Slàinte mhath!
Travel Talk:
Slàinte mhath: Cheers – here’s to your health. This is a traditional Gaelic toast and is pronounced slan-ge-vah.
Today’s Itinerary
Leave for the train station at 6:30am
We will take an Uber to Kings Cross train station.
Train To Edinburgh
We will take an LNER train from London to Edinburgh. The trip will take the eastern coast route and will stop at several stations on the way. Total travel time is 4hr 42min. We will be on the sleek new Azuma bullet train. We will travel in 1st class where meals and beverages are served on the train.
Breakfast & Lunch
Breakfast is available in the 1st class lounge at Kings Cross station. Breakfast and Lunch will also be served on the train.
Travel Trivia:
As you come in the Edinburgh you will see Calton Hill. Calton Hill is the headquarters of the Scottish Government. Calton Hill is also the location of several iconic monuments and buildings: the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument, the old Royal High School, the Robert Burns Monument, the Political Martyrs’ Monument and the City Observatory.
Uber to The Hotel
We will arrive at Waverly Station at 2:22. We will take an UBER with our bags to the hotel in the Grassmarket. Those who want to stretch their legs have the option to walk! The distance isn’t far but might be a bit steep.
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Situated in the heart of the Grassmarket looking onto Edinburgh Castle, our family hotel is the perfect place to stay to immerse yourself in all the capital has to offer. Awe-inspiring views, a relaxing pool and Edinburgh’s top attractions just a short stroll away make our Old Town gem your dream destination.
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Travel Talk:
The term ‘whisky’ derives originally from the Gaelic ‘uisge beatha’, or ‘usquebaugh’, meaning ‘water of life’. Gaelic is that branch of Celtic spoken in the Highlands of Scotland.
The Grassmarket
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, the Grassmarket area is one of the most vibrant, picturesque and convivial areas of the city. A paradise of independent merchants, designers and artisans, the Grassmarket Edinburgh is simply bursting with some of the best shopping Edinburgh has to offer. Well preserved cobbled streets, medieval architecture and inspiring views of Edinburgh Castle help to create an atmosphere unparalleled in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Victoria Street
Victoria Street in the Old Town has to be one of the most photographed locations in the city. Originally the steep Z-shaped street was quite difficult to handle for carriages getting up into the city. The street was transformed to its current shape and in 1837 renamed when Queen Victoria was crowned. A shop celebrating the wizarding world of Harry Potter has opened on the street that inspired the series famous Diagon Alley.
Get Some Sleep!
Tomorrow… Edinburgh Castle!