Top South Queensferry Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Escape the city and see some of Edinburgh’s lesser-known sights on a boat cruise that takes you to Inchcolm Island, home to both a medieval abbey and a colony of sea lions and seals. As well as escaping the crowds on land, you’ll bag the best views of the famous Three Bridges.

When your cruise ship arrives in Edinburgh, get to know Scotland’s capital on this full-day shore excursion. Board a comfortable coach which takes you to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia (optional extra), the former royal yacht of the British monarchy. Then enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh before stopping to explore medieval Edinburgh Castle (optional extra), once residence to Scotland’s kings and queens. Use your free time for lunch and to explore the famous Royal Mile and see the Palace of Holyroodhouse the official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland.

Scotland’s capital comes alive on this panoramic tour of Edinburgh. Travel through the medieval Old Town and the elegant Georgian New Town, led by an expert guide who shares captivating stories of the city's past. Marvel at iconic sights including the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament, and Edinburgh Castle, all while enjoying stunning views from Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill. Perfect for those who want to explore Edinburgh's highlights in comfort, this tour offers enriching experiences and photo opportunities that showcase the city's beauty. - Explore Edinburgh’s rich history and landmarks with an expert guide - Visit iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace - Enjoy breathtaking views from Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill - Perfect for travelers seeking a comfortable and informative city tour - Get insights into the history and culture of the region from your guide

The visiting schedule may vary depending on the Edinburgh port where your ship docks; however, all key aspects of the tour are included regardless of the docking or tendering port. After meeting your official guide, board an air-conditioned coach and begin with a Drive-By visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia ( Drive-By). Continue to Edinburgh Castle for stunning views and history (entry optional). Next, visit the Palace of Holyrood House and enjoy a guided stroll along the iconic Royal Mile, passing St Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament, and historic alleys. Time is included for refreshments and photos. Your guide will provide commentary throughout. Ample breaks are included, and if the ship’s time in port is shortened, visits will be adjusted to ensure on-time return—typically one hour before sailing.

Explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of Scotland on this captivating tour. Start with a walk through Falkland Village, visiting the historic Palace of the Stewart dynasty. Gain unique insights into local lore, including stories related to Johnny Cash, and enjoy walking around various attractions from TV show Outlander. Next, head to St Andrews, the home of golf, snap photos on the iconic Swilcan Bridge, St Andrews Castle and Catheral aswell as the Historical St Andrews University. Discover the picturesque Crail, Anstruther and Pittenweem fishing harbours, renowned for traditional charm and award winning Fish and Chips. - Discover the history of Falkland Village and the Stewart dynasty - Visit St Andrews for lunch and see the famous Swilcan Bridge - Explore the iconic Crail fishing harbour, a photographer's paradise - Enjoy award-winning fish and chips at Anstruther or ice cream at local shops ****This is a new product. See all reviews on trip advisor page****

Step off your ship and into the heart of Scottish heritage with a shore excursion that captures the spirit, history, and charm of the countryside, Castles and Iconic monuments. Stirling Castle: Where Legends Were Forged Explore the restored Royal Palace, the Great Hall, and the castle’s rich connections to figures like Mary, Queen of Scots and William Wallace. 'Highland Coos': You'll have the chance to get up close to 'hand feed' them for photos and learn about this iconic breed’s role in Scottish farming and culture. Whisky Distillery experience: Scotland’s Liquid Gold! No visit to Scotland is complete without a visit to a one of the many Distilleries The Kelpies: Scotland’s Modern Myth Two colossal horse-head sculptures standing 30 meters tall, these modern marvels pay homage to the shape-shifting water spirits of Scottish legend. Return to Port Relax on the drive back to your ship, enriched with a deeper appreciation of Scotland’s history, natural beauty, culture and spirit.

