Summary of Tours
- Walking Tour of Historic Old Town
- Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour
- Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
- Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour of Edinburgh Castle
- Harry Potter Walking Tour
- 1-Hour Edinburgh Vaults Tour
- Loch Ness and the Highlands with Hotel Pick-Up from Edinburgh
- Edinburgh’s Darker Side Walking Tour
- Royal Yacht Britannia Ticket and Audio Guide
- History of Whisky and Sampling Tour
- 4-Hour Pub Crawl with Drinks Specials
- Walking Tour of Old Town Breweries with Tastings
- Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour
- Magical Highlands Tour by Steam Train
- Full-Day Scottish Highlands Tour
Edinburgh serves as the capital of Scotland and has held this status for nearly seven centuries. In many aspects, it is deemed the heart of the nation, recognized as a premier hub for education, arts, literature, and engineering.
For travelers seeking relaxation on picturesque beaches, it may not be the ideal choice; however, for enthusiasts of history and culture, Edinburgh represents a compelling destination worthy of exploration.
The metropolis garners over a million visitors each year from around the globe; with an abundance of attractions and activities, creating an extensive itinerary will not pose a challenge.
Below are 15 distinguished tours available in Edinburgh.
1. Walking Tour of Historic Old Town
Should you enjoy exploring iconic landmarks, taking in fresh air, and engaging in a leisurely stroll, this walking tour of the historic Old Town is an excellent way to commence your journey in Edinburgh. Your guide will direct you to locations inaccessible to buses and taxis, providing professional commentary on the historical significance of the sights you will encounter.
The tour spans approximately 90 minutes, offering first-time travelers a comprehensive overview of the city. Please note that this tour is not suitable for children under the age of five. Dress appropriately, as the Scottish climate often features cool temperatures, wind, and rain.
2. Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour
With a history spanning countless centuries, it is hardly surprising that Edinburgh harbors various eerie narratives. On this tour of the underground vaults, you will delve into some of the city’s most chilling stories in one of its spookiest locations.
The vaults are a key attraction in the city. This swift 75-minute excursion will afford you and your companions an intimate look at these haunting remnants. Tours are conducted during daylight hours to mitigate the spookiness.
Initially, the vaults served as storage spaces but transformed into residences for the city’s impoverished in the 17th century, providing a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh’s past.
3. Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands Tour from Edinburgh
Regardless of your belief in the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, this comprehensive tour presents an outstanding opportunity to explore three of the region’s most notable attractions within a single day.
The all-day excursion traverses some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes, commencing and concluding in Edinburgh. Highlights feature the impressive Stirling Castle, historically significant and previously home to many Scottish royals.
Participants will enjoy scenic views of the expansive Highland plateaus, Loch Ness, and Loch Linnhe, in addition to a lunch stop in Ft. William for a taste of traditional Scottish cuisine.
4. Skip-the-Line Ticket and Guided Tour of Edinburgh Castle
This ticket and guided tour combination for Edinburgh Castle enables guests to bypass queues, effectively saving time on busy days. The 1.5-hour tour provides unobstructed views of the surrounding cityscape from the castle’s elevated position. Your guide will impart a captivating overview of the castle’s history, which encompasses numerous turbulent and bloody events.
Despite its age, the narratives surrounding the inhabitants of the castle—ranging from royalty to common workers—offer poignant glimpses into its storied past. This is an iconic aspect of Scottish heritage not to be overlooked.
5. Harry Potter Walking Tour
The ‘Harry Potter’ phenomenon resonates globally, making this two-hour walking tour an essential experience for enthusiasts. Author J.K. Rowling is known to have penned much of the Harry Potter series in Edinburgh, offering inspiration to aspiring writers on this tour.
Stops encompass many city locations that inspired her in crafting unforgettable characters and their settings, including High Street, Lord Voldemort’s tomb, and Hogwarts School. The tour elucidates how Edinburgh’s historical context influenced the narrative’s themes and backdrop.
6. 1-Hour Edinburgh Vaults Tour
The underground vaults of Edinburgh provide some of the city’s most haunting vistas. If you seek a brief exploration, this 60-minute tour is an excellent choice.
Alongside your guide, you will venture below the city streets into this subterranean network, which once served as the domain for society’s most destitute. Local lore suggests that the vaults are haunted; narratives regarding former inhabitants will certainly spark your imagination.
The flickering candlelight reflecting against the damp stone walls will chill you, while the quick pace of the tour leaves ample time for additional exploration.
7. Loch Ness and the Highlands with Hotel Pick-Up from Edinburgh
This full-day excursion includes pickup and drop-off at your Edinburgh hotel, providing visits to two of the region’s most remarkable attractions. Although the tour extends nearly 12 hours, participants will find great value for their investment.
