Britain · TOURS IN EDINBURGH

The 15 Best Edinburgh Tours & Day Trips

83 tours  ·  from $20 a head

Half of what Edinburgh sells happens underground or outside the city. These 15 cover the castle, the vaults below the bridges and the Highland coaches that leave before nine, each priced and clear about how long the day really runs.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour - Glencoe: history with a dramatic backdrop
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Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

1.Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17,446 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $62Our pick

Spend a full day crossing Scotland by comfortable coach, with stops at Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Pitlochry. Your English-speaking guide, such as Brian, Adam, Stevie B, or Mark, fills the long drives with Scottish history, folklore, music, and humor. Add a castle visit, Loch Ness cruise, or whisky experience to shape the day.

“The Australian Mark was a super guide full of cool stories and really easy to chat with. Keep going you're the best tour guide !”

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From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour - Leaving Edinburgh beside the Burns Monument
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From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

2.Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 11,381 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $61

Spend 12.5 hours touring the Highlands by air-conditioned coach, with Glencoe, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Pitlochry, and possible Highland cows. Choose a Loch Ness cruise, Deanston Distillery visit, or cruise and Urquhart Castle option. Guides such as Fraser, Ewan, and Paul are known for lively Scottish stories, music, and humor.

“A good，well organized tool，everything goes well，the day was not good kept rainy and cloudy，but the experience still good，definitely recommend”

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The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour - Greyfriars Kirkyard and its famous legends
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The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

3.The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,272 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $26

Walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile through old closes to Greyfriars Kirkyard and the South Bridge vaults. Your costumed guide plays a historical character, mixing grim stories, local history, and theatrical scares. The 6:45pm departure suits families, while later tours may feel more atmospheric.

“We had a really good time! David was amazing, lots of information and fun! 100% recommend this to everybody :)”

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Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town - Stories of poverty, crime, and survival
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Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

4.Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,506 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

Walk from Edinburgh’s Lawnmarket into the vaults beneath South Bridge on a one-hour English tour with Auld Reekie Tours. Guides such as Josh, Louisa, James, Kieran, and Aimee combine Edinburgh history with stories of crime, poverty, witchcraft, and ghosts. Expect uneven ground, tight passageways, steep steps, and no toilet stop.

“I loved the tour of the vaults! Guide did a great job explaining the history of the vaults and the city. The problem was the group was too large. We had 40 people in the tour. Made it difficult to get around in the vaults and even harder to hear the tour guide. People would talk constantly and the guide couldn’t control such a large group.”

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Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour - Glencoe: beauty with a dark past
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Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

5.Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,854 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67Top rated

Spend about 12.5 hours touring the Highlands from Edinburgh by air-conditioned coach, with stops at Glencoe, Fort Augustus, the Commando Memorial, and Pitlochry. Add a Loch Ness cruise, Urquhart Castle visit, or Deanston whisky option for an extra fee. Guides such as Ryan, Rod, John, William, and David bring the drive to life with stories and local tips.

“The trip to loch ness was amazing, our coach driver Nick was amazing commentator, the booking through website was quite easy. The cost of trip for two people was affordable and there were proper breaks.”

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Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise - Callander and Loch Lomond country
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Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

6.Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,022 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $84

Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking guide such as Jim, Kenny, Chaz, or Shea. Stop at Callander, Glencoe, Fort Augustus, Spean Bridge, and Pitlochry, then cruise Loch Ness. It is a scenic, information-packed day, but expect many hours on the road.

“Chaz was amazing and her knowledge of every aspect of the tour was exceptional. We had sufficient bathroom breaks and opportunities to shop in local stores.”

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Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket - The outdoor guided route inside the walls
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Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

7.Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,540 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Walk Edinburgh Castle’s grounds with a guide such as Joe, Raj, Sonia, or Valeria, hearing sharp stories about Mary Queen of Scots, royal life, and Scotland’s past. The guided portion stays outdoors, but your ticket lets you explore the palace, museums, prisons, and other buildings on your own afterward. Plan for about 90 minutes, plus extra castle time.

“Our guide is a man with immense passion and knowledge of Scottish history. Ask any questions you like. Use your mobile phone to learn more. An informative and exciting experience. After the guide leaves, wonder around, explore photos and cafes.”

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Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English - Entering Edinburgh Castle without the main queue
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Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

8.Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Meet your English-speaking guide by the Adam Smith statue on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, walk uphill to Edinburgh Castle, and enter with admission included. Guides such as Koffe, Steph, Greg, Graeme, and Euan bring Scottish stories to life during the 90-minute outdoor tour. Afterward, explore the castle buildings at your own pace.

