Itinerary

That sounds like a fantastic trip! With 17 days to explore Edinburgh, London, Amsterdam, and Glasgow, we can create a lovely itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and family-friendly activities. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1-4: Edinburgh

## Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh

• Morning: Arrive in Edinburgh and check into your family-friendly accommodation. Consider a hotel or apartment near the city center for convenience.
• Afternoon: Stroll through Princes Street Gardens. Let the kids run around while you enjoy the views of the castle.
• Evening: Have dinner at a local pub with traditional Scottish fare. Try The Witchery for a magical atmosphere.

## Day 2: Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile

• Morning: Visit Edinburgh Castle. Explore the history and enjoy the stunning views.
• Afternoon: Walk down the Royal Mile, stopping at shops and street performers. Grab lunch at a café.
• Evening: Head to Holyrood Park for a leisurely walk. If you’re up for it, hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views.

## Day 3: Museums and Parks

• Morning: Visit the National Museum of Scotland. It’s interactive and great for kids!
• Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic at The Meadows. Let the kids play in the park.
• Evening: Explore the Grassmarket area for dinner. It’s vibrant and has plenty of family-friendly options.

## Day 4: Day Trip to the Highlands

• All ## Day: Take a family-friendly day trip to the Scottish Highlands. Consider a guided tour that includes stops at beautiful lochs and castles. It’s a long day, but the scenery is breathtaking!

## Day 5-9: London

## Day 5: Travel to London

• Morning: Take a train from Edinburgh to London (about 4.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax. Explore Hyde Park—rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine!
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the area.

## Day 6: London Landmarks

• Morning: Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard.
• Afternoon: Explore St. James's Park. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll and has a lovely playground.
• Evening: Head to the Southbank for dinner and enjoy the riverside views.

## Day 7: Museums and More Parks

• Morning: Visit the Natural History Museum. The dinosaur exhibit is a hit with kids!
• Afternoon: Walk to Kensington Gardens and visit Kensington Palace. The gardens are beautiful for a picnic.
• Evening: Enjoy a West End show. Look for family-friendly options like The Lion King.

## Day 8: Day Trip to Windsor

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Windsor Castle. Explore the castle and the lovely Windsor Great Park. It’s a great place for a family picnic!

## Day 9: Markets and Neighborhoods

• Morning: Visit Borough Market for breakfast and explore the food stalls.
• Afternoon: Head to Greenwich. Visit the Royal Observatory and enjoy the park.
• Evening: Dinner in Greenwich, then take a riverboat back to central London.

## Day 10-13: Amsterdam

## Day 10: Travel to Amsterdam

• Morning: Fly or take a train from London to Amsterdam (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and explore Vondelpark. It’s a great place for kids to play.
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant nearby.

## Day 11: Canals and Culture

• Morning: Take a canal cruise. It’s a fun way to see the city from the water!
• Afternoon: Visit the Rijksmuseum. The gardens are lovely for a stroll.
• Evening: Explore the Jordaan neighborhood for dinner. It’s charming and has many eateries.

## Day 12: Art and Parks

• Morning: Visit the Van Gogh Museum. The art is captivating for all ages.
• Afternoon: Spend time at Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest). There are playgrounds, a petting zoo, and even a small lake.
• Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner in the area.

## Day 13: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Zaanse Schans to see traditional windmills and Dutch houses. It’s picturesque and educational for the kids!

## Day 14-17: Glasgow

## Day 14: Travel to Glasgow

• Morning: Fly or take a train from Amsterdam to Glasgow (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and explore Kelvingrove Park. The museum here is also worth a visit.
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the West End.

## Day 15: Glasgow Science Centre

• Morning: Visit the Glasgow Science Centre. It’s interactive and perfect for families!
• Afternoon: Explore Glasgow Green and the People’s Palace. The gardens are lovely for a stroll.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local eatery.

## Day 16: Day Trip to Loch Lomond

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Loch Lomond. Enjoy the stunning scenery, and consider a boat trip or a walk along the shore.
• Evening: Return to Glasgow for a relaxed dinner.

## Day 17: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll through the city.
• Afternoon: Depart from Glasgow.

Tips for a Relaxed Pace:

• Allow for downtime in your itinerary. Kids (and adults!) need breaks.
• Consider using public transport or walking to explore the cities at a leisurely pace.
• Be flexible! If you find a park or attraction you love, feel free to spend more time there.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories with your family! Enjoy your travels! 🌍✈️