Dates for the 2024 program are August 7-19 [departing the U.S. on August 6, departing Edinburgh August 19].
The focus is immersion in festival culture, viewing 2-3 performances a day with a small, friendly group of adults. Time is also available for sight seeing in Edinburgh, and for enjoying the music, food, and street life. One full day will be spent on a tour outside the city.
Participants purchase their own plane tickets and will be met at the Edinburgh airport upon arrival.
Our accommodation is within walking distance of everything. We share a gorgeous 6 bedroom, 6 bath Georgian house, with a kitchen, lounging area and living room, wi-fi, linens, towels, washing machine, and dryer. The program accommodates up to 10 participants in the large house. Rooms are mostly double-occupancy and assigned on a first come, first-served basis.
The cost of the 2024 program is $3300. per person in a double or twin room. Single accommodation can sometimes be arranged (but not guaranteed). Airfare is NOT included. A $1,000. deposit secures a spot and is deducted from the total amount due in February.
The program cost covers:
- Transportation from the airport to Edinburgh upon arrival
- Accommodations in a large, restored Georgian home
- 20+ theatre tickets, curated by an Emeritus Drama Professor
- Two group dinners (first and last night)
- A 1-day sightseeing tour outside the city
- An international SIM card for your smart phone
Send checks made out to Festival Getaway to Jenny Spencer, 1713 Kilruss Drive, Venice, FL 34292. Venmo and Zelle also work (just contact me for information).
Our itinerary is flexible!
Each day will include some free time for exploring in addition to seeing performances that generally last no more than 70 minutes each. Those who wish to see more plays will be offered additional advice on choices from among the 3,500 shows available. Participants can Venmo Jenny for the cost of additional theatre tickets.
Optional activities include visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens,The National Art Gallery, the National Scottish Museum, or the Museum of Edinburgh. You can also hike Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill for the views, or just people-watch at the ubiquitous outdoor pubs and restaurants.
A word of warning: before arriving at the festival, many past participants believed that seeing two plays a day might be too much! But not for long. Great performances are addicting, and the festival atmosphere is contagious–in the face of tourist attractions that never change, most participants saw extra performances almost every day with their free time.
Weather: Summers in Scotland are usually cool–in the 50s at night and 60s during the day, and often humid. Inside spaces can be warm, while walking outside is usually bracing. Prepare for rain most days, mixed in with spectacularly sunny periods. Some years, we experience a short heat wave, so best be prepared.
Check FAQ section for more detailed information: FAQ