NEW! In Search of Northern Lights

Gain insight into Scottish history and culture at the National Museum of Scotland and stroll the famed Royal Mile. Board your motor coach and set out for the National Museum of Scotland, home to thousands of objects housed across dozens of galleries, each of which focuses on a different specialty. Upon arrival, walk through its expansive halls and explore its many exhibits on your own. Discover an array of specimens in the Natural World galleries and delve into important scientific discoveries in the Science and Technology wing. See creativity and innovation on display in the Art, Design and Fashion rooms and visit the Scottish History and Archaeology galleries for insight into the nation’s past. You may also choose to take a short walk to the nearby Royal Mile, where you can explore Scotland's capital on foot. Later, you will return to your ship.

Discover the sights of Edinburgh during a narrated drive and see the historic setting of Holyroodhouse. Board your motor coach and set out through the elegant Georgian-style New Town—once a residential neighborhood for Edinburgh’s upper-class, today it is a cultural hub and thriving commercial district. Discover the striking contrast of the Old Town’s medieval streets, then continue past iconic landmarks that reveal the history of the city, such as the Royal Mile. As you travel through the city, you will see Edinburgh Castle, the peak of Arthur’s Seat (an extinct volcano that rises above the city), and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, one of the King’s official Scottish residences. Disembark your coach for a short orientation with your guide, followed by free time to explore the palace’s surroundings at your own pace before returning to your awaiting ship.

Explore the fascinating Rosslyn Chapel and learn about the history and legends associated with it. Built in 1446 by Sir William St. Clair, the chapel was planned as part of a larger cross-shaped building, but construction ended with the death of St. Clair. It is a captivating building that became a place of pilgrimage thanks to its strong links with the once powerful and mysterious Knights Templar; it gained renewed fame after featuring prominently in Dan Brown’s book, The Da Vinci Code. Some speculate that its musty, undisturbed vaults may contain fantastic holy relics, including early Gospels, the real Stone of Destiny and the Ark of the Covenant. Upon arrival, take a self-guided tour of this intimate church, maybe choosing to admire its colorful stained-glass windows or search for hidden codes among the chapel’s multitude of fascinating and intricate carvings.

Visit Scotland’s most iconic fortress, a former royal residence and one of Europe’s oldest fortified sites. Begin with a panoramic drive through the city, passing through the Georgian-style New Town, Princes Street and the famous medieval Royal Mile to reach Edinburgh Castle, situated high atop Castle Rock. Over the centuries, this historic stronghold has served as a royal residence, an arsenal and a prison. Explore inside its ancient walls, visit the famed Crown Jewels—some of the oldest in Britain—and glimpse the blend of architectural styles from medieval fortifications to modern adaptations which reflect the castle’s long and complex history. Call at St. Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh's oldest building, and listen as your guide shares stories of royal intrigue and legendary battles. At the end of your excursion, return to your awaiting ship.

Discover the whisky heritage of this vibrant port town and sample spirits at the UK’s first vertical distillery. Drive by motor coach to Leith, once a bustling maritime neighborhood and now a cultural and gastronomic hub celebrated for its array of restaurants, pubs and craft breweries. Along the way, you will hear stories about Leith’s maritime heritage and its whisky industry, which dates back to the 18th century. Upon arrival at the Port of Leith Distillery, the UK’s first vertical distillery, you will have a guided tour of the facility. See state-of-the-art equipment and learn about the different stages of the distillation process, the importance of quality ingredients and even create your own miniature bottle of newmake spirit—unmatured whisky—as a memento of your trip. Cap your visit with a tasting of some of the distillery’s spirits before returning to your ship.

Discover the secret to making shortbread and scones during a hands-on baking class in the heart of Edinburgh. Disembark your ship and travel through the city en route to your baking class. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your hosts and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. After, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and step inside the kitchen for a hands-on, immersive culinary experience that will introduce you to some of Scotland’s most beloved baked treats. Under the guidance of an expert chef, learn how to prepare fluffy scones and buttery Scottish shortbread using traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. Your finished creations will be packaged in a reusable bag for you to enjoy later, along with a recipe pack so you can recreate them at home. After your class, you will have free time to explore Edinburgh on your own before returning to your ship.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of whisky production at the Johnnie Walker Experience. Depart by motor coach and travel across the Firth of Forth into the heart of Edinburgh. Learn about the rich history of the Scottish capital during a sightseeing tour through the medieval Old Town and the 18th-century New Town, then continue to the Johnnie Walker Experience. Established in 2021, this immersive attraction combines live hosts, theatrical performances, sensory elements and more to tell the story of Johnnie Walker and Scotch whisky. Begin with a flavor profile quiz which will shape your visit—then, accompanied by a whisky expert, set out to learn about this iconic spirit. After, enjoy a private tasting and call at the gift shop, where an extensive range of single-malt and blended bottles are available for purchase as a memento of your visit.

Discover the story of Andrew Carnegie during visits to his childhood home and the world’s first Carnegie library. Board your motor coach and drive to historic Dunfermline, home to the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum, housed within the Scottish philanthropist’s childhood home. Here, view exhibits tracing Carnegie’s life from his humble beginnings as the son of a handloom weaver to his enduring legacy as one of the most significant industrialists and philanthropists of his time. Learn what it was like for Carnegie and his parents to emigrate to America during the 19th century. Your guide will share stories about Carnegie’s business success and his decision to give away 90% of his personal wealth later in life. Next, continue to the Dunfermline Carnegie Library to gain insight into local heritage. Enjoy free time to explore the museum and gallery spaces before returning to your ship.

Enjoy an authentic Scottish experience during a whisky tasting and bagpipe workshop. Though bagpipes have been played since ancient times, they are most closely associated with Scotland, and widely considered to be its national instrument. Let the fun begin with a three-dram whisky tasting hosted by a Scotch Malt Whisky Society ambassador. Then, get welcomed to your workshop with a tune played by your instructor, Louise Marshall. One of Scotland’s best-known female pipers, Marshall has played for many of Scotland’s most luminous visitors, such as the late Queen Elizabeth II. During your workshop, learn basic chanter techniques, how bagpipes work and their history. Marshall will also bring out colorful Scottish attire for you to try on, including glengarries, feather bonnets, plaids and kilts. Afterward, you will receive a small gift to take with you.

Immerse yourself in history aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia and enjoy a panoramic journey through Edinburgh. Travel through the elegant Georgian-style New Town, once a residential district for Edinburgh’s upper-class and now a cultural hub and thriving commercial district. See the medieval Royal Mile, linking Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, one of the King’s official Scottish residences. Pause at an overlook for sweeping views of the city below, then continue to the nearby port of Leith. This is the home of the Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating home of the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family. Over its 43 years of service, Britannia hosted state and official occasions. Enjoy a self-guided tour, visiting the Queen’s and Duke of Edinburgh’s cabins, the impressive formal dining room, admiral’s suite, crew’s quarters and more, then return to your ship.

Discover the storied medical heritage of Edinburgh, once a global center for the study of anatomy and surgery. Begin with a drive by motor coach from your ship to the Surgeons’ Hall Museum, where collections spanning 500 years reveal Edinburgh’s important role in the development of modern medicine. View medical instruments, anatomical specimens and pathology exhibits and learn about the discoveries and surgical practices that advanced the field. After, set out on foot with your guide and head to a historic local venue, where you will settle in to hear stories about Edinburgh’s Old Town and Greyfriars Kirkyard while sipping on a cocktail specially selected for you by the bartender. Your guide will also share tales about Edinburgh’s wider history and its renowned medical heritage. At the end of your visit, return by coach to your awaiting ship.