The itinerary features views of the memorial dedicated to William Wallace, the renowned Scottish figure, and visits to Stirling Castle. From there, the tour continues to the Highlands, including Glencoe and Loch Ness.
Participants will have opportunities to unwind along Loch Ness’s shores, with scheduled breaks for coffee and lunch, though these expenses are not factored into the tour cost.
8. Edinburgh’s Darker Side Walking Tour
If you are intrigued by encounters with the restless spirits of some of the city’s memorable historical figures, this engaging and eerie walking tour will provide an entertaining few hours.
The two-hour tour encompasses tales of cannibalism, grave-robbing, unexplained murders, public witch trials, and body snatching, offering a mix of somber narratives and moments of levity. Available in English, German, and Spanish, it brings history to life in a distinctive manner.
Refreshments will not be provided, so participants should dress appropriately for prevailing weather conditions.
9. Royal Yacht Britannia Ticket and Audio Guide
For a significant portion of its existence—almost fifty years—the Royal Yacht Britannia served as a vessel for the British Royal Family, traversing various corners of the globe, many of which were part of the nation’s vast colonial holdings.
The elegant yacht is presently docked in Edinburgh’s Port of Leith. Admission includes an audio guide available in numerous languages, enhancing your experience as you explore the yacht’s exhibits.
The majority of the displayed artifacts are original, featuring notable areas such as the royal bedrooms, sun deck, and the impressive engine room. There is also a charming café aboard, providing an opportunity to enjoy tea, coffee, or a freshly baked scone.
10. History of Whisky and Sampling Tour
For those who have not abstained from alcohol, a deep dive into Scotland’s whisky heritage is essential. Scotch and Scottish whisky are renowned worldwide, and for individuals keen to sample the finest selections, understand the production process, and appreciate its significance, this tour is indispensable.
The experience includes tastings at four well-known distilleries throughout the city. Participants will grasp the nuances of flavor profiles, each possessing distinct characteristics that might otherwise go unnoticed.
It is advisable to partake in this tour with a satisfied appetite and is ideal for novice whisky connoisseurs.
11. 4-Hour Pub Crawl with Drinks Specials
Edinburgh’s nightlife is vibrant, filled with lively patrons enjoying an array of beverages. The city’s pubs, restaurants, and clubs serve as excellent venues for encountering locals and fellow travelers. A four-hour pub crawl guided by an expert local will uncover many lesser-known establishments.
You will experience a diverse selection of bars, ranging from contemporary to rustic, while enjoying a fun-filled evening. In several locations, participants will benefit from complimentary or discounted drinks.
12. Walking Tour of Old Town Breweries with Tastings
Similar to whisky, beer has long been a fundamental component of the Scottish cultural landscape. Numerous breweries in Edinburgh have a long-established history and are nationally celebrated.
The tour starts from The Royal Mile and provides a thorough understanding of the brewing industry, encompassing carefully guarded recipes, marketing strategies, advertising, and the evolution of local brands into internationally recognized labels.
Your guide will illustrate the unique characteristics of different beers, fostering a richer appreciation for this beloved beverage. Group sizes are limited to 12 to enhance the intimate experience.
13. Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour
This unique combination of comedy and ghost tour spans one hour, providing insight into Edinburgh’s darker history while allowing for some lighthearted moments. A journey aboard a refurbished double-decker bus will transport you to several of the city’s notable sites, accompanied by engaging narration from your guide.
The tour encapsulates compelling tales of murder, epidemics, and public executions, highlighting some of Edinburgh’s most famous areas, including Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, and Greyfriars Kirk.
Please be aware that food and drinks, aside from water, are not permitted on the bus.
14. Magical Highlands Tour by Steam Train
This exceptional steam train tour to the Magical Highlands is a must for Harry Potter enthusiasts. This nostalgic mode of transport evokes a bygone era, while passing iconic filming locations from the movies and showcasing beautiful sights like Rannoch Moor and Fort William, with a stop at the West Highland Railway Museum.
The tour lasts a substantial 13 hours, promising unforgettable experiences that will likely become highlights of your holiday.
Please note that gratuities, lunch, and hotel transportation are not included.
15. Full-Day Scottish Highlands Tour
Scotland’s Highlands are among the most expansive, verdant landscapes characterized by fields, forests, glens, and rivers. Recognized as national treasures, they are home to notable sites such as Stirling Castle and the William Wallace Monument.
A visit to The Trossachs National Park, the historical home of Rob Roy, one of Scotland’s famed and romanticized figures, is also part of the itinerary.
Additional highlights include trips to a local loch, a whisky distillery, and a magnificent cathedral. The tour typically lasts around nine hours; meals and beverages are not included.
