Our Viking Ocean cruise docked at the port of Rosyth, the gateway to the enchanting city of Edinburgh. The air buzzed with excitement as we disembarked, ready to explore the treasures that awaited us in Scotland’s historic capital.

A scenic motorcoach ride whisked us through rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, drawing us closer to the heart of Edinburgh. As we entered the city, the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an extinct volcano, dominated the skyline. Its imposing presence seemed to beckon us to uncover the secrets of its centuries-old walls.

Our one stop was the Royal Mile for about an hour of free time to explore on our own. Lisa had stayed on board Viking Sky to rest up for a very long tour we had planned for the next day. I walked around street teeming with shops, pubs, people and historical landmarks. I walked around a bit, enjoying the medieval architecture and soaking up the lively atmosphere. Street performers and bagpipe players entertained passersby, while the aroma of freshly baked shortbread wafted from inviting bakeries.

We drove through the charming streets of the Old Town, stumbling upon hidden courtyards and quirky shops. We made our way past the elegant New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Georgian architecture, wide avenues, and manicured gardens offered a stark contrast to the medieval charm of the Old Town.

Some of our group enjoyed a quick snack at a traditional Scottish restaurant, savoring local delicacies like haggis, neeps, and tatties. The warm hospitality and lively conversation with fellow diners made the stop truly memorable.

Our 3 hour tour in Edinburgh was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and flavors. The city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality left a lasting impression on us. As we headed back to Viking Sky we carried with us a treasure trove of memories and a newfound appreciation for Scotland’s captivating capital.

During another wonderful dinner in The Restaurant on board, we sailed away and couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness at leaving Edinburgh behind. However, we knew this was just the beginning of our Scottish adventure, with more wonders waiting to be discovered as our Viking Ocean cruise continued. Coming up next, a tour that was sold out and waitlisted from the moment we booked must have had a cancellation: We would indeed be doing the all day, 8 hour Ultimate Outlander Experience: Lisa’s dream excursion. That’s next