Edinburgh is truly a tale of 2 cities

Imagine a destination where 2 very different world class cities are within walking distance.  Not possible you say?  Let me tell you about Edinburgh.

Through history and geography, Edinburgh has become 2 vibrant yet very different cities.  There is the regal and historic Old Town and the bustling commerce-filled New Town.  The 2 areas are separated by a park and trust me when I say, to walk from one to the other is uphill both ways.  But worth every step.

Old town

Old Town's main thorough-fare is the Royal Mile. At one end is the majestic Edinburgh Castle.  At the other end is the royal residence.  Cobblestone aplenty. Shops crowd the mile and sometimes literally sit on top of each other. It makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time.  You can often see tours being guided by costume guides from the middle ages yet they do not seem out of place. There are many closes or alleys leading off the Royal Mile. One way leads you to Cowgate and some of the best nightlife anywhere.  The other way leads you to the park and then to New Town.  And by the way, many of the closes are rumored to be haunted.

Many, many years ago, Old Town started building up creating an underground network of tunnels.  Many of the city's poor resorted to living in the dank, underground spaces.  Murder and other crimes ran rampant literally under the feet of the citizens.  Many troubled souls are said to still linger.

Back up in the daylight are the many shops along the Mile.  All things Scottish are for sale.  Whisky.  Kilts.  Bagpipes.  Haggis.  Woolen tartan scarves.  Not enough? On most days local vendors set up and sell crafted goods along the Mile.

And I think you can always hear bagpipes playing.

New town

Do you prefer posh and plush.  Let's walk across the park to New Town.  George's Street is one of the main thorough fares here.  Again the business district is about 1 mile long but very different from Old Town.  It is a bustling metro area.  The street is lined with swanky hotels and upscale, high fashion shopping.

Each hotel has a formally suited Bell Man standing watch at the entrance to open the door or help you with your bags.  As you enter the cavern-like lobby, you will notice the rich wood paneling, the decadent Persian rugs and the warm inviting fire on the hearth.  Expect to be catered to.  This side also shows it's American influences.  On one block is the iconic Hard Rock Cafe.  Down the street is a large Apple store. 

You are past the velvet ropes and are one of the beautiful people.

Need a haute coulture gown for the ball.  You can find it in New Town.  Want a carriage ride around one of the privately owned gardens.  It can be arranged.  Think Chicago's Magnificent Mile with better customer service.

Feeling peckish from all of this shopping? Don't worry.  There are many trendy coffee and tea boutiques to choose from with delectable baked goods and pastries.  Or there are also many fine dining establishments along the way too making the Hard Rock look like fast food.

In 2018 we are featuring 3 trips including wonderful Edinburgh:  Histories, Mysteries, Ghosts, and Guinness.  Kilty Pleasures. and Haunted Ireland and Scotland.  We invite you to consider joining us.  See up-coming excursions for more details on each.