rodneyjohnston.uk Edinburgh Tour

 

Tour the architecturally stunning capital of Scotland, meet Greyfriars Bobby, see the Queen's residence and try a dram at Glenkinchie Distillery all with your personal chauffeur guide.

Your first stop in the capital will be Edinburgh Castle. In 1566 Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI in the royal palace within the castle and the tiny bed-closet still survives. Most importantly to Scots, in 1996 the Stone of Destiny, Scotland’s coronation stone, was placed in the Crown Room alongside the nation’s Crown Jewels, (the Honours of Scotland), following its return from Westminster after a space of 800 years.

 

Travel down the Royal Mile past St Giles Cathedral, the Peoples Story Museum and The Scottish Parliament building, stopping to visit Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier who remained by his master's grave for fourteen years, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Queen in Scotland. The palace was home to Mary Queen of Scots for six years and houses beautiful tapestries and paintings. You may wish to see the city from above and take a drive through Holyrood Park and around Arthurs Seat, the extinct volcano overlooking Edinburgh, with some spectacular views.

 

Now in contrast visit the New Town through Charlotte Square to the Georgian House to experience the elegance of 18th-century living in Edinburgh’s New Town. Designed in 1791 by Robert Adam, Scotland’s foremost 18th-century architect, Charlotte Square was one of the most fashionable and desirable residential addresses in the New Town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally in Edinburgh you can visit Ocean Terminal and view the Royal Yacht Brittania where presidents, kings and queens were entertained. It was, first and foremost, the home from home of the Royal family when entertaining abroad. As part of your tour of Britannia, why not visit the Royal Deck Tea Room? You can enjoy delicious, and freshly prepared, home-made food, stunning views and a warm welcome. Previously where the Royal Family enjoyed drinks receptions, sumptuous buffets, or played deck games. Now you can treat yourself with specialty teas, coffees and lunch in spectacular surroundings.

 

If you wish to take a short tour and some time out of the city you can visit Glenkinchie Distillery. Founded in 1837, in the shadow of the Lammermuir Hills, the distillery houses an excellent exhibition in the listed red brick buildings. Finally a visit to the fabulous Rosslyn Chapel where the Da Vinci code was filmed. It took 40 years to build. The stone carvings are stunning masterpieces of the stonemasons craft and make the church unique and practically every surface of the Chapel is covered. Above you can see the Apprentice Pillar and you will hear the amazing story of its design and carving. People travel from all over the world to see the intricate carvings, and there are many different interpretations of their meanings. Myths, legends and Hollywood fiction writing have given Rosslyn a unique sense of mystery and wonder.

 

Duration: 8 hours (starting in Edinburgh). A half day tour can also be arranged.

 

The Tour price does not include your entrance fees. Other attractions that can be included or substituted are the Scottish Whisky Heritage Centre; The Writer's Museum; Greyfriars Kirk; John Knox House; The Dynamic Earth; The coffee shop where JK Rowling started writing The Harry Potter series; The Royal Museum of Scotland or The Royal Botanic Garden and Art Galleries.

 

Let the journey begin .........