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8 Days in Edinburgh: Unveiling the Secrets of Scotland

John Deakin

John Deakin

24 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling journey through the historic streets of Edinburgh, where ancient marvels and captivating tales await. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, explore hidden gems, and indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of this enchanting city.

Day 1Gothic Wonders and Mind-Bending Illusions
+

$125

St Giles' Cathedral
Grand, Gothic medieval building & Presbyterian place of worship where John Knox used to preach.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
$50
8 - 11 min

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Directions

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Long-standing tower with 5 floors showcasing hands-on exhibits of whimsical optical illusions.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
$75
Day 2Wildlife Encounters and Serene Gardens
+

$90

·

$ 10

Edinburgh Zoo
Large parkland zoo offering keeper talks, hands-on animal encounters and free hilltop safari rides.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$90
16 - 20 min

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Directions

Princes Street Gardens
Green Flag park of geological/botanical interest, home to several public monuments and memorials.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Free
Day 3Dive into the Deep Sea and Uncover Hidden Histories
+

$150

·

$ 10

Deep Sea World
Sea life aquarium with seal enclosure and shark tank with 112-metre walk-through acrylic tunnel.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$75
36 - 44 min

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Directions

The Real Mary King's Close
Walking tours through the maze of hidden streets below the city, with tales by costumed guides.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$75
Day 4Mystical Chapels and Treasures of the Past
+

$60

·

$ 10

Rosslyn Chapel
Intricately carved chapel built in 1446, featured in The Da Vinci Code movie, with history talks.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$60
24 - 29 min

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Directions

National Museum of Scotland
Bright, modern museum housing Scottish industrial history relics, natural history displays & a cafe.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
Day 5Stroll Along the Royal Mile and Discover a Picturesque Village
+

$0

·

$ 10

Royal Mile
Buzzing street linking Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, lined with quaint eateries & shops.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Dean Village
Bucolic village abutting a tranquil stream, with gardens, 19th-century buildings & a museum.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
Day 6Artistic Masterpieces and Majestic Castle
+

$125

National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
Scots history & celebrity portraits in a grand, red-stone Victorian gallery with a shop & cafe.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
20 - 29 min

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Directions

Edinburgh Castle
An 11th-century castle and barracks housing the Crown Jewels and National War Museum of Scotland.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$125
Day 7Hike through Natural Beauty and Explore a Royal Palace
+

$100

·

$ 10

Holyrood Park
Parkland around the slopes & crags of Arthur's Seat, with walking & cycling paths & a loch.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
7 - 9 min

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Directions

Palace of Holyroodhouse
The 16th-century palace of the Stuarts, with tours of royal reception rooms, antiques & relics.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$100
Day 8Sail Away on the Royal Yacht Britannia
+

$75

The Royal Yacht Britannia
Large oceanic liner used by Britain's royal family on official state visits for more than 40 years.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$75

Budget breakdown: $771 In total

Activities & Food:$725
Transport:$46