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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.

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At a Glance

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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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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 this program.

Profile Image of Giles Ramsay
Giles Ramsay View biography
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.
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Kevin Durjun View biography
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.
Profile Image of Joyce McMillan
Joyce McMillan View biography
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.
Profile Image of Kirsty McAlister
Kirsty McAlister View biography
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.
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