Edinburgh On Your Own

An opportunity for you to explore this Scottish city at your own pace. Edinburgh is a beautiful, fascinating city dominated by a castle built high on a rocky ridge known as `The Athens of the North`. The capital has a violent, romantic history, enormously versatile culture, amazing architecture - both medieval and Georgian - that rivals its Grecian counterpart. Built on and around a crop of hills, ancient Edinburgh stares down across the suburbs to a horizon smudged with mountains beyond the Lothian plain and the Firth of Forth. Its strategic, elevated position, guarding the route to the north, with the river at its feet and easy access to the south, made it an obvious choice for the capital in the days when defense was paramount. You will travel along the main route, and on arrival into Edinburgh your guide will confirm the return pick-up time and location. You will then have time on your own to explore the city, or to shop. Close by is The Royal Mile which runs from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and is well worth a visit. You will find plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and wine bars for refreshment to purchase along the way. The Royal Mile offers cameo glimpses into the past. From the 11th century on, this area became a warren of close-packed houses, struggling upwards, shouldering each other for light and air. Leaving Edinburgh late afternoon, your ride returns directly to the ship.