Online Program
Adventures Online: A Look at Ancient & Modern Edinburgh
Program No. 24232RJ
Whether you’d like to explore the Royal Mile or be immersed in a vivid arts scene, there’s no better way to explore Edinburgh than on this online learning adventure.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Program
At a Glance
Duration
5 days
Experience the history and culture of Scotland’s capital city during this online learning adventure. With our experts, immerse yourself in stories of Roman occupation, fascinating monarchs and modern politics and culture. Embark on field trips that enable you to “walk” along the Royal Mile and explore Edinburgh Castle, and “roam” historic cemeteries like Greyfriars Kirkyard. Delight in presentations led by Giles Ramsay as he offers a behind-the-scenes look into the world-famous Edinburgh Festival and chats with theater critic and journalist Joyce McMillan. Along the way, get to know your fellow Road Scholars as you learn about the Enlightenment Period, get insight into the city’s active art scene and enjoy a look into the craftsmanship of kilts, bagpipes, whisky and more.
Best of all, you'll...
- Discover the best of Edinburgh during walking field trips along the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriar’s Cemetery, and learn why the city’s Old and New Towns are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Go behind the scenes of the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival with theater expert Giles Ramsay, and delight in a conversation with journalist and theater critic Joyce McMillan from The Scotsman.
- Trace the history of Edinburgh from Roman times to present day during insightful lectures and presentations on the Enlightenment, Mary Queen of Scots, as well as modern day politics and the city’s cutting-edge arts scene.
General Notes
You’ll enjoy 2-3 hours of daily instruction, discussion and/or field trips, which includes sufficient breaks throughout the program. This online program is through Zoom, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. We’ll provide a how-to guide to make sure you’ll have a hassle-free experience. This session is offered live only and will not be available on demand. Please review the daily itinerary for start and end times to ensure you won’t miss a minute of this live experience. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly.
Kirsty McAlister
Kirsty is a Blue Badge guide with a Ph.D. in Scottish history and a background in higher education, historical research, and cultural heritage. She was a researcher and lecturer at Scottish universities including St. Andrews, Glasgow, and Stirling before transferring from academia to become Cultural Heritage Officer for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). She has coordinated and overseen numerous community history and archaeology projects while allowing continuing to explore and discover more about Scotland’s landscapes and wildlife.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Giles Ramsay
Giles Ramsay is an independent theater director and producer who specializes in creating new work with artists in developing countries. He is the founding director of the charity Developing Artists, a fellow of St. Chad’s College, Durham University. and course leader in theater at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He has devised and instructed on Road Scholar programs since the early 1990s and has run theater projects in countries ranging from Kosovo to Zimbabwe.
Kevin Durjun
Kevin Durjun began his career in theatre arts as a radio producer and presenter. He then served as manager at the Theatre Royal Stratford East and later as membership and communications manager for the Independent Theatre Council as well as two leading off-West End theatres.
Joyce McMillan
Joyce is theatre critic of “The Scotsman” and also writes a political and social commentary column for the newspaper. She has been a political and arts columnist, theatre critic, and broadcaster for more than thirty years, living in Edinburgh and working for various Scottish and London-based newspapers. She also broadcasts regularly, mainly on BBC Radio Scotland and Radio 4, and has been involved in Scottish and European campaigns for democracy and human rights.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(21 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
