We will be one a Best of Scotland trip in early May and have 3 extra days in Edinburgh and 1 extra in Glasgow. Does anyone have suggestions about what to do?
Lots to do in Edinburgh! I've not done this program but have toured Scotland with a Rick Steves tour. It looks like you'll see Rosslyn Chapel and Edinburgh Castle on the tour. (And I see you are going to Culross House which I found very interesting!) I'd add in the National Museum of Scotland - really a fantastic free museum. It's huge and I might divide it in to 2 visits if you like. They have a wonderful new wing of things relating just to Scottish History and the other part of the museum which is more generalist but very interesting. They have a GREAT gift shop. I had a problem paying with a credit card as I did not have my passport with me so make sure you've got it with you for picture ID. If you are still needing some "Made in Scotland" souvenirs they have some lovely, interesting "non-tourist tat" stuff. Some other things off the top of my head: - Royal Botanic Gardens which should be wonderful that time of year. - Royal Yacht Brittania - Holyrood Palace - www.rct.uk/.../palace-of-holyroodhouse - When you are at the National Museum, walk across the street to see the statue of Greyfriars Bobby (dog) and then go into the church and churchyard of the Greyfriars Kirk. Apparently J K Rowling used to write in a nearby pub (Elephant House) and got some of her character names from the headstones in this churchyard! - If you haven't done a walking tour with the group, I'd check in to one with the Edinburgh Tourist Office. Your RS leader may have some suggestions. They will walk you through some of the tiny passageways and the Grassmarket area. - National Gallery of Scotland - St Giles I'd have a waterproof jacket with a hood. An umbrella or poncho are useless in the wind which you'll have a lot of. I visited in June and had a few days where I wore glove liners! Mull and Iona were particularly soggy the day I visited. That is the only day on 11 Road Scholar and 11 Rick Steves tours that I've wanted waterproof rain pants. If you are from a warm climate I'd also pack a puffy vest or jacket that can be layered under your rain jacket. Sorry, not been to Glasgow so no advice there! Glad you are staying extra days! ~Pam