Edinburgh

Perched atop an ancient volcanic rock overlooking the capital, Edinburgh Castle is a powerful national symbol and Scotland's most popular paid attraction. Humans have lived on Castle Rock since the Iron Age, and the fortress has been at the heart of Scottish history for centuries, acting as a royal palace, military base, prison, and garrison. St Margaret's Chapel, built in the early 12th century, remains the oldest building in the city.

Inside, visitors can find the Honours of Scotland—the oldest crown jewels in Britain—and the Stone of Destiny, used for crowning Scottish monarchs. Other must-sees include the Great Hall, the National War Museum, and the Royal Palace where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI. Every day but Sunday, the famous One O'Clock Gun fires, and the esplanade serves as the venue for the world-renowned Military Tattoo.

Sitting at the bottom of Edinburgh's Royal Mile beneath the peaks of Arthur's Seat, the Palace of Holyroodhouse serves as the monarch's official home in Scotland. Established in the sixteenth century next to an even older abbey, the palace has been the backdrop for some of Scotland's most dramatic moments. It is perhaps best known as the residence of Mary, Queen of Scots in the 1560s, and the site where her secretary, David Rizzio, was brutally murdered in 1566.

Guests can explore a series of grand state apartments filled with lavish furniture, tapestries, and art, including the Great Gallery with its long line of royal portraits. Mary's own historic chambers remain a major draw. Tucked behind the palace are the roofless Gothic ruins of Holyrood Abbey, dating back to 1128, and the palace gardens. Together, they offer a captivating glimpse into royal life right in the heart of the capital.

Docked at Ocean Terminal in Leith, just north of Edinburgh, the Royal Yacht Britannia served as the floating residence of the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Since her launch in 1953, she took the Queen and her family on official trips and vacations all over the world, covering more than a million nautical miles before retiring in 1997. Today, she is preserved as one of Scotland's favorite tourist spots.

An audio tour guides guests through five decks, providing a fascinating look at royal life on the ocean. Highlights include the grand State Dining and Drawing Rooms where world leaders were hosted, the surprisingly simple royal bedrooms, the bridge, the crew's quarters, and the polished engine room. Personal stories and details throughout bring the ship's past to life. The experience ends with tea and cake in the Royal Deck Tea Room, capping off a memorable encounter with a floating piece of history.