Scotland: The Architecture of Glasgow and Edinburgh 7865
Scotland: The Architecture of Glasgow and Edinburgh 7865
Scotland: The Architecture of Glasgow and Edinburgh 7865
4 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Glasgow, Scotland
Visiting: Edinburgh, Glasgow
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BAGE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Lying just 45 miles apart, Scotland’s two largest cities enjoy a healthy rivalry and are often contrasted with each other in a bid to determine superiority. Whether it’s the friendliness of their citizens, the quality of their shops or the prowess of their rugby teams, each city will proudly attempt to claim supremacy. But it’s the quality of their architecture that we are highlighting in this tour, not in an attempt to determine that one is better than the other (they are equally magnificent in their own way), but to illustrate the difference between the two cities and how they developed. In broad terms, Glasgow’s city centre architecture is predominantly Victorian, vast edifices built on a grand scale to reflect its status as the ‘Second City of the Empire’. In contrast, Edinburgh is most noted for its Georgian architecture, in particular the elegant terraces and wide streets of the New Town, though it also boasts a historic Old Town.
Visits in Edinburgh include the 500-year-old Gladstone’s Land, the controversial Scottish Parliament building and the fascinating Georgian House, while in Glasgow we explore the impressive City Chambers, the humble Tenement House and the city’s social history at the much-loved People’s Palace.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Best Western Garfield House Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
We depart from our designated pick-up points (Glasgow, Edinburgh) and travel to central Edinburgh, where we begin with a tour of the Old Town, the historic area either side of the Royal Mile that runs from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Included is a visit to Gladstone’s Land, one of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile which has been a commercial and social hub for more than 500 years. It has witnessed momentous social and political change as well as war, fire and disease. Look out for the beautiful hand-painted ceilings from 1620.
Continuing on a short walk from here and down the High Street, we will visit St Giles’ Cathedral, the scene of Her Majesty The Queen’s lying-in-state in September 2022 and the ‘Scottish Coronation’ of His Majesty The King in May 2023. The history of St Giles’ has spanned 900 years, from early beginnings as a Romanesque church in 1124 to its current standing as a modern Presbyterian church. It has seen the seeds of civil war sown and been the centre of the Scottish Reformation as John Knox’s Parish church.
Following our visit here we depart for our hotel.
Day 2
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Best Western Garfield House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we return to the centre of Edinburgh and conclude our exploration of the Old Town at the foot of the Royal Mile with a tour the Scottish Parliament building, which was built to a bold design by the Spanish architect Enric Miralles, who died before its completion. Though the building and its construction attracted great controversy at the time, it has since won numerous design awards. The branch-shaped design has references to Scottish architectural history and was created to mirror the landscape. The building was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2004.
We then walk a short distance to the official royal residence of The King when in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It has been associated with notable figures throughout history including Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. On our visit we can explore the 14 historic and state apartments, the ruins of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey and the manicured gardens.
After an opportunity for lunch (not included) our attention turns to the New Town, actually over 250 years old, having been built in stages between 1767 and around 1850. A design competition was held in January 1766 to find a suitably modern layout for the new suburb. It was won by 26-year-old James Craig, who, following the natural contours of the land, proposed a simple axial grid, with a principal thoroughfare along the ridge linking two garden squares. After a panoramic tour taking in the principal buildings and elegant terraces such as Great King Street we arrive at Charlotte Square, which was completed in 1820. Built to a design by Robert Adam, it is the only unified section of the New Town. The north side features Bute House, formerly the official residence of the Secretary of State for Scotland and, since the introduction of devolution in Scotland, the official residence of the First Minister.
Here we visit The Georgian House, restored by National Trust for Scotland to reflect the lives of those who lived and worked here in the late 18th and early 19th century. Also designed by Robert Adam, this grand townhouse was at the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town development and was a true statement of luxury in an era of enlightenment. We will explore the grand, ornately decorated family rooms, where the Lamont family would have entertained guests surrounded by the works of renowned Scottish artists Allan Ramsay, Henry Raeburn and Alexander Nasmyth; discover the lives of the servants who lived and worked ‘below stairs’ to support the lavish lifestyle of the family upstairs and view the unique collection of 18th-century household items, from the everyday to the curious.
We continue along Princes Street, which, it must be said, presents a rather less harmonious selection of architectural styles, to The Mound, where we find the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery of Scotland, whose neo-classical design by William Playfair helped to transform Edinburgh into the so-called ‘Athens of the North’. There will be time here to visit the National Gallery whose collection includes masterpieces by Rubens, Titian, Rembrandt and Van Gogh, along with works by many of Scotland’s most famous artists, now presented as a single collection in the recently completed suite of galleries that extends beneath the two original buildings.
We return to our hotel later in the afternoon.
