Top Edinburgh Historical Tours - page 5

Edinburgh Castle stands impressively at the top of the Royal Mile. Discover its history with a guided tour, where you'll marvel at the treasures within, including the Scottish Crown Jewels, while listening to a guide provide context about what you see. Learn about the One o'clock Gun, take in views over Edinburgh, and hear fascinating stories about the people who have shaped the Castle throughout history—from the death of a queen to deadly banquets. Plus, you'll have time to explore the castle's museums and exhibitions at your leisure after the tour ends.

Discover Edinburgh, Scotland from a whole new perspective as you taste five drams of rare, top-shelf whisky in the city’s underground vaults. Let your guide tell you and your intimate group stories about the nation’s whisky industry, explaining everything from how the drink is made to what makes Scottish whisky special.

Edinburgh boasts a unique brewing heritage that’s often overshadowed by Scotland’s whiskies. This small-group tour throws the spotlight on the capital’s now-resurgent beer scene, with visits to several top pubs and beer bars. Stroll the Royal Mile and discover Old Town highlights as you learn how Edinburgh was once the world’s leading bottled beer exporter. As you go, stop for a range of tastings, and learn the stories behind each brew.

Take a private tour to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond and learn more about this wild landscape than you ever could alone. Set off from your hotel in a luxury minivan, and listen as your guide points out many points of interest along your journey. See Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle, learn about Scotland's historic royal families, then travel on to Loch Lomond and embrace the drama of the Trossachs National Park.

Explore Scotland's royal history with this experience that offers a mix of guided tour and independent exploration. Meet up with your guide and head together to Edinburgh Castle, where you can explore highlights including the Great Hall and St. Margaret’s Chapel at your own pace. Afterward, rejoin your guide for the walk to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where an audio guide reveals stories about Mary, Queen of Scots and the palace’s role in modern royal visits.

Hiking up Arthur’s Seat is a must-do adventure in Edinburgh for active travelers, but going alone at sunset—the best time of day—can be nerve-wracking. Join a guide and small group to ensure you don’t get lost on the way up or down in dim light. Admire views across Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills from this high vantage point as the sun sets and the sky turns golden.

An ideal option for travelers who are tight on time—this private tour helps you to tick off the highlights of Edinburgh in just half a day. See St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Royal Mile, and City Chambers; then don’t worry about waiting in a long ticket line at Edinburgh Castle as timed entry and a guided tour are included.

This circular day trip from Edinburgh takes you through the heart of Scotland’s Lowlands and into the edges of the Highlands. You’ll see iconic landmarks, meet shaggy Highland cows, and discover Scotland’s history, engineering, and eccentric architecture — all in a single, scenic day.

Our award winning cycle tours are carefully planned to avoid roads, small group sizes (max 10) and low impact, low carbon experiences. All our guides are qualified, passionate about history and Scottish culture. Our E bikes are suited to all heights and make this tour so easy round Arthur's' Seat. UK regulations mean age 14 is the minimum age to ride an E bike. We go in rain or shine. Rain does not affect the tour - please just bring a waterproof and embrace the Scottish weather. All Riders Must Be Able To Ride A Bike Safely And Confidently. If you cannot, you may be refused entry to the tour for safety reasons. It will not be possible to refund you in this case.

Explore Scotland's *Outlander* sites without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads. This small-group tour from Edinburgh takes you to Blackness Castle, which stood in for Fort William in the TV show; to the historic villages of Culross (aka Cranesmuir) and Falkland (Inverness); as well as Dysart Harbour (Port of Le Havre), and the ruins of Midhope Castle (Lallybroch).

This 'Harry Potter' walking tour gets fans closer to spots in Edinburgh that inspired J.K Rowling’s famous books. Walk past key sites that inspired places such as Diagon Alley, and even see the cafes and hotels where the writer wrote her book series. Your guide knows the quickest ways to get around the city on foot to fit more into your time, as well as fun facts about Harry Potter.

Travel northwest from Edinburgh on this small-group tour for an unforgettable day of stunning mountains, lochs, and ancient Scottish castles. We will take you through historic Stirlingshire, once home to the ancient capital of Scotland, through the vast Trossachs National Park and ultimately, the West Highlands. Discover the picturesque villages of Inveraray and Luss, visit Kilchurn Castle on the glassy shores of Loch Awe, and enjoy gorgeous views of the Scottish Highlands throughout.

