3 days in Edinburgh. Day 2. Calton Hill and Britannia

Today we go for a walk on the Calton Hill, after that we will take a bus tour to Leith for the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Calton Hill is a very atmospheric place with the gorgeous panoramic views. I love just to sit there on the grass and chill out with a good book. And if you try to catch a sunrise and sunset up there, you see absolutely breathtaking scenery.

Below you can see Dugald Stewart Monument, built in 1831 as a memorial to the Scottish philosopher Dugald Stewart. It is probably the most photographed monument in Edinburgh with background of the Old Town (left two-thirds of the frame), Edinburgh Castle and Princess Street (one-third on the right side of the frame area).

The acropolis, also known as the National Monument, is Scotland's memorial to those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. Construction started in 1822, the building plans were based on the Parthenon in Athens. Unfortunately, after seven years of funding problems and incorrect time estimations, money ran out and the National Monument was never completed.

After romantic walk, we decided to go to the royal yacht "Britannia".
We took the green bus (Edinburgh Tour) from Princess Garden via Edinburgh's Old Town, it has a live guide, giving a live commentary. That day was very windy, it was raining, so the traveling on upper-deck was very uncomfortable. But I enjoyed this tour all the same -)
By the way you may use regular city buses from the city center to Ocean Terminal (routes 11, 22 or 35), but we wanted to take a look at the city from the observation deck of touristic bus.

The yacht "Britannia" is located in new neighborhoods in the area of ​​Leith. The Port of Leith was an independent town until was merged with Edinburgh in 1920.

I didn't take many photos of "Britannia" just because I totally did not like it. But older visitors were quite happy.
The interiors are very shabby and all around you will in style of years 60th. Polished tables, wicker retro furniture, floral pillows. For my money I want to see gold toilets and silver basins -)

I'm kidding of course, but I don't like style of 60's. On the other hand, the "Britannia" was not very expensive to the taxpayers -)
Of course, there was a time when the "Britannia" was at the zenith of her fame; the lists of guests and visited countries are impressive  ... but... Unfortunately, for every sunrise happens sunset, and glorious ship who served the Crown nearly fifty years, weighed anchor in Hong Kong during the ceremony of the sovereignty transfer Hong Kong to China, and slowly disappear over the horizon, symbolizing the decline and fall of the British Empire.
Well, actually we got a bit sad, left the yacht and went to the meeting with the hot soup and pizza (try to Frankie and Benny's in Ocean Terminal for lunch).

You can read more about trip to Edinburgh here:
Men's day trip to Edinburgh (Only photos)
Useful links for visiting Scotland
First time to Scotland. Trip details
3 days in Edinburgh. Day 1. Royal Mile
3 days in Edinburgh. Day 3. Arthur's Seat 

Stay tuned!