Side Trips

Although Edinburgh has a full complement of attractions and plenty of activities, there are also some worthwhile side trips you can take into the surrounding countryside. Whether in the Lothians (which surround Edinburgh), south toward the Borders, or north across the Firth of Forth into the Kingdom of Fife -- many attractions are no more than an hour's drive from the city. The closest regions are West and East Lothian, on either side of the city. The highlights include the impressive ruins of Linlithgow Palace, a favorite of the Stuart dynasty; 18th-century Hopetoun House; and the seaside town of North Berwick, with its views of Bass Rock. South in the Borders, the historic Melrose Abbey and Abbotsford, Sir Walter Scott's majestic home, beckon day-trippers.

One of the best excursions from the Scottish capital is north to Fife and places such as the golfing mecca of St. Andrews, with the oldest university in Scotland. There's also the ancient town and one-time capital of Dunfermline.

Guided Minitours from Edinburgh

Sightseeing tours from Edinburgh can give tourists a wee taste of the often stunning countryside as they whisk visitors on 1-, 2-, and 3-day excursions, whether to Stirling and Loch Lomond or farther north to Glen Coe and the shores of Loch Ness. Timberbush Tours (555 Castlehill; tel. 01312/266-066; www.timberbush-tours.co.uk) use minibuses to take small groups to the Highlands. Prices for a 2-day tour range from around £60 ($120) in low season to £75 ($150) at the height of summer, and the prices only cover transportation and guide. Heart of Scotland Tours (37 Logie Green Rd.; tel. 01315/588-855; www.heartofscotlandtours.co.uk) offers 1-day minibus tours of different regions, such as Loch Lomond, the Borders, or Fife. They depart from Waterloo Place near Calton Hill at 8 or 9am, returning to Edinburgh between 6 and 8pm. Prices average about £30 ($60). More intrepid adventurers might want to consider a "hop-on, hop-off" hostel bus service offered by MacBackpackers (105 High St.; tel. 01315/589-900; www.macbackpackers.com). This bus does a circuit of Scotland stopping at Pitlochry, Inverness, Kyle of Lochalsh, Fort William, Oban, and Glasgow. The basic price is £75 ($150).