10 Days in Edinburgh: A Journey Through History and Beauty

Mya Moore

4 Dec 2023

Embark on a 10-day adventure to Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and immerse yourself in the rich history and breathtaking beauty of this enchanting city. From exploring ancient marvels to indulging in authentic experiences, this itinerary is designed to make your trip unforgettable.

Trip to Edinburgh

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Sun, Sand, and Serenity at Portobello Beach

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Rise Above the City at Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat

$50

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

12 - 18 min

Directions

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

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$50

Mountain offering hikes from moderate to advanced, plus panoramic city & Firth of Forth views.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3A Royal Experience on Land and Sea

$58

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$38

12 - 15 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$20

Day 4Unveiling the Secrets of Edinburgh's Past

$63

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$38

2 - 3 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$25

6 - 9 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Stroll Along the Royal Mile and Discover Hidden Gems

$13

$ 10

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

7 - 10 min

Directions

Spirelike Victorian memorial in honour of the writer Sir Walter Scott, with 287 steps to the top.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

10 - 12 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

31 - 38 min

Directions

1.5-mile-long red railway bridge, opened in 1890 & crossing the Forth estuary.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Thrills and Chills at The Edinburgh Dungeon and Deep Sea World

$88

$ 5

A 70-minute tour through 1,000 years of Scottish history via underground rides & live shows.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$50

36 - 44 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$38

Day 7Art, Illusions, and Wonder at National Galleries and Camera Obscura

$38

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

•

$38

Day 8Serene Gardens and Majestic Castle

$63

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

•

$63

Day 9Art, Whisky, and Mysteries at National Galleries, The Scotch Whisky Experience, and Rosslyn Chapel

$80

$ 5

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

14 - 21 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$50

26 - 32 min

Directions

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

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$30

Day 10Modern Art and Wildlife Encounters at National Galleries and Edinburgh Zoo

$45

$ 5

National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One

Modern art collection from Miro to Hockney, alongside new exhibitions, sculpture park and cafe.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

8 - 10 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$45

Budget breakdown: $523 In total

Activities & Food:$495

Transport:$28