Day 13 Explore Edinburgh

Breakfast: Served at the hotel from 7am-9am, with Scottish and American options available.

Morning: We'll kick off our discoveries in Scotland's capital around 9am when we set off on a walking tour of the city led by a local guide. As we explore, we'll see the stark contrasts between Edinburgh's labyrinthine Old Town and organized New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll walk through the New Town where we'll notice neoclassical buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Then, we'll begin our explorations of the Old Town where we'll be transported back into Edinburgh's history as we stroll the winding cobbled streets and down the Royal Mile, a stretch of the city that extends from Holyrood Road to Edinburgh Castle--our next destination.

Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock--an extinct volcano--is a mighty presence in the city. Once used as the royal residency for Scottish monarchs, a fortress for armies, and a prison for pirates and POWs, the castle now serves as one of Edinburgh's leading attractions. A visit to the castle would not be complete without discovering St. Margaret's Chapel--the oldest surviving building in the city, which dates back to the twelfth century.

We'll conclude our morning's discoveries around 1pm, in time for lunch in the city.

Lunch: On your own around 1pm. Your Trip Experience Leader can provide you with recommendations.

Afternoon: The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore more of the city on your own. You can visit Roslyn Chapel, a 15th-century church known for its impressive stone carvings. Or, you may choose to visit Scottish Parliament where you can get a glimpse into the local body of government.

Dinner: On your own--perhaps you'll find a restaurant that serves traditional dishes like haggis with neeps and tatties, or turnips and potatoes.

Evening: You are free to spend the evening as you wish. You may join your fellow travelers for a nightcap at the hotel bar, or you can retire to your room to get some sleep.

5/7/21

Close Window