Edinburgh reading break: step into Ian Rankin's city
A three-night literary escape through Edinburgh's atmospheric streets and hidden history, inspired by Mortal Causes by Ian Rankin.
Join a friendly group of fellow readers for book conversations, shared evenings, a guided visit to Mary King's Close and plenty of time to discover the city for yourself.
Meals: Breakfast is included each morning. Lunches and evening meals are not included in the holiday price and are paid for separately.
See prices & book with Friendship Travel
Discover Edinburgh through a different lens
Edinburgh is a city made for readers: elegant Georgian streets, winding Old Town closes, independent bookshops and centuries of stories.
Ian Rankin's Mortal Causes gives us another way to see it. As we explore the city, we'll bring our impressions back to the book and talk about how its distinctive setting shapes the story.
One of the highlights is a guided visit to The Real Mary King's Close, where historic streets and rooms lie hidden beneath the Royal Mile. It's a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh's layered past.
There will also be time to browse bookshops, wander the city, visit a museum or simply sit in a café with your book. There's no need to fill every hour.
Our book conversations are informal, thoughtful and sociable. You don't need to be a literary expert or a member of a book club—just someone who enjoys reading.
A city break with a story at its heart
Explore hidden Edinburgh
Visit Mary King's Close and soak up the atmosphere of the Old Town, with the Royal Mile and its fascinating history close at hand.
Share a brilliant book
Discuss Mortal Causes with other readers and join our much-loved “A Book I Love” evening.
Travel in good company
Most guests come on their own. Shared activities and relaxed evenings make meeting people easy, with plenty of freedom to explore independently.
The four-day itinerary
A relaxed outline of the programme, based on the holiday details from Friendship Travel.
Arrive and meet your fellow readers
Make your way to Edinburgh and settle in at the hotel. In the evening we'll meet over a group meal (paid for separately), get to know one another and introduce our book for the trip, Mortal Causes.
Mary King's Close and book club
After breakfast, discover Edinburgh's hidden history on a guided tour of The Real Mary King's Close. We'll come together again in the evening for a meal (not included) and our discussion of Ian Rankin's novel.
Explore at your own pace
Spend the day enjoying Edinburgh as you wish: perhaps the castle, the West End, bookshops or a favourite café. In the evening we'll gather for our informal “A Book I Love” conversation and then have dinner together (meal not included).
Breakfast and farewell
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling home, with new reading ideas and, we hope, some new friends.
Meal arrangements: Breakfast is included. All lunches and evening meals are at your own expense, including the planned group dinners. The itinerary may be adjusted locally.
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre
Our base is the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre on Picardy Place, well positioned for exploring the shops, restaurants and sights of Scotland's capital.
Your stay includes three nights' accommodation and breakfast each morning. Rooms have en-suite facilities, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a lounge bar for drinks and snacks.
Single occupancy is the standard for this holiday, and twin rooms are available for guests wishing to share.
Come on your own. You'll be in good company.
Many people on Books in Places trips travel solo. Everyone arrives with something in common—a love of books—so conversations tend to start naturally.
Your trip will be organised by Books in Places founder Paul Wright, or one of our experienced hosts. We'll bring the group together for the reading programme while leaving room for individual discoveries.
It's a city break with the pleasure of travelling alongside other book lovers, not a packed sightseeing tour.
What's included?
- Three nights at Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre
- Breakfast each morning
- A guided tour of The Real Mary King's Close
- A Books in Places host and informal reading programme
- Discussions of Mortal Causes and our “A Book I Love” evening
- Flights and airport tram transfer if you select the flight-inclusive package
Travel and meals
You can choose to make your own way to Edinburgh by train or car, or enquire about a package including flights and tram transfer. Friendship Travel handles bookings and will confirm the options and final price.
Lunches and evening meals are not included in the price. We plan to eat together in the evenings, but everyone pays for their own food and drinks. Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Other sightseeing, personal spending and travel not included in your chosen package are additional.
Dates and prices
Choose how you would like to travel. The prices below are the published starting prices and may change with availability.
Flight-inclusive prices depend on departure airport and availability. Friendship Travel will confirm the exact price, travel arrangements and booking conditions.
Four days. One gripping book. A city full of stories.
Join us in March 2027 to explore Edinburgh through Ian Rankin's Mortal Causes, share the pleasure of a great read and enjoy a few days away with people who love books as much as you do.
View holiday details & bookThe holiday package and booking are arranged by Friendship Travel. Prices, availability and final inclusions are confirmed by them.