Edinburgh

Edinburgh has a treasure trove of historical monuments and sights in both the medieval `Old Town`, and the 18th century `New Town`. These include Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, famous Princes Street and its shops, the Outlook Tower and its view over the city.

Whether you are sightseeing or shopping there are an abundance of places to eat and drink to keep you replenished. This unguided tour gives you the freedom to choose what to do with your day out.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach. There is 5½ hours of free time in the city. Maps will be provided.

Travel through the Vale of Strathmore, a fertile valley with the Grampian Mountains to the north and the Sidlaw Hills to the south, to your first stop, the imposing keep of Glamis Castle, with its rich history and stunning setting. Owned by the Bowes-Lyon family, it was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother. It is an archetypal Scottish baronial castle, made famous as the setting of Duncan’s murder in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Visit the Royal Apartments and see pheasants and deer in the surrounding park.

Continue to St Andrews, a beautiful town situated on a wide bay on the north-east Fife coast. Often described as the Oxford and Cambridge of Scotland, it has a very distinctive collegiate feel, with its quads, beautiful gardens and magnificent old trees, which influenced Prince William to study at the ancient university. This is the place where he met Kate Middleton and where their Royal romance first blossomed. Enjoy a guided tour by coach, passing through the medieval streets, past the ruined Gothic cathedral, and close to the Old Course. Afterwards, enjoy around 2 hours free time to explore this historic gem with cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and many places which have changed very little in centuries.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to 1½ hours of walking at Glamis Castle. Walking in St Andrews is at passengers’ own discretion. Lunch has not been included to allow maximum flexibility.

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.

During your journey, view the many elegant streets, mysterious cobbled alleys with Georgian and Victorian architecture, nestling alongside a variety of vibrant, cosmopolitan and modern elements, including an abundance of shops, bars and restaurants. The most majestic aspect of the city is medieval Edinburgh Castle which dominates the skyline. Before returning to the ship, drive along part of the historic and atmospheric Royal Mile, and pass Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s residence in Edinburgh.

This tour is ideal for those who prefer to sightsee from the comfort of a coach.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach. There will be a comfort stop en route.

Travel into Edinburgh, with its dramatic setting perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags. Enjoy a fascinating city tour before visiting the impressive Edinburgh Castle.

Dominating the city, the Castle has been home to Scottish Kings and Queens through the centuries. Enjoy a guided visit of the Castle, before spending some free time on the historic and atmospheric Royal Mile.

After rejoining the coach, pass Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s residence in Edinburgh, see the extensive, rather wild Royal Park, the landmark Arthur’s Seat and the Georgian New Town, with its elegant townhouses and private parks.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to 1¾ hours of walking at Edinburgh Castle, with cobbled pathways and a long sloping pathway to the main area. There will be 30 minutes of free time at the Royal Mile.

The Royal Yacht Britannia, once home to The Queen and the Royal Family, is now based permanently in Edinburgh. You will have the chance to explore the ship whilst your audio guide provides you with captivating stories and rare glimpses into the life of the British Royal Family.

This magnificent floating palace is a master class in style and luxury, and remains one of the most famous ships in the world. Britannia has hosted many glittering state and official occasions, where she has welcomed some of the world’s most famous and influential people including Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Rajiv Gandhi and Boris Yeltsin.

The tour covers 5 of Britannia’s decks which will take you from the fabulous State Apartments to the crew quarters and the gleaming Engine Room. Highlights will include the State Dining Room, Sun Lounge, Officers Wardroom and the on board garage which houses one of Her Majesty’s Rolls-Royces. You will also have the unique opportunity to see inside the Queen’s Bedroom, a rare insight that is not possible at any other royal residence.

Discover Britannia’s fascinating past through exhibits, displays and photos found in the different rooms, the majority of these items are the original pieces, which have been loaned from the Royal Collection.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. All 5 decks are fully accessible for wheelchair users and there are lifts and ramps throughout. In order to enjoy the whole tour wheelchairs should be no wider than 26 inches.