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Edinburgh Tours, Vacations & Experiences

  • Hike the hills outside of Edinburgh to find a breathtaking view from the top of Arthur's Seat
  • Visit history in person while exploring the hallowed halls of Edinburgh Castle
  • Take a break from sightseeing and go for a shopping spree along the Royal Mile
  • Venture to royal lands while stopping at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the monarch's official Scotland residence
  • Step away from the chaos of the capital by heading to Dean Village, a tranquil space within the larger city

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is a city which interestingly combines both the old and the new on a UK vacation. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and In 2004 became the first member of the UNESCO Creative Cities initiative when it was designated a City of Literature. With over 4,500 listed buildings, Edinburgh is world-renowned for its rich architectural heritage. The two main areas of particular interest in this historic city are the Old Town which includes the medieval fortress of Edinburgh Castle and the neo-classical New Town which dates back to the 18th Century. The combination of medieval architecture with neo-classical terraces gives Edinburgh its own unique character. on Scotland vacations.

One can find here medieval palaces, Georgian architecture, contemporary avant-garde buildings and Gothic churches all in one city. Then there are the museums and galleries, the parks, the nightlife and the amazing annual festivals, all to be enjoyed on a United Kingdom vacation.

Starting with the Old Town which is the historic core of Edinburgh, this includes Edinburgh Castle, a magnificently situated royal fortress located on one of the highest points in the city. The castle has been continuously in use for 1000 years and is in excellent condition. Highlights include the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) and the ancient St Margaret's Chapel. From time to time, one can experience concerts on the castle esplanade.  Not too far away is the Abbey and Palace of Holyrood House. The Palace is a royal residence and hosts the Queen's Gallery containing a collection of art from the Royal Collection. The Palace is best known as the home of Mary Queen of Scots and as the site of the murder of Mary's secretary Rizzio, allegedly by her husband Lord Darnley. Walk around Holyrood Park created by King James the VI in the 16th Century. It is like a Scottish landscape in miniature containing Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano with wonderful views from the summit on trips to Scotland.  

Between the Castle and the Palace is the Royal Mile, a street which is the backbone of the sixteenth-century Old Town as most of the buildings date from this period. There are a number of small "closes" that run off the Royal Mile to each side. Try a ghost walk around the back streets surrounding The Royal Mile and learn about the sinister goings-on of Edinburgh's past.  Also on the Royal Mile is St. Giles Cathedral which contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen). The building bears a distinctive crowned spire and was first officially dedicated in 1243. Gladstone's Land in the Lawnmarket at the top of the Royal Mile is a 17th-century Old Town tenement building decorated with period furniture and has an impressive painted ceiling. 

The Scottish Parliament at the Eastern end of the Royal Mile is a unique building designed by a Spanish architect. The building is highly controversial among Scots who consider it either a daring showpiece of postmodern architecture or a national embarrassment. 

The Museum of Scotland and Royal Museum of Scotland mix innovative modern architecture with the best of Scotland's heritage. The Royal Museum has a magnificent Victorian atrium with the Millennium Clock at one end. Exhibits include Scottish pottery and weapons from the Roman era and the Renaissance. 

The New Town of Edinburgh represents the historical extension of the Scottish capital to the north of the Old Town. It is Edinburgh's main shopping and commercial district. It here you will find the Scott Monument, built-in 1846 to commemorate the life of Sir Walter Scot, a Gothic spire monument which can be climbed to a height of 200 feet above the city centre to enjoy fantastic views of Edinburgh. The Old Calton Burial Ground contains a range of graves, memorials, and ornaments. The National Gallery of Scotland holds much of Scotland's fine artwork and carries exhibitions that change seasonally. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is the World's first purpose-built portrait gallery.  

