Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Highlights Tour

Highlights

  • Your tour of historic Edinburgh begins in the morning with coach pick up from our departure point. Meet your friendly guide and settle in for your tour through the historic city. Your first stop is at the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. You may purchase an independent audio tour through the glamorous boat that is a site of much royal history, including serving as the Queen’s floating palace for more than 40 years. See the five decks and hear about illustrious guests like Winston Churchill. Next, head to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace), Her Majesty the Queen’s home in Scotland. Take an optional tour (own expense) of the palace interior to see the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots and the State Apartments where Queen Mary witnessed the murder of her secretary at the hand of a jealous contingent. Next, continue to Edinburgh Castle. There, admire the castle and the sweeping views from Castle Rock, or take an interior tour (own expense). Explore grand buildings and learn about medieval life in the palace, its royal residents like Mary, Queen of Scots, and the many bloody battles fought here such as the War of Independence in the 14th century. Afterwards, take some time to independently explore the Royal Mile and grab your own lunch before returning to the coach. Your full-day tour concludes at the departure point in time for dinner and evening activities. Worry-Free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to Edinburgh port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Summary

Your tour of historic Edinburgh begins in the morning with coach pick up from our departure point. Meet your friendly guide and settle in for your tour through the historic city. Your first stop is at the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. You may purchase an independent audio tour through the glamorous boat that is a site of much royal history, including serving as the Queen’s floating palace for more than 40 years. See the five decks and hear about illustrious guests like Winston Churchill. Next, head to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace), Her Majesty the Queen’s home in Scotland. Take an optional tour (own expense) of the palace interior to see the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots and the State Apartments where Queen Mary witnessed the murder of her secretary at the hand of a jealous contingent. Next, continue to Edinburgh Castle. There, admire the castle and the sweeping views from Castle Rock, or take an interior tour (own expense). Explore grand buildings and learn about medieval life in the palace, its royal residents like Mary, Queen of Scots, and the many bloody battles fought here such as the War of Independence in the 14th century. Afterwards, take some time to independently explore the Royal Mile and grab your own lunch before returning to the coach. Your full-day tour concludes at the departure point in time for dinner and evening activities. Worry-Free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to Edinburgh port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.

Tour info

Duration
8 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

When your cruise ship arrives in Edinburgh, get to know Scotland’s capital on this full-day shore excursion. Board a comfortable coach and enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh’s highlights as a prelude to three of its headline acts. Explore medieval Edinburgh Castle, once residence to Scotland’s monarchs and tour Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official Scotland residence. Free time for lunch (own expense) and to explore the Royal Mile provide the finishing touches. Entrance fees not included. Ship: Crown Princess 10/05, 22/05, 03/06, 15/06, 27/06, 09/07, 21/07, 02/08, 14/08, 26/08, 07/09, 19/09 Ship: Norwegian Pearl 10/06 Ship: Brilliance of the Seas 20/07 Ship: Pacific Princess 15/08, 23/08 Ship: Norwegian Spirit 18/09

What’s included?

  • Port pickup and drop-off

  • Professional driver-guide

  • Air-conditioned vehicle

  • Worry-free shore excursion guarantee

  • Gratuities

  • Food and drinks, unless specified

  • Entrance fees to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Castle and Royal Yacht Britannia

  • Entry/Admission - Edinburgh Castle

  • Entry/Admission - Palace of Holyroodhouse

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 8h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

About operator:

5 Star, Highland coach tours for individuals and groups departing from Edinburgh and Glasgow, daily, all year. See Scotland at its Best: Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, Oban, Inverness, Orkney, and more. Passionate, experienced guides, contemporary Mercedes vehicles, multi-lingual tour descriptions including Spanish, German, French, Italian, Mandarin, Portuguese and Russian.

  • 4 reviews