Edinburgh Exploration

Bequilliard Group

Thursday 13th February – Sunday 16th February 2025

Number of Travellers: 4
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Overview

Immerse yourself in the heart of Scotland with this carefully curated journey that blends the best of Edinburgh’s history and charm with a day exploring the iconic coastal town of St Andrews.

Begin your adventure with a guided tour of Edinburgh, where the city’s rich heritage comes alive. Stroll along the bustling Royal Mile, uncover hidden closes, and soak in the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A highlight of your exploration includes a visit to the world-famous Edinburgh Castle, perched majestically atop an ancient volcano, offering stunning views across the city and centuries of fascinating stories.

Next, delve beneath the city streets on a private tour of The Real Mary King’s Close. Step back in time as expert guides unveil the tales of life in 17th-century Edinburgh, from its bustling markets to the dark days of plague. This unique underground experience offers a rare and immersive glimpse into the city’s layered history.

Conclude your journey with a day trip to St Andrews, the birthplace of golf and home to Scotland’s oldest university. Wander the fairways of the legendary Old Course, visit the hauntingly beautiful ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, and explore the charming cobbled streets. This coastal town is a treasure trove of history, culture, and breathtaking views.

Throughout your adventure, enjoy the seamless blend of expert-guided tours, private insights, and time to discover Scotland’s stories at your own pace.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 13th February | Welcome to Scotland | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 2 | Friday 14th February | Exploring Edinburgh | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 3 | Saturday 15th February | St Andrew's Day Trip | Overnight: Edinburgh

Day 4 | Sunday 16th February | Depart

Highlights

  • Explore Edinburgh’s Rich History – Wander the Royal Mile and visit Edinburgh Castle, where centuries of Scottish history unfold before you.
  • Step Back in Time at The Real Mary King’s Close – Unearth hidden stories from Edinburgh’s 17th-century past on a private, underground tour of the city’s oldest closes.
  • Uncover the Charm of St Andrews – Discover the birthplace of golf, explore the stunning cathedral ruins, and stroll through the historic streets of this iconic university town.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 13th February - Welcome to Scotland

On arrival at Edinburgh Airport, you’ll be greeted by your private driver, who will escort you to your hotel in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic city centre. As you settle into this vibrant capital, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a rich tapestry of history, culture, and architecture. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to unwind at your hotel, soaking in the views of the city skyline, or step out to begin your exploration.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Friday 14th February - Exploring Edinburgh

Today immerse yourselves in the winding cobbled streets of historic Old Town Edinburgh as you enjoy a private walking tour with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of this unique capital city from the Palace of Holyroodhouse all the way up the ‘Royal Mile’ to the mighty ancient fortress which is Edinburgh Castle itself. Walk the ramparts atop castle rock and hear the tales of the One O’Clock gun and the stories of locals of times past. Your guide will be with you to lead you around the corridors and cobblestones, exploring the castle at your leisure.

After lunch, step back in time as you explore The Real Mary King’s Close, one of Edinburgh’s most fascinating and atmospheric hidden gems. On this classic private tour, you’ll delve beneath the historic Royal Mile to uncover the city’s underground streets, frozen in time since the 17th century. Guided by expert storytellers, you’ll hear captivating tales of the people who lived, worked, and thrived in this unique warren of lanes, from merchants to plague doctors. This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into the city’s past, bringing Edinburgh’s rich history to life in an unforgettable way.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Saturday 15th February - St Andrew's Day Trip

After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel by your guide for the day as you embark on a memorable day trip to the historic town of St Andrews. Known as the birthplace of golf, St Andrews offers the chance to stroll the iconic Old Course and marvel at the famed Swilcan Bridge. Your journey includes a visit to the majestic ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, where you will find sweeping coastal views. Wander through the cobbled streets of this charming town, discovering boutique shops, traditional tearooms, and the vibrant buzz of university life at Scotland’s oldest university. This tour also includes an optional stop at a local whisky and gin distillery or a stop at the seaside village of Anstruther which was previously voted to have the best fish & chips in the UK.

 

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Room Type: Executive Old Town View
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Sunday 16th February - Depart

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Edinburgh airport to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 3 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above.
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
  • Airport Transfer on Departure Day
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Private Edinburgh City Tour (Approximately 8 hours)
    • Edinburgh Castle – Admission (Duration flexible to your interest)
    • Private tour of The Real Mary King’s Close (Approximately 1 hour)
    • Private St Andrews Day Tour (Approximately 9am – 5pm, including private guide and transfer to and from your hotel)
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades are available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
Pricing Read More

Pricing:

The NET price for this itinerary, based on 4 clients on a double-share basis, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £1890 GBP per person

Conservation Contribution

This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate.  If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know.

Click here for more information.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

Accommodation

The Balmoral Hotel

1 Princes Street | Edinburgh |
EH2 2EQ | Scotland
Phone: +44 (0)131 556 2414
Web: roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel

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Virtuoso

Edinburgh Exploration

Thursday 13th February – Sunday 16th February 2025