Dating back to the 12th Century is the Dean Village which was home to the flour mills that fed Edinburgh for centuries. Walk down Miller Row to see the full splendour of Thomas Telford's Dean Bridge. There are information boards dotted around the village giving information about the different buildings and the history of the village that once thrived here. Climb Calton Hill in the morning or early evening hours to experience the sunrise/sunset over Edinburgh on a UK vacation. The hill is home to various monuments including Edinburgh's Folly, an unfinished replica of Athens' Parthenon, built as a memorial to the Napoleonic Wars, and Nelson's Tower, built in the shape of an upturned telescope in honour of the naval hero. The latter features a Time Ball at the top which drops at 1 PM every day to enable ships at Leith docks to set their clocks. Walk through Princes Street Gardens, a small, beautiful park that lies in the small valley between Castle Hill and Princes Street and forms the boundary between the Old and New Towns. Princes Street is the main thoroughfare of the city and the main shopping street. 

When considering Edinburgh for a visit on a United Kingdom vacation, it is a good idea to check out the many festivals for which this city is famous. The most famous is the Edinburgh International Festival which takes place in August for three exhilarating weeks of the finest creators and performers from the World of the arts with the best of music, theatre, opera and dance from around the globe. This coincides with the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo, a display with the massed pipes and drums, massed military bands and singers performed against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Other major festivals include the Edinburgh Film Festival, the International Book Festival and the Jazz and Blues Festival.  A visit to Edinburgh will be a rewarding experience.

Extend your Stay

Consider an additional stopover to your United Kingdom vacation on one of Goway's other European tours. You can also choose from a  Paris vacation or an Amsterdam vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from the United kingdom.

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FEATURED TRIP
  • Visit the bustling Piccadilly Circus in London during your next England vacations.
  • Explore mysterious Stonehenge on your next England tours.
  • Hunt for Nessie at Loch Ness during your next trip to England.
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle and explore its amazing architecture during your next London vacations.
FEATURED TRIP

Classic: London and Edinburgh

FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: An excellent combination of two classic cities, each with reknowned cultural merits. Add to this, visits from London to Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath and a full day into the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh and you have an unforgettable week of discovery.

More Details

Edinburgh, Scotland

  • Edinburgh Signature

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Gambol through Edinburgh in style on this five-day getaway. After settling into deluxe hotel accommodations, experience the capital’s highlights with the help of a local expert, explore its castles and palaces at your own pace and later venture out to explore the Scottish Highlands alongside a private guide.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,730
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • Highlights of Britain

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP TOURING: Experience an unforgettable 11-day journey. This classic program delves deep into Britain’s fascinating history and culture. Trace the footsteps of famous writers and poets, uncovering the scenic countryside that inspired their greatest works. While in North Wales and Scotland, take in the evocative scenery and dramatic castles, and be immersed in age-old traditions.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,319
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Small Group Touring
    England See Trip Details

  • Edinburgh and the Countryside

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Edinburgh and the countryside are yours to discover on this 6-day tailor-made adventure. Enjoy 3 days exploring the Scottish capital as well as several sites from the Outlander series. Later, set out on a small group tour to travel through majestic mountains and quaint villages of the Scottish Highlands.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 875
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • London and Edinburgh for Foodies

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Explore the capitals of England and Scotland in-depth, all while appreciating delicious and iconic drinks and dishes on this tailor-made, customizable experience. Stay in deluxe hotels, sip your way through distilleries, and surprise your palate with the local specialties of London and Edinburgh.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,744
    Trip Type:
    Go as you Please, Luxury and Beyond, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    England See Trip Details

  • London to Edinburgh Adventure

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Starting from London, visit historic sites including Stonehenge, learn a bit of Rock and Roll history, and take in the countryside en route to Edinburgh by train. Once in the Scottish capital, discover the secrets of the Royal Mile, enjoy a few drams of whisky at the Johnny Walker Journey of Flavour and explore the wonders of Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,149
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    England See Trip Details

  • Edinburgh Discovery

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the delicious food and drink of the iconic Scottish capital. After exploring the city’s history, wander through the streets on a small group tour to sample local fare. The next day, head to nearby distilleries to learn about and sample Scotland’s most famous drink: single malt whiskey.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 659
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • Highlights of Dublin and Edinburgh

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Journey through two Celtic capitals on this week-long, tailor-made getaway. Through a mix of independent touring and small group adventures, you’ll visit famous distilleries and brew houses (and sample drinks!), explore Ireland’s renowned literary past, step inside legendary Edinburgh Castle, and so much more.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,212
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details

