Explore Edinburgh’s royal history with guided visits to Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, plus an audio-guided tour of Holyrood Palace.
Edinburgh in a Day Tour with Castle, Royal Mile & Holyrood
Summary Description
Highlights
- Visit Edinburgh Castle with a guide, including admission.
- See Edinburgh’s top landmarks on a seamless tour.
- Explore the highlights of the Royal Mile.
- Visit Holyrood Palace (most dates) or enjoy a guided whisky tasting (Tues/Weds from Sept 8).
- Learn from an expert guide in a small-group setting.
Description
Discover Edinburgh’s rich royal heritage in one unforgettable day. Begin with a guided visit to Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll uncover treasures like the crown jewels and enjoy stunning city views. You'll also walk the historic Royal Mile with an expert guide, making stops at Lawnmarket, St. Giles’ Cathedral (exterior), and Canongate. Depending on the date of your tour, you'll wrap up your journey at either Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, or the Scotch Whisky Experience, where you'll taste one of Scotland's most beloved products like a true local (available Tues/Weds from Sept 8th).
Spend a day immersed in the royal history of Scotland’s capital. Start with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, an ancient stronghold perched atop volcanic rock. Your guide will lead you through its highlights, including Scotland’s crown jewels, the Great Hall, and panoramic views of the city.
Continue along the Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s most iconic street. Discover hidden gems and hear stories of its legendary past as you stop at Lawnmarket and view the exterior of St. Giles’ Cathedral. Wander further down to the historic Canongate, known for its beautifully preserved architecture and ties to the royal family.
Most tours end at Holyrood Palace, the King’s official residence in Scotland. With your audio guide, explore the opulent royal apartments, learn about Mary, Queen of Scots, and stroll the palace’s picturesque gardens still used for state events today. From September 8th, tours taking place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays will enjoy a guided whisky experience instead of the palace visit, diving deep into centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and culture.
Included / Excluded
- Entry to Edinburgh Castle
- Entry to Holyrood Palace with audio guide (most dates) OR guided whisky tasting (Tuesdays & Wednesdays from Sept. 8)
- Local English-speaking guide
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, UK
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Scotch Whiskey Experience located at 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1
Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hbHuHDRjqbXot31x9
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- The tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- Photography and filming are not permitted inside the Palace
- Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the Palace's State Apartments.
- NOTE: On this tour you will visit Holyrood Palace with audio guide (most dates) OR guided whisky tasting (Tuesdays & Wednesdays from Sept. 8)
- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees.
- Suitcases and large rucksacks (30L or over) are not permitted in the castle.
- Unable to store luggage, prams, pushchairs or other personal items for visitors.
- Bag searches at the castle entrance as part of our security screening process.
- Palace of Holyrood - On arrival your belongings will be subject to a bag check.
- Photography and filming are not permitted inside the Palace
- Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the Palace's State Apartments.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Ticket Age Range
Adult (15+)
Child (2-14)
Infant (0-1)
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 4 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 15
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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