Edinburgh is a truly enchanting capital city. Synonymous with the nation’s ancient culture, the capital of Scotland is also visually spectacular, bristling with elegant architecture and hallmarks of a long and turbulent history. Whilst unashamedly proud of her past, Edinburgh is alsoforward-looking, home to modern Scottish politics, a dynamic social scene and the mother of all international cultural festivals.
The city’s skyline is dominated by Edinburgh Castle, an imposing fortress which appears to grow organically out of the ancient volcanic rock upon which it perches. Throughout history the castle has played host to a procession of sieges, battles, plots and treacherous monarchs and is still home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the myth-enshrouded “Stone of Destiny”.
Surrounding the castle, Edinburgh’s old town clings to the hillside, a rambling network of cobbled streets and lanes to be explored. The highlight is the romantic Royal Mile, a bustling cobbled strip of historic tenements, inns and souvenir shops. At the foot of the mile, Holyrood Abbey and the Palace of Holyrood House await; once home to the tragic Mary Queen of Scots, this opulent palace remains the British Monarch’s official residence in Scotland. Close-by is the contrasting, ultra-modern Scottish Parliament, completed in 2004 it has since been the home of Scottish politics and is definitely worth a tour during your visit. The old town is home to much of Edinburgh’s vibrant pub scene with traditional and themed pubs lining the streets, and the whole area is alive during the renowned Edinburgh Festival which takes place annually throughout the month of August.
Shopping is a pleasure in Edinburgh; the main commercial thoroughfare, Princes Street, is a wide avenue, flanked on one side by the picturesque Princes Street Gardens and all in the shadow of the magnificent castle. Along Princes Street you will also find a number of cultural highlights including the twisting spires of Scot Monument, the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery of Scotland which showcase both Scottish and international works including Titian and Monet.
Stretching the other side of Princes Street is the elegant “New Town” home to wide avenues of grand Georgian town houses and garden squares which contrasts perfectly with the winding alleys of the Old Town. Fine examples are the grandiose George Street and Charlotte Square which is home to both the First Minister of Scotland’s official residence and the restored “Georgian House” which recreates life in the late 1700’s when the area was first settled.
To capture stunning views of the city in all its glory, you can climb one or both of the areas of high land either side of the city. Carlton Hill overlooks the new town and is home to the stunning Nelson and National Monuments, whilst the famous “Arthur’s Seat” sits at the highest point of the glorious Holyrood Park, an area of diverse parkland right on the doorstep of the city and a favourite for walkers and hikers.
The outskirts of Edinburgh also offer some renowned sights not to be missed. At the rejuvenated Leith Docks in the North you will find the glorious “Royal Yacht Britannia”. Craigmillar Castle, located to the South of the city, is a fine example of a 15th century Scottish fortress with ties to Mary Queen of Scots. Finally, a true gem which was thrust into the limelight following the 2006 Da Vinci Code movie, Rosslyn Chapel in the village of Roslin just 7 miles south of Edinburgh is intricately decorated and today still holds Masonic and Templar connections making it a truly intriguing visit.
Soaking up the history of Edinburgh and its surrounds is a “must” during any visit to Scotland.
This Britain Small Group Tour takes you from London to Edinburgh providing the full British history and culture experience along the way. See Oxford and the Cotswolds, shop at Chester's Rows, wind through Wales' stunning Snowdonia National Park, enjoy medieval York and explore Wordsworth's Lake District before finally visiting mysterious chapels and stately homes in the Scottish Lowlands.
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Enjoy a Scottish Islands escorted tour as you journey through majestic Highland scenery and explore Scotland's remote islands on this comprehensive tour of Scotland. Experience the tranquillity of the Isle of Skye, the undiscovered wilderness of the Isle of Bute, the dramatic landscapes of the Northern Highlands and the ancient pre-history of the Isle of Orkney, not to mention the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
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A quick tour of Britain - See both cityscapes and scenic landscapes on this brief tour of Britain taking in the highlights of England Scotland and Wales. The lively pace of this 5-night tour allows you to cover a lot of Britain in a short space of time as you journey from London to the Welsh capital of Cardiff, vibrant Liverpool, historic Edinburgh and the medieval city of York before returning to London. Iconic sites are in abundance including Cardiff and Edinburgh Castles, Stonehenge, York Minster and the English Lake District.
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Experience some of Britain's most spectacular and scenic rail journeys as you explore Scotland and the Highlands by train. Cross the Glenfinnan viaduct on the famous West Highland way and visit famous destinations including the Isle of Skye, Inverness and the capital city of Edinburgh.
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Enjoy the highlights of Britain on this leisurely 15-day tour which takes you from the far South West of England to Scotland’s St Andrews. On route discover national icons such as Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle and Windsor Castle alongside more “off the beaten path” destinations as you explore the coast and countryside of Devon and Cornwall, the mountains of North Wales and the remote towns and dales of Yorkshire.
