| Edinburgh has always played an important
role in the lives of the Scottish and British Royal families.
Your tour today begins with a panorama of the city. See
the main sites of Edinburgh including Princes Street and
the famous Royal Mile with Edinburgh Castle at the top,
and the 16th Century Palace of Holyrood at the other end.
Named after the “rood” or cross, which
King David I is said to have seen between the antlers
of a stag he was hunting here in 1128, Holyrood has
been the scene of many a great historical drama including
notorious murders, and power-hungry personalities. Built
in 1529 for James V, it was remodelled in the 1670s
for Charles II. Most notably, the Palace was once the
home of Mary Queen of Scots from 1561 to 1568 and was
occupied by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.
Now the official residence of the Queen in Scotland,
the Palace’s Royal Apartments are used for investitures
and banquets whenever the Queen is in residence. Today
your guide will show you this lovely Palace and share
its history with you. There will be some free time available
here to explore at your leisure, perhaps visit the gift
shop.
Drive up to “Arthurs Seat” or Calton Hill
for some spectacular views over the city before returning
to your awaiting ship. |
