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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

4/Jan

Frederick

“Beautiful hotels. A great tour manager, and lovely group of people. Overall a lovely experience.

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Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands

30 Oct 2024

NEWHART, KENT

“The trip and scenery and food were fantastic. As well as the accommodations! Our guide, Rosie is what really pulled the trip together...she was wonderful!! Improvements: The roads are very winding and too much time on the coaches, sometimes made us out of sorts. Drivers were excellent...

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Edinburgh, Fort William and The West Highlands

20 Oct 2024

Paul Campbell

“I have had many holidays with GRJ,but this was one of the best. Admittedly,the weather was kind for October. Some of the places we visited were new to me,some I had been to before but I was glad to see them again. Excellent tour manager (Deborah) and friendly travelling companions. Good length of holiday,and...

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The Outer Hebrides and the Highlands

08 Sep 2024

PETER Ramsbottom

“Shame about Skye but overall a great trip. Good Hotels and food

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Edinburgh Tattoo & Floors Castle

06 Sep 2024

Gordon Howat

“Very good trip

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Edinburgh & the Highlands by Steam

02 Oct 2024

J Gill

“Excellent old hotel in Blair Atholl. Well organised trip with attentive guide. Disappointed that Cairngorm mountain railway wasn't running. Guide arranged an additional wildlife boat trip, though, which was great. The only time we had in Edinburgh was before and after the organised trip, so that was a bit of...

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Edinburgh Tattoo and the Highlands

09 Sep 2024

Colin Hearnshaw

“the organised side by yourself was very good most enjoyable. unfortunately the hotel was not up to standard especially considering the reputation that the Hilton hotels have. The lift was out of order for most of the holiday. The mattress on the bed was very poor quality or it needed...

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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.

Safari on Stornoway: A Day of Adventure and Wildlife

14/06/2024 · By Kira Whitaker

Discover how a day on the stunning Isle of Lewis, discovering its wildlife, cuisine and culture, provides a memorable lens into life in the Outer Hebrides.

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Where Best to Spend Christmas and New Year

10/08/2023 · By Sam Priestley

Champagne amid snowy scenery, travelling through frosty landscapes, and having your Christmas lunch served to you in luxury, there’s no Christmas and New Year quite like the one you’ll experience when on a festive trip. But some places do the celebrations better than others and some destinations just seem to embody the season. Here’s our pick of where to spend Christmas and New Year.

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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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Discover Inverness, the 'Gateway to the Highlands'

05/07/2021 · By Katie Shaw

Straddling the mighty River Ness and rubbing shoulders with world-famous Loch Ness, the vibrant Scottish city of Inverness has a whole lot to offer.

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Edinburgh

9 results matching: Escorted Rail Tours to Edinburgh

Places to visit in Edinburgh

Safari on Stornoway: A Day of Adventure and Wildlife

Where Best to Spend Christmas and New Year

Following the tracks of Queen Elizabeth

Discover Inverness, the 'Gateway to the Highlands'