View this tourOne of our best Scotland Driving Tours – Scotland Explorer offers a comprehensive itinerary taking you on a journey to the corners of this beautiful nation; see Scotland from the bustling cultural and historic cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to the expansive wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. From the rugged beauty of the West coast and Isle of Skye to the cultural sites of the East Coast and Aberdeenshire. Along the way see sparkling lochs, towering mountain ranges, ancient castle ruins, and whisky distilleries – a truly Scottish experience.
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A Scottish small group tour - Enjoy this comprehensive tour of Scotland, a captivating land of contrasts which is both aesthetically beautiful and historically fascinating. From Edinburgh to the remote islands of Skye and Mull, enjoy dramatic coastlines, towering mountains, shimmering lochs and heather covered highlands all richly peppered with castles, abbeys and ancient sites which tell the tale of Scotland's intriguing and often turbulent history.
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A Quality Britain Coach Tour - Experience the very best of England, Scotland and Wales on this journey throughout all of Britain. Enjoy a host of fabulous cities - these include historic York, elegant Edinburgh, and bustling Glasgow. Not to mention, the hidden gem in Cardiff. On your journey, pass through some of Britain’s most famous areas of outstanding scenery - pass through the Cotswolds, Yorkshire and the Trossachs of Scotland. Not to mention the Lake District and the renowned coastal counties of England's West Country; Devon and Cornwall.
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Travel from Edinburgh to London through England's historic Eastern regions where the Celts, Romans, Angles and Vikings all left their marks. On this Eastern England small group tour we'll discover rich and contrasting history and culture as we explore the cathedral cities of Durham and York, drive through the stunning and remote landscapes of the Yorkshire Moors and the Peak District and wind our way through the colleges and cobbled streets of Cambridge. On route we'll encounter hidden villages, stately homes and Royal Palaces.
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Get off the beaten tourist track as you journey from Windsor to Edinburgh through the beautiful West of Britain. Explore England’s picturesque coastal counties of Devon and Cornwall, see unrivalled vistas in Wales’ Snowdonia National Park, pass through the majestic Lake District and tour two of Scotland’s most elegant cities in, Edinburgh and St Andrews.
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A brief escorted Britain tour - this succinct but feature-packed tour is a spirited journey that captures the essence of Britain in only a few days. Visiting England, Scotland and Wales it includes a fantastic cross-section of Britain’s historical towns, traditional heritage, cultural figures and idyllic scenic landscapes not to mention some real gems of this great nation. A great introduction to Britain for those on a time budget without compromising on quality!
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Travelling by train explore central Scotland and three of her iconic cities; uncover stark contrasts as you uncover the dynamic urban centre of Glasgow and the historic charm of Stirling not to mention the nation’s famous capital in Edinburgh.
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A Brief Britain Coach Tour – Offering an introduction to amazing Britain, this itinerary will take you on a fast-paced journey through the highlights of England and Scotland. Discover natural landscapes and iconic historic cities; scenic drives take you through the Cotswolds, Yorkshire, the English Lake District and the Scottish Highlands. By contrast you’ll also see renowned cities such as York, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and Bath. A well-paced tour that enables you to see all of Amazing Britain.
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A driving tour of England and Scotland - indulge in a unique trip taking in two of Britain’s most unique nations. Your self-drive vacation will take you through the rural landscapes of England and Scotland before returning your vehicle in Edinburgh and returning to London by rail. The trip will take in the beautiful landscapes of the Cotswolds, Yorkshire, Lake District and Scottish Highlands not to mention a host of elegant cities including York, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.
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A Great Britain driving tour - experience all that is great about Britain on the ultimate tour of England, Scotland and Wales. See it all, from the thriving capital cities of London, Edinburgh and Cardiff to the remote Scottish Highlands, tranquil Lake District an d spectacular Snowdonia National Park. Along the way you’ll experience diverse cultures and histories and see world-famous landmarks including Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, Cardiff Castle, the Cotswolds, Hadrian’s Wall, Loch Ness and Edinburgh Castle.
View this tourEnjoy the sights and sounds of the contrasting cityscapes of the British capitals in Cardiff, Edinburgh and London. Travelling by rail you can maximize your vacation time by gliding between these cultural centres in super-quick time.
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A Driving Tour to Skye – Our Skye and the Highlands tour does what it says on the tin offering an itinerary which takes you away from the bustling cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the remote wilderness of the Scottish Highlands. Experience the enigmatic scenery of Glencoe Valley, Scotland’s West Coast and the majestic isle of Skye. Then onwards along the Great Glen to the capital of the Highlands itself! Along the way you’ll see sparkling lochs and ancient castles, the perfect Highland escape.
View this tourAn escorted tour of England and Scotand, discover some of Britain’s finest cities and all that’s in between on this leisurely trip of the East of Britain. Travelling from Edinburgh to London via York, you’ll enjoy overnight stays in our most renowned historic and cultural centres whilst your daily excursions will take you to a host of smaller towns and areas of natural beauty including St Andrews, the Scottish Borders, the North Yorkshire Moors and the Cotswolds.