“We booked the Old Town Walking Tour on our last visit to Edinburgh through the same company, Little Fish. It was such a good tour that this time we booked the Castle Walking Tour. Not only was the tour as good as the last but we also had the same excellent guide Euan. He was very informative and delivered his guide with a humorous twist. We would recommend both tours if you are visiting the city. They are really good value for money and a great way to find out about the history of Edinburgh. If you’re lucky you may get Euan as your guide as well!”

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Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William - Leaving Edinburgh from Charlotte Square
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Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

9.Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,337 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $62

Travel from Edinburgh through Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, and Pitlochry to Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous from the Harry Potter films. An English-speaking driver-guide handles the long scenic day, with photo stops, meal breaks, and a chance to see the Jacobite Steam Train. Guides may include Keith, Scott, Alastair, Brian, Anthony, or Leon.

“This is a great way to see the main sights of the highlands. Our tour guide, Anthony, was wonderful. Our bus had an unforeseen maintenance problem, which delayed us by several hours, but Anthony kept spirits high despite the difficulties. Even though my trip went awry, I would still highly recommend”

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The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh - Tasting more than 30 kinds of chocolate
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The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

10.The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,322 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $44

At The Chocolatarium on Cranston Street, you’ll follow cocoa from tree to bar, sample chocolates from Scotland and around the world, then design your own bar to take home. Guides such as Kelly, Coco, Bogi, and Hannah keep the 90-minute session lively. It suits adults and children aged six and up.

“Loved our guide Coco, great personality and very knowledgeable about chocolate. Many options for tastings and also for the “make your own” chocolate. Highly recommend!”

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Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour - Guides, quizzes, and the human side of the tour
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Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour

11.Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,236 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $19Best value

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with guides such as Robbie, Jenny, Orla, and Xander, linking Rowling’s inspirations to Castlehill, Greyfriars, the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and Edinburgh Castle. Expect Harry Potter trivia, local stories, and a house quiz on an easy 1.5-mile route. The tour runs in all weather and ends near the castle.

“Our guide Robbie was great and the experience was amazing, would totally recommend/do it again in future! He shared many Harry Potter world fun facts I did not know even though I am a big fan of HP, totally worth the experience.”

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Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends - Calton Hill, witch trials, and city views
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Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

12.Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,862 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $29

Follow an English-speaking guide from the Royal Mile through shadowed lanes, North Bridge, Calton Hill, and a historic cemetery. Hear true stories of witch trials, Burke and Hare, executions, murder, and hauntings, then finish at a local pub. Guides may include Niamh, Brian, James, G, or Charlie.

“Absolutely brilliant. G was an awesome guide, super enthusiastic and very knowledgable. Lots of fun information and spooky locations”

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Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands - Callander starts the day with coffee and Highland cows
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Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands

13.Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,771 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $62

Spend a full day touring the Highlands from Edinburgh with an English-speaking driver-guide. Stop at Callander, Loch Tulla, Glencoe, Fort William, the Commando Monument, Fort Augustus, and Pitlochry. You can add a Loch Ness boat cruise, enjoy frequent photo stops, and hear Scottish history, stories, music, and local legends along the way.

“This was a full-day tour with many beautiful stops along the way. We really enjoyed it—the tour guide was amazing and shared fun, interesting information throughout the day.”

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Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William - Leaving Edinburgh from Charlotte Square
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Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

14.Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,366 reviews · 12 hours · from $60

Spend a full day touring the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh, with stops at Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Pitlochry. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Ross, Neil, Brian or Keith, handles the long drive while sharing Scottish stories, music and history. The Jacobite Steam Train may cross the viaduct seasonally, but its operation is not guaranteed.

“really the only improvement would be don't advertise the kelpies or sterling castle as it's a fly past if dark can't see castle .I would say they are separate trips x we had a great guide (Ross).who went out of his way to get us to see the Highland cows as weren't at the normal place X the Highlands beautiful in the snow xx”

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Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh - The Cairngorms give you the best window views
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Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

15.Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,793 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $74

Ride from Edinburgh into the Highlands with an English-speaking driver guide, stopping in Perthshire, the Cairngorms, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Glen Coe. You can add a Loch Ness cruise and castle visit for £30 per adult, cash only. Guides such as Jamie, Chris, Ben, Terri, and Alan are known for lively history and good road commentary.

“Make sure you have cash. We were not told in description that one event was cash only and had to use atm at a rest stop. Scenery was amazing, guide told great stories and Linda on Loch Ness was fantastic!”

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