Top Edinburgh Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

If you only have one day to journey into the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh, don't waste time or effort navigating public transport or renting a car. This guided tour takes you from the capital to the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, the village of Luss and some of the country's finest castles and glens.

This Edinburgh city sightseeing tour offers a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus experience with an open-top double-decker bus and audio commentary in multiple languages. Hop on and off at key stops including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile. Buses run every 20 minutes with tickets valid for 24 hours from first use, providing flexible sightseeing at your own pace.

Get out of the city and soak up the natural beauty of Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands on this day tour from Edinburgh. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe and Fort Augustus. Enjoy a boat tour in search of the Loch Ness Monster and traverse the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group.

Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands on a full-day excursion that includes Glencoe and Loch Ness. Set out from Edinburgh aboard a comfortable coach to experience some of the area's top sights and attractions. Visit Callander, the "Gateway to the Highlands," learn the fascinating history of Glencoe—a village made famous as a setting for movies in the “James Bond” and “Harry Potter” series—and see the world-renowned Loch Ness too.

Traveling over the Forth Bridge is always an enjoyable experience but cruising underneath the mighty structure is even more memorable. This sightseeing cruise takes you out onto the Forth of Firth for excellent views of Edinburgh and Fife from the boat's top deck. As you cruise, you'll learn all about local history and perhaps spot wildlife including seals and puffins.

Discover more about Scottish history on this guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle. Walk up the Royal Mile with your guide while learning about the castle's 3,000-year history and its role in Scottish heritage. Explore the castle grounds with detailed insights into key features like the one o'clock gun and Argyle Battery, gaining a deeper understanding than a casual visitor.

See Scottish history come to life in a guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle. Hear gripping tales of battles won and lost and learn about the people who have called the castle home over the centuries. Enjoy sprawling views of Edinburgh and the countryside. Whether you’re a casual observer or a history buff, this experience will immerse you in the city’s cultural heritage.

Immerse yourself in the sights and stories of Edinburgh's atmospheric Old Town on this small-group walking tour. Unlike most tours of the Old Town, the maximum group size is just 15 people so you won't be elbow to elbow with other visitors as you explore the area, from the Royal Mile to Greyfriars Kirkyard, and Princes Street Gardens.

A trip to the capital of Scotland isn't complete without a tour of Edinburgh Castle. Follow your guide through the grounds and hear tales of the castle's royal residents—including Mary Queen of Scots—and learn more about the rich history of the building. After your tour ends, there's plenty of free time explore the castle's interior and the rest of the grounds, which includes three museums, two prisons, a canine cemetery, the Chapel of Saint Margaret, the National Monument to the fallen of Scotland, the Great Hall, and a Royal Palace.

Witness dramatic landscapes and majestic castles on a full-day trip through Scotland’s West Highlands from Edinburgh. With a knowledgeable guide, soak up stunning scenery from the rugged Breadalbane Mountains to The Trossachs National Park. Visit the villages of Luss and Inveraray, and hear tales of famous Scottish heroes and rebels. Movie buffs will love the visit to Doune Castle, film site of Monty Python and The Holy Grail.

Skip the guesswork of exploring Edinburgh on your own with a private walking tour led by a local guide. Discover the city’s past and present through its royal history and memorable characters—some of whom inspired well-known books and stories—while visiting highlights on and off the Royal Mile, including the area around Greyfriars Kirk. Along the way, get personalized recommendations on where to eat and drink, and enjoy a relaxed pace with one-on-one attention tailored to couples, families, and small groups.

Framed by old stone buildings, local small businesses, and cobblestone roads, Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile is one of the city's most atmospheric spots. Rather than wandering around alone, walk the storied street up to Edinburgh Castle while learning about Edinburgh rich history on a walking tour before heading inside the castle with your included ticket.

Experience the magic of the world’s most famous wizard—and discover insider sights and stories you'd miss if exploring alone—on this Harry Potter–themed walking tour of Edinburgh. Alongside your Potter-mad guide, stroll the city's winding streets, and spot the mysterious alleys and atmospheric landmarks that inspired the wizarding world.

Step off the tourist trail and explore the Scottish capital’s hidden secrets on this underground walking tour in Edinburgh. Follow a guide from the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town down below street level, where a series of ancient vaults lie. As you explore the dark passageways, learn why the vaults were built, hear of the poor souls who sought refuge in the depths and discover a hidden witchcraft temple. Gain insight into city life during the 18th century, and learn of the deadly diseases which threatened Edinburgh’s inhabitants.

Check off Stirling Castle, the Kelpies monument, and Loch Lomond on this day trip from Edinburgh. Have a photo stop at one of the largest equine sculptures in the world—The Kelpies, then travel through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Finally, enjoy the perk of having admission to Stirling Castle included so you can go on an interior tour.

Experience some of the best of what Edinburgh, Scotland has to offer in one small group walking tour. Let your tour leader show you around Edinburgh Castle, The Georgian House, and the Scottish National Gallery. See Princes Street Gardens, Heart of Midlothian, Greyfriars Bobby, and more while you learn all about the city’s history, culture, and heritage from your guide.

Comedy club meets history class on this walking tour. Explore Old Town Edinburgh’s highlights and ask anything you want to know about Scotland. Your guide is a local, professional, stand-up comedian with a Master’s degree in Scottish history, and is guaranteed to make you laugh yourself silly.

Edinburgh is known for its dark past, and this evening walking tour is the original one to showcase the city's historically sinister and spooky side. Discover the hidden ‘wynds’ (alleys) and closes of the Old Town as you learn their mysteries and horrors; visit the ghost-ridden Greyfriars Kirkyard; and explore the city’s underground vaults to uncover their spirits and secrets. Your tour is led by a creepily costumed guide to get everyone into the spooky spirit of things.

Discover the beauty of the Scottish Highlands on this coach tour setting off from Edinburgh. Enjoy stunning scenic views from the window of the comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. See Glencoe, Callander, Pitlochry, Loch Ness, the Commando Monument, and more, with lots of opportunities to take photos and soak up your gorgeous surroundings.

Save hours of research time with this comprehensive day tour of the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, and Loch Ness. A full itinerary is planned out for you, and someone else takes care of the driving, so you can focus on the incredible views. During the tour, hear about the legend of Loch Ness, hike to see beautiful waterfalls in Tay Forest Park, and stop to admire views of the Glencoe mountains.

Journey to the frontier of ancient Rome on this full-day tour of Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish borders from Edinburgh. First up is a tour of the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, famously featured in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and renowned for its mysterious stone carvings and unique architecture. After lunch (not included), stop at Melrose Abbey, the burial site of King Robert the Bruce’s heart, and look out over the English border from Cheviot Hills, before walking along the UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall.

Discover Scotland's majestic Highlands on a day trip from Edinburgh without the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transit. History buffs can see the sites of historic events such as the Jacobite Uprisings, while pop culture fans can check off Harry Potter filming locations, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Glencoe. Along the way, soak up views of mountains and lochs and round out your day by meeting Scotland's native Highland cows.

Scotland is renowned for its unique cuisine, but Edinburgh’s foodie hot spots are best explored with a local guide who knows where to find the best bites. On this small-group walking tour, discover the UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns, and sample Scottish classics such as haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Scotch whisky, and afternoon tea. Plus, you'll take away food-focused tips to enhance the rest of your trip.