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Edinburgh’s imposing profile of black rock hills and rugged medieval fortifications stands in stark contrast to its cultured, quirky, and playful spirit. Since you’ll be passing through, why not add three nights to experience the U.K.’s second-most popular destination after London? Revisit Scotland’s dramatic history at Edinburgh Castle. Wander the tangle of medieval Old Town, and the neoclassical district of New Town, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. See the fabled fairways of St. Andrew’s. Dart into the quaint shops, inviting pubs, and fascinating museums that line the Royal Mile. Our perfect mix of included touring and leisure time allows you to discover the best Edinburgh has to offer. On our August 4, 2023 departure, enjoy an unforgettable Cultural Connection when you are our guest at the historic Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an artistic extravaganza set against the backdrop of imposing Edinburgh Castle. It’s a pageant like none other featuring parades, fireworks, dancing, military bands, and opera and classical music performances — all part of your exclusive ticket specially arranged by Vantage.
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Please note: The day-to-day itinerary for this extension blends in some features that would otherwise occur during the Edinburgh land portion of your main cruise tour program. This is done merely to ensure the most logical, relaxed, and efficient pacing. By the time you embark ship on the main cruise tour itinerary, you will have experienced all the main tour inclusions as well as your two extra extension days.
Fly to Scotland
You’ll board an overnight flight to Edinburgh, Scotland today, arriving on Day 2.
Arrival in Edinburgh
Upon arrival, if you purchased Vantage air, you’ll be transferred to your centrally located hotel from the airport. Remember also to take advantage of the hospitality desk during your stay, where you can plan activities; or use our complimentary Concierge service to do so in advance. A Welcome Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.
Included meals:
Discover Edinburgh, and come aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
The unforgettable city of Edinburgh unfolds before you as we ride and walk on a half-day city tour. Highlights of the Old Town include Edinburgh Castle, set high above the city on Castle Rock, and St. Margaret’s Chapel. Built around 1130, it is the oldest surviving building in town. Fast-forward to 18th-century as you explore the New Town, with its elegant neoclassical and Georgian architecture. Both districts are together listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip set sail to visit their far-flung dominion, they did it on board the Royal Yacht Britannia. You'll come aboard to inspect this elegant vessel, which often a hosted a retinue of more than 45 guests. It still features the furnishings and décor favored by the Queen when the ship was launched in 1953. The balance of your day is free. Your Vantage City Host will be happy to assist with tips, directions, and making reservations. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a Vantage exclusive: tickets to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Staged on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, it is the capstone of the famous Edinburgh Festival and a spectacle of pageantry, music, fireworks and more. Your exclusive Vantage program includes admission, transfers, and a local guide. Enjoy the festivities!
Explore the capital city on your own
Today is at your leisure. Perhaps you’ll explore Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official Edinburgh residence, or check out rare species of plants and trees at the Royal Botanic Garden. Throughout the day, your fellow cruise tour travelers will be arriving. You’ll meet them this evening at a Welcome Briefing and Dinner. Tomorrow, as they acclimate with a city tour, you still have one more included feature of your pre-trip extension to enjoy: your excursion to St. Andrews.
The home of golfing: St. Andrews
Today you’ll enjoy an included morning excursion to St. Andrews, the delightful seaside “home of golf” and site of Scotland’s first university. Admire the charming cobbled streets and green cathedral grounds before returning for a leisurely afternoon in Edinburgh. Back at your hotel in the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner on your own, and then commence your base tour.
Beyond the photogenic castles and cathedrals, Ireland’s capital city brims with character: here, history flows along the cobblestone streets, swirls about centuries-old pubs, and evolves along with the arts and cuisine created by its youthful, innovative denizens. Explore Dublin Castle, Phoenix Park, and Trinity College on an included city tour to get a sense of Ireland’s past glory. With Dublin’s attractions right by your centrally located hotel, you’ll have an easy time getting to know this cosmopolitan city.
Fly to Dublin, Ireland
After breakfast you’ll transfer to the London airport and fly to Dublin, Ireland. After transferring to your centrally located hotel, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Remember to take advantage of the hospitality desk during your stay, where you can plan activities; or, use our complimentary Concierge service to do so in advance.
Discover the best of the Irish capital
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set off on a coach and walking tour to see Dublin’s most renowned landmarks, including a stop at the entrance of Dublin Castle and at Phoenix Park, one of the oldest and largest urban parks in Europe. At the Library of Trinity College Dublin, you’ll set eyes on what is widely considered as Ireland’s finest national treasure: The Book of Kells. After admiring the pages of brilliantly colored illustrations and calligraphed manuscripts on display, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Your Concierge can offer recommendations or even help you make reservations for lunch and dinner!
Included Feature:
Explore Dublin at your leisure
Enjoy a day to explore on your own. Perhaps you’ll go see the infamous centuries-old mummies housed deep in the crypts of St. Michan’s Church, take in the music performed by talented buskers on Grafton Street, or embark on a search for your long-lost Irish roots at the Glasnevin Cemetery Museum. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight, but if you’d like to party like the Irish, perhaps you’ll celebrate your adventure with a pub crawl!
Return home
After breakfast, you’ll check out and transfer from your hotel to Dublin Airport for your flight home.
