Using Edinburgh's historic Balmoral Hotel as a base, this five day itinerary explores some of Scotland's best loved sights as well as its hidden gems, venturing into the Borders and East Lothian. In Edinburgh, there will be time onboard Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's floating palace and venue for state visits, Royal honeymoons and family holidays. Other prime sights in the Scottish capital include the Royal Mile and the Old and New Town. Venturing into the Borders, there are visits to Rosslyn Chapel; Scotland's oldest inhabited house, Traquair House and the home of Sir Walter Scott on the banks of the Tweed. Some of East Lothian's secret gems are uncovered too, such as the pretty village of Gullane on the North Berwick coastline, and the 'hidden' town of Haddington.
EDINBURGH AND SCOTLAND'S HIDDEN GEMS
HIGHLIGHTS
- Exploring the State Apartments, Crew's Quarters, Engine Room and the Queen's favourite room on five decks of the Royal Yacht Britannia.
- Uncovering three of Scotland's greatest writers at Edinburgh's Writer's Museum - Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns.
- Walking the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyrood House to Edinburgh Castle, an expert guide to point out such sights as St Giles Cathedral, Mary King's Close and the Scottish Parliament.
- Observing the mysterious carvings of 15th century Rosslyn Chapel.
- Discovering Abbotsford, the remarkable Scots Baronial home of novelist Sir Walter Scott.
- Exploring the Borders town of Hawick, noted for its knitwear and cashmere.
- Staying at The Balmoral Hotel, a landmark hotel in the heart of the city.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrival and Royal Yacht Britannia
Upon arrival in Edinburgh today you will be met by your guide and privately transferred to your hotel. Enjoy some time to settle into the beautiful surroundings of The Balmoral before venturing out to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, beloved royal yacht of the British monarchy and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Tickets for an afternoon visit are provided, and a taxi to the charming port district of Leith can easily be organised at a time of your choosing.
Overnight: The Balmoral Hotel
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Day 2 Discover Edinburgh
The best way to discover Edinburgh's key attractions and hidden gems is on foot, exploring its atmospheric streets and secret passageways. Your private guide will accompany you on a fascinating tour of the city, taking in iconic places such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, the Old Town and 18th century New Town. You will also be able to delve into Scotland's rich literary history at the Writer's Museum, and uncover many other secrets of the city with your passionate local guide.
Option : experience Edinburgh Castle without the crowds on a private pre or post-opening tour.
Overnight: The Balmoral Hotel
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Day 3 Culture, coastline and history east of Edinburgh
After breakfast at The Balmoral, meet your private driver-guide who will whisk you out of the city for a memorable day of travels through Mid and East Lothian. Your first visit is to Rosslyn Chapel, an exquisite 15th century church steeped in history and myth, set in a serene rural location to the south of Edinburgh. Your guide will recount the rich history of the chapel, known for its intriguing connections to the Illuminati, and you will have ample time to absorb its intricate stone carvings and glowing stained glass windows. You will then travel to the picturesque coastline of East Lothian for an afternoon spent enjoying the pristine, white sand beaches of Gullane, feasting on fresh sea food, marvelling at the views of Bass Rock and perhaps playing a round of golf in one of the region's stunning coastal golf courses. Return to Edinburgh later this afternoon for a relaxing evening at The Balmoral.
Option: Tour Rosslyn Chapel on an exclusive basis with a private after-hours visit.
Overnight: The Balmoral Hotel
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Day 4 Explore the Borders of Scotland
Today's adventures take you south to the Scottish Borders, where you will gain a full immersion into the region's rich history, charming towns and magnificent scenery. At Traquair House, discover Scotland's oldest inhabited house and former home of Mary Queen of Scots. According to legend, Traquair's famous Bear Gates will remain closed until another Stewart king takes the throne. Continue on to Abbotsford House, the majestic home of Sir Walter Scott - one of Scotland's literary luminaries. You will then be driven to one of the region's charming and historic border towns, strolling through streets lined with grand stone buildings and fine knitwear shops. Your scenic journey back to Edinburgh takes you past 'Scott's View', a breathtaking outlook across the Borders so picturesque, Sir Walter Scott wrote a poem about it.
Overnight: The Balmoral Hotel
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Day 5 Departure
After a final breakfast at The Balmoral, bid farewell to Edinburgh and transfer privately to the airport for your onward arrangements.
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Depart
GUIDELINE PRICES - Per Person
| Low Season | $ 5,232 |
| Mid Season | $ 5,305 |
| High Season | $ 5,305 |
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is per person, based on two people sharing a room.
- If you are interested in adding any of the optional enhancements listed, please speak to your specialist about prices and how best to fit them into the itinerary.
- The start and end point of the tour is flexible based on arrangements pre/ post tour
- We don’t recommend this tour in winter due to weather conditions; the itinerary can be adapted however for the winter months.
INCLUSIONS
- 4 nights in an Executive Old Town View room at The Balmoral, on a bed and breakfast basis
- Return airport transfers from Edinburgh Airport
- Admissions to Royal Yacht Britannia [Day 1]
- Full day guide with Writer's Museum admissions [Day 2]
- Full day driver/ guide with Rosslyn Chapel admissions [Day 3]
- Full day driver/ guide with Traquair House and Abbotsford House admissions [Day 4]
EXTRAS
- Meals unless otherwise stated
- Optional upgrades such a private tours and special admissions
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, spa appointments, drinks and gratuities (discretionary).
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REASONS TO BOOK
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