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I'm well traveled, but would love some input

Posted by (Centennial, CO, USA) on

First trip to Scotland coming up in 2 weeks (we leave March 7) I've been to Italy 10-12 times, and traveled to a lot of Europe over the years. Been to England on a bike trip, and to London for business a few years back.

I've got my packing list completed, bringing gloves, hat, scarf, wool socks, water proof footwear, rain coat with hood, down jacket, and layering pieces for clothing (all in a carry on size backpack)

FYI, we are based in Edinburgh, just my daughter and I, we have RS book and other travel websites bookmarked for more info. NO car, we like public transport. We will be taking the train (reservations already made, tickets bought) to go to Inverness for one night so we can take an Outlander tour of Colloden, etc.

Just checking with you experienced Scotland travelers to get some of your best suggestions for our 6 days based in Edinburgh.

The way our trip is right now (can't change the Inverness dates) we arrive on Wednesday, plan to walk the Royal Mile that day to reduce jet lag, and enjoy being outside.

Thursday we will do the castle when they open, then afternoon have no plans -
Friday our train to Inverness is at 8:30
Saturday is our Outlander tour, return to Edinburgh on the 7PM train
Sunday no firm plans
Monday no firm plans

We'd thought about maybe going to Glasgow for a day on the train -

It's a girls get away that I've done with my daughter a few times, mostly to Italy (because I'm so comfortable there!)

Any suggestions of amazing things NOT to miss? (we'd like to do a ghost tour, or night tour in Edinburgh for sure) I think with the guide book and the websites, we should be good, but if you've experienced something that you feel should not be missed, I'd love to hear.

We have both been really busy with work, so not spent a lot of time doing extra planning, or making a firm itinerary (but we do kind of like to just be organic and plan the day when we wake up!)

Posted by
1840 posts

Ellen,I suggest you buy a copy of Rough Guide Scotland. Its much better than the Steves book, and we have worn one out in our six trips to Scotland. Monte

Posted by
14988 posts

Edinburgh Castle is at one end of the Royal Mile. If you start there, the walk will be downhill.

Quite a few people on his boards have good things to say about Rabbies Tours

I thought the Hop On HOp Off buses in Edinburgh were very good. There are four lines.

Posted by
852 posts

I spent six days in Edinburgh. Like you I was at the castle when it opened, was there until lunch then I went and found something to eat. After lunch I just wandered down the length of the Royal Mile popping in and out of places like the whiskey store, St. Giles Cathedral (where someone was playing the organ), and some other shops. At the bottom of the Royal mile is Holyrood House. I did the audio tour here. Then at the end of the day I walked up Calton Hill which is right near, and provides a great view of the city, especially at sunset. Other things I did was the climb up the Walter Scott memorial, visited the Victorian House, The HMY Britania. I walked all the way around the base of the hill Edinburgh castle is on (and Princess Gardens), and came across some other interesting sights in the process. I also did a couple of day trips that included Hadrian's Wall and Rosslyn Chapel. I did a Ghost and Torture tour at night that was a lot of fun, and I also did the tour of Mary King's Close, but I liked the ghost tour better. I did a lot of other aimless wandering, but these are the things that I remember the most.

Posted by
1448 posts

Stirling is worth a day trip to see the Palace and other historic places on the Hill. Also the Wallace Memorial. Glasgow has a cool Steampunkish museum: the Kelvingrove. The Necropolis graveyard has Huge 3D monuments.

Posted by
9 posts

Mary Kings Close on the Royal Mile is worth a visit - check out their website. In Glasgow visit Scotland Street School, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Also Glasgow Cathedral and, directly across the road from it, the Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow (1471)

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