Skip to main content

Scotland 2018: Day 5


Day 5

EDINBURGH: In the morning after a wonderful breakfast we boarded our tour bus to enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh, the inspiring capital of Scotland.

Arthur's Seat
From the historical closes of the Old Town to the large avenues of New Town, we saw an outstanding city of contrasts . Princes Street welcomed us to the most unique sight of Edinburgh Castle, majestically dominating both Old and New Town.  Built out of the volcanic mountainside.  We saw Calton Hill and its National Monument, rightfully giving Edinburgh its nickname: the "Athens of the North".  We drove down many streets lined with quaint shops and internationally known retailers.   

Edinburgh Castle
We departed the bus for a morning visit to Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh’s Castle rock has been a stronghold for over 3000 years. In its dominating position overlooking the capital city, the grandeur and historical significance of Edinburgh Castle has made it a globally famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site. Sited on top of an extinct volcano, gaining stunning views across City of Edinburgh, the castle has witnessed many of the defining events of Scottish history and has dominated its surroundings with majesty for centuries.  The exhibits of the Royal Jewels were something to see.  Edinburgh Castle captivates visitors with its ancient buildings and marvelous views, it continues to spellbind with its wonderful story. 



After our guided tour we were free to wander the city on our own.  Many of us made purchases to take home along Royal Mile from shortbread and sweaters to magnets and whiskey.  We saw the building that inspires JK Rowling’s famous Hogwarts School of Wizardry. Many of us also found our way to Victoria Street which was the inspiration for. Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.

With the steep climb at Edinburgh Castle and along  the road many of us would be hard pressed not say, 'I’m fair puckled! – I’m short of breath.

Once again our guide offered some suggestions for dinner.  Some of the groups went for a delicious Italian dinner while another group went to The Dome and others enjoyed the local pub flare.

Groups  of Stonehill travelers could be found in the bar following dinner enjoying each other's company after dinner and sharing their adventures of the day.  While another group was out in the dark of the night on a ghost tour.  Can't wait to hear about their adventures and learn which ghosts of the past they may have encountered!  

Comments

SIMON LEWIS said…
really get some important information from your post Thanks
meet and greet heathrow
Targarian said…
What a Good Work really Nice place and the pictures Are Awesome Thanks For Sharing

meet and greet gatwick
Jasper Milo said…
Good and informative blog.Thank you so much for sharing this post. Visit Here:gatwick parking
williamleon said…
I enjoyed over read your blog post.i'm very impressed.
cheap liverpool airport parking
Krishna Treks said…
Treks Himalaya an indoor outdoor trekking and tours operative company takes you that further way to guarantee you has a memorable trip that you have been dream with Treks Himalaya is part of your choice. We have 3 days to 30 days your Nepal trekking to choose but it depending of your timetable. We always respect our duty to constantly your Nepal holiday. Whether you are looking for a quiet gateway, a memorable outing with a family or an exciting nature. We offer you with the best progressive information and itinerary leading focused and modified as per your requirements. It is significant to memorize, though, it necessitate an enough level of physical homework and must remembers that there is also a psychosomatic assurance in walking in mountains. We attempt to encourage Nepal to the exterior world while striving to defend an aged tradition as well as conserve the surroundings for generation to come. We specialize in organize Nepal travel activities excursion such as:- Trekking, Helicopter Tour, Peak Climbing, Mountain Flight, Honeymoon Tour, Sightseeing, Rafting, Jungle Safari, Pilgrim’s Tour, Hotel Reservation, Air Ticket, Tibet and Bhutan Tour many more your vacation desire. https://www.trekshimalaya.com
https://www.trekshimalaya.com/annapurna-panorama-trekking.php
https://www.trekshimalaya.com/annapurna-base-camp-trekking.php
https://www.trekshimalaya.com/ghorepani-trekking.php
https://www.trekshimalaya.com/helicopter-tour-in-nepal.php
https://www.trekshimalaya.com/manaslu-trekking.php
https://www.trekshimalaya.com/mardi-himal-trekking.php
https://www.trekshimalaya.com/annapurna-trekking.php
https://www.trekshimalaya.com/langtang-trekking.php
https://www.trekshimalaya.com/phaplu-everest-base-camp-trek.php

Popular posts from this blog

Barcelona - Dos

Day two in Barcelona has been fantastic! Jose gave us lots of information on the artist Gaudi - not born here but arrived in 1852 to attend the university.  His artistic style and influence can be seen across the city. We stopped at Park Guell which was an amazing outdoor area Gaudi designed near the home he lived in.  Inspired by nature, fairy tales and classical legends the park is beautiful.  With its kissing benches, 'candy house', salamander and plaza with the longest bench in the world it is a work of art in itself. Some of us made the walk up to the top where the three crosses are - and found even more breathtaking views of the city. From there we headed back downtown for a short walk to La Sagrada Familia cathedral.  Design by Gaudi and still not yet finished, it is very unique and ornate.  Just walking around the outside, Jose had enough informatiion to share about its intricacies that it took some time.  The line for entrance was nearly ...

Cordoba

First our morning started with an alarm - or a lack of one; as Mary Jane and Pat's room never received a wakeup call.  So everyone else was on the bus ready to go when they finally got a knock on the door.  What troopers they were, though!  In 15 minutes they were on the bus with everyone and not long after they were able to laugh at the 'chaos' of it all. Our local guide Isabel was just delightful - and clearly has a love for her city.  She tells us that filmmaker Pedro Almodovar is from here as we begin our walk. First we go through the old Jewish center.  Nearly all of the city's buildings are white-washed (originally by the women we hear). We stop at an old Jewish synagogue and learn some history of the area.  Then we stop at the statue of a famous rabbi ( can you name him ?) which legend is that by rubbing his foot and then touching your own head you will get taller and wiser.  most of us did that - some hoping for extra height, others for a...

2011: Day 4 - Vienna

Another great day! We had a 6am wake up call - but it paid off! Our tour director, Robert, secured the first reservations of the day at Shronbrunn Palace - which meant we were the only guests in the Palace for the most part. We went room to room with our own local guide, Gabi, for a nearly private tour! A one-of-a-kind experience for sure. The Palace and Gardens were beautiful. 1,441 rooms and acres and acres of grounds. We learned about Mary Theresa (and all of her 16 children). This was the summer palace for the Hapsburg dynasty. We then switched gears and went to see modern art at KunstHausWien - what a creative artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser was. And a man who epitomized eco-friendly living and work. A very different experience after our tour of the Palace. Next was a driving tour of some of the city's monuments, etc. with a stop for lunch along the way. We ended with a walking tour to additional historic spots and a tour of the downtown palace - the winter residence of the...