Day 7 – Edinburgh, the Royal Mile, and a Special Farewell Dinner

Posted on by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

We began our morning with breakfast at the hotel before setting out for one of the most iconic experiences in Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle. Perched high above the city, this fortress felt like stepping straight into history. I was able to see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, which were breathtaking to stand before. The St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, was small and simple but carried such quiet meaning. The Scottish National War Memorial was especially moving—a powerful and poignant reminder of those who gave their lives in service. Every corner of the castle seemed to whisper another story from Scotland’s past, and I found myself in awe the entire time.

After the castle, we strolled along the Royal Mile, browsing some of its charming shops before stopping for lunch at the William Deacon Brodie Pub. Deacon Brodie’s story is a fascinating one—by day, he was a respected cabinetmaker, but by night he led a double life as a burglar! His tale is said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Today, the pub offers hearty Scottish fare and a cozy atmosphere, which was just what we needed to refuel. After lunch, we popped into a few more shops along the Royal Mile before continuing our day.

In the afternoon, we toured the Royal Yacht Britannia, one of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions. Launched in 1953, Britannia served the Royal Family for more than 40 years, sailing over one million nautical miles and hosting world leaders, state dinners, and family holidays. It was often described as one of the Queen’s favorite places, a floating palace where she could find rare moments of calm. Walking through the ship gave such a sense of history—it was easy to imagine the stories these rooms could tell.

Our evening took us to Leith, where we enjoyed a farewell dinner at Malmaison, a stylish brasserie inside the Malmaison Hotel. The chic interior, lively atmosphere, and even its striking hot pink sofa made the evening feel special. I enjoyed a Caesar salad, chicken breast, and the most incredible dark chocolate mousse—truly the best I’ve ever had! It was the perfect way to celebrate our last evening together as a group.

Although the official tour has now come to an end, my adventure isn’t quite over yet—I’ll be staying on in Edinburgh for a couple more days. I can’t wait to share what comes next!

Unknown's avatar

Published by Kenneth Reece, Agent of Modern Travel Professionals

Hi, I’m Kenneth Reece — and I help make unforgettable vacations feel effortless. With 50 cruises under my belt (and more in the works!), I specialize in bucket-list travel experiences for grown-up travelers who want something a little more meaningful, a little more personal, and a lot more fun. Whether you're cruising the blue waters of the Caribbean, exploring the stunning coastlines of Alaska, or soaking in the magic of Europe one cobblestone street at a time — I’m here to help you plan a trip you’ll always remember. Lately, river cruising has completely captured my heart. There’s just something special about waking up each morning in a new European town, with your floating boutique hotel waiting to take you to the next charming stop. I love pairing these river cruises with guided land tours for a perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation. Princess Cruises has long been one of my favorites at sea, but I’ve sailed with many cruise lines and know how to match each client with the right one for them. I’ve also experienced the Disney magic around the world — from Disneyland and Walt Disney World to Tokyo and Paris — and I bring that same sense of wonder and thoughtful planning into everything I do. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, traveling solo, or just need help making sense of all the choices out there, I’m here to be your guide. I love helping clients as much — or as little — as they prefer. From the first conversation to the moment you return home, you’ll know someone has your back. Let’s make your next trip easy, exciting, and completely tailored to you.