Discover the best of Scotland’s capital on a semi-private tour designed for cruise guests who want to go beyond the typical sightseeing loop. With small group sizes, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and immersive experience led by a local guide who knows how to bring Edinburgh’s layered history to life. Your day combines a panoramic drive through the Georgian elegance of the New Town with a guided walking tour of the Old Town, where cobbled closes and historic landmarks reveal the city’s medieval past. From the Royal Mile to Victoria Street and the Vennel Steps, your guide shares fascinating stories that make the streets come alive. With entrance to Edinburgh Castle included, you’ll cap off the day with a self-guided visit to Scotland’s most iconic stronghold, complete with sweeping city views. This carefully curated itinerary offers the perfect balance of storytelling, scenery, and independence—far from the crowds of larger tours.

Explore St Andrews and see the Old Course. Travel along Fife's famous 'Coastal Road' bringing us through several of the area's most stunning fishing villages. Wander through the village of Falkland which stood in for Inverness in TVs Outlander.

Founded in 2022, Queensferry Walking Tours is a passion project by two brothers who want to share their knowledge and love for this special historic town. Elavation: Flat Views: Spectacular Weather: Scottish You and your group will be shown the best parts of the village and gain a true appreciation, through stories and by discovering it’s beautiful Scottish architecture. You will also find the best viewpoints and photo opportunities along the shore, Three Bridges, Waterfront & Village Tour. (South) Queensferry is situated on the Firth of Forth (river forth estuary) approximately 14 miles west of Edinburgh city centre, less than 10 minutes by train. Cruise ships anchor off the coast adjacent the Forth Railway bridge and guests are tendered in to the Hawes Pier. Typically a tour of South Queensferry starts at 10am and finishes at midday, however this can be flexible for larger groups, so please be in touch for bespoke timings.

The three bridges that cross the Firth of Forth form a spectacular site from land but it's even more impressive to look up at them as you cruise underneath. This boat tour takes you out onto the Forth for views of Blackness Castle and Limekilns village, as well as the Forth, Forth Road and Queensferry bridges.

Discover the sightseeing highlights of Glasgow on one handy private tour with the help of a guide to share the history behind the attractions as you go. On this customizable experience, you travel from Edinburgh to Glasgow in a comfortable private vehicle to check out sights like Glasgow Cathedral, the West End, the Merchant City, and more.

Book your Private Transfer from South Queensferry Cruise Port to Edinburgh city hotels or any address. Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door-to-door port/city transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers

Discover more of Scotland—and take the guesswork out of sightseeing—on this private, full-day tour of Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh. Take the scenic route, explore historic villages you’d otherwise have missed, including Aberfoyle, and enjoy the freedom to tailor the timings and individual stops to your interests. Along the way, learn about Scotland’s history and culture from your kilt-wearing guide.

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Edinburgh to Northumberland's sites steeped in dark history. Available April to October, this tour includes a photo stop at the iconic Bamburgh Castle, a scenic coastal walk (2.5 miles/4km round trip) to the haunting ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle which takes about an hour. The afternoon sees us visiting Chillingham Castle - reported to be the most haunted place in the UK. Finally, end with a stop at the historic ruins of Dryburgh Abbey. Experience the tales and landscapes of these captivating locations without the crowds.

Calling all Sassenachs! Prepare to step ashore and straight into the world of Outlander. We’ll embark on the ultimate journey through some of Scotland’s most stunning filming locations Your adventure begins in the village of Culross, transformed into Cranesmuir for the series. Wander its cobblestone streets and immerse yourself as you pass by the Mercat Cross (Note: Palace entry is optional and not included.) From there, it’s on to Doune Castle, the magnificent fortress that served as the seat of Clan MacKenzie. We highly recommend the audio guide narrated by Sam Heughan himself—a treat for every fan! After a lunch break to recharge, we continue to Blackness Castle. This fortress became Black Jack Randall’s imposing Fort William in the series. Our final stop is Midhope Castle, beloved by fans as Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s cherished family home. The perfect ending to our Outlander journey (site access is dependent on availability).

