You are here: Home > Scotland > Edinburgh > Holiday Ideas > Edinburgh City Break
Explore the best of Edinburgh with a private tour, a visit to Edinburgh Castle and free time to enjoy everything this fabulous city has to offer.
Activity code: CBS01
Duration: 3 nights
Edinburgh is perfect for a weekend break. The city is fairly compact and easy to get around on foot, by bus or using the fantastic tram service which has been in operation since 2014. Wander along the cobblestoned Royal Mile (actually just a tad over a mile!), where the city first grew up, pop into one of its museums, or into one of the oldest buildings on the thoroughfare, Gladstone's Land, home to wealthy residential and commercial tenants during its heyday. Also worth a visit is the 12th C St Giles, the High Kirk of Edinburgh. Of course no trip to the city is complete without visiting the Castle, with its associations with St. Margaret, Mary Queen of Scots, James VI & Sir Walter Scott to name but a few.
By contrast the New Town dates from the 18th Century, it was established during the reign of George III & this is reflected in its street names which refer to various members of the royal family at the time. Wide boulevards with grand Georgian houses are intersected by squares and gardens. The Georgian House in Charlotte Square offers a fascinating glimpse into this world - it has been magnificently restored to show what a typical New Town house would have looked like with paintings, costumes and period furnishings from the Georgian age.
One of the imposing buildings on Princes Street is the Scottish National Gallery, home to one of the best collections of fine art in the world. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, also in the New Town, opened to the public in 1889 as the world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery. As with the museums entrance is free.
If you are feeling energetic climb up Calton Hill, famed for its collection of historic monuments, which form some of the most important landmarks of the city. The view from here, over the entire city skyline, is breathtaking.
Your private morning or afternoon stroll will provide an invaluable introduction to Edinburgh, starting in the New Town and finishing at the Castle (which will be followed by your self-guided visit). You'll hear stories and anecdotes from days gone by and learn the history of this amazing city.
Prices upon request