Have one day ashore in Scotland, and not sure how to make the most of your time? Zip between top sights in St Andrews and beyond on a private shore excursion, with round-trip transfer from a location of your choice by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz. Discover highlights including the Old Course at St Andrews, the top-rated St Andrews University, Kingsbarns Distillery, and a range of other natural and historical highlights (entry to the sights own expense).

If you prefer some independence to being driven around on a tour bus, create your own itinerary and explore Edinburgh at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus tour. You can board and disembark the bus anywhere you like along the route for the duration of your 48 hours ticket is valid. Your combined two-tour ticket can be used on both routes: the Edinburgh City Tour and Edinburgh Britannia Tour.

Escape the Old Town crowds on a guided walking tour of Edinburgh’s most photogenic neighbourhoods, featuring the Georgian-era New Town, historic Dean Village, and the world famous Royal Botanic Garden. This immersive, picture-perfect experience takes visitors along the scenic Water of Leith to hidden spots like Circus Lane, ensuring you see sides of the city most tourists completely miss. Led by a passionate local expert, this tour is perfectly crafted for individuals, families, and groups of all ages looking for an authentic Scottish experience. Walking at a gentle, unhurried pace with plenty of stunning photo stops, you can fully immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s picturesque sites and captivating history without feeling rushed. With a strict limit of just 10 travellers per tour, book your spot today to see the fairytale side of Edinburgh and create lasting memories!

Experience Scotland with a guide to take you from Edinburgh to show you everything from ancient towers to historic university towns to abbeys and more on this small-group driving tour. See all these sights in a comfortable car while your guide tells you all about the area’s rich history and folklore.

A city as old as Edinburgh is bound to have a few ghosts. Find out for yourself on a small-group tour that takes you to the city's most haunted sites, including a locked section of Greyfriars Kirkyard, a.k.a. Covenanter's Prison where you'll hear stories about the Mackenzie Poltergeist that will send shivers down your spine.

This 2-day heritage tour of the Scottish Highlands features historic locations linked to the Jacobite movement of 18th-century Scotland. Visit the village of Dunkeld, travel through Cairngorm National Park to Loch Ness, and stay overnight in Fort Augustus—without worrying about arranging your own travel logistics. You’ll ride to Mallaig aboard the Jacobite steam train, featured as the Hogwarts Express in the "Harry Potter" films. Along the way, hear tales of battles fought by the Jacobites, supporters of the exiled King James II.

With a history spanning almost a millennium, Edinburgh’s streets and buildings have seen more than a few dark and spooky goings-on over the years. On this walking ghost tour, join a paranormal investigator for a visit to some of the city’s most haunted spots, all the while being regaled with tales of murder, mystery, intrigue, and spooky spirits.

If you're visiting Edinburgh with your family, book a private sightseeing tour specially designed for those with kids. With a private guide, the tour can be tailored to your children's ages and interests to keep everyone entertained. Perhaps check out medieval Old Town, the art galleries of New Town, or something active like climbing Arthur's Seat.

Exploring the Highlands is a must-do when in Scotland but getting around can be tricky. Skip the hassle of navigating public transport or driving on unfamiliar roads by booking this guided tour. From Edinburgh's Loch Ness Discovery Centre, head north to the most important Highland destinations, including Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Great Glen and Loch Ness.

Experience the magic of Scotland on this memorable 3-day tour from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye. Journey through spectacular Highland scenery including Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe and Glenfinnan, before exploring Skye’s dramatic landscapes, the Fairy Pools, the colourful harbour town of Portree and the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula. Take in iconic sights such as the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, Fairy Glen and Mealt Falls, then return through the Highlands via Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park. Packed with stunning scenery, rich history, local wildlife and legendary folklore, this tour is perfect for travellers who want to experience the very best of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands through spectacular views and iconic landmarks.

Escape the bustle of Edinburgh and discover the dramatic landscapes of northwest Scotland on a small-group, full-day trip through the West Highlands and Oban. Travel west with a local guide and enjoy stress-free sightseeing as you pass lochs, mountains, moorlands, and rugged coastline—without the pressure of self-driving on unfamiliar roads. Stop to explore charming villages such as Luss and Inveraray, and along the way, admire landmarks such as Kilchurn Castle. As you travel, hear captivating stories from Scottish history and gain local insight.

Discover the Scottish Highlands on a leisurely 2-day trip from Edinburgh that includes overnight accommodation at a hotel or bed & breakfast. Visit two of Scotland’s most popular spots—Loch Ness and Inverness—during scenic drives among pine forests, dramatic castles and charming villages, with an optional boat ride on Loch Ness. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group limited to 16 passengers for a personalized experience with your informative guide.