Edinburgh, Scotland's Capital

The whistle blows, and your fantastic two-day Scottish adventure to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Capital City, is underway!

The high-speed Azuma train will take you to the Viking city of York, then onwards to Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

At Berwick-upon-Tweed cross the border into Scotland and follow the coastal route towards Edinburgh’s Waverley Station.

On arrival, make the short walk to your city centre hotel. Once you’ve checked in, it’s time to explore the city’s many attractions.

Hop aboard an open-top bus to discover the secrets of the historic Old Town.

As you tour through the Grassmarket, hear stories of the many public executions that took place here. You could hop off to enjoy a drink in “The Last Drop” Pub before taking a stroll up colourful Victoria Street, said to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books.   

The tour includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle. Head across the drawbridge to see St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in the city and Mon’s Meg, a fine example of a siege gun.

At the top of the Castle, enter Crown Square to see the Great Hall and the Royal Palace, where King James VI was born. See the Scottish Crown Jewels, known as the “Honours of Scotland”, containing the Crown, Sceptre and Sword. They are the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain.

Later take a walk along the historic Royal Mile, which connects the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, HM The King’s official residence in Scotland. This atmospheric thoroughfare is packed full of historic buildings and mysterious closes (alleyways) that are just waiting to be explored.

Tonight, enjoy dinner in one of the city’s excellent restaurants, followed by a wee nightcap in a historic whisky pub.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast, then head out to continue your sightseeing.

Today why not explore the New Town, where you’ll find sweeping crescents and grand squares. Princes Street offers shopping with a unique view of the castle overlooking delightful gardens.

Stately, George Street boasts designer label shops aplenty as well as a wide range of bars and eateries. At the west end, stroll into elegant Charlotte Square, where you will see fine examples of Georgian architecture.

Edinburgh has a wealth of museums and art galleries to discover.

Trace the development of Scotland as a nation from roman times to Dolly the sheep at the National Museum of Scotland.

The National Portrait Gallery is devoted to displaying paintings of famous Scots from Mary, Queen of Scots to Sean Connery!

The National Galleries complex is conveniently located at the foot of The Mound and contains exquisite old masters and impressionist works. It also plays host to many touring exhibitions.

Later this afternoon, head back to Edinburgh Waverley Station to catch your train. You’ll return to London by mid-evening.