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Edinburgh & Glasgow

Scotland

A classic beauty and a city reinvented

Edinburgh, Scotland’s grand capital, undoubtedly has a beauty to rival any of the great cities of Europe. Elevated by ancient volcanoes, its compact and hilly centre is sliced across by the Royal Mile which links the brooding Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. On one side snake the medieval alleys of the Old Town, a rabbit warren of tenements; on the other, the genteel boulevards of the Georgian New Town. Arthur’s Seat, the precipitous peak of Holyrood Park, looks over this symbiotic meeting of landscape and architecture in ‘the Athens of the North’. But it’s not all lofty ambition – Edinburgh is packed with world-class museums and galleries, and a huge advocate of the arts with its eponymous festival.

Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest metropolis, and arguably its most energetic. Built on an industrial past, Glasgow has spent the last few decades emerging from its less than favourable reputation with a swagger and warmth that is unique to the city. Cosmopolitan and cultural, between the impressive Victorian architecture and medieval churches lie many an innovative museum. Glasgow is also home to an enviable collection of art galleries, and the city continues to progress its reputation for striking architecture with its modern glass and steel buildings for the post-industrial age.

EDINBURGH & GLASGOW: A TALE OF TWO SCOTTISH CITIES

Art, architecture & atmosphere in urban Scotland


From £779 per person

based on two sharing in a twin/double room, with a minimum of 30 passengers travelling in a specific month


Best time to go

January, February, March, April, May, October, November


Suggested Hotel

Ibis Hotel Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Edinburgh

  • Fantastic location in the centre of Edinburgh
  • Close to all the city centre attractions
  • Clean and comfortable hotel with modern, spacious bedrooms
  • Outdoor courtyard
  • Great value for money

Not the hotel for your group? Other hotels are available, contact us.


Attractions:

Edinburgh

Edinburgh-Castle-on-a-cold-autumn-morning-at-sunrise

Enjoy time at leisure in Edinburgh with its wealth of attractions. Home to both the Scottish National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, and incredible array of paintings are on display in the city. The beautiful Holyroodhouse is best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, but today its state rooms are regularly used by The Queen. St Mary’s Cathedral is breathtaking with its stained glass windows; the Georgian House offers in insight into life in New Town during the 1800s; and the Royal Botanic Garden is world-renowned. For a more macabre side of the city, visit Edinburgh Dungeon and the Real Mary King’s Close.

Hopetoun House

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Scotland’s finest stately home, the splendid Hopetoun House is a grand 18th century property set in beautiful parkland. Magnificent architecture and tranquil surroundings combine in this house filled with incredible collections and immaculately preserved interiors, evoking the elegance and grandeur of the Georgian era.

Glasgow

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The vibrant city of Glasgow has a wonderful legacy of Victorian architecture, including the iconic Art Nouveau designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Glasgow has an impressive artistic and cultural legacy, which can be explored in the world-class exhibitions at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the Burrell Collection, and the dynamic Riverside Museum. Explore the stylishly gentrified Merchants City for independent shops and eateries, and don’t miss the elegant, Mackintosh-inspired Willow Tea Rooms.

Dumfries House

Dumfries House by kind permission of Dumfries House

Dumfries House is an 18th century Palladian country house set in 2,000 acres. Built in the 1750s for William Dalrymple, 5th Earl of Dumfries, by John & Robert Adam. The house contains the largest single collection of Thomas Chippendale furniture.


Alternatives

Don't fancy the drive?

This tour is also available by air.

House for an Art Lover

Glasgow’s House for an Art Lover is an inspiring exhibition space, art gallery and studio collection, set within the beautiful Bellahouston Park. Originally designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and intended as a tasteful, cultural, country retreat, today the house aims to serve anyone with an interest in art, design and architecture.

The Hill House (NT)

Designed by famous Scottish architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Hill House is a celebration of art and design, featuring examples of Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts, to Japonisme and Scottish Baronial influences. At this National Trust property you’ll learn all about the intriguing family history of the house, and be able to relax in the beautiful gardens surrounding it.

Dalmeny House

This beautiful, Gothic revival mansion dates back to the 19th century and is a vision of romantic turrets and inspired architectural features. Inside the house there is a renowned collection of French furniture, precious porcelain and portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds. Outside, the house enjoys spectacular views over the Firth of Forth and is surrounded by magnificent parkland.

Traquair House

Traquair House is Scotland’s oldest inhabited property and has witnessed centuries of extraordinary history. Established as a royal hunting lodge in the 12th century, it has been lived in by the Stuart family since the 15th century, and has been visited by 27 Scottish monarchs. It also hosted Mary Queen of Scots, and contributed to the Jacobite cause. Today, the house has an intimate, lived-in feel and 18th century décor in the main rooms.

Gosford House

Grand Gosford House dates back to the 18th century, and is one of the last commissions of celebrated Scottish architect Robert Adam. This neoclassical mansion is also home to a magnificent marble hall, built in 1891, with Italianate features, an impressive picture gallery and a dramatic staircase leading to its three floors.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

With 22 galleries and many temporary exhibitions changing throughout the year, Kelvingrove offers a diverse and impressive collection for art lovers to enjoy. See works from 17th century Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, pieces by eminent French artists, and furniture from Charles Rennie Mackintosh. View the impressive Fulton’s Orrery – a 3-dimensional model of our solar system from the 1820s, and catch a musical recital from an organ built in 1901.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Built in Clydebank, Glasgow and now berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, the Royal Yacht Britannia was a floating residence serving the Royal Family for over 44 years. Used for Royal honeymoons, official receptions, holidays and state visits, this grand yacht has travelled over one million miles across the globe and was recognised as a unique symbol of the Commonwealth.


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