Ca’ canny!
Travel Talk:
The motto “Ca’canny Wi’the Butter“, or “Go easy on the butter” means slow down, take your time, don’t wear yourself out!
Today’s Itinerary
Breakfast
Breakfast can either be taken in the hotel or a cafe in the Grassmarket.
Travel Trivia:
The most famous street in Edinburgh, The Royal Mile, isn’t not actually a mile along. It stretches one mile and 107 yards.
The Royal Mile
We will spend the day on the Royal Mile. There are castles, cathedrals, old buildings, whisky and LOTS of SHOPPING!
So… Ca’canny, slow down, take your time, don’t wear yourself out!
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Travel Trivia:
Edinburgh Castle is situated on an extinct volcano. Seeing the site’s military potential, Iron Age people built a hill fort on the rock. Early medieval poetry tells of a war band that feasted here for a year before riding to their deaths in battle.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens – and even the odd pirate or two.
We have tickets already and are to enter between 9:30-10:00 am
Royal Mile- Tartan Weaving Mill
The Tartan Weaving Mill occupies the building which used to be the Castle Hill reservoir, The main water supply for the occupants of the Royal Mile.
The mill is surprisingly large inside with five storeys to explore. Now run by Geoffrey Tailor Kiltmaker, the mill exhibition shows the whole process involved in tartan production from shearing sheep, to making a kilt.
There are working looms and the atmosphere of a busy factory.
Visitors can be fitted for and photographed wearing full Highland Dress outfit and experience the fascinating history of Scotland’s National Dress.
Lunch: 12pm
Amber’s chefs create delicious dishes served with innovative flair and have been garnering awards and stellar reviews for 20 years. Try our seasonally inspired signature dishes; Scottish Tapas or our Taste of Scotland tasting menu. Choose from over 450 drams in Amber’s whisky bar, from well-known favourites to hidden gems ready to discover.
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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 Whisky Experience
The Whisky Experience is an attraction telling the tale of Scotland’s national drink with high-tech exhibits and a barrel ride. The perfect journey through the world of Scotch whisky. They are storytellers; passionate about sharing their love for Scotch whisky and Scotland.
St. Giles Cathedral
From the ornate stained-glass windows to the intricate woodwork and high ceilings, St Giles’ Cathedral is an impressive piece of 14th-century architecture. This divine place of worship is dedicated to Saint Giles, the prominent medieval saint of cripples and lepers. This pious figure is the patron saint of Edinburgh, too.
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Travel Talk:
One of the main attractions and particularities of the Royal Mile Edinburgh are the narrow side street called ‘closes’. These closes were usually named after a memorable occupant of an apartment or a trade made there. The Closes nearest to the castle can have steep slopes. They are narrow and between tall buildings as housing was an issue when they were built.
Holyrood Palace
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty The Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Standing at the end of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, this fine palace is the home of Scottish royal history.
Afternoon Tea: 4:15
Enjoy a spectacular afternoon tea in our luxurious Georgian Tea Room at The Dome.
The Real Mary King’s Close
While Edinburgh has many secrets, one gem that is thankfully not kept under lock and key is The Real Mary King’s Close. Lying deep beneath the Old Town and the Royal Mile is a set of underground spaces and streets (known as closes), which are entangled with chilling stories that have haunted the locals since the 17th century. Ghosts and ghouls aside, this attraction gives a fascinating depiction of Edinburgh life between the 16th and 19th centuries.
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Travel Talk:
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died himself on 14 January 1872. The story continues to be well known in Scotland, through several books and films. There is a statue dedicated to him located just off the royal mile where people rub his nose for good luck.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Kirkyard technically means “churchyard” but this is basically Greyfriars Graveyard or Greyfriars Cemetery. Greyfriars Kirkyard is the graveyard surrounding Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is located at the southern edge of the Old Town, adjacent to George Heriot’s School. Burials have been taking place since the late 16th century, and a number of notable Edinburgh residents are interred at Greyfriars.
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Travel Trivia:
A visit to Edinburgh should be on any Harry Potter fan’s travel bucket list. JK Rowling has lived in Edinburgh since 1993 and wrote much of Harry Potter whilst in this city.
One of the most popular Harry Potter cafes in Edinburgh is The Elephant House, which calls itself the “birthplace of Harry Potter”. Just a few minutes away, is a rather eerie graveyard called Greyfriars Kirkyard.
This is no ordinary graveyard however as you’ll find many graves with names similar to those of Harry Potter characters within these walls. Think Potter, think McGonagall, think Scrimgeour and Tom Riddell!
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Travel Trivia:
Perhaps one of the most famous monarchs to live at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers where she lived between 1561-1567 are not to be missed. When you climb the steps up to the north-west tower you enter a world of intrigue, tragedy and murder.
Tired?
You can continue to shop as you walk back up the Royal Mile. However, if you are tired, take an UBER back to the hotel!
Dinner
Dinner is to be determined! There are lots of cool pubs on the Grassmarket. So fancy a pint? There’s even American Pizza here! We do have reservations at The Beehive Inn for 7:30 if we want them.
Get Some Sleep!
Phew, long day! Get some rest. Tomorrow we drive north to Inverness!