Welcome to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city and, after London, the second most popular tourist destination in the UK. Like capital cities the world over, Edinburgh thrives on a fascinating local culture of eclectic bars, fine dining, museums and national art galleries which make it a highlight of any British Isles vacation tour.
This is also a university town and Edinburgh's large student population ensures that the city is always on the move and ahead of the curve. They carry the legacy of the progressive thinkers who long ago made Edinburgh an important hub of the Enlightenment and earned this city the nickname 'Athens of the North.'
Though steeped in Scotland's unique Highland Clan history, Edinburgh is today one of Europe's most vibrant and exciting cities. Distinctive Georgian architecture and a wealth of venerable old granite buildings which have survived for centuries make a striking visual impression for the visitor... over 4,500 of them listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO. You won't run out of sightseeing attractions on this vacation!
South of Edinburgh's city centre 'Arthur's Seat,' a flat-topped mountainous crag formed by ancient volcanic activity, raises its distinctive bulk. Beyond the city to the southwest stretch the panoramic Pentland hills... twenty miles of dramatic peaks and regional parkland, dotted with rivers and reservoirs which provide water for the city of Edinburgh and surrounding communities.
Hogmanay is the spectacular four day long party held to celebrate the arrival of the New Year by a half million Scots. Every year 100,000 of them pack into Edinburgh's Royal Mile the city's main thoroughfare packed with an abundance of historical buildings interspersed with pubs, restaurants, and shops. The Hogmanay carousing in Edinburgh is unmatched anywhere in the country.
The other gala happening held every year is the month long Edinburgh Festival which takes place is August and turns the city into a cultural paradise, while also tripling the population. Among the many events it includes the Edinburgh Military Tattoo... held at Edinburgh Castle, one of the UK's most distinctive sites perched atop its volcanic rock, its imposing presence dominates the whole city. The Edinbugh International Film Festival is a big part of the festivities, and so too is the largest performing arts festival in the world, known as the Edinburgh Fringe. Where the overall Edinburgh Festival focuses on high culture - classical music, opera and drama, the Fringe is far more anarchic and offers satire, comedy, popular music and avant garde theatre.