Number Of Travelers:
7
Travel Duration:
11 days
Reason For Travel:
Family Vacation
Edinburgh’s origins can be traced back to the 7th century when it was settled by the Celtic Votadini tribe. By the 10th century, the city had become a prominent stronghold known as ‘Dun Eideann’ under Scottish rule. The construction of Edinburgh Castle atop Castle Rock in the 12th century solidified its power and played a crucial role in conflicts such as the Wars of Scottish Independence. In 1437, Edinburgh was officially declared the capital of Scotland.
Over the centuries, Edinburgh thrived as a hub of trade and culture. The establishment of the University of Edinburgh in 1583 further enhanced its reputation as an intellectual center. The 18th-century Enlightenment era brought significant advancements in various fields, with influential figures like David Hume and Adam Smith contributing to Edinburgh’s intellectual legacy.
Trip Highlights:
Landmarks
- Edinburgh Castle
- Royal Mile
- St. Giles Cathedral
- Calton Hill
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Victoria Street
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Tower of London
- Crown Jewels Collection
Excursions
- St. Andrews Links Golf Course
- Warner Bros Harry Potter Tour
- Loch Ness Cruise
- Big Bus Tour London Hop-On/Hop-Off
Key Cities
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Inverness
- London
In the 19th century, Edinburgh underwent a transformation during the Industrial Revolution. The city expanded beyond the boundaries of the Old Town with the construction of the Georgian New Town, showcasing stunning neoclassical architecture and becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Edinburgh continued to evolve in the 20th century, facing both challenges and milestones. The city experienced significant growth and modernization, with the establishment of renowned festivals such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, solidifying its reputation as a cultural capital.
Today, Edinburgh stands as a thriving cosmopolitan city, blending its ancient heritage with a vibrant contemporary spirit. Its iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and Arthur’s Seat, attract millions of visitors each year, while its world-class universities, dynamic arts scene, and bustling festivals contribute to its global appeal.
Glasgow is the largest Scottish city, fourth in the United Kingdom, the Scottish economic capital and, most of all, preserves some of the richest historic heritage in the country.
The city is crossed by the Clyde River, around which the Roman general Gneus Julius Agricola — who played the main role during the Roman conquest of Britain — led the construction of some fortresses in 80 AD. The remains of those can still be seen in modern Glasgow. As the legend goes, hundreds of years later, the Christian missionary Saint Mungo founded the city and built a small wooden church close to Molendinar Burn, which centuries later will turn into the splendid Glasgow Cathedral.
Formally a major industrial and commercial center, modern Glasgow is a flourishing center for arts and culture. Over the past couple of decades, it has been named City of Culture, Capital of Sport, UNESCO City of Music and City of Architecture and Design. The latter is, perhaps, partly due to the abundance of unique buildings designed by legendary Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh that dot the city.
The areas of most interest to visitors are, of course, the City Centre, and the West End, a hip area with some of Glasgow’s coolest cafes and bars, also home to the University of Glasgow and the well-known Kelvingrove Museum. West of the city center, on the banks of the River Clyde, sit the Science Centre and the Riverside Museum, both a must for tourists.
One of the fastest-growing cities in Europe, Inverness is at its liveliest in summer, when it bustles with visitors from all over the world. They are attracted by the stunning landscape of the northwest Highlands, the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, or the doomed romance of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Cause.
Although it was founded in medieval times, most of the city’s most important buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Landmark buildings include the bulky Inverness Castle, which was erected in 1835 on the site of a much smaller medieval stronghold, and the Old High Church, overlooking the River Ness on St Michael’s Mount.
Inverness is attractively landscaped with numerous carefully laid-out parks and gardens, including the tropical glasshouses of the Bught Floral Hall, where palms and other warm-climate plants make a striking contrast to the often snow-capped mountains on the northern horizon.
London is a world-class city and the heart of British politics, culture and commerce. Its history stretches back thousands of years, and remnants of this fascinating past can still be found across the capital — from the Tower of London, a gruesome site of Medieval torture, to the majestic Buckingham Palace.
A captivating mix of old and new, London is also renowned for its creativity, innovation and originality in art, theatre, music, design and cuisine. It is home to countless art galleries and museums, including the Tate Modern, National Gallery and British Museum, which possesses some of the world’s finest treasures. And best of all, entry to most of these museums and galleries is free!
To catch all the ‘big-hitters’ in one go, you can’t beat a walk along the River Thames. Strolling from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament you’ll pass the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, the London Eye, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium and London Dungeon. In addition to these world-famous attractions, there are many more to discover during your stay.
The West End is the place to go to see London’s top theatre shows and musicals. Alongside classics including Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and The Woman in Black, you will find hit contemporary shows, such as Billy Elliot, The Lion King and Thriller – Live. Don’t forget to explore the many off-West End venues too, such as the National Theatre, The Old Vic and (during the summer months) Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
In the West End you will also find some of London’s top shopping destinations, from Oxford Street to Seven Dials. Different neighborhoods are known for other unique opportunities for shopping: Notting Hill is renowned for its antiques and Portobello Market, Greenwich has an excellent arts and crafts markets, while Westfield London City and Westfield Stratford are the city’s most famous malls.
If you would rather save money than spend it, the eight Royal Parks are well worth a visit — and a great spot for a picnic. Visit Greenwich Park to drop in on the Royal Observatory, walk through Kensington Gardens to see Kensington Palace, take a paddle on the Hyde Park boating lake, see Buckingham Palace from scenic St James’s Park, spot deer at Richmond Park and Bushy Park, and meet the animals at London Zoo, which lies within Regent’s Park.
Along the way indulge your taste buds with delicious food at one of London’s many restaurants, gastropubs and pop-up eateries. You can eat food prepared by a celebrity chef, discover modern British cuisine, or eat food from anywhere in the world — be it Indian, Chinese, Persian, Greek, Italian or Lebanese. Top off your perfect day with a fancy cocktail, excellent wine or locally brewed beer at a top London pub or bar — and maybe a boogie at one of the capital’s buzzing nightspots and clubs.
