JFitzpatrick Travel LLC

Have you been to “Edinburgh”?  Have you thought about or wanted to “go to Edinburgh”?  Should you go to “Edinburgh”?  Hmmmm, METHINKS SO and let’s see why!

1. Trekking up to Edinburgh Castle–    Built on top of an ancient extinct volcano and dating back to the 12th century, Edinburgh Castle stands majestically on top of the Castle Rock and  dominates the city skyline—-you can see it from practically anywhere in the city….and, if you’re up within the castle, you have the most PANORAMIC city views possible.

I’ve seen castles all over the world and even with this, I was amazed at the size and majesty of Edinburgh Castle.  As a fortress, it was almost impenetrable.  As an icon, it really makes the city’s skyline as memorable (in a different way) as the Sydney Opera House.  It’s REALLY worth exploring!   Note:  This is actually an active military barracks and a REALLY crowded tourist attraction.  Scotland’s Crown Jewels (nothing in comparison to the Crown Jewels in England) are housed here along with the Stone of Scone on which ancient Scottish royalty is believed to have been coronated.  Double Note:  In August, the castle is the home of the annual “military tattoo” which I liken to a phenomenal “Drum and Bugle Corps” festival.  For sure, if you like pageantry, this is the time to visit Edinburgh. If you plan it well enough, for August, you can also tap into a separate event….the famous  Edinburgh Festival which encompasses art, plays, music and more.

2.  Walking The  Royal Mile –-Located in “OLD TOWN” and as one of the oldest cobble stoned streets in Edinburgh, the “Royal Mile” stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (the official residence of Her Majesty The Queen in Scotland…in other words, where Queen Elizabeth stays when she visits Scotland!).  This is a major focal point within Edinburgh!  Though it’s lined with tourists and tourist shops, its history makes one dream of tales of the “Knights of the Roundtable.”  Being a focal point in the city, it boasts of the old town’s history with classic Gothic buildings, narrow-sidelines/alleys and loads of Scottish history.

Take a leisurely walk along the street exploring the souvenir shops, vintage pubs and restaurants and the famous monuments.

3.  Delving into the world of  “Harry Potter”.  Did you know that the inspiration for  J K Rowland’s “Harry Potter” books came largely from places within Edinburgh?  Rowling moved to Edinburgh in 1993 after a nasty divorce and became inspired by its medieval charm.   She wrote while sitting in cafés, especially the “Elephant House Cafe”.  The view from this cafe, especially during the evening, provides great views of Edinburgh Castle…eerily looking much like “Hogwarts” in the distance!  Edinburgh also has, within its medieval Old Town, secretive winding streets—reminding one much of Potter’s “Diagon Alley”!

So…..go…..see for yourself.  Free “Harry Potter” tours abound and you’re likely to be swayed into thinking you’ve seen the real-life path to Harry Potter Land.

4.  Scotch Anyone?  Sampling the Scotch Whiskey that Edinburgh is so famous for is a great past time.  Although there are sampling places all over town,  the experience at the “Scotch Whiskey Experience” exceeds all others. The “Single Malt Scotch” is one of the country’s favorite drinks and in addition to good food, one can taste a gazillion varieties of whisky during the tasting session at the “Scotch Whiskey Experience”.

5. Men in Kilts–— So tell me, where else have you seen men dressed like this?

 

 Like many European cities, Edinburgh has architecture which is ancient and charming—-in addition to “old town”, “NEW TOWN” has eye-popping architecture.

 Like many European cities, Edinburgh has historical gardens and beautiful parks—-try the “Royal Botanical Gardens”, the “Meadows” and “Carlton Hill”.

 

 Strolling in Edinburgh is So Much Fun!

Like many European cities, Edinburgh has great museums and concert halls—try the “National Galleries of Scotland” and “Usher Hall”.

 

 Usher Hall—Home of Theatre, Concerts and More!

Okay, so have I given you enough reasons to consider Edinburgh?  Sure hope so as I think this place is certainly worth adding to your bucket list if you are interested in history—medieval or otherwise.

 BTW, Edinburgh’s HopON/HopOFF Tours Provide A

So…I’ll sign off for now and remember that if you want to join us on any of our future trips, we’d love to have you.  Here’s a list of upcoming group attractions:

 Tuscany and the Cinque Terre — September, 2016  (Sold out, Wait List Only)