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Edinburgh

From the 13th century in particular the community really began to flourish, and in 1492 James IV declared Edinburgh Scotland's capital. Whilst Edinburgh grew in the industrial age, it was surpassed in size by Glasgow, but it still continued to prosper.

Until the late 18th century Edinburgh consisted mainly of what is now known as the Old Town, including the Royal Mile and Grass Market. Construction of the New Town was designed to attract the wealthy back to Edinburgh. The heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its medieval Old Town, Georgian New Town, and the award-winning modern architecture continuing the contrast between traditional and contemporary. It is easy to see why Edinburgh was once regarded to be the "Athens of the North".

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Our customers love our Edinburgh tours

A Scottish Christmas

5/Jan

J Walker

“We had the most Wonderful Experiences on this trip. Our Tour Guide Chris was very helpful and informative throughout our trip.

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Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam

03 Nov 2025

Philip

“To add the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies to the program widened the scope of it in a good way. The variety of activity was also a plus. And the tour leader, Liz, was excellent. I felt the attempt to introduce us to Scottish food did not hit the mark,...

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Orkney & the Shetland Isles

19 Oct 2025

Peter Levison

“This was a very enjoyable holiday in a remote location of the UK. The itinerary is very comprehensive with essentially no free time during the trip and involves a reasonable amount of walking in rural areas in potentially quite extreme local weather, so good mobility is advantageous as is a...

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Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands

18 Oct 2025

“Lovely trip Lisa was a great guide Bus driver in Glencoe was amazing

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Lewis, Skye & the Highlands of Scotland

25 Sep 2025

Neil Taylor

“Interesting, well run holiday trip.

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The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & the Highlands

31 Aug 2025

Christine Charie

“Good show, well organized and we enjoyed it very much.

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The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Floors Castle

15 Sep 2025

MRS C

“The Edinburgh Tattoo was the highlight of the trip and an amazing experience. We did not get to Floors Castle, or a trip on the steam railway which was disappointing - not really a rail tour at all. The Falkirk Wheel is a wonderful piece of engineering and the Kelpies awe inspiring...

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Edinburgh, Fort William & the West Highlands

02 Jun 2025

Mrs Jean Shakespeare

“Really good. But the holiday I saw in original brochure disappointedly did not go.to.Ardnamurchin. I also thnk you went on the wheel? However we did see how it did the journey from one canal to.the otherloch Lihnee. The commentary was very biased & not in a good way. Yes we...

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Places to visit in Edinburgh

Holyrood Palace
Home to the royal residence of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the seat of Scotland's new Parliament. The Palace is well worth a visit with access to the royal apartments, the throne room and the great gallery, housing over eighty 17th century portraits of Scottish Monarchs.

Edinburgh Castle
Set overlooking the city, the Edinburgh Castle offers fantastic views of the surrounding area and over to the Firth of Forth. The assemblage of buildings dating from the 12th to 20th century, reflect the castle's changing role as fortress, royal palace, military garrison and state prison. Here, you can view the Scottish Crown Jewels, and the city's oldest building, the 11th century St Margaret's Chapel, lies within the castle grounds.

Arthur's Seat
If you're feeling energetic, Arthur's Seat provides spectacular panoramic views of the city. The extinct volcano erupted around 340 million years ago and having eroded over time, today less than half the volcano remains. Set in Holyrood Park, to the east of the castle, Arthur's Seat rises 823 feet (251m) above the city.

Scott Monument
Located at the west end of Princes Street on the south side, Scott Monument is one of the most important figures in Scottish literature. The monument was constructed in 1840 as a tribute to novelist Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). If you feel like a challenge, inside the huge structure, 287 steps provide access to the top of the monument offering stunning views across the Forth of Fife.

The Royal Yacht Britannia
Home to the British Royal Family for over forty years, the Royal Yacht Britannia is permanently berthed next to Ocean Terminal in Leith. Embark the floating palace and discover the royal residence as you stroll around the decks exploring the lavish apartments, the charming Royal Deck Tea Room, the cramped crew quarters and the gleaming Engine Room. Alongside the Royal Yacht Britannia is the elegant 1930s Racing Yacht Bloodhound, once owned by the Queen.

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Take a journey through time and unveil Scotland's unique history, displayed visually through portraits of those who influenced and inspired it. Explore the lives and achievements of many Scots, past and present from Robbie Burns to Robbie Coltrane.

Following the tracks of Queen Elizabeth

01/06/2022 · By Karen Overend

Follow in the tracks of Queen Elizabeth on a majestic journey with Great Rail Journeys. Read our blog for insights into this fascinating royal adventure.

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