Edinburgh City of Sights and Wonders

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and is often referred to as the â€œAthens of the Northâ€ due to its rich cultural heritage and stunning architectural landmarks. It is a city steeped in history, with cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and its famous castle standing proudly on top of a volcanic rock.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town and stretches for approximately one mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is lined with traditional pubs, restaurants, and shops selling tartan products, kilts, and souvenirs. The Royal Mile also boasts some of the cityâ€™s most iconic landmarks such as St Giles’ Cathedral, John Knox House, and the Scottish Parliament.

Edinburgh Castle

Perched on top of the volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic and famous landmarks in Scotland. It has a rich history dating back to the 12th century and has been a royal residence, military barracks, and prison. Today, visitors can explore the castle and learn about its past through various exhibitions, including the Scottish Crown Jewels.

Princes Street Gardens

Located in the heart of the city, Princes Street Gardens is a beautiful public park with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. The gardens are divided into two sections, the East Gardens and the West Gardens, and are a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy a picnic. In the summer, the gardens host various events and festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is home to one of the worldâ€™s finest collections of fine art, including works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Monet. The gallery is located on the Mound, a bustling area in the heart of the city, and also features a cafÃ© and gift shop.

The National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit for anyone interested in history and culture. It showcases a wide range of exhibits that cover everything from natural history, science, and technology to art, design, and fashion. The highlight of the museum is the famous Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal.

Arthur’s Seat

Towering over the city is Arthurâ€™s Seat, an extinct volcano and the highest point in Edinburgh. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The hike to the top is a popular activity for locals and tourists, and on a clear day, you can even see as far as the North Sea.

Edinburgh Dungeon

For those who love a bit of fright, the Edinburgh Dungeon is a must-visit attraction. Located in the heart of the city, the dungeon offers an interactive and immersive experience that takes you through the cityâ€™s dark history. With live actors, special effects, and thrilling rides, this is not your typical museum visit.

Scottish Whisky Experience

No visit to Scotland is complete without trying a dram of whisky, and the Scottish Whisky Experience is the perfect place to do just that. Located on the Royal Mile, the experience takes visitors on a journey through the history of whisky-making in Scotland, complete with a tasting session at the end.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is a prominent landmark in Edinburgh, known for its iconic Athenian acropolis, which was designed to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens. It offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot to watch the sunset. The hill is also home to other monuments and buildings, including the Nelson Monument and the City Observatory.

Conclusion

Edinburgh truly is a city of sights and wonders, with something for everyone. From its ancient castle and medieval streets to its modern art galleries and vibrant cultural scene, there is no shortage of things to do and see. So, pack your bags and make sure to add Edinburgh to your must-visit list!

Sun City Tour Maastricht Plans

Highlights Tour 90 minutes: During this tour our guide will show you the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, the Stokstraat Quarter (exclusive shopping area), Sint Servaas bridge and see from that bridge the government building where they signed the famous Maastricht treaty, Market square with the town hall, the main square Vrijthof.

Highlights Tour 2 hours: Our guide will take you to the both sides of the Maas river, that divides this town. The tour covers the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, Jeker Quarter, the Bisschopsmolen (water mill), a small part of the city walls and Helpoort (city gate), cross the Maas river via the Hoge Brug and see from that bridge the government building where they signed the famous Maastricht treaty, Ceramique, Wyck, Sint Servaas bridge, Markt and Vrijthof.

Jeker Quarter Tour: Discover the beauty of this beloved neighborhood with the small river Jeker that occasionally disappears under houses and streets and then reappears. See the Bisschopsmolen (water mill), the buildings of the university, the ancient city walls and more.

Industrial Tour: This tour covers part of the industrial history of Maastricht, the oldest industry city of the Netherlands. The guide shows you around the Sphinx Quarter, here you see the old factory buildings, the permanent exhibition of Sphinx on 30.000 tiles (120 meters long covered passage) and the old inner harbor Bassin.

Fortifications Tour: Maastricht was the most important fortification city of the Netherlands. Walk along and over the 3 different city walls. See the Helpoort (Hell’s Gate) and the statue of the fourth musketeer d’ Artagnan. Listen to the stories of the guide about the many sieges.

The above are a selection of the private tours but we also offer customized tours for your group.

All the tours start at the Onze Lieve Vrouweplein in front of the Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek (church), but on request we can start also at another place in the center.

For private tours check our calendar which timeslots are available!! To complete your reservation, you select the time slot. You can then participate in this tour with a maximum of 22 persons.