Day 2

Explore the Capital

• Accommodation: The Balmoral, Edinburgh. (2 Nights)

• Transport: Executive Vehicle. Driver/Guide

• Itinerary: The Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace

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Morning

After breakfast you will meet your blue badge guide in the hotel reception Your guide knows the city inside out so don’t by shy to ask questions. They will be on hand to take you on an exploration of Edinburgh’s Historic Old Town. You will travel from Holyrood Palace, climbing the Royal Mile and visiting St Giles Cathedral. And of course, no visit to Edinburgh is complete without visiting the legendary Edinburgh Castle. Parts of the castle date back to the 12th century and you will tour round the Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel, see the one o’clock gun and the Honours of Scotland.

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For lunch there are a multitude of restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from, but you could try Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar next to Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery  The cemetery is best known for Bobby, a Skye terrier belonging to John Gray who died and was buried in the graveyard in 1872. Bobby is said to have sat by the grave for 14 years and he was buried just inside the gate not far from his master’s grave. 

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The grave of interest to Harry Potter fans, for example, Tom Riddel can be reached by going behind the church and going towards the right as they lie in the back section behind what remains of the old and battered Flodden wall. JK Rowling lived nearby and was known to have spent time walking through the graveyard. Alternatively sample the delightful menu of Holyrood 9a, a cosy little pub offering a huge range of salads, burgers, steaks, venison and since you’re in Scotland, a haggis burger.

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Afternoon

After lunch take a stroll back down the royal mile to Holyrood palace, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland and a key site of Scottish royal history, political intrigue, and dramatic events for over 500 years.

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Explore the Royal Apartments, see the lavish rooms still used by the British monarchy during visits. Walk through Mary, Queen of Scots’ Chambers and explore the rooms where Mary lived and learn about the dramatic murder of her secretary, David Rizzio in 1566. Visit the Throne Room & Great Gallery, featuring portraits of Scottish kings and regal elegance then walk through the stunning remains of Holyrood Abbey, founded in 1128.

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Stroll through the Palace Gardens, filled with manicured lawns and wildflower meadows. Enjoy spectacular views of Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh’s famous extinct volcano. If time allows, take a short walk up to St. Anthony’s Chapel ruins for a unique historic spot.

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Dinner

“The Dome” restaurant. The Dome was originally the site of the old Physicians’ Hall (1775), built and designed by James Craig the celebrated planner of Edinburgh’s New Town.  Unfortunately for the College of Physicians the original estimate of £2,725 rose to £4,800 by completion, leaving the College approximately £1,000 in debt.  Unsurprisingly after a short time the College looked for a purchaser and eventually in 1843 The Commercial Bank Of Scotland made an offer of £20,000 for the site and premises. The Dome became a restaurant in 1996.