Itinerary Update!!!
We’ve made a few important changes to the first half of our trip!

Location Change:
As some of you may know, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place in August, which means the city will be very busy, and accommodation rates will be high. With that in mind, we’ve adjusted our itinerary for Monday, August 4th – Thursday, August 7th. Instead of staying in Edinburgh, Alex and Spencer will be staying in Stirling, Scotland. Stirling is a charming city located about a 50-minute direct train ride from Edinburgh. The train station is in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh, making it very convenient. This change will give us more space to explore pubs, walk the streets, and find more affordable accommodations.

Arrival: 
Spencer & Alex will be flying direct on a red-eye out of Atlanta on Sunday, August 3rd, and landing in at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) on Monday, August 4th at 8am GMT.  After landing, they will take the train or a shuttle from EDI to Stirling.
 If you are joining us for the first leg of the trip, we recommend flying into EDI.
Please feel free to book your flights to align with ours, or show up whenever is best for you!

Getting Around Edinburgh:
We are working on transportation options for all from the airport to their accomodation in Edinburgh or Stirling.
Uber, train, and busses are also available. 
We do not reccomend a rental car while in Edinburgh, as Uber's, train, and walking are the best ways to get around.
It will be best to have a rental car for your time in the Highlands only if you wish to go that route. 

Accommodation Choice:
You’re welcome to stay in either Edinburgh or Stirling.
Some people from the group will be staying in Old Town Edinbrugh at the "Cheval Old Town Chambers Hotel".
Alex and Spencer will be staying in Stirling at the "King Steet Aparthotel".
SEE ALL HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW!

Stirling/Edinburgh Activities:
We’re still finalizing the activities and meals for Stirling and Edinburgh, but we’re planning on taking a train from Stirling to Edinburgh on either August 5th or 6th to enjoy the Fringe Festival!

Transportation to Ballater:
We are still working on the logistics for transportation from Stirling & Edinburgh to Ballater.
 If you're not renting a car, we'll provide a shuttle service.
The choice to rent a car or use the shuttle is entirely up to you.

Recommended Edinburgh Hotels:
Hotel Indigo Edinburgh by IHG (On Edge of Old Town) 
Cheval Old Town Chambers, Edinburgh (In Old Town) 
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre (In Old Town)
Market Street Hotel, Edinburgh (In Old Town)
The Witchery, Edinburgh (In Old Town)
Virgin Hotels, Edinburgh (In Old Town)
The Scotsman Hotel, Edinburgh (In Old Town)
Grassmarket Hotel, Edinburgh (In Old Town)
Fraser Suites Edinburgh (In Old Town)
Hilton Edinburgh Carlton (In Old Town)
The Balmoral (10 min walk to Old Town)
Ten Hill Place Hotel, Edinburgh (10-15 min walk to Old Town)
Courtyard Edinburgh, 1 – 3 Baxter's Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, United Kingdom (15-20 min walk to Old Town)
Or AirBNB

Recommended Stirling Hotels:
When looking for hotels in Stirling, a location that is walking distance to the train station is a good call
King Street Aparthotel (Spencer & Alex Staying Here)
Victoria Square (About 15 min walk to train station)
Castle Walk Bed & Breakfast
Travelodge Stirling City Centre
Premier Inn Stirling City Centre hotel
Friars Wynd Hotel
Hotel Colessio
Stirling Highland Hotel
The Portcullis (About 15 min walk to train station)
Or AirBNB