Magnificent Edinburgh
Visit Scotland’s magnificent and historic capital, and explore the world-famous medieval castle.
Visit Scotland’s magnificent and historic capital, and explore the world-famous medieval castle.
From Leith, travel into Edinburgh, with its dramatic setting perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags. Enjoy a fascinating city tour before visiting medieval Edinburgh Castle.
Dominating the city, the Castle has been home to Scottish kings and queens down the centuries. Enjoy a guided visit of the Castle, before spending some free time on the historic and atmospheric Royal Mile. After passing Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s residence in Edinburgh, go through the extensive, rather wild Royal Park. Continue to the Georgian New Town, with its elegant townhouses and private parks.
After ascending Arthur’s Seat, which affords beautiful views across the city, head down towards Leith and the ship.
Braveheart Country
Investigate the roots of Scottish-English tensions, the origins of Scottish nationalism and hear tales of heroic characters.
Investigate the roots of Scottish-English tensions, the origins of Scottish nationalism and hear tales of heroic characters.
Historic Stirling has a long and fascinating history as a Royal burgh and is packed with major historical sites. With its crag-top castle and medieval, cobbled streets, the town has been at the heart of some of Scotland’s most significant developments in the evolution of the Scottish nation.
Enjoy a guided visit of the immensely impressive Stirling Castle, the favoured residence of the Stuart monarchy. Some of the rooms enable visitors to appreciate the original atmosphere, smells and sounds. At the north end of the town, drive across the 15th century Old Bridge, which marks the lowest crossing point on the River Forth, and the scene of the Battle of Stirling Bridge in which Wallace defeated the English.
Further north, pass the Wallace Monument, a huge Victorian Gothic monolithic tribute to Wallace, high on Abbey Craig. Wallace was eventually betrayed by Scottish nobles and hanged, drawn and quartered in London.
Finally, travel south of the town to the site of Scotland’s greatest victory over the English, when Robert the Bruce defeated Edward II’s army at Bannockburn in 1314. The Bannockburn Heritage Centre helps to bring to life the full scale of the battle. Outside is an equestrian statue of Bruce near where he planted his standard following the victory.
Edinburgh Panoramic
View the sights of Edinburgh, a city offering the perfect balance between all things traditional and contemporary.
View the sights of Edinburgh, a city offering the perfect balance between all things traditional and contemporary.
Enjoy a fascinating city tour that embraces most of Edinburgh’s treasure trove of historical monuments and sights, in both the medieval ‘Old Town’, and the 18th century ‘New Town’, both of which form a World Heritage Site.
This is a city of elegant streets, mysterious cobbled alleys and Georgian and Victorian architecture, yet is a vibrant, cosmopolitan and modern city, with an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants. See the World Heritage listed Old and New Towns, with their distinct characters and Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the skyline. Drive along the historic and atmospheric Royal Mile, and pass Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s residence in Edinburgh.
Forth Bridges and Hopetoun House
Visit the shores of the Firth of Forth, with views of the spectacular Forth Bridges and explore the beautiful Hopetoun House.
Visit the shores of the Firth of Forth, with views of the spectacular Forth Bridges and explore the beautiful Hopetoun House.
From Leith, drive through the centre of Edinburgh, the showcase capital of Scotland. Its setting is undeniably striking, perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags, branching out from the breathtaking Edinburgh Castle.
Leaving the city, head north towards Fife and the dramatic bridges of the Firth of Forth. The Forth Rail Bridge seen here spanning the 1½ mile wide firth, was built from 1883 to 1890 and ranks among the supreme achievements of Victorian engineering. To the west, the Forth Road Bridge is a modern day suspension bridge, completed in 1964 it finally killed off the 900-year-old ferry service.
Continuing along the south bank of the Firth, stop at the 18th century mansion Hopetoun House. Enjoy a guided tour of this unique gem of Europe's architectural heritage, undoubtedly one of Scotland’s finest stately homes. Hopetoun House is one of the most splendid examples of the work of Scottish architects, Sir William Bruce and William Adam. The interior of the House with opulent gilding and classical motifs reflects the aristocratic grandeur of the early 18th century.
The House is set in 100 acres of rolling parkland including fine woodland walks, the Red Deer Park and Spring Garden with a profusion of wild flowers.
Holyrood Palace and Royal Yacht Britannia
Visit the residence occupied by Her Majesty whenever visiting Edinburgh, and her beloved private yacht.
Visit the residence occupied by Her Majesty whenever visiting Edinburgh, and her beloved private yacht.
Arriving at the foot of the intriguing, cobbled street, the ‘Royal Mile’, with its innumerable alleys and closes, is Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s Residence when staying in Edinburgh. The Palace was built in the style of a French chateau, the Great Gallery is adorned with over a hundred portraits of Scottish monarchs through the ages and the Royal Apartments are fascinating for their associations with Mary, Queen of Scots’ turbulent history. There is also a chance to explore the beautiful grounds where the Queen hosts her annual Garden Party.
Once described as her floating palace and her ‘home away from home,’ a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia is a masterclass in style and luxury, and a unique insight into the lives of the British Royal Family. Host to glittering state and official occasions, this remains one of the most famous ships in the world. You will discover Britannia’s fascinating past through exhibits, displays and photographs, before visiting the Royal Apartments, where hundreds of original items are on display in the sun lounge, drawing room and bedrooms, as well as the working deck, officer’s mess, sick bay and engine room.
Rosslyn Chapel and Glenkinchie Distillery
Visit one of Scotland’s most beautiful architectural gems, witness the production of whisky and taste Scotland’s national drink.
Visit one of Scotland’s most beautiful architectural gems, witness the production of whisky and taste Scotland’s national drink.
Departing Leith, travel southward into the heart of Midlothian for the short trip to Roslin, a quaint little village and home of the mysterious, historic enigma of Rosslyn Chapel. Perched above the Esk Valley, this magnificent and unique Chapel is surrounded by myths, legends and undeniable beauty and has a richly carved interior of Biblical representations. One of the most fascinating sights in the church and the most elaborate carving is the ‘Apprentice Pillar’ and legend relates how while the master was away in Rome, the apprentice finished the work for him. However, on his return, the master mason felt so threatened by his apprentice’s clearly demonstrated talent that he blinded and murdered him in a surge of rage. The Chapel has now become famous as the site of the climax of the best-selling novel ‘The Da Vinci Code.’
Leaving the pretty Esk Valley, turn eastward to Edinburgh’s very own Glenkinchie Distillery. Glenkinchie produces it own distinctive single malt and is situated just beside the beautiful village of Pencaitland. Enjoy a private tour of the distillery, followed by a traditional tasting session in the bar.