Edinburgh may be a small capital city but it is packed with remarkable historic landmarks, world-class dining, and so much more. Despite its diverse selection of must-sees and must-dos, it’s completely possible to fit its greatest highlights into a short but luxurious 48-hour visit. To help you decide how to spend those precious 48 hours, we have created a two-day luxury Edinburgh itinerary to inspire your visit. 

To give you a taste, it includes an early-access visit to Edinburgh Castle, a private dinner on a former royal yacht, luxury whisky tastings, and covetable foodie experiences. All in all, this guide will ensure every second in Scotland’s capital will be well-spent. At the end of the article, find out how to book a bespoke luxury Edinburgh itinerary just like this one for yourself.

48 Hours in Edinburgh – Day One

Day 1 Highlights: 

• Early-access Edinburgh Castle tour

• Private city walking tour

• Lunch at The Witchery

• Whisky Tastings at Holyrood Distillery

• Walk in Prince Street Gardens

• Dinner on the Royal Yacht Britannia

Morning

Begin your luxury Edinburgh getaway with an early morning private tour of Edinburgh Castle before it opens to the general public. With the castle all to yourself, you get a rare insight into how it felt for the country’s former queens and kings to live there, as well as more time and space to appreciate its highlights; the Scottish Crown Jewel, Royal Palace, Prisons of War exhibition, St Margaret’s Chapel, and Mons Meg. Afterward, your guide will take you beyond the castle walls for a private walking tour of the city’s cobbled streets starting with the Royal Mile, the heart of the Old Town where blaring bagpipes and street performers competeight for your attention. 

From there, you’ll turn down Edinburgh’s most picture-worthy road, the colourful Victoria Street which slopes steeply downwards in a semi-circle towards Cowgate with boutique tweed stores, cheese shops, and eateries to browse on each side. While your expert local guide will happily introduce you to all the city’s must-see spots including Greyfriars Kirkyard, Dean Village, and the Scott Monument, your wishes are their command. Finish the morning with a magical two-course lunch at the Witchery, a mediaeval gourmet restaurant in one of Edinburgh’s oldest buildings.

Afternoon

By now, you’re well acquainted with Edinburgh’s historic streets and impressive landmarks, so the first afternoon of your 48 hours in Edinburgh is all about getting acquainted with the local flavours. Start with an intimate conversational whisky tasting experience with one of Edinburgh’s most formidable whisky producers, Holyrood Distillery, where you will have the honour of tasting its finest bottles including a distillery exclusive. 

A few whiskies down, enjoy some fresh Scottish air in the neatly landscaped Prince Street Gardens which beautifully frames views of Edinburgh Castle towering overhead in all its glory. Alternatively, take the chance to shop for some fine Scottish tweed and other luxury goods in the high-end stores of Brunstfield and Morningside, the city’s most upmarket neighbourhood.

Evening

For dinner, make sure you put on your ‘glad rags’ as the Scottish might say, because tonight you will be dining privately on the Royal Yacht Britannia, the British monarchy’s former yacht. But before dinner begins, enjoy a tour of the yacht with champagne and canapes by a guide who recalls anecdotes from the yacht’s former life and its owners. Finally, you’ll be seated in the State Dining Room or Royal Deck for a delicious gourmet dinner with thoughtful wine pairings to complete an extraordinary first day in Edinburgh. Finish the evening with a candlelit nightcap in the city’s favourite hotel bar, The Balmoral Bar, which serves everything from experimental cocktails to reserved whiskies.

48 Hours in Edinburgh – Day Two

Day 2 Highlights: 

• Private tour of Holyroodhouse Palace

• Climb Arthur’s Seat

• Afternoon tea at The Signet Library

• Admire the art collection at the National Galleries of Scotland

• Stroll through Dean Village 

• Dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant

Morning

Set the tone for another luxurious day in Edinburgh by visiting the royal family’s official Scottish residence, the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse, on a two-hour private tour. Your local guide will lead you through the palace’s regal state apartments filled with furniture, art, and tapestries dating back to the Middle Ages to the Throne Room, Palace Gardens, and Holyrood Abbey. Throughout the tour, hear fascinating stories about the rise and fall of the palace’s most famous residents including Mary Queen of Scots. 

