With its Victorian and Georgian architecture and its winding medieval streets, Edinburgh is one of Europe's most enchanting cities. From stunning Edinburgh Castle perched atop an extinct volcano to the city's vibrant arts and culture scenes, Edinburgh is both ancient and modern, elegant and fun.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Edinburgh

Depart from the U.S. on an overnight transatlantic flight bound for Scotland.

Day 2 - Edinburgh

Touch down in Edinburgh. After clearing customs, you'll be met by a Go Ahead representative, who will escort you to your hotel and assist with check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to begin exploring the city. Tonight, you might enjoy joining your group for an optional dinner in Edinburgh's Old Town. (B in flight)

$79 USD

Dinner in Edinburgh Tonight, become acquainted with your group while you enjoy a traditional Scottish meal. Specialties might include shortbread, smoked salmon, kippers, Scotch broth, venison, oatcakes, jelly, jam, and of course, haggis.

Day 3 - Edinburgh

With eight days in Edinburgh, capital of Scotland and one of Europe’s truly great cities, you’ll see and learn about generations of history—from old tribes who once called the city’s Castle Rock “Edwinesburh” to the battles with the English, who sacked Edinburgh an amazing seven times. But the city survived—both the Old and New Towns were named UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. On your first full day in the city, you can begin exploring the city on your own or opt to embark on a comprehensive tour of Edinburgh from the elegant Georgian New Town to the Royal Mile, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle. This afternoon, you can join an optional excursion to Abbotsford House and Melrose Abbey. (B)

$69 USD

Abbotsford House & Melrose Abbey Travel through the Borders region to the 19-century estate of Sir Walter Scott. The romantic-style home is known as Abbotsford House and now serves as a museum for the Scottish artifacts Scott collected throughout his lifetime.

$85 USD

Edinburgh Sightseeing Tour A local guide leads this morning’s comprehensive sightseeing tour of Edinburgh, from the elegant Georgian New Town to the Royal Mile. The tour includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle.

Day 4 - Edinburgh

Explore the art of Edinburgh today with a visit to the National Gallery on the Mound, to see the best in both International and Scottish art. Or you might discover the story of Scotland at the Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street. Alternatively, embark on an optional excursion to the Scottish border country, and see the lands where Scotland fought for its independence. (B)

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Scottish Borders Enjoy a day out in a unique area of the United Kingdom characterized by the rolling hills that separate Scotland and England.

Day 5 - Edinburgh

Today is yours to spend how you wish. You might continue your explorations of Edinburgh's art and culture with a visit to the Fruitmarket Gallery in Market Street, to view the best in contemporary art. Or you can embark on an optional excursion to St. Andrew's, said to be the birthplace of golf. (B)

$99 USD

St. Andrews Set on Scotland’s picturesque coastline, St. Andrews is a renowned university town as well as the birthplace of golf.

Day 6 - Edinburgh

Spend the day browsing the shops lining Princes Street and the Royal Mile, and take in the city's marvelous Victorian and Georgian architecture. Once you sit down to lunch, you'll discover why Edinburgh is named one of the most desirable places to live. Or you can venture to Trossachs National Park and Stirling Castle, made famous by Braveheart's William Wallace, on today's optional excursion. (B)

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Trossachs & Sterling Castle Stretching from the rugged Highlands to the gentle Lowland slopes, Trossachs National Park has wild mountain glens, towering giants, rolling hill country, rivers, woodlands and lochs. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery as you travel towards Stirling, Edinburgh's "little sister."

Day 7 - Edinburgh

Take a day to kick back and enjoy the greener side of Edinburgh. Located right in the center of the city, Princes Street Gardens is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing, enjoy a picnic and sit back and admire the castle. Holyrood Park feels like a bit of the country in the middle of the city, and the Royal Botanical Gardens should not be missed. Or you can take in more rugged scenery on a full-day optional excursion into the Scottish Highlands. Tonight, you can opt to join your group for a fun and festive Scottish Ceilidh, followed by dinner. (B)

$115 USD

Scottish Ceilidh Enjoy this special evening of Scottish tradition.

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Scottish Highlands Journey into the Scottish Highlands on today’s excursion and experience the dramatic landscapes of Northern Scotland. Visit Blair Atholl Castle and a whiskey distillery on your tour.

Day 8 - Edinburgh

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board your flight home. (B)