Welcome to Scotland! Our Learning Journeys staff will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. Take some time to settle into the city and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore.

Make use of your 24hrs Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus ticket and visit the world-famous Edinburgh Castle, while taking in the panoramic view of Edinburgh Old and New Town (UNESCO Heritage Site) from the castle esplanade.

Start your day discovering Edinburgh’s vibrant neighborhood of Stockbridge. You will meet at a pre-arranged meeting point and set off on your Stockbridge food sampling tour. Nell, your local culinary expert, will take you on a tour for true local food shopping lovers. You will meet local producers and stroll through the beautiful and residential neighborhood of Stockbridge. You will leave satisfied and inspired. Your food sampling includes a: •At least 5 food and drink stops •Isle of Lewis mussels, cooking in cream, wine, and garlic, or fish and chips •Guided cheese tasting of at least 4 Scottish cheeses •Iconic George Mewes cheese shop •Piping hot scones, served with homemade jam and locally roasted coffee or tea •Gin-smoked salmon •Taste salmon smoked on the premises and see the smoker

Explore a different part of the city today and head towards the Port of Leith for a visit to the iconic Royal Yacht Britannia, which served the Royal Family for 44 years and was decommissioned in 1997. Wrap up your day enjoying a traditional afternoon tea, served on board the neighboring Fingal, a decommissioned lighthouse tender boat, turned into a permanent floating hotel. Local tip: the Grain Store on Victoria Street is a great dinner option, serving Scottish food in an amazing historical setting.

Take another opportunity to explore Edinburgh and all it has to offer. If you love markets and you happen to be visiting during a weekend, stroll at your own leisure through one of the many outdoors markets located in various areas of the city: Castle Terrace Farmers’ Market (Sat. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.), Stockbridge Market (Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) or Leith Farmers’ market (Sun 10- 16:00). Local tip: if the stall is there, look out for Pie Dolly and their wonderful artisanal pies! Nell has started private cooking classes in her Georgian home, with a minimum number of two and a maximum of five. You will also be able relax after all that chopping and stirring and learn about Scotland’s unique history and food culture. Lesson Highlights • Aperitif of rhubarb and ginger liqueur and sparkling wine with homemade cheese oatcakes • Cullen Skink – smoked haddock, cream, potato and leek soup – MADE BY YOU • Haggis – veggie or meat and turnip and potato mash and a dram of whisky • Straight from the oven-warm butter shortbread – MADE BY YOU, plus tea and coffee and a take-home a gift of your own shortbread

The Scotch Whisky Experience on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile launches Tasting Tales, showcasing both Scotland’s wonderful larder of local, seasonal, and artisan food, matched with single malt whiskies. Visitors will sample the whisky and food matches while enjoying a tale or two based around the history, characters, and real stories that make the world of Scotch whisky such a rich cultural experience. Situated within the new ‘Stillhouse Suite,’ up to 12 guests will be tutored through four whiskies each paired with a different canapé to delight the palate in a perfect match. Guests will have the opportunity to smell new aromas, awaken their taste buds, and take home an unforgettable passion to learn more. Local tip: if you are still up for one last drink in the city, why not round off your night by visiting Edinburgh’s famous Tigerlily? This boutique hotel, bar and restaurant has a great and unique vibe and boasts a great range of cocktails. Another local favorite is Bramble Bar & Lounge on Queen Street. Make sure to ask for their signature Bramble cocktail!

Extend your journey on one of our numerous textile programs. We look forward to welcoming you back on another Learning Journeys immersion. Perhaps you’re interested in visiting Italy or France to enjoy one of our culinary immersions or professional certification programs. Spice things up with a culinary journey to India. Whatever your interest, Learning Journeys can assist you with finding the perfect program to fulfil your dreams.