Edinburgh Full-Day Guided Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

4.9 (89 reviews) 8 hours Private tour

out of 5

89 reviews

4.9

Edinburgh Castle on Castlehill — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Entrance to Edinburgh Castle — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Our comprehensive private guided Edinburgh tour is a fantastic way to explore the big sights and hidden gems of the Scottish Capital City on a full day private tour.

Your friendly and knowledgeable driver guide will show you around Edinburgh's many sights onboard your private Mercedes Minivan. Hear the stories that make Edinburgh famous and learn about the cities often gruesome past. We'll venture through the historic old town, Royal Mile, Georgian new town and explore local areas full of history outside the city centre. We'll visit the impressive Forth Bridges. We will tell you the stories and history that make each attraction come to life!

Our vehicles are the perfect size to squeeze down the city's narrow streets and see the 'off the tourist trail' sights whilst still being spacious.

You can customise the itinerary to your interests and your knowledgable guide will ensure you get the most from your day.

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At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–7
Guide: English
Operated by: Experienced Tours

Ages: Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: Kilt-wearing professional local guide
Included: Bottled water for each guest
Included: Transport by private air-conditioned minivan
Included: Live commentary on board

Not included

Not included: Entrance fees to attractions and monuments
Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

Edinburgh Old Town

one hour

A comprehensive tour of the medieval old city and Edinburgh’s dark history, learn about the effect of the Black Death, great fire and city developments that lead the world.
Royal Mile

one hour

The Royal Mile that runs for a Scottish mile (around 1.1 statute miles / 1.8 kilometres) through the heart of the old town from the Castle to the Palace.
New Town

30 min

A large scale development built in Georgian times in part to relieve the hugely over-populated city and in part to provide an enlightened new city.
Palace of Holyroodhouse

15 min Admission not included

The official residence of the British Monarchy in Scotland. The impressive entrance courtyard and Palace dominate the scene including the Queens Gallery next door.
The Scottish Parliament

Passing by

The modernist Scottish Parliament is home to the devolved national government. Immediately adjacent the Palace, the architectural juxtaposition is stark!
Arthur's Seat

15 min

The extinct volcano that can be seen from all corners of the city. If open, we will drive round Queens Drive which offers fantastic views beyond Edinburgh.
Duddingston Kirk

20 min

Once a separate village behind Arthur’s seat, Duddingston Village and the Sheep Heid Inn have an interesting history. Learn about the ‘Sheepie’s’ famous clientele.
Calton Hill

20 min

From the top of Calton Hill see the world-famous view over Princes Street and Castle. Calton Hill boasts some quirky and interesting architecture including the unfinished National Monument of Scotland.
Leith

30 min

Technically a separate town, the extensive docks around Leith and Shore are intertwined with cobbled lanes, tramways and bond buildings.
Royal Yacht Britannia

1 h 30 min Admission not included

Leith is home to The Royal Yacht Britannia, a floating museum to the monarchy. Depending on your preferences, we can take a tour onboard.
South Queensferry

30 min

Venturing out of the city we arrive at South Queensferry, a quaint town on the banks of the River. Marvel at the Victorian Forth Rail Bridge and the recent Queensferry Crossing road bridge.
Grassmarket

20 min

Explore the sinister past as the hanging place for Edinburgh’s criminals. There are many famous stories about executions that your guide will recite.
Edinburgh Castle

1 h 30 min Admission not included

The old city is dominated by Castle hill. Venturing inside the castle, we learn why it is so important in Edinburgh’s, Scotland’s and Britain’s history. Explore the Royal Chambers, Great Hall and St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh.

A tour of the castle can be included in the tour as per your preferences.
Dean Village

20 min

We venture to this sleepy hidden neighbourhood underneath Dean Bridge. Take in the surroundings and cross the bridge over the Water of Leith

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

PREMIER SUITES Edinburgh Fountain Court
Turnhouse Airport
Chapel Cross Guesthouse
Norwood B & B
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre by IHG
Premier Inn Edinburgh A7 (dalkeith) Hotel
ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square
Tigerlily Hotel
Melville Castle Hotel
Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

and 142 more pickup points

We are available to collect and return you to any Edinburgh hotel or accommodation.

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
Children must be accompanied by an adult