Maximise your time ashore and let Macleod Heilan Tours take you on a Scottish adventure through some of the best historical locations in Scotland. This tour gives you a real flavour of Scotland with a visit to the magnificent Kelpies a huge 100ft steel structure which pays homage to one of Scotland’s most famous mythical beasts along with a visit to other Falkirk gems the Falkirk Wheel & Callander House. The Falkirk wheel is the only rotating boat lift in the world and is a marvel of Scottish engineering giving you a feel for Scotland’s industrial past. Callendar house is a 14th century estate that has played host to many great historical figures over the centuries, including Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie and more recently being used for filming of the popular tv show Outlander. The main highlight of the day is a visit to the mighty Stirling Castle which is a real testament to Scotland’s past where many of our most famous battles were fought and won.

Enjoy a private, guided tour through the West Highlands. On this tour, you will see the most famous sights of Scotland including Stirling Castle, before visiting the picturesque town of Callander. From here, you’ll get to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through Glenogle, before stopping at Loch Awe - which provides a fantastic photo opportunity of Kilchurn Castle. Your guide will then take you to Inverary, where you can wander through the picturesque streets and marvel at the loch. Next, you’ll get to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Rest and be Thankful before your penultimate stop at the picture-perfect Village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond. Avoid the stresses of travel as you step away from fixed itineraries and crowded buses and sit back and relax on a private tour which includes; • A Private Day Tour tailored to your preferences. • An Expert Local Guide. • A Door-to-Door Service. • Travel in a Luxurious, Mercedes-Benz V-Class Premium Minivan.

For fans of Jamie and Claire, Scotland isn't just a backdrop — it's a character. This private tour takes you to the real castles and villages where the story came to life, in your own luxury Mercedes minivan with a local guide who knows every stone and every scene. Because this is entirely private, the pace is yours. Linger longer at Lallybroch. This isn't a coach tour — it's your own Outlander adventure. Not watched every episode? No problem — your guide's knowledge of the real history behind each location makes this a fascinating day out for anyone. Highlights: Midhope Castle — Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser's family home Blackness Castle — the on-screen Fort William Linlithgow Palace — the fictional Wentworth Prison Doune Castle — Castle Leoch, seat of Clan MacKenzie Culross village — the real-life Cranesmuir

Sail through the East Coast of Scotland on this Catamaran trip. This guided adventure tour provides a unique opportunity to see the famous Queensferry Crossing and imposing Forth Rail Bridge from the water. For extra challenge, give sailing a try and learn the ropes of the boat. See marine life, including seals, in their natural habitat before returning to shore. Private charters are available upon request.

Step into the world of Outlander’s second season as this tour visits some shooting locations from Claire and Jamie’s adventures in Scotland and France. Visit Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison) to start. Next is Hopetoun House, the Duke of Sandringham’s season one home, and the set for the Paris apartments. Next a stop in Falkirk where the Duke met his end before the last stop at Drummond Castle Estate (the gardens of Versailles.)

Scotland is home to many fine whisky distilleries often overlooked in the capital. This private tour lets you sample the best of Edinburgh's whisky scene by visiting two single malt distilleries and the exclusive Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Learn about whisky origins, discover local history, enjoy tastings, and take in Edinburgh’s sights.

Sail the only catamaran on the East Coast of Scotland and see a part of eastern Scotland that many visitors miss. This tour provides an amazing sailing experience that allows you to see the sights of the Firth of Forth. This is a great activity for all ages and a perfect way to spend a half day in Queensferry.

This private shore excursion is designed specifically for cruise ship guests looking to experience the very best of Scotland in one unforgettable day. Unlike large bus tours, you will travel at a relaxed pace with a friendly local guide, enjoying a flexible and personalised experience tailored to your interests and your ship’s schedule. Discover the world-famous town of St Andrews, charming fishing villages, historic Falkland and spectacular Scottish scenery, with opportunities to see castles, Highland cows and beautiful coastal views along the way. Fans of Outlander will also love visiting one of the series’ famous filming locations. With private transport, convenient port pickup and guaranteed return to your ship on time, this tour offers a stress-free and memorable way to explore Scotland beyond Edinburgh.