike or take the gondola up Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak.
**Afternoon**
- **Lunch**: Picnic on the mountain.
- **Activity**: Explore the West Highland Museum.
**Evening**
- **Dinner**: Dine at Browns Restaurant.
- **Relaxation**: Relax in the B&B’s garden or common area.
### Day 9: Ferry to the Isle of Mull
**Morning**
- **Breakfast**: Breakfast at the B&B.
- **Drive**: Travel to Oban (about 1.5 hours), then take the ferry to Isle of Mull.
**Afternoon**
- **Lunch**: Lunch on the ferry or in Tobermory upon arrival.
- **Activity**: Explore Tobermory’s colorful waterfront and visit the Mull Museum.
**Evening**
- **Check-in**: Stay at the Highland Cottage in Tobermory.
- **Dinner**: Dinner at Café Fish, renowned for its seafood.
### Day 10: Isle of Mull Adventure
**Morning**
- **Breakfast**: Breakfast at the B&B.
- **Activity**: Visit Duart Castle and enjoy its historic exhibitions.
**Afternoon**
- **Lunch**: Picnic lunch by the coast.
- **Activity**: Explore the scenic Calgary Bay and walk its trails.
**Evening**
- **Dinner**: Dinner at The Galleon Grill in Tobermory.
- **Relaxation**: Relax back at your accommodation.
### Day 11: Return to Edinburgh
**Morning**
- **Breakfast**: Breakfast at the B&B.
- **Drive**: Take the ferry back to Oban and drive back to Edinburgh.
**Afternoon**
- **Lunch**: Stop for lunch in the town of Stirling; consider visiting Stirling Castle if time allows.
- **Check-in**: Check back into your hotel in Edinburgh.
**Evening**
- **Dinner**: Enjoy your final dinner at a special place like Rhubarb at Prestonfield.
### Day 12: Departure
**Morning**
- **Breakfast**: Final breakfast in Edinburgh.
- **Activity**: Depending on your flight time, you might visit the Royal Botanic Garden or do some last-minute shopping.
**Afternoon**
- **Departure**: Return your rental car and head to the airport for departure.
### Packing Tips:
- **Clothing**: Layers are essential due to Scotland’s variable weather. Pack waterproof jackets, sturdy walking shoes, and cozy sweaters.
- **Extras**: Don’t forget your camera, travel adaptors, and a detailed map or GPS for driving.
- **Toiletries**: Basic toiletry kit and any personal medications you may need.
By following this itinerary, you’ll fully immerse yourself in Scotland's rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and unique culture while comfortably navigating with a rental car. Enjoy your trip!