A New Year Celebration in Edinburgh
Duration: 6 days
Highlights: Edinburgh, Glamis Castle, St Andrews, Royal Yacht Britannia, Hogmanay, Balmoral Gala Ball
Experience New Year somewhere different with this 6-day itinerary showcasing Edinburgh's highlights and famous Hogmanay celebrations.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - 28 December - Arrive Edinburgh
Upon arrival at Edinburgh airport, you are met by your Guardian Angel and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in Edinburgh, where you are assisted with check-in.
Overnight: The Balmoral
Day 2 - 29 December - Edinburgh City and Rosslyn Chapel
Meet your expert local guide for a full-day sightseeing tour of Scotland's capital city from the comfort of your own private vehicle. Head up to Edinburgh Castle where you see the 'Honours of Scotland', or the Scottish Crown Jewels, and enjoy stunning views of the city. Continue down the Royal Mile, past St. Giles High Kirk, to Holyrood Palace, the King's Official Residence in Edinburgh. Tour the staterooms of the palace (if no member of the Royal Family is staying here at the time).
This afternoon head out of the city to visit Rosslyn Chapel. This small chapel shot to fame in recent years on account of its appearance in the Da Vinci Code. It is one of the most exquisitely carved church buildings anywhere in Europe and your expert guide will reveal the secrets behind some of the mystical masonic symbolism that is present on almost every surface.
Overnight: The Balmoral
Meal Plan: B
Day 3 - 30 December - Glamis Castle and St. Andrews
Today’s excursion leads you into the Scottish countryside. Drive into the soft fruit-growing region called Strathmore and visit the turreted medieval Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother, and still home to the Bowes-Lyon family. Later drive south over the Sidlaw Hills and cross the Tay Bridge over to Fife. Continue to St. Andrews on the North Sea coast, the town that is known throughout the world as the home of golf. St. Andrews was originally the ecclesiastical and educational capital of Scotland. Visit the ruins of the cathedral that was destroyed during the Reformation and see the university buildings where Prince William first met Kate Middleton. Return to Edinburgh from here.
Early this evening you may like to stand outside and watch the torchlight procession that winds its way from the Royal Mile along to Carlton Hill. At the end of the procession a firework display marks the start of the Hogmanay celebrations.
Overnight: The Balmoral
Meal Plan: B
Day 4 - 31 December - New Year’s Eve – ‘Hogmanay’ in Edinburgh
This morning drive down to the city docks at Leith, where you board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, now permanently moored here. Built in Scotland, this ship was used by the Royal Family for many official voyages during her working life. Allow your guide to escort you around the ship as you see the staterooms in which the Queen entertained, and the private quarters where the Royal Family relaxed. Also see the rather less palatial areas where the crew lived and worked.
This evening the glamorous and stylish Hogmanay Gala Ball at the Balmoral Hotel awaits you. Enjoy an exceptional dinner in the Sir Walter Scott Suite as you are entertained by traditional Scottish bagpipes and a swirl or colour and excitement as some of the world’s top Highland dancers perform for you. Afterwards take part in a ceilidh, a form of Scottish dancing, accompanied by one of the best traditional bands in the country. At midnight, the Balmoral offers a spectacular spot from which to view the fireworks over the city. Drink champagne, take part in the customary Auld Lang Syne song, and let the DJ entertain you into the early hours of the morning.
Overnight: The Balmoral
Meal Plan: B
Day 5 - 1 January - New Year’s Day at leisure
New Year’s Day is the quietest day of the year in Scotland! The city streets are empty as people relax following the celebrations of the previous night.
Take advantage of the tranquillity and take a walk up one of the hills that are in easy reach of the city centre. For a short walk, climb up Carlton Hill, from the top of which is a lovely view of the city. If you prefer a much longer adventure, walk down to Holyrood Park and climb up Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano that provides one of the most dramatic backdrops to any European city.
Overnight: The Balmoral
Meal Plan: B
Day 6 - 2 January - Depart Edinburgh
You are transferred by private vehicle to the airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: B
