Life After 50

15 June:

Breakfast availble from 6.30am

8.30am Depart

We have a city tour with local guide Alan until around 10.00am, and then either our optional excursion to Rosslyn Chapel or time at leisure downtown.

Our drops and departures will all be from the same place in Edinburgh - George IV Bridge near the National Museum of Scotland

2.30pm Included entry into Edinburgh Castle

4.45pm Return to the hotel

We were awake early, so we went down for the 6:30 breakfast and found a perfect spot by the window overlooking the mountains. What a great view to start the morning. I even tried the haggis this morning, and it surprised me! I liked it, but I couldn't eat much of it, it's very rich in flavor — it tasted so much like goetta from Cincinnati that I actually enjoyed it.

We’re staying at this hotel for two nights, so it was nice not to rush around putting luggage out early 😊. Our day began with an 8:30 departure for a 1½‑hour city tour led by a local guide named Alan. We’ve become friends with Phillip and Melanie, who sit right behind us on the bus, and it’s been lovely getting to know them. Alan joined us on board and gave an excellent tour — informative, engaging, and a wonderful way to see the city.

The Scott Monument in Edinburgh is a Victorian Gothic tower honoring Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, located in Princess Street Gardens. It's the world's largest monument to a writer, featuring a statue of Scott and his dog.

Canon Gate Kirk, the Parish of Canon Gate in Edinburgh Old Town, in Scotland.

The House of Parliament has a unicorn and Scotland's flag. The unicorn is Scotland's animal.

Greyfriars Bobby (4 May 1855 – 14 January 1872) was a Skye Terrier known throughout 19th‑century Edinburgh for his remarkable devotion. For 14 years, he reportedly kept watch over his owner’s grave, becoming a symbol of loyalty that the city still celebrates today.

We chose the optional excursion to visit Rosslyn Chapel. Those who didn’t want to go were dropped off in Edinburgh to explore the Royal Mile — a perfect mix of shopping and sightseeing!

In town and ready to have lunch. Phillip and Melanie decided to have lunch with us, too. We picked Vittoria’s. Great decision, everyone found something they could eat.

PD & Mel joined us for lunch at this great Italian restaurant called Vittoria's. All the food was delicious.

Time to meet the travel guide and make the trek up to Edinburgh Castle. As we entered the gate, I looked up and saw all the spikes in the gate. YIKES

We wanted to see the Crown Jewels stored at Edinburgh Castle. What an amazing thing to see!! Glad we stood in the long line to see the jewels. The line went very fast.

I'm very sure Mason is having a great time exploring this amazing castle.

During the American War of Independence, the British captured nearly 1,000 American sailors and privateers and imprisoned them in the dark, gloomy vaults beneath Edinburgh Castle. Considered rebels and pirates rather than prisoners of war, they endured harsh conditions. To pass the time — and leave their mark — many carved graffiti into the wooden cell doors.