Excursion The royal edinburgh botanic gardens tour at Edinburgh

Take a panoramic tour of the top historic sites of Edinburgh before exploring the world-famous Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. Founded over 300 years ago as a source for medicinal herbs and plants, the gardens have grown and grown with now over 13 thousand living species.

Edinburgh City Tour

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute drive to Edinburgh's city centre. Pass the medieval Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city and has been home to Scottish Kings and Queens down through the centuries. After passing Holyrood Palace, the Queen's residence in Edinburgh, you will enter the well-known principal shopping area, Princes Street, with the towering Scott Monument and beautiful Princes Street Gardens. Pass some of the museums and art galleries before touring the Georgian New Town, with its elegant townhouses and private parks.

The Royal Edinburgh Botanic Gardens

Stop at the Royal Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, set in over 70 acres of beautiful landscape in the North of the city, with views of the city-centre skyline. Within the grounds are ranges of gardens, including the peaceful Queen Mother's Memorial Garden.

Many of the most exotic plants were brought to Edinburgh by the famous horticulturist George Forrest, who made seven expeditions to south west China between 1904 and 1932. There is also a major Chinese-style garden featuring a pavilion, a waterfall and the world's largest collection of Chinese wild plants outside of China.

Following the approximately 90 minute available for you to explore the gardens independently, begin your approximately 30 minute drive back to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: The highlights of Scotland's capitol city and the Royal Edinburgh Botanic Gardens.

Note

Please Note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. Walking at the Garden is at guests' discretion. The Garden is largely accessible to wheelchair users and public buildings have level or ramped ground floor access. There are tarmac paths around the Garden most of which are flat and accessible. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing and sun protection are recommended.