For your next journey across the pond, you will certainly want to plan a stop to the capital city of Scotland. It carries immense charm with its hilly nature and Old Town feel. Posh Voyage breaks down how to amplify your time there…
Thursday:
1:00pm- Check-in to The Caledonian Hotel in historical heart of Scotland. All the wonders of this European city are within walking distance of this Waldorf Astoria Hotel. For more than a century now, this elegant establishment has been welcoming guests in fine Scottish fashion. ‘The Caley’ (so dubbed by locals) resides at the west end of Princes Street and recently received a multimillion-dollar renovation and re-launch.
If you would like a hotel with a little more funk, try the G&V Royal Mile Hotel, located on the Royal Mile in New Town, in the heart of Edinburgh. Filled with fun colors and a hip restaurant – Cucina and Bar G&V, this hotel will give you the luxury you want, with a bit of a twist.
2:00pm- Wander around the city center – everything is relatively close to either hotel – to get your bearings for Edinburgh’s charm. Stop into a few shops on Princes Street, and go into a Scottish pub for a beer or two. All streets are filled with them and any one is greater than the one before it.
8:00pm– Dinner at The Stockbridge – an elegant spot with beautiful artwork throughout the restaurant. Have the seared pigeon breast that comes with foie gras and the exceptional Hugh Grierson rack of lamb that comes with yummy pairings.
10:00pm- Head out on the town to 99 Hanover Street for cocktails and explore the surrounding bar scene.
Friday:
10:00am- Breakfast at Heller’s Kitchen where you will find a sophisticated, yet delicious meal to start your day of adventuring. Once you arrive, you will walk past freshly baked sugar donuts that are to die for, but make sure you order some before they run out. Try the American Style pancakes if you feel like you miss home a bit – they are to die for.
11:30am- Since you’ve already booked your tickets online and in advance (hint hint) head to the stunning Edinburgh Castle, located right in the center of town. You cannot miss the castle, it is built up on solid volcanic rock. You will get an amazing sense of history as well as a spectacular view of the entire city.
1:00pm- After exploring the Castle, stroll down Royal Mile and stop for lunch at Maison Bleue, a charming French bistro that serves traditional Scottish food as well as Northern African food.
2:00pm- Once you have filled your hungry tummies, head back towards the Castle and visit The Scotch Whisky Experience. Here you will learn everything there is to know about the drink. Book the Platinum Tour (ahead of time) – it is the last of the day and is a whisky lovers’ dream. You will see the world’s largest collection of Scotch, learn to pick out the aromas in various scotches, experience what the scotch goes through in a barrel ride, and, most importantly, be able to taste the scotch.
8:00pm– Dinner at Gusto, an Italian restaurant that serves some of the best fare in the city. You cannot go wrong on menu options, and they have a great wine list as well. If it was up to us, we would start with the Deli Board and then order the Grana Padano Ristotto with pancetta (anything with truffle butter…sign us up) and a bottle of Cote du Beaune Domaine de la Valliere Roux, a bustling burgundy…a french pinot + risotto = foodgasm.
10:00pm- After-dinner drinks Element, a super chic bar with fun drinks that are especially yummy.
Saturday:
10:00am- Stop into Broughton Delicatessen for a traditionally Scottish start to your day. They do everything well here – order the amazing and homemade potato scones and special recipe baked beans to accompany your scrambled eggs, bacon and black pudding. Trust us on this one.
11:00am- After you have filled yourself enough to start the day, wander through the Princes Street Gardens. The lush green is gorgeous and you will be glad you strolled through it. Then, visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, the ship designed exclusively for the Royal Family, and the one that Prince Charles and Princess Diana took out on their honeymoon. It is truly a floating palace…but would you expect anything less?
1:00pm- Have a fancy lunch at Cafe Royal Circle Bar, a great spot on a rainy day, which could happen often in Scotland. They have awesome seafood and great steaks, if you are feeling extra hungry after your light breakfast. It is also a local favorite.
3:00pm- Lunch was delicious, but now it is time to walk it all off, and what better way to do that than with a bit of retail ‘exercise’? Head to Ocean Terminal where you can find many well-known stores as well as some traditionally Scottish ones that sell fresh produce and other Scottish goodies…shortbread anyone?
8:00pm- Have dinner at The Rutland Hotel restaurant, just a few blocks away from Edinburgh Castle. David Haetzman’s evening tasting menu will give you a lovely taste of the country you are in with Scottish stews and wonderfully fresh mussels.
10:00pm- Save room for after dinner drinks at the Tigerlilly Hotel Bar, where their cocktail list is pushing 100 drink options. Order the crowd-favorite, a Lilly’s Lullaby and watch as the nightlife goes on around you.
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