Leith, our final destination on this first of our two cruises, is the port entry to Edinburgh, the capital of this beautiful county. We proceed to our berth through a lock and then settle next to the Britannia, the Queen’s former floating palace.
After a stroll of the city center of Leith in the morning, the afternoon was spent on a bus tour in the countryside, including a stop at Stirling Castle, the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, with tribute monuments to Rob Roy and Robert Wallace and then a drive through the Trossachs, the mystical highlands of Scotland………
Friday was spent walking the hilly streets of Edinburgh, wandering past memorials to Scottish legends, the heart of the city, Edinburgh Castle and sitting in a pub enjoying local fare and ale.
Saturday, we again ventured into the center of Edinburgh to wander the streets, people watching, reading plaques pertaining to Scottish history and enjoying pub hospitality one more time.
Saturday, we again ventured into the center of Edinburgh to wander the streets, people watching, reading plaques pertaining to Scottish history and enjoying pub hospitality one more time.
Azamazing evening: Another evening provided by our ship - we were whisked away to Hopetoun House, reminiscent of TV's famed Downton Abbey, a magnificent Scottish estate, whose initial construction was started in 1699. As we ventured in and out amongst the many rooms and buildings, music from jazz to bagpipes created a festive mood while food, wine and most notable, famed single malt Scotch whiskey warmed our bodies. The evening concluded with a large contingent of bagpipers marching in the courtyard, followed by fireworks. This was truly a night to remember.
Tomorrow we begin our continuing adventure as we cast off for the coast of Norway, cruising to many fjords, and crossing the Arctic Circle to the most northernly tip of Europe - North Cape.