The Royal Tour: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and Royal Mile

4.9 (132 reviews) 5 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

132 reviews

4.9

Palace of Holyroodhouse,© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust.jpg — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Enjoy a tour of Edinburgh’s old Town and its royal highlights in 5 hours. The tour includes tickets to Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is a small-group activity.

At Edinburgh Castle you will see the Honours of Scotland and hear the stories behind Scotland’s kings and queens. Walk the Royal Mile with a local guide and discover the historic highlights of the medieval heart of Edinburgh. The tour will end at Holyroodhouse, the monarch’s official residence in Scotland. You will visit the palace at your own pace using the audio guide, which is included in the price of the tour.

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At a glance

Duration: 5 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 18 people
People per booking: 1–6
Audio guide: English
Guide: English
Operated by: Clan Pascual Tours

Ages: Infants (0–6 years) · Children (7–15 years) · Adults (16–64 years) · Seniors (65–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Holyrood audioguide
Included: Local Tour Guide
Included: Holyrood Palace ticket
Included: Edinburgh Castle ticket

Not included

Not included: Tea and coffee: Coffee and/or Tea
Not included: Tips
Not included: Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.): Public transportation

Itinerary

Edinburgh Castle

2 hours Admission included

Our first stop is Edinburgh Castle, the fortress that crowns one of the seven hills of the city.

We pass beneath the ancient portcullis into a realm of kings and queens, home to the Royal Palace and the Crown Room which houses the Honours of Scotland, our Crown Jewels.

Learn about Mary, Queen of Scots and the birth of James VI, alongside fiery battles and bitter sieges that have helped to shape the fate of this nation.

After the guided visit you can explore the castle’s interiors at your own pace. You will also have the opportunity to stop at a cafe for a break.
Victoria Street

15 min

Dedicated to Queen Victoria, Victoria Street is the most photographed street in Edinburgh, famed for its romantic architecture and sweeping curve. From the Castle we will stroll down to this very colourful thoroughfare, where quirky independent shops and vibrant facades line the way.
St Giles' Cathedral

25 min Admission not included

At St Giles’ Cathedral we will have to reflect on recent history: in September 2022 thousands came to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, and in July 2023 King Charles III attended a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication as the Honours of Scotland were officially presented to him. We will touch on the city’s Presbyterian heritage, including the persecution of Covenanter Presbyterians under Charles II after the restoration of the monarchy following the English Revolution. When there are no services or private events, you will have free time to visit the magnificent interior. We will then continue to West Parliament Square to introduce the 1707 Act of Union, and the end of Scotland as a nation.
Royal Mile

25 min

As we walk along the Royal Mile we will slip into a few historic closes (what we call alleyways) to see how these narrow lanes, which could reach up to ten stories in height, once served as homes, workshops and shortcuts through the Old Town. We will also stop at the Mercat Cross, the traditional stage for royal proclamations in Scotland as well as both public announcements and punishments. Look up to spot the unicorn crowning the pillar, a proud symbol of Scottish royalty.
Canongate Kirk

20 min

From the castle esplanade we follow the Royal Mile, the historic spine and main medieval thoroughfare that links Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way we unravel centuries of drama, from royal processions and coronations to the Reformation, Covenanters and the Jacobite rising. We pause at the World’s End Pub at the Netherbow, where the old city once ended, and slip into timeworn closes that reveal daily life behind the façades. The story then carries us up to Holyrood, the residence of the Scottish monarchs.
White Horse Close

5 min

White Horse Close is traditionally linked to the royal stables of Holyroodhouse.

Local legend says Mary, Queen of Scots kept her favorite horse here.

It is one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque street corners.
Palace of Holyroodhouse

1 h 30 min Admission included

Our final stop is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the royal residence of the British monarchy in Scotland, where state ceremony meets centuries of history. Here Mary, Queen of Scots received envoys and held court, and under Charles II the palace regained its Baroque architectural splendour. Each summer the Royal Company of Archers, the Sovereign’s Bodyguard in Scotland, welcomes the royal household during Holyrood Week. After a short introduction from your guide you will receive audio guides to visit the palace independently, then continue to the ruined abbey and the Holyrood gardens, where the visit will conclude. Before entering the palace you can choose to stop at a local cafe for a break.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

You will meet your guide outside of the Scotch Whisky Experience, 354 Castlehill. This is a red sandstone building on the left side of the street. The tour guide will be holding a navy-blue umbrella.

End point

Your tour will end outside of Holyroodhouse Palace, where the tour guide will provide tickets to visit this attraction.

Using your ticket

You do not need to download any tickets, as the guide will have the voucher for the whole group.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.