Cairo to Constantinople
Seen through the photographs of Francis Bedford (1815-94), the first photographer to travel on a royal tour, it explores the cultural and political significance Victorian Britain attached to the region, which was then as complex and contested as it remains today.
The tour took the Prince to Egypt, Palestine and the Holy Land, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece where he met rulers, politicians and other notable figures, and travelled in a manner not associated with royalty – by horse and camping out in tents.
On the royal party’s return to England, Francis Bedford’s work was displayed in what was described as ‘the most important photographic exhibition that has hitherto been placed before the public’.
Events programme
Featured exhibition items
Jemima Blackburn, née Wedderburn (1823-1909)
The Prince of Wales at Thebes, 18 March 1862
Francis Bedford (1815-94)
Photographic title page: 'Photographic Pictures made by Mr Francis Bedford during the Tour in the East'
Francis Bedford (1815-94)
Pyramids of Cheops and Cephrenes [The Great Pyramid and the Pyramid of Khafre, Giza]
Map & directions
By car
There is a public car park adjacent to the Palace at Broad Pavement. Please visit the Historic Environment Scotland website for more details.
Accessible parking spaces are located on Horse Wynd, just outside the Palace, on a first-come first-serve basis.
By train
The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley. The Queen's Gallery is a 15 minute walk from the station.
Visit National Rail Enquiries for times and fares.
By tram
The nearest tram stop is York Place. The Queen’s Gallery is a 20 minute walk from the stop.
Visit Edinburgh Trams for times and fares.
By coach / bus
Bus numbers 6 and 35 stop near the Gallery. Open-top tour buses stop nearby.
Limited free coach parking is available adjacent to the Palace. Alternative pay-and-display coach parking is available on nearby Regent Road.
By bike
A free-to-use public bicycle rack is located opposite the Scottish Parliament.