Day 3
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Best Western Garfield House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we head for Glasgow, less than an hour’s drive from Edinburgh but with a look and feel that is altogether different, characterised by huge Victorian edifices built from red or blond sandstone. We begin with a walking tour of the Merchant City, one of Glasgow’s oldest quarters dating back to the 1750s when it was home to the warehouses of wealthy merchants who shipped tobacco, sugar and tea. In the 19th century, the area became home to Glasgow’s central fruit, vegetable and cheese markets.
We then have a private guided tour of the Glasgow City Chambers, a grand edifice completed in 1888 as a symbol of Glasgow’s wealth. The building is in the Beaux Arts style, an interpretation of Renaissance Classicism incorporating Italianate styles with a vast range of ornate decoration, used to express the industrial export-led economic prosperity of the ‘Second City of the Empire’.
We continue with a panoramic tour of the city picking out some architectural highlights both old and new, such as Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson’s classical church in St Vincent Street and Sir Norman Foster’s Clyde Auditorium known as the ‘Armadillo’. This is followed with a visit to Mackintosh at the Willow, the famous tea rooms on Sauchiehall Street that are now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. Here we will enjoy afternoon tea in the unique surroundings that have been faithfully restored to the original designs of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his wife Margaret Macdonald.
We conclude today at The Tenement House. At first glance, this appears to be an ordinary middle-class tenement from the late 19th century. However, when you step inside, the faithfully restored four rooms appear as if frozen in time and provide a rare glimpse into life in Glasgow in the early 20th century. Shorthand typist Miss Agnes Toward lived here from 1911 until 1965, and preserved her furniture and possessions with love and care. She held on to all sorts of things that most people would have thrown away, and this extensive personal archive has become a valuable time capsule for visitors today. The Tenement House also reveals what it meant to be an ‘independent woman’ at that time.
We return to our hotel.
Day 4
Location: Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
Returning to Glasgow once more, we begin with a look at Templeton on the Green, a unique mixed use ‘lifestyle village’ overlooking the historic Glasgow Green. Templeton, originally a carpet factory until 1980, is one of Glasgow’s best-known landmarks. It includes a collection of Grade A listed buildings, constructed through the late 1800s and early 1900s and arranged around a courtyard. The principal decorative building by Sir William Lieper is believed to have been based on the design of the Doges Palace in Venice and is regarded by many as one of the finest decorative brick buildings in the world.
Adjacent to this is the People’s Palace, Glasgow’s social history museum, located on Glasgow Green, one of the city’s oldest green spaces. The collection offers a wide range of objects and unique displays from Billy Connolly’s ‘Banana Boots’, to a recreation of a ‘single end’ room which reveals how Glaswegians lived in tenement flats. It also shows how citizens spent their social time whether dancing at venues like the Barrowland Ballroom, or going ‘doon the watter’ on holiday, to a recreation of an air raid shelter and a jail.
Our final visit is to the Riverside Museum, built to a striking design by internationally renowned architect, Dame Zaha Hadid. Inside the museum, visitors can explore a vast collection of vehicles, including cars, bicycles, motorcycles, trams, buses, and even a steam locomotive. One of the highlights of the museum is the recreated street scene, which provides a glimpse into Glasgow’s past. Visitors can stroll along a cobbled street lined with shops, houses, and even a subway station, all authentically recreated to transport visitors back in time. Lunch is available here (not included).
Following our visit we return to our original pick-up points.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
-
Meals as per the itinerary
-
Comfortable coach travel throughout
-
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
-
Services of a professional tour manager
What's Not Included
-
Personal expenses
Personal expenses are not included in the tour package.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
-
Optional activities
Optional activities are not included in the tour package.
-
Gratuities
Gratuities are not included in the tour package.
-
Lunch on certain days
Lunch is not included on certain days of the tour.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes comfortable coach travel throughout, ensuring a relaxed and convenient journey between the architectural sites in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, meals as per the itinerary are included in the tour package.
-
Is accommodation included in the tour?
Yes, accommodation is included in the tour package, with stays in locations that allow easy access to the architectural highlights of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
-
Will there be a tour guide during the trip?
Yes, the services of a professional tour manager are included in the tour package.
-
What are some of the architectural highlights visited in Glasgow?
In Glasgow, the tour includes a private guided tour of the Glasgow City Chambers, a visit to Mackintosh at the Willow for afternoon tea, and a look at Templeton on the Green and the Riverside Museum.
-
What can I expect to see in Edinburgh during the tour?
In Edinburgh, the tour includes visits to Gladstone’s Land, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament building, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and The Georgian House, among other architectural sites.
-
Are personal expenses covered in the tour package?
No, personal expenses are not included in the tour package.
-
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
-
Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
-
What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
-
Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
-
Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
-
Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
-
How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
-
Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
-
What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
-
Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
-
What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
-
What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
-
Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
-
How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
-
Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
-
How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
-
Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Monday
Mar 28, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025Friday - Monday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.