The Ultimate Edinburgh Shore Excursion Taxi and Walking Tour

3–4 hours Free cancellation Private tour

About this activity

The Ultimate Edinburgh Shore Excursion!

Experience Scotland's capital with Dr. Moray Grigor—a local physician and tour guide with 100% 5 star reviews since 2018. He has crafted the perfect, flexible cruise excursion tailored to you:

Pre-Tour Planning: Moray aligns the day with your personal interests.

Flexible Pick-up: Real-time adaptation to cruise shuttle timings.

Moray, with his taxi provider partners, will meet you at your city drop-off.

Calton Hill: Start with panoramic views and local orientation.

Royal Mile Walk: A guided stroll from Holyrood to the Castle, packed with stories from Edinburgh native Moray.

Your Afternoon, Your Way

Moray’s walking tour ends at the Castle, but he stays available remotely to help guide the rest of your day:

Lunch: Rest and enjoy top Scottish dining near the Castle.

Flexible Activities: Choices include Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood, the National Museum and shopping.

Smooth Return: Stress-free advice on timing and transport back to your ship.

Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Car Tours

At a glance

Duration: 3–4 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: 7 Hills Tours Edinburgh

What is included

Included

Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Taxi transport from cruise shuttle drop off point to Calton Hill and then Royal Mile is included.

Not included

Not included: Snacks: A refreshment break is usual on the tour but food/drink are not included in tour price.
Not included: Private transportation: For reasons of tour flexibility, transport back to the cruise shuttle bus stop is not included in the tour price.
Not included: Some Royal Mile sites such as St Giles' Cathedral have recommended donations or entrance fees. These visits are optional, and entrance fees are not included in tour price.
Not included: Lunch is not included in tour price, and location is as per guest choice

Itinerary

Calton Hill

15 min

We believe Calton Hill is the viewpoint supreme in Edinburgh - here you'll be looking over one of Europe's finest city vistas, combining both our historic Old and magnificent New Towns, as Moray gives a first introduction to Edinburgh and its ways!
The Royal Mile

2 h 30 min

Here in the walking section of your tour, Moray will guide you the whole length of this most historic of thoroughfares, pointing out our landmarks and telling the stories and gossip of Edinburgh as we go, from the 11th century right up to the present day! Some of the landmarks we'll see are listed below:
Palace of Holyroodhouse

Passing by

Our Royal Mile walk will begin outside our magnificent palace, residence of the Royal Family during visits to Scotland, and site of the original Holyrood Abbey, founded by King David I of Scotland in 1128. You’ll discover Scotland’s very unusual and lovable animal emblem!
The Scottish Parliament

Passing by

The striking seat of government in Scotland, built in 2004 for the re-established Scottish Parliament, which had been in abeyance from 1707 until 1999.
Canongate Kirk

Passing by

Historic church from the days of King James VII and II, burial place of economist Adam Smith and David Rizzio, murdered secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots.
The Museum of Edinburgh

Passing by

Beautifully restored duke’s residence from 16th C, complete with amusing Latin wall inscriptions!
Celtic Craft Centre

10 min

A touch of tartan (and advice on Scottish heritage) if you wish, at this traditional kilt shop – featuring one of the Royal Mile’s favourite canines-in-residence, Bailey!
St Giles' Cathedral

Passing by

The ‘Mother Church’ of Scottish Presbyterianism, with beautiful and historic exterior (tour option available for cathedral entry)
Parliament Square- Edinburgh

5 min

Seat of our supreme courts to this day, and resting place of religious reformer John Knox.
Edinburgh City Chambers

Passing by

Now headquarters of our municipal council, this complex was built as a financial exchange, to a less than enthusiastic reception from our 18th century merchants!
Lawnmarket

Passing by

Our historic former fabric and clothes marketplace, and once a very upscale section of the Royal Mile!
Castlehill

Passing by

The uppermost and narrowest part of the Royal Mile, and always full of atmosphere, including, often, the ‘skirl of the pipes’!
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

5 min

Summer construction access permitting, this parade ground right at the castle gates is the very ‘top of the town’, giving fabulous views both north and south.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you at the cruise shuttle drop off point here if this is your cruise line's option.
Your guide will meet you at the shuttle drop off point in Charlotte Square outside West Register House should this be your route in to Edinburgh.
Your guide will meet you at the Queensferry Cruiselink X99 stop in George Street (near the church named above)should you take this transport option.
Your guide will meet you as you arrive at St Andrew Square should you choose to come in to town by tram.