LEITH, SCOTLAND

From Leith we travel into Edinburgh, Scotland’s magnificent and historic Capital City, which has a dramatic setting, perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags.

From Leith we travel into Edinburgh, Scotland’s magnificent and historic Capital City, which has a dramatic setting, perched on a series of extinct volcanoes and rocky crags.

We shall visit medieval Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the City and has been home to Scottish Kings and Queens through the centuries. Our guide will escort us through the Castle, as some rooms are small they may wait outside.

Following the Castle visit we shall have time to walk, and maybe shop, along the historic and atmospheric Royal Mile. We then re join our coach for a panoramic city tour which will enable us to see many of Edinburgh’s historical monuments and sights in both the medieval ‘Old Town’, and the 18th century ‘New Town’ nearby. After passing Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s residence in Edinburgh, we pass through the extensive, rather wild Royal Park and eventually enter the principal shopping street, Princes Street, with the towering Scott Monument. The town possesses an unrivalled number of art galleries and museums, relative to its size and population, like the National Museum on the Mound. We tour the Georgian New Town with its elegant townhouses and private parks.

Finally, after ascending Arthur’s Seat which affords beautiful views across the city, we head back towards Leith and our awaiting ship.

TOUR NOTES: Due to the walking (approximately 500 metres or 1,600 feet), cobblestones, sloping terrain and many steps at the Castle, this tour is not suitable for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. There will be approximately 30 minutes of free time at the Castle and Royal Mile. The Castle has toilet facilities and a souvenir shop. We hope to make photo stops at the following places: Charlotte Square, Holyrood Palace & Arthur’s Seat, but these are subject to traffic conditions and time constraints. Please note that due to construction work in preparation for installing a new tram system, Princes Street (the main shopping street with views of the Castle) is likely to be closed throughout 2009.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES