Edinburgh is one of the great city destinations in Europe and a highlight of any visit to Scotland. Edinburgh will be our home the next 7 nights. It is the inspiring capital of Scotland, where centuries of history meet a vibrant, cosmopolitan city in an unforgettable setting. Discover stunning scenery, striking architecture, fine food, and the beautiful coast and countryside. This ancient capital of Scotland is now home to the new Scottish Parliament (completed in 2004). Edinburgh bristles with a spectacular collection of must-see buildings from atop Castle Rock. The imposing fortress of Edinburgh Castle (parts of which date from the twelfth century) looms over the skyline and offers panoramic views over the city and surroundings. At the opposite end of the bustling Royal Mile lies the Palace of Holyroodhouse, official Scottish residence of the British monarch. Perfect for exploring on foot, the atmospheric Old Town and the Georgian New Town to form a living UNESCO World Heritage site.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Edinburgh
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Falkland
- St. Andrews
- Stirling (optional)
- Floors Castle
- Glasgow
- Wallace Monument
- Melrose Abbey
INCLUSIONS
- Round trip airfare
- Airline fuel surcharges and taxes and fees
- 7 Nights First Class Hotel
- 9 Meals (7B, 2D)
- Sightseeing per itinerary
- Admissions per itinerary
- Professional Tour Manager
- Baggage handling
- Hotel Transfers
- Day 1&2: Depart USA - Depart from the U.S. on an overnight flight to Scotland. Arrive at Edinburgh Airport and meet your English speaking guide. Transfer to your hotel and begin your amazing journey into a historic land rimming with amazing sights, delicious food, and amazing culture. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. (D)
- Day 3: Edinburgh - Today is yours to enjoy a panoramic city tour of Edinburgh. Your city tour includes
the Georgian New Town and photo stop on Calton Hill to admire the splendid views of the city and the
historic Old Town. Entrance to Edinburgh Castle is included. Afterwards, depart for a walk on the
Royal Mile and a visit to St. Giles Cathedral. This afternoon we will visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the royal family’s official residence in Scotland, stands at the end of
Edinburgh's Royal Mile against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat, surrounded by the Holyrood
- Day 4: Edinburgh - This morning, depart for Leith for a visit of the former Royal Yacht Britannia. This magnificent ship has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. But, above all, she was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. You are welcomed on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences. Return to Edinburgh City Centre and enjoy the balance of your day at leisure. (B)
- Day 5: Glasgow - This morning, depart for Glasgow. Enjoy a panoramic Glasgow City Tour that will take you from George Square in the city center past the impressive Glasgow Cathedral - the only mainland Scottish Cathedral to have survived the Reformation intact - to the West End to admire Glasgow’s historic university buildings. We will also visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Later this afternoon we will have some free time to enjoy Glasgow's city center. This evening enjoy dinner and entertainment at Jamie’s Scottish Evening, the longest running show of its kind in Scotland. Enjoy the finest of traditional Scottish music, song, and dance. Relish the entertainment, including Highland piper and dancers, and a four course Scottish banquet with a chance to sample the famous “Haggis”. (B,D).
- Day 6: Falkland & St. Andrew’s - You will travel north of Edinburgh today. Enjoy a short stop to enjoy the spectacular 19th century Forth Rail Bridge. Located 9 miles (14 km) west of Edinburgh, the Forth Railway Bridge is a remarkable cantilever structure which is still regarded as an engineering marvel and is recognised the world over. The bridge was built to carry the two tracks of the North British Railway the 1½ miles (2½ km) over the Firth of Forth between South Queensferry and North Queensferry, at a height of 46m (150 feet) above the high tide. Continue to Falkland and visit Falkland Palace. Once a country residence of the Stuart family with beautiful painted ceilings, Flemish tapestries and gorgeous furniture. Next stop is the old town of St Andrews. It holds the oldest university in Scotland where Prince Andrews used to study. St Andrews is also famous for its golf courses. Enjoy a city tour of the city before having some free time for lunch and exploring the city at your own leisure. Afterwards you will visit St Andrews Castle and Cathedral located at the banks of the sea. (B)
- Day 7: Today, you can enjoy a day at leisure in the amazing city of Edinburgh, or perhaps you would like to enjoy an optional day trip to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most amazing castles commanding a view for many miles around. Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most magnificent, built on a rocky outcrop and commanding a view for many miles around. Continue north of Stirling to the Wallace Monument. It was built for Sir William Wallace who was hung, by the English in 1305. There is a breathtaking view from the 67m high Victorian monument. (B).
- Day 8: Kelso & Melrose - Travel in the southern direction to the Scottish Borders. Visit Floors Castle, the largest inhabited mansion in Scotland. Built in the 1720’s and improved in the 1840’s, it is overlooking the Tweed. You can see nice furniture, tapestries and beautiful porcelain. Continue to Melrose and visit Melrose Abbey. Probably the most famous ruin in Scotland, the abbey was founded by David I in 1136 for the Cistercian Order, it was largely destroyed by Richard II's English army in 1385. The surviving remains of the church are largely of the early 15th century, and are of an elegance unsurpassed in Scotland. Objects found during excavation are displayed in the Commendator's House. (B)
- Day 9: Farewell - After a final breakfast transfer to Edinburgh Airport for return flight home. (B)
