About Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of Europe's great theatrical cities: a castle brooding on its volcanic crag, the medieval Royal Mile tumbling down to a royal palace, and the elegant Georgian terraces of the New Town spread below — the whole ensemble a UNESCO World Heritage site. In August the city becomes the world's stage for the Edinburgh Festival and its riotous Fringe; year-round it offers whisky cellars, hidden closes, and views from Arthur's Seat that arrive like a reward.
For rail travelers, Edinburgh is where the Royal Scotsman departs: guests gather at Waverley Station beneath the castle before rolling north into the Highlands. Give the city two nights on either side — one for the Old Town's layered history, one for the New Town's galleries, restaurants, and that golden evening light the Scots call the gloaming.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Edinburgh.
Climb to Edinburgh Castle
Crown jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the One O'Clock Gun — with the whole city spread below the ramparts. Go early, before the Royal Mile fills.
Walk the Royal Mile's closes
The narrow alleys off the Mile — Advocate's Close, White Horse Close — hide the medieval city in plain sight. End at Holyrood Palace beneath Arthur's Seat.
Toast with a dram
From grand whisky bars to snug cellars, Edinburgh pours every region of Scotland by the glass — the right way to preview a Highlands rail journey.
Tours That Visit Edinburgh
| Tour | Tour Partner | Days | Next Departure | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland & England Bike Tour | Backroads | 6 | May 16, 2027 | $6,199View & Get Price |
| Scotland & England Family Multi-Adventure Tour | Backroads | 6 | May 23, 2027 | $6,399View & Get Price |
| Scotland Family Bike Tour | Backroads | 6 | Jun 6, 2027 | $5,199View & Get Price |
| Scottish Highlands Bike Tour | Backroads | 6 | Sep 27, 2026 | $5,199View & Get Price |
| Scottish Highlands Easygoing E-bike Tour | Backroads | 6 | Sep 22, 2026 | $7,199View & Get Price |
| Scotland & England Hiking & Walking Tour | Backroads | 6 | Sep 20, 2026 | $5,899View & Get Price |
| Journey through Britain | Odysseys Unlimited | 14 | Apr 19, 2027 | $6,295View & Get Price |
| Scotland: Highlands and Islands | Odysseys Unlimited | 12 | May 1, 2027 | $6,095View & Get Price |
Book any of these through Pavlus and pay less — never a service fee. Browse the full catalog → or call 800-528-9300 for your unadvertised Pavlus price.