Edinburgh: Festive Christmas Market & Botanic Gardens Day Tour

8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

Edinburgh: Festive Christmas Market & Botanic Gardens Day Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Get into the Christmas spirit with a festive tour of Edinburgh including its bustling Christmas market and Royal Botanic Gardens! The tour begins at the top of Calton Hill, where you can admire the panoramic views of the city, before moving onto the charming Dean Village. Next, you’ll get to see Edinburgh Castle up close and learn why it’s one of the most interesting historic sites in Western Europe.

Visit Arthur’s Seat before wandering through the historic Old Town. You will have time to wander around Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets with a multitude of food stands before sipping on something mulled. Soak up the heart-warming atmosphere before our penultimate stop at the Christmas Light show at the Royal Botanic Gardens – take in the elegant and magical route before we return you to your hotel.

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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: Hopscotch Travel

Ages: Adults (18–64 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Bottled water
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Entrance fees: Entry to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh

Itinerary

Calton Hill

30 min

Also known as Monument Hill, this is a fantastic spot to look over Edinburgh. From here, you’ll be able to see Edinburgh Castle, Leith, the Old Town and the New Town. You might recognise the Monument from pictures, postcards or Pinterest, and that’s exactly why you’ll love this part of the tour. It’s a beautiful spot where your guide can tell you all about the history of Edinburgh – and point out all the landmarks as you go.
Dean Village

30 min

Also known as Monument Hill, this is a fantastic spot to look over Edinburgh. From here, you’ll be able to see Edinburgh Castle, Leith, the Old Town and the New Town. You might recognise the Monument from pictures, postcards or Pinterest, and that’s exactly why you’ll love this part of the tour. It’s a beautiful spot where your guide can tell you all about the history of Edinburgh - and point out all the landmarks as you go.
New Town

30 min

Although the New Town is not so ‘new’, it was originally built in the 1700s to give the wealthy a place to stay out-with the crowded streets of the city. All through the area, you’ll see typical examples of Georgian Townhouses and architecture and it’s now classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Edinburgh Old Town

30 min

The Old Town of Edinburgh is perhaps the most famous. Here you’ll get to see Edinburgh Castle, the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile and maybe St Giles’ Cathedral. The Castle is not part of the tour, but we can organise it if you’d like. We want to help you have the best, possible experience in Edinburgh!
Arthur's Seat

Passing by

Your guide will point out Arthur's Seat, the volcanic Cragg offering a spectacular birds-eye views over Edinburgh and the surrounding hills. The New Scottish Parliament Building and Holyrood Palace - the official residence for King Charles, will also be pointed out by your guide.
Edinburgh Castle

Passing by

No tour of Edinburgh is complete without taking in the sight of Edinburgh Castle. This is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe. With a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress, it is alive with many exciting tales which your guide will share as you travel through the city. Please note you'll only see the outside of the castle on this tour.
Edinburgh Christmas Market

one hour

Wander around food stands, sip on something mulled and soak up the heart-warming atmosphere as we transport you to Princes Street and Edinburgh's main festive market!
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

1 h 30 min Admission included

Discover flickering candles floating high into the night sky, batons of colour-changing light dancing in time, a sparkling flock of jolly robins and a sea of light that stretches out into the distance filled with all the colours of the rainbow, enjoy your time as you explore Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens - a great way to end your festive tour of Edinburgh.

Meeting point and pickup

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

Pickup points

AC Hotel Glasgow
Westfield
Dalkeith Aparthotel
Dalmeny Park House Hotel
Ardoch House Hotel
Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport
Premier Inn Glasgow Bellshill Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Strathclyde
The Hoxton, Edinburgh
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Muthu Glasgow River Hotel

and 356 more pickup points

Your driver will be waiting for you outside your hotel - if there are any issues or delays you will be contacted using the details provided during checkout. One of our friendly team members at Hopscotch Travel will contact you at least 24 hours before your scheduled tour to reconfirm all the details too.