The settlement of Edinburgh’s Castle Rock dates back to about 1000BC, but little was known about the site until the twelfth century when it was granted the privileges, such as a market, afforded to a royal burgh by King David I. With the loss of Berwick to the English in the early fouteenth century, Edinburgh’s fortunes rose as Scotland’s principal port and it became the capital in the late fifteenth century. Despite the absence of a convenient water supply and the inevitable stink which resulted, the city grew rapidly.

In 1583, during the reign of James VI (later James I of England), Edinburgh University was founded. Despite the loss of political and cultural status with the departure of James VI for England in 1603, the city continued to grow and by the end of the century its population numbered about 50,000. Formal union with England inevitably followed in 1707 and Edinburgh became a capital without a parliament or a government.

Culturally, however, Edinburgh prospered and became the focus of the Scottish Enlightenment in the latter eighteeenth century. During the nineteenth century the city developed as a manufacturing and industrial centre, but was rapidly eclipsed by Glasgow which became Scotland’s largest city.

Our best value sample itinerary from £175

3 Days to Edinburgh

Day 1:
Morning departure from school. Take a walking tour of the centre of Edinburgh to gain a historical overview of the area.

Day 2:
Explore Edinburgh Castle, see Scotland's Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. Walk the ramparts to view the layout of the city and Princes Gardens, formerly site of notorious Nor Loch. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Day 3:
Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse