Edinburgh and The Lothians

Let’s walk Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. At one end, dominating the skyline, Edinburgh Castle with Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. At the other, Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch.

Then into Princes Street Gardens and the Scott Monument. Fine views…after 287 steps. More panoramas from Calton Hill and the slopes of Arthur’s Seat. Stroll the medieval Old Town and neoclassical New Town before boarding the Royal Yacht Britannia.

To the lush countryside of the Lothians, where the loch side ruins of Linlithgow Palace are a foil to Scotland’s finest stately home, Hopetoun House, and the 15th century Rosslyn Chapel.

The three bridges across the Firth of Forth are an amazing sight. See them from the water then learn their stories at the Queensferry Museum. And don’t miss the hi-tech wildlife spectacular at the Scottish Seabird Centre.