A Stroll Down the Royal Mile
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Puerto
South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland, United Kingdom
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Nivel de actividad
Moderate
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Tipo de excursión
All
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Accesible para personas en silla de ruedas
No
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A partir de
$134
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Edad mínima
Information Not Currently Available
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Duración
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Comidas incluidas
Meals not included
Perhaps 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 the western 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.
With its crown spire, St Giles' Cathedral is an easily-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 undergone extensive rebuilding over the years. It features a red-tiled gable roof, a projecting timber gallery, and exterior stairs.
Your guide will point out the Canongate Kirk (Church), 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 self-guided visit will include the state apartments filled with tapestries, paintings, and impressive furniture. Notably, the picture gallery features more than 80 portraits of Scottish monarchs.
Notes:
Tour is available only on select sailings. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Terrain includes cobblestones, steps and uneven surfaces. Holyrood House is a working royal residence and may be subject to closure at short notice; a visit to the National Museum of Scotland will be substituted.