Glories of Edinburgh Through the Eyes of its Authors

Edinburgh has been home to and inspired many great writers and in 2004 it was accredited as the worlds first UNESCO city of Literature to recognise its historical literary roots but also the ongoing activity to promote Scotland’s literature. The City of Edinburgh has long been a haven for literature lovers. A walk through the city reveals a myriad of literary treasures, many of which will be seen on this new tour. Explore the city with literary expert and enthusiast Robin Cairns as he shows you the city through the eyes of its writers.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome drink, private dinner with wine and an introductory talk by Robin Cairns.

Day 2: Edinburgh Castle, St. Giles Cathedral and the National Museum of Scotland
This morning start the day with a visit to Edinburgh Castle whose high vantage point offers fantastic views of the city which has featured in many a story. From the castle walk down the Royal Mile, stopping along the way at the Writers Museum (which celebrates the life of writers Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson), the Heart of Midlothian Mosaic, the statue of writer and philosopher David Hume and St. Giles Cathedral. After lunch (not included) visit the National Museum of Scotland and learn about the lives of some of Scotland famous writers including Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louise Stevenson. The afternoon will take you to the streets of Edinburgh with a walking tour taking in places made famous by writers, such as the Elephant House Café where JK Rowling famously wrote the first Harry Potter novel, as well as the Greyfriars Kirkyard, the resting place for many literary greats including Henry McKenzie (The Man of Feeling), poet William McGonagall and Allan Ramsay. The final stop of the day will be Rosslyn Chapel, one of the crucial settings for Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. This evening there will be a dinner at the hotel followed by a one-man performance by Robin telling the story of the Edinburgh Villain – ‘Deacon Brodie – Craftsman, Councilor and Thief’.

Day 3: Scottish Portrait Gallery, The Georgian House and Walking Tour
This morning we will explore Edinburgh by coach and on foot through the settings of Alexander McCall Smith’s novels and scenes from Trainspotting (Irvine Welsh). Robin will also take us to see the Scott Monument, Princes Street Gardens and The Mound before we arrive at the Scottish Portrait Gallery to explore the superb gallery of Scottish figures. After lunch (not included) there will be a panoramic tour by coach of Calton Hill, St. Andrews House and time permitting a view of Arthurs seat from Holyrood Park. The next stop will be the Georgian House. Enjoy a visit to this elegant 18^th Century house that shows off the magnificence of life in the city during the period.  En route back to the hotel we will stop at the Oxford Bar (external view only) to hear about its history and links to Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus. Return to the hotel for approx. 17.00.

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion. 

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 40 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Two nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Doubletree by Hilton Edinbiurgh Airport based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception
• First night private evening three-course dinner with wine and talk
• Second night dinner and one man performance by Robin Cairns
• All talks, guided tours, entrance fees and escorted coach transfers as detailed in the itinerary
• Tour managers Robin and Karen Cairns throughout 

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Double for sole use supplement
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis
• Holiday insurance
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport 
The four-star Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport is outside of the city centre but close to all sites included on this tour and visited during the itinerary. The hotel provides an indoor pool, spa, fitness centree plus a restaurant and bar. Bedrooms are comfortable with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, wifi, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Car parking is available at the hotel at a cost of £16 per day which is payable direclty to the hotel. If arriving from the airport, the hotel provides a free shuttle bus to the hotel. 

Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh Airport Website