A Stroll Down the Royal Mile
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Port
Newhaven (Edinburgh), United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$109.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
The best way to appreciate the historical past of Edinburgh is to explore the Royal Mile on foot. This famous thoroughfare was the heart of the Old Town of Edinburgh during medieval times, and stretches from the high hillside setting of Edinburgh Castle for approximately a mile downhill to the Palace of Holyrood House. It is really a continuation of four streets joined together -- Castle Hill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate. Edinburgh Castle, an imposing castle-fortress, stands proudly at one end of the Royal Mile.
You'll pass Gladstone's Land, where some of the features of this interesting, tall, early 17th-century building can be admired, including an outside staircase, arcaded ground floor, oak shutters, leaded glass, and crow-stepped gables.
Lady Stair's House, a literary museum dedicated to the works of Burns, Scott and Stevenson, can be seen from a secluded close that opens into a spacious courtyard.
St Giles Cathedral, with its crown spire, is a much-recognized landmark standing adjacent to Parliament Square, where the buildings now house the Law Courts of Scotland. Famous church reformer John Knox once lived here, and his 16th-century house has been rebuilt extensively through the years. It has a red-tiled gable roof, projecting timber gallery and outside stairs.
Your guide will point out the Church of Canongate, where many historical figures are buried in the churchyard, including the murdered Italian secretary of Mary, Queen of Scots.
At the bottom of the Royal Mile, visit Holyrood House -- the British Monarch's official residence in Scotland and a magnificent palace closely associated with Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary, Queen of Scots, who resided here for six long and lonely years. Your guided visit will include the state apartments, which are filled with tapestries, paintings, and impressive furniture. Of special note is the picture gallery with more than 80 portraits of Scottish Monarchs.
Notes:
Tour is available only on select sailings. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, cobblestones, inclines, gravel, grass, and many steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. Holyrood Palace is a working royal residence and is subject to closure at short notice. In the event that Holyrood is closed, a visit to the National Museum of Scotland will be substituted.