VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION – All group tours depart from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie’s Restaurant).
Tour Highlights
This one day tour and shore excursion explores the ancient capital city of Scotland. Enjoy iconic Edinburgh Castle, walk down the famous Royal Mile, visit beautiful Holyrood Palace and spend time enjoying fabulous views from Holyrood Park.
- Edinburgh Castle
- The Royal Mile and Old Town
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park
Itinerary
Our day begins with a familiarisation tour of Edinburgh. We’ll introduce you to the city’s main attractions before arriving at Edinburgh Castle. Here you can take a guided tour, view the Scottish Crown Jewels, visit the National War Museum or see the famous Stone of Destiny (traditional crowning seat of ancient Scottish monarchs). There are superb panoramic city views from the castle ramparts, where you can also visit Mon’s Meg and the One O’Clock Gun.
As we walk down the Royal Mile there’s time to explore some of the narrow and highly atmospheric alleyways or ‘closes’ of the Old Town. This is the historic heart of Edinburgh and part of a World Heritage Site. There will also be an opportunity to visit St Giles’ Cathedral and the striking Scottish Parliament building.
After lunch we’ll enjoy the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse. The official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland, it is perhaps best known as home of the ill-fated Mary Queen of Scots following her return from France in 1561.
Our tour continues via picturesque St Mary’s Loch in Holyrood Park to the foot of Arthur’s Seat where there’s an opportunity for panoramic photos of this beautiful city.
Time permitting the rest of the afternoon is flexible. We may visit the Royal Yacht Britannia in the Port of Leith (maritime home to Her Majesty the Queen for over 40 years), explore the New Town and Calton Hill, climb the impressive Scott Monument or visit Craigmillar Castle.