8 Days in Edinburgh: A Journey Through History and Beauty

Vanessa Antritter

4 Jan 2024

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the captivating city of Edinburgh. Discover ancient castles, lush gardens, and breathtaking views. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this Scottish gem. Get ready for an epic journey filled with awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable experiences.

Trip to Edinburgh

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Sun, Sand, and Serenity at Portobello Beach

$ 5

Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

17 - 21 min

Directions

Traditional seaside pursuits on the prom with sandy stretches of beach overlooking the Forth.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

14 - 17 min

Directions

Parkland around the slopes & crags of Arthur's Seat, with walking & cycling paths & a loch.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Majestic Palaces and Stunning Views at Holyroodhouse and Calton Hill

$25

Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

5 - 8 min

Directions

The 16th-century palace of the Stuarts, with tours of royal reception rooms, antiques & relics.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

19 - 28 min

Directions

Prominent hill with neoclassical monuments & sweeping views of the city skyline & Edinburgh Castle.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 14 min

Directions

Buzzing street linking Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, lined with quaint eateries & shops.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 3Nautical Elegance and Botanical Bliss at The Royal Yacht Britannia and Royal Botanic Garden

$29

$ 7

Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

16 - 20 min

Directions

Large oceanic liner used by Britain's royal family on official state visits for more than 40 years.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$19

13 - 16 min

Directions

Manicured 70-acre gardens with palm house and temporary exhibitions, kids' events, tours and cafes.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$10

Day 4Gardens, Castles, and a Stroll Along Princes Street

$32

$ 5

Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

12 - 15 min

Directions

Green Flag park of geological/botanical interest, home to several public monuments and memorials.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

14 - 21 min

Directions

An 11th-century castle and barracks housing the Crown Jewels and National War Museum of Scotland.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$31

Day 5Art, Illusions, and Whisky Tasting at National Galleries, Camera Obscura, and The Scotch Whisky Experience

$44

$ 5

Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

7 - 9 min

Directions

National Galleries of Scotland: National

National collection including European masterpieces & Scottish works, with seasonal exhibitions.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

Directions

Long-standing tower with 5 floors showcasing hands-on exhibits of whimsical optical illusions.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$19

3 - 4 min

Directions

Attraction telling the tale of Scotland's national drink with high-tech exhibits and a barrel ride.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$25

Day 6Tranquil Charm and Exotic Wildlife at Dean Village and Edinburgh Zoo

$23

$ 7

Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

12 - 15 min

Directions

Bucolic village abutting a tranquil stream, with gardens, 19th-century buildings & a museum.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 15 min

Directions

Large parkland zoo offering keeper talks, hands-on animal encounters and free hilltop safari rides.

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$23

Day 7Underwater Wonders, Hidden History, and Mystical Chapels at Deep Sea World, The Real Mary King's Close, and Rosslyn Chapel

$53

$ 10

Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

41 - 50 min

Directions

Sea life aquarium with seal enclosure and shark tank with 112-metre walk-through acrylic tunnel.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$19

36 - 44 min

Directions

Walking tours through the maze of hidden streets below the city, with tales by costumed guides.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$19

29 - 35 min

Directions

Intricately carved chapel built in 1446, featured in The Da Vinci Code movie, with history talks.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$15

Day 8Gothic Splendor and Cultural Treasures at St Giles' Cathedral and National Museum of Scotland

$13

Edinburgh Holyrood Hotel

Depart from your stay 🏨

13 - 20 min

Directions

Grand, Gothic medieval building & Presbyterian place of worship where John Knox used to preach.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$13

6 - 9 min

Directions

Bright, modern museum housing Scottish industrial history relics, natural history displays & a cafe.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $253 In total

Activities & Food:$217

Transport:$37