View this tourEnjoy this Scottish Highlands escorted tour for a leisurely trip of Scotland which focusses on the spectacular history, culture and scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye. Discover a host of iconic and lesser known Scottish castles, the seats of royalty and ancient clans, cruise on misty lochs and take a stunning highland rail journey. The leisurely pace offers stays of a minimum of two nights in each location.
View this tourA Scottish Castle Driving Tour - Experience Scottish hospitality at its traditional best on this exclusive tour staying in sumptuous and historic castle and manor-house hotels. This itinerary takes you from historic Stirling and Edinburgh to the remote Mull of Kintyre and the dramatic West Coast to the Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands. Along the way you’ll experience the very best of both Scotland’s landscapes and heritage. Enjoy included admission to dozens of historic attractions by day and the utmost of comfort and character at your accommodation each night.
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A Scottish Highlands Coach Tour - Explore beyond Scotland's tartan façade where there lies 8,000 years of history and a rich cultural heritage, while the drama and variety of her natural features never fail to impress. Explore the Northern Highlands and Isles of Orkney and Skye on the Country Roads of Scotland Tour which is well paced and offers two-night stays in both Edinburgh and Thurso.
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A succinct Scotland Driving Tour – Our Simply Scotland itinerary offers you a great introduction to this enchanting nation. In the course of just a few days you’ll experience the rugged landscapes of Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands and the magical capital city of Edinburgh. Highlights along the way include historic Stirling, Loch Lomond, the West coast and Scotland’s most famous body of water - Loch Ness.
View this tourEnjoy this comprehensive tour of Scotland, a captivating land of contrasts which is both aesthetically beautiful and historically fascinating. From Edinburgh to the remote islands of Skye and Mull, enjoy dramatic coastlines, towering mountains, shimmering lochs and heather covered highlands all richly peppered with castles, abbeys and ancient sites which tell the tale of Scotland's intriguing and often turbulent history.
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A Britain Castle Tour - Indulge in the history and heritage of England, Scotland and Wales by day and see its character reflected in your unique and distinguished accommodation each night on this deluxe tour of Britain. With your overnight accommodation in quality castle or manor house hotels, your tour will take you through the elegant cities of York, Bath, Oxford and Edinburgh as well as the natural beauty of the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Moors, the Scottish Lowlands and the mountains of Snowdonia.
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Discover English and Scottish landscapes and heritage on this rail journey through two great nations. Taking you from vibrant London to romantic Edinburgh and a host of English and Scottish towns and cities on route, you'll also enjoy the British countryside at its most majestic.
View this tourAn exclusive luxury Britain coach tour - Discover the essence of Britain through knowledgeable experts and passionate locals introducing you to stories of Britain from past to present. Visit significant destinations once frequented by British greats such as Shakespeare and renowned kings. Travel in style on this elegant tour, and spend your evenings in a hand-picked selection of exclusive hotels. Enjoy travel through England to Scotland, whilst relishing in a range of VIP experiences such as the Tower of London for a private viewing of the Ceremony of the Keys, Edinburgh castle and visits to royal gardens. On route visit the Georgian city of Bath and the mesmerising dales of the Lake District on this relaxing, well-paced tour is a trip of a lifetime.
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An escorted Scotland tour, enjoy a flavour of Scotland and all this enchanting nation has to offer. From Glasgow you’ll journey along the Great Glen in to rugged Highlands and back to Edinburgh, the elegant capital. On route you’ll enjoy a loch cruise, sample single malts and enjoy a traditional Scottish evening of local cuisine and entertainment.
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A scotland escorted coach tour, experience the Highlands and the heart of Scotland on your Scottish Dream tour. From the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the remote Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, the Cairngorms and the heart of Scotland, you'll see clan seats, baronial manors, remote castles, royal palaces, ancient battlefields, malt distilleries and the spiritual home of golf.
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A Comprehensive Britain Coach Tour - This elegant tour of Scotland and England evokes a bygone age; discover traditional villages, stately homes, historic castles and beautiful gardens. Enjoy a leisurely touring pace with two-night stays in each overnight destination. Enjoying expertly planned day excursions or city tours from your accommodation bases, not to mention a fabulous array of local visits designed to showcase each region in depth. A truly engaging and well balanced itinerary of Britain.
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Ride the scenic Scottish rail routes through the heart of the nation to the stunning Highlands and back again taking in some of Scotland's most visited heritage towns and cities along the way. The Heart of Scotland tour takes you from the Grampian Highlands and the Cairngorm National Park to Stirling, Inverness and the beautiful capital of Edinburgh.
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Classic Britain - a snapshot of the countryside and historic cities of England, Scotland and Wales. Enjoy the rolling hills and thatch villages of the Cotswolds to the towering mountains and fortresses of North Wales. Pass through the lakes and dales of the English Lake District and the rolling hills of the Scottish Lowlands and Yorkshire Dales. Historic cities to explore on route include Regency Bath, Medieval York, and the capital cities of Edinburgh and London.
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