Edinburgh Christmas Market By Rail

Make your own way to London Kings Cross station for a late morning departure to Edinburgh. Sit back and relax as you leave London and head north, passing through Northumberland with its beautiful coastal scenery, then through the Scottish Borders before arriving into Edinburgh. Our coach will be there waiting to transfer us to our hotel for a 3-night stay. We enjoy an included welcome dinner in the hotel this evening.

Scotland's breath-taking capital of Edinburgh is renowned for its heritage, culture and wonderful sights. With stunning architecture, endless winding streets and an awe-inspiring castle perched on a dormant volcano, there is so much to see. After breakfast at the hotel, we are joined by a Blue Badge guide as we board our coach, making a stop at Queensferry South to take in the spectacular Forth Bridges from the viewpoint.

Once back in the city, we continue by foot to complete the sight-seeing tour. There’s some free time at leisure before we board the coach and drive to The Palace of Holyroodhouse which stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures, such as Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary, Queen of Scots, and learn how today it is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland. We include entrance into The Palace of Holyroodhouse and you’re free to explore at leisure.

Afterwards, we return by coach to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure – why not enjoy one of the many restaurants the city has to offer?

This morning our Blue Badge Guide joins us for our included visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia. The Royal Yacht has done 968 State visits with the Royal family and entertained many presidents and Prime ministers, sailing over 1,000,000 nautical miles. With your audio guide, you can explore each of the five decks and discover what life was like during Royal service on board HM Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace. For over 40 years the Yacht was a Royal residence and is now open to the public. Explore the State Apartments, Crew quarters, the engine room and more.

After our included visit, our coach returns to the centre where you now have the rest of the day to explore the city at your own pace. Visit the popular Christmas Market, found in Princes Street Gardens, with its traditional Chalets serving festive foods, decorations and gifts and treats. The evening is free for you to explore the city further and make your own way back to the hotel at leisure.

After a leisurely breakfast, our coach transfers us to Edinburgh Waverley station for the rail journey back to London Kings Cross.