Edinburgh
Follow us on our 3-day adventure through the enchanting city of Edinburgh, where we wandered the iconic Royal Mile, uncovered the secrets of Edinburgh Castle, savored whisky at the exclusive Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and ventured out to the charming town of St Andrews!
To see a longer itinerary that includes Edinburgh check out: Scotland & Ireland.
Day 1
We kicked off our trip by checking into Prestonfield House, and wow, what a place! It's an extraordinary five-star retreat nestled in lush, private gardens just minutes from the city center. With its opulent interiors and a rich history dating back to 1687, this 17th-century mansion has welcomed royalty, politicians, and celebrities—from Winston Churchill to Elton John. The decor was totally over-the-top in the best way, with antique furniture, art, and cozy spots to sip a whisky by the fire. While it was luxurious, it was also incredibly relaxing and casual, with an absolutely wonderful, fun, warm and inviting staff. It really was the highlight of our trip.
For our first day, we jumped into the city with the Eat Walk Edinburgh Tour, which took us to some amazing spots. First up, the private Scotch Malt Whisky Society—a hidden gem for whisky lovers. We had the chance to sample rare, exclusive whiskies only available to society members, while learning about the fascinating history of Scotch whisky. The venue itself had a cozy, old-world feel, making it the perfect spot to sip and savor.
Next, we strolled through the elegant Moray Estate, a beautiful area filled with Georgian architecture and hidden gardens, a true off-the-beaten-path treasure in the city. After soaking in this peaceful part of Edinburgh, we wrapped up the tour with a stop at Ghillie Dhu, a lively bar in a converted church, where we enjoyed some live music and grabbed a drink.
After the tour, we headed over to Dean Village. This picturesque neighborhood, with its historic buildings and riverside paths, felt like stepping into a fairytale. It’s one of those spots that makes you fall in love with Edinburgh all over again.
We ended the day with a delicious dinner at Aizle, where the seasonal farm-to-table menu wowed us. The atmosphere was relaxed yet refined, and the food—simply incredible!
Itinerary:
Hotel: Prestonfield House
Reviews: Trip Advisor
Dinner: Aizle
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 2
On Day 2, we fully immersed ourselves in the charm and history of Edinburgh. We kicked off our morning with the Best of Edinburgh Private Tour, where our local guide led us along the bustling Royal Mile. This iconic street is rich with history, showcasing stunning architecture and countless historical sites. We wandered past St Giles' Cathedral, with its impressive crown steeple, and explored the narrow alleys, or "closes," where stories of the past came to life.
After soaking up the sights, we enjoyed lunch at Makars Gourmet Mash Bar, a cozy spot famous for its comforting dishes. We opted for the beef with horseradish mashed potatoes and it did not disappoint.
In the afternoon, we headed to Edinburgh Castle, perched high on Castle Rock. This iconic fortress houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny, both steeped in regal history. We spent hours exploring the castle's storied halls and enjoyed panoramic views of the city from the battlements.
To top off the day, we enjoyed a magical dinner at The Witchery. Located at the gates of Edinburgh Castle, this atmospheric restaurant was straight out of a fairy tale with its gothic decor, candlelit rooms, and decadent dishes. It was the perfect, enchanting end to a day full of history and adventure.
Itinerary:
Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Edinburgh Private Tour
Reviews: Tripadvisor
Lunch: Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Reviews: Tripadvisor
Dinner: The Witchery
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 3
On Day 3, we set out on a small-group day tour to St Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife, an unforgettable experience filled with stunning coastal views and rich history. Our first stop was St Andrews, renowned as the home of golf and a picturesque university town. We strolled through its charming streets, exploring historic sites like the Ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, where we marveled at the remains of this once-magnificent structure and its breathtaking coastal backdrop. We also took a moment to visit the iconic Old Course, where golf enthusiasts come to play and pay homage to the game’s history.
After soaking in the beauty of St Andrews, we ventured to the Fishing Villages of Fife. We meandered through quaint villages like Crail and Anstruther, each boasting colorful houses and a unique charm. The coastline was dotted with fishing boats and scenic harbors, providing a perfect backdrop for leisurely exploration. We even enjoyed a fresh seafood lunch at a local eatery, indulging in some delicious fish and chips while taking in the picturesque views.
As we made our way back to Edinburgh, we were treated to scenic vistas of rolling hills and rugged coastline, a fitting end to our day of exploration. Back at Prestonfield House, we decided to indulge in a delightful dinner at their Rhubarb Restaurant. The elegant ambiance and exceptional menu offered a taste of modern Scottish cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients and creative dishes that truly celebrated the local flavors.
Itinerary:
St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour
Dinner: Rhubarb Restaurant (at the Prestonfield House)
Reviews: TripAdvisor
Day 4
On to the next adventure...
