Nadine has planned an exciting and busy weekend for her friend Maria visiting Edinburgh. On Friday, they will visit Edinburgh Castle and explore the Royal Mile, stopping at Holyroodhouse Palace and Arthur's Seat volcano. Saturday includes a traditional Scottish breakfast, shopping on George Street, visiting the Princes Street gardens and a port area called Waterside Leith known for bars and restaurants. At night they will go on a ghost tour learning about the city's history. On their last day Sunday, Nadine has planned a relaxing lunch to recover from the eventful weekend activities.

1. Dear Maria,
I’m so excited that you’re coming to
Edinburgh next weekend! I’ve got lots of
activities planned for us. You’re coming at
the best time of year as August is festival
month here. The Fringe Festival will be on
so we’ll have to check that out one night
but I’m thinking on Friday we’ll start our
day at Edinburgh Castle to see the
Scottish Crown Jewels and Stone of
Destiny.
Afterwards, we’ll walk down the Royal
Mile to explore the many quirky shops,
pubs, restaurants and narrow streets that
are steeped in history. We’ll have to stop
off at the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see
if the Queen is home and then walk up
the dormant volcano, Arthur’s Seat which
gives amazing views of the city. There is
also a hill fort here which is over 2000
years old!

2. On Saturday, after a traditional Scottish breakfast of sausages, bacon, eggs, tattie scones,
beans and black pudding we should hit the shops on George Street, stop for a coffee at one of
my favourite cafes and then make our way to Princes Street. This street runs alongside the
gardens which are stunning and, as well as being great for shopping, has great views of the
tangled buildings of the Old Town. I´m sure we´ll also hear a few pipers playing the bagpipes!

3. Next, we’ll head to Waterside Leith which is Edinburgh's main port. The area has recently been
revived. This is where you'll find some of the city's best bars and restaurants and you can try
some of the best seafood in the country. There are plenty of quaint fishing villages and other
sandy spots to discover. Edinburgh enjoys spectacular coastal scenery thanks to its location
on the Firth of Forth so I’m sure you’d love to go to Belhaven beach. It’s a great beach for
walking, having picnics and sunbathing and is the ideal place to enjoy the views across the
Forth Estuary.

4. After dark it’ll be time for a walking ghost
tour around the city. They’ll tell us all about
the history of Edinburgh, about Burke and
Hare the famous West Port Murderers, the
bodysnatchers, witch trials and folklore and
faeries.
On Sunday we’re going for a relaxing
lunch. Somewhere we can put our feet up
after such an eventful weekend and enjoy a
sip of whisky!
I can´t wait to see you!
Nadine