Edinburgh has so much to offer most guests invariably find their time is all to short. Where does one start? Edinburgh Castle is probably Edinburgh's most famous icon with, in recent times, the Royal Yacht Brittania coming up a close second. Art Galleries are plentiful and a whole day can easily be spent in the Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street. It's the old story when you live in a City you don't get round to exploring the places of interest but, when our Daughters were young we spent a week "doing" the Royal Mile (i.e. the High Street running from the Castle down to the Palace of Holyrood) and starting with the Castle then adding Camera Obscura and Gladstones Land (National Trust) took up our first day. St Giles Cathedral, the City Chambers, the Museum of Childhood, John Knox's House and on it went until eventually we got to the Palace of Holyrood. There are now of course more additions like the Scottish Parliament and, in our mind, well worth visiting Dynamic Earth. Nearby to that if you feel like a walk and an great view over the City a walk up Arthur's Seat will be enjoyable.
Princes Street has somewhat changed its face over the years but remains unique in that it is the only single sided main street in a City with the splendour of Princes Street Gardens opposite. Walking through the Gardens (both West and East) can be extremely pleasant and in the former the Ross Bandstand often offers entertainment not to mention refreshment vendors. At the foot of the Mound you have the main art galleries which can again make a large dent into your day. The Scott Monument in The East Gardens is a gruelling experience to climb up but the views and excitement make it worthwhile. These gardens take on a new look over the Festive Season with a Continental Market, fun wheel and open air ice rink. Beyond the East end of Princes Street and up Waterloo Place takes you to Calton Hill. The part built replica of the Parthenon we call Scotland's disgrace but out side Edinburgh it is known differently! Anyway a walk up Calton Hill presents splendid views over the City and across to the Kingdom of Fife.
The open top buses are a great way to get round town (we have discount vouchers) and local buses (Lothian Buses) offer a day ticket at £3.00 (£2.40 for childredn) which gives you unlimited travel in and around the city including attractions like Roslin Chapel, the Zoo (for children and adults alike the Penguin parade is great!), Hillend Ski Slope, Portobello beach, Murrayfield Rugby Stadium, Musselburgh Racecourse, Penicuik, Royal Yacht Britannia, the Theatres and Ocean Terminal.
Scotch Whisky is known throughout the World and recognised as one of Scotland's greatest gifts to it. Going on a Distillery tour is exciting but often guests don't have enough time. We are very fortunate now in Ednburgh where, beside the Castle, we have the SCOTCH WHISKY VISITOR EXPERIENCE where you can learn the history, see it being made, smell it and taste the joy of it. Also at the end of the tour you see what must surely be the biggest collection of Whisky in the World!
For a tour with literally a difference we can recommend "oor Tours" which is the only musical tour of Edinburgh. Going further afield we can happily and strongly recommend Rabbie's Tours (www.rabbies.com ) and Gray Line Highland Tours (www.graylinescotland.com ) both of whom we can make enquiries and bookings for you. Another company that has in fact been operating successfully for the last five years have recently rebranded to as Highland eXperience Tours (www.highlandexperience.com ). This Five Star company offer a range of day and longer tours including the new later start of 10am on the "Touch of the Highlands" tour. Again we can happily make reservations for you. Visiting Mary King's Close takes you back a few centuries and Marcat Tours (www.mercattours.com) offer exciting History Walks & Ghost Tours. NEWEDINBURGH who publish a very usefull City Map offer extensive free walking tours daily at 11 am, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. - these have proven to be very popular with Guests.