Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Edinburgh

Completed in 1953, the Royal Yacht Britannia is the last of a long line of 83 royal ships dating back to Charles II in 1660, built at Clydebank, near Glasgow, and is 126 metres long with a capacity for 250 guests and 240 crew. In service from 1954 to 1997, it was a floating embassy for the Royal Family, which travelled some 2,014,278 km during 696 visits abroad and 272 to the United Kingdom. After 44 years of good and loyal service on the seas, he is demobilized and moored in the port of Leith. He is not ordered a replacement and the mastodon becomes one of Edinburgh's flagship attractions. On the programme: the highlights of the ship's history, the control room, the admiral's apartments, Her Majesty's bedroom and her Rolls Royce, which she took everywhere. One also immerses oneself in the underside of diplomacy and protocol, walking through the many lounges and reception rooms, but also the terraces where the Queen liked to relax.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was recently awarded a prize as one of Scotland's top tourist and cultural attractions, according to the National Tourist Board's website. No doubt this is due to the historical and cultural interest, but also to the possibility - oh so attractive for admirers of British royalty - of having tea in the "Royal Deck Tea Room" ... You can also spend a night in the luxury hotel located in the nearby ship, the Fringal.

This is the first time since 1925 that the Scottish capital has redone its single malt. The distillery is housed in a beautiful historic building, some 180 years old, a few steps from Holyrood Park and Old Town. You will discover how whisky and gin are made and will be able to follow different guided tours, according to your wishes: immersion in the distillery, visit and tasting of whisky or gin, masterclass on whisky. Explore also the shop and its selection of rare and vintage whiskies, the "Holyrood Prestige Collection"!

This lively and frightening visit to the city's basements is as much fun as it is thrilling thanks to eleven actors and numerous special effects. On the program: torture room, labyrinth, boat ride, staging and historical characters such as the cannibal Sawney Bean or the serial killers Burke and Hare. The tours leave every 10 minutes and last 80 minutes. Attention: children (under 15 years old) must be accompanied and the visit is not recommended for children under 8 years old. Special tours for an adult audience are also available.

In the heart of Edinburgh, this small distillery produces a gin that is appreciated by experts and offers small group visits to discover this industry which, far from equaling the figures for whisky, remains one of Scotland's specialities. The classic tour lasts 45 minutes and ends with a tasting, with expert guides who will share their passion with you. When the visits stop, the Heads & Tales bar takes over in a cosy setting where you can enjoy cocktails and tapas. The tiny shop, in a cellar, is accessible without visits.