From the palace, walk at your own pace up to Edinburgh’s most advantageous viewpoint, Arthur’s Seat, the rugged peak reaching 251 metres above the city. The one-mile uphill route is the perfect amount of exercise to build your appetite for a large lunch at one of Edinburgh’s favourite lunch spots — The Colonnade’s Afternoon Tea in The Signet Library. Savour the delicious flavours of traditional British scones, sandwiches, cakes, and tea amongst the historic book shelves of this romantic Neo-classical library.

Afternoon

Take the afternoon to spend some quality time with Van Gogh, Cezanne, Warhol, and Matisse at the National Galleries of Scotland which displays some of their best works such as Skulls (Warhol) and Olive Trees (Van Gogh). From the ‘Romance and Reality of Scotland’ to ‘Bold Scottish Art’, the gallery explores the best of Scottish art through the ages as well as displaying international works. Compare Scotland’s artistic history with its curation of modern works at the National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One to get the full insight into the expression of Scottish roots and culture.

Before your second day of the 48 hours in Edinburgh comes to a close, spend an hour or so strolling through Edinburgh’s prettiest neighbourhood, Dean Village. Set along the rambling Leith River, the neighbourhood is charmed by distinctively beautiful 19th-century buildings telling stories of the past with plaques painted with bread and pies to symbolise their milling history.

Evening

Ensure your last evening in the Scottish capital is special with a Michelin dinner at Rhubarb, one of the city’s favourite restaurants. Located in Holyrood Park’s palacial Prestonfield House, both the location and the menu are an ode to Scottish heritage. Rouge Victorian wallpaper, gold-framed portraits, and a candlelit chandelier set the scene for a romantic dinner inspired by seasonal Scottish produce from local artisanal suppliers.

Stay at Prestonfield House for a nightcap or head back into the city centre to absorb its merry evening atmosphere and sip on one last Scotch malt whisky at one of its upscale whisky bars. The former classrooms of Amber’s historic schoolhouse (which offers its own whisky tasting experiences) is the perfect setting for good single malt. Today, the only education offered here is on the 400+ whiskies sitting behind the bar from every Scottish whisky region and beyond.

Where to Stay for 48 Hours in Edinburgh as a Luxury Traveller

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian 

Set in the elegant building of a former Princes Street train station, The Caledonian will categorically enhance your Edinburgh experience. Whilst it boasts suave and stylish interiors, the fascinating Victorian features are only enhanced. Between the New York-inspired Peacock Alley lounge to the Dean Banks sensory dining experience in The Pompadour, the hotel remains one of the city’s most coveted destinations for upscale dining. Meanwhile, the Waldorf Astoria Spa upholds its reputation as one of the world’s best spas.

The Balmoral 

Stay in Edinburgh’s landmark hotel, The Balmoral, known for its exquisite timeless interiors, impeccable service, and 4 AA Rosette dining at restaurant Number One. Sitting between the Old Town and new, the hotel boasts one of the best addresses in the city for those who want to explore. From the wide selection of whiskies and locally inspired menu to the tartan textiles and Scottish art, The Balmoral promises a regal Scottish experience. This is only enhanced by the incomparable bedroom views of Edinburgh Castle, Scott Monument, and other city landmarks. 

Prestonfield House

The only hotel to offer a relaxed country setting in the heart of Edinburgh, the green and spacious estate of Prestonfield House in Holyrood Park is a fine choice for those who prefer a quieter stay. Decorated with rich textiles and antiques, the historic manor house is brimming with traditional British charm. Between the stately suites and Michelin dining, Prestonfield House is deserving of its elite status among Edniburgh’s hotels.

Start Planning your Luxury Trip to Edinburgh

Whether you want a short weekend trip to Edinburgh or want to include it on an exciting tour of Scotland, this 48 hour Edinburgh itinerary for the luxury traveller is perfect. Secure it by speaking to one of Lore Luxury Travel’s expert UK & Ireland travel planners. As a bespoke travel agency, we can mould this itinerary to your specific needs and preferences. We are happy to swap any of the activities, restaurants, or hotels to make it your unique dream trip to Edinburgh. Get in touch by clicking here.