Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, one of our vehicles will be waiting for you at the airport to receive and transfer you comfortably and quickly to the hotel. You will have the rest of the day free to relax and, if you wish, begin to enjoy this city at your own pace. Edinburgh, in addition to being the capital of Scotland since 1437, is one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom and holds the title of Scotland's second-largest city (the first is Glasgow). Its beauty and historical legacy make it an excellent destination to visit throughout the year. This beautiful Scottish city, full of history and curiosities, will allow you to take a trip to the Middle Ages, thanks to its interesting streets with architectural value, the many buildings dating from this historical period, and impressive monuments from the 16th century. Tip: Docked at the Ocean Terminal in Leith, you can find the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia, which served from 1954 to 1997.
After breakfast, you will have free time to tour this wonderful city and its castle. The wonderful Edinburgh Castle was built at the beginning of the 12th century in memory of Queen Margaret. Due to its geographical and strategic position, as the gateway to Scotland from England, it has been used on several occasions as the object of strong military disputes throughout its history. Edinburgh Castle is built on top of an impressive 700 million-year-old extinct volcano on Castle Rock Hill. This hill has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, around 850 BC, and a royal castle has existed on the site since at least the 12th century. It dates from the early twelfth century in memory of Queen Margaret. The queen is said to have died of heartache in 1093 when she received news of the death of her husband, King Malcolm III. Over the centuries the castle has been used as a royal residence, prison, and army garrison. It is the most important castle in Scotland and has been at the center of numerous wars, having been attacked and besieged many times. Tip: Edinburgh Castle is home to the Mons Meg cannon, one of the oldest and largest siege cannons in Europe, dating back to the 15th century. It is a "bombard" or large caliber cannon intended for the siege of fortifications, weighing more than 16 tons and launching granite stones weighing more than 150 kilograms.
After a delightful breakfast, you will have the day off in the city. Optionally, you can add some excursions to explore the surrounding areas, such as the Highlands region, Loch Ness, and the beautiful landscapes of Glencoe Valley. If you prefer more relaxed activities, you can opt for a whisky tasting, Scotland's national drink. There are different varieties depending on the region, including single grain, blended malts, and even smoky ones. Another option could be to take advantage of the day for souvenir shopping and picking up typical mementos of this city. Among them, you will find the quaich (from Gaelic cuach, meaning 'cup'), a shallow cup with two handles used for drinking whisky or brandy, or tablet, one of the most typical Scottish sweets. Made with sugar, condensed milk, and regular milk, it has a granulated texture and melts in the mouth. Extremely sweet and addictive, it can be an ideal gift. Tip: The city is nicknamed "Auld Reekie," which means "Old Smoky." This nickname originated during the Victorian era, when only coal and wood were used as fuels, and thousands of chimneys emitted dense smoke that blackened the city.
After breakfast, you will head to the station to board the train bound for the city of Inverness. Upon arrival, you will have the afternoon free to start exploring and discovering this wonderful city. Inverness is a vibrant city that beautifully blends its historic heritage with modern amenities, making it an excellent base for exploring the stunning landscapes and culture of the Scottish Highlands. Tip: The city's most famous resident might be the Loch Ness Monster, also known as Nessie, who attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year.
After a tasty breakfast, you will have the day for free to stroll the city at your own pace. You can visit Inverness Castle, Inverness Cathedral, River Ness, the Old High Church, possibly the Loch Ness Monster, and many more hidden gems. Inverness is many things. It is the capital of the Highlands. It is the North of Scotland's premier shopping, entertainment and travel destination. And it is a charming city that will take your breath away at every turn. You'll spend the day exploring Inverness and its best-loved tourist spots on foot and discovering what makes this city so special. As you stroll through the streets of Inverness, the top sights will come to life as you explore, hear, and learn all about how the city has grown. From its humble beginnings as a royal city to Jacobite risings and castle sieges, to modern city life, you'll hear it all. Tip: You will find out why Inverness is officially Scoltand's Happiest City and maybe even catch a glimpse of the Loch Ness Monster if you're lucky!
After breakfast, you will take the train to Edinburgh, then your tour will come to an end, hopefully filled with unforgettable memories.
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