Royal Yacht Britannia

Follow in the footsteps of Royalty and explore this floating Royal residence with a fascinating audio tour of five decks.

The Royal Yacht Britannia played host to some of the world’s most famous people, from Nelson Mandela to Winston Churchill, but above all was home for the British Royal Family for over 40 years.

Now berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, you can discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.

You’ll receive a truly warm welcome at Britannia’s Visitor Centre in Ocean Terminal before you step aboard this famous ship where you will discover the history of Royal Yachts and view displays and historical photographs of Britannia’s fascinating past before boarding.

What will you see? Tour Britannia’s five decks Feel like the captain of the ship in the Bridge See Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite room the Sun Lounge. Discover below decks in the Crew’s Quarters Take in the Royal Sailing Exhibition.

Edinburgh New Town (Pass Through)

The initial plan for Edinburgh's New Town was approved by the City Council in 1767, and is the largest complete example of town planning from the Georgian period anywhere in the world.

Its mixture of classical architecture, grand squares and terraces, gardens and secluded lanes, means that a walk through its streets is a journey back in time to an age of elegance.

Highlights of the New Town include Charlotte Square, designed by the architect Robert Adam in 1791, it is regarded as an architectural masterpiece.

Calton Hill & National Monument

Calton Hill and the National Monument are situated in Central Edinburgh, east of Edinburgh’s New Town.

Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Calton Hill has some of the city’s best views and if you get up early, the best sunrises.

Calton Hill is also resident to some iconic Scottish monuments and buildings. Monuments include the National Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, Nelson’s Monument, the Old Royal High School, Robert Burns Monument, Political Martyrs’ Monument and also the City Observatory.

The City Observatory is now home to Collective, a free, contemporary art space with a programme of world-class exhibitions, events, workshops and discussions from ground-breaking local and international artists.

Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat (Pass Through)

Take a drive through Holyrood Park and around Arthur's Seat the extinct volcano overlooking Edinburgh with some spectacular views.

If feeling adventurous you can take a hike up the hill and see unparalleled vistas of the city, this takes around 45min to complete so may require changes to the itinerary for the day if required.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse (Photo Stop)

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the King in Scotland.

Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Today, the State Apartments are used regularly for State ceremonies and official entertaining. The Palace is closed when in use by the Royal Family so please check your tour date for entry.

At the Palace of Holyroodhouse, visitors can explore magnificent historic and State Apartments, the beautiful ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and royal gardens, all with a complimentary multimedia tour in 10 languages.

Best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Palace was the setting for many dramatic episodes in her short reign.

Today, the State Apartments are used regularly for State ceremonies and official entertaining. The Palace is closed when in use by the Royal Family so please check your tour date for entry.

The Royal Mile (Walked on Foot)

As you depart Palace of Holyroodhouse you will walk the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle.

​Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is the heart of Scotland’s historic capital. Running through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle, with the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The Mile is overlooked by impressive, towering tenements, between which cobbled closes and narrow stairways interlock to create a secret underground world.

Peppered with superb attractions and historical sites including St Giles’ Cathedral and some of the best eating and drinking spots in the city, the Royal Mile offers much to see and do.

A great location to stop and take lunch whilst taking in some Scottish hospitality.

The Royal Mile section is explored on foot, due to vehicle restrictions we are unable to drive the Royal Mile in full.

On completion you will enter the Castle through the main gate.

Your driver will be on hand if the walk is a little too much, you can be collected and taken to Edinburgh Castle for your next stop if required.

Edinburgh Castle

Explore Edinburgh Castle at your own pace, our castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe.

Set in the heart of Scotland’s dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The scenery will take your breath away.

There are many ways to experience Edinburgh Castle. Go straight to an exciting part, follow an itinerary, or allow an audio guide to show you around.

Edinburgh Castle is alive with exciting tales of its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war.

When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens and even the odd pirate or two.

Exploring Edinburgh Castle is a highlight of any Scottish adventure, memories will be created and long remembered.

On completion of your time here you will walk out of the gatehouse and down to the Grasssmarket.

The Grassmarket and Old Town

Once a medieval market place and site for public executions, the Grassmarket area is now a vibrant area buzzing with eclectic shops.

Its detailed medieval architecture, stunning castle views and dynamic atmosphere make it one of the city’s most-loved areas, frequented by tourists, students and professionals alike.

Though Grassmarket executions ceased in 1784, some of the traditional area’s pubs, such as The Last Drop and Maggie Dickson’s, keep alive the bloody tale of a chequered past.

The White Hart Inn has played host to some famous patrons, including Robert Burns.

Fashion fans will uncover a wealth of gems at Armstrongs Vintage Emporium, a haven of retro clothes and quirky accessories.