  • Great Britain for Families: London, Windermere & Edinburgh

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Look no further for a holiday that’s perfect for the whole family! Begin in London, where you’ll explore the filming locations of the Harry Potter series before heading north to the region that inspired Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit stories. End your tour in Edinburgh, where you’ll discover the city’s haunted history and take a day trip to Loch Ness.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,629
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    England See Trip Details

  • Classic: London and Edinburgh

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: An excellent combination of two classic cities, each with reknowned cultural merits. Add to this, visits from London to Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath and a full day into the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh and you have an unforgettable week of discovery.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,415
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Go as you Please, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh: Stay of Distinction

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Explore a magical city while staying at the beautiful Balmoral Hotel, an iconic establishment of elegance and refinement in the heart of Edinburgh. Enjoy the hotel’s world-class accommodations, including its gorgeous rooms and Michelin-starred restaurant, and head on a private walking tour to visit the city’s landmarks and taste local delicacies.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,591
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Stays of Distinction
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • Highlights of Edinburgh

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: This short Edinburgh trip offers a taste of all that makes the Scottish capital such a delight. Explore the old streets, visit splendid Edinburgh castle, then explore at leisure with a 24-hour sightseeing bus pass, and let Edinburgh’s charm speak for itself.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 509
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • A Scottish Journey: Edinburgh to Edinburgh

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: With so much to offer beyond the two major cities, this Scotland Back Roads small group tour immerses you all that’s great about this beautiful and unique country. Discover historic castles, murky lochs, and the Isle of Skye before you return to Edinburgh.
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,609
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Small Group Touring
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • Classic British Isles: Dublin, Edinburgh & London

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore three great capitals of the British Isles, passing from Dublin to Edinburgh to London to look upon the Book of Kells at Trinity College Library, summit towering Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock, and see the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Buckingham Castle in the heart of the United Kingdom.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,209
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Go as you Please, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Ireland See Trip Details

  • Discover Edinburgh & the Isle of Skye

    MODERATE | SMALL GROUP: Explore Scotland’s capital and most famous island on this short vacation. Start in Edinburgh, where you’ll have two days to explore this Scottish marvel, then connect to the Isle of Skye to explore the ancient landscape and stunning history of this legendary island.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 856
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • Highland Explorer & Isle of Skye Small Group Adventure

    MODERATE | SMALL GROUP: This short Scotland tour departs from Edinburgh, taking in historic regions such as Ullapool, Portree, and the beautiful Isle of Skye.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,769
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • Island Hopping Scotland: Iona, Mull, Skye, Orkney & Outer Hebrides

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: The charms of small but multifaceted Scotland don’t stop at the shoreline. This Scottish Islands tour takes you through centuries of Viking and Druid history, all amid beautiful surrounds.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,939
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • Islay and the Whisky Coast Small Group Adventure

    MODERATE | SMALL GROUP: Visit the ‘Queen of the Hebrides’ on this short visit to Islay. The most southerly of the Hebrides, the island is known for its fine whiskeys and dramatic landscapes.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,375
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • Isle of Skye & the West Highlands Small Group Adventure

    MODERATE | SMALL GROUP: This short Scotland tour focuses on the Isle of Skye on a round trip from Edinburgh. Visit lochs, hills and historic sites, then discover the Isle of Skye, one of the UK’s most unique and dramatic regions.
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,021
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast Small Group Adventure

    FIRST-CLASS | SMALL GROUP: Experience the dramatic and rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands combined with the mystic and historic Orkney Islands. Visit ancient sites, battlefields and learn about the Viking invasion of this part of the world. And perhaps catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster?
    Duration:
    6 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,681
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring
    Scotland See Trip Details

  • Outlander Experience Self-Drive: Edinburgh, Inverness, Fort William & More

    MODERATE | SELF-DRIVE: Diana Galbaldon's iconic 'Outlander' series, now the subject of a TV series, features a number of fantastic landmarks in Scotland. On this 8-day self-drive adventure, travel at your own pace to discover the real places that inspired Galbaldon while following in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie, and through the heart of Scotland.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 939
    Trip Type:
    Self-Drives
    Scotland See Trip Details
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