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Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle included

870 Reviews 4.96 out of 5 stars Based on 870 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
99% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Edinburgh, Scotland
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from $131.59 per person

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Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle included Image 1
Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle included Image 2
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Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle included Image 4
Scottish National Gallery
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.
5 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Join our small-group walking tour and visit Edinburgh in one day.
Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, New Town, the National Gallery of Scotland and the inside of a historic house museum. You’ll learn about the history, culture and heritage of the Scottish capital, and there will be a break for lunch.

What's Included

  • Admission to 1 Historic House, either Gladstone’s Land or The Georgian House
  • Scottish National Gallery guided tour (highlights)
  • Local Tour Guide
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
See 1 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

2-4 Hope Street
Edinburgh EH2 4DB, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Castlehill
Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK

The tour ends inside Edinburgh Castle.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Charlotte Square

Our tour will start in the West End of Edinburgh where we will introduce the city and its neighbourhoods. In Charlotte Square, we'll admire elegant examples of neoclassical architecture and understand why Edinburgh is known as the ‘Athens of the North’
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Georgian House

In Charlotte Square we will talk about the most iconic mansion of the New Town, the Georgian House. We will understand what the layout of Georgian townhouses looked like and what high society life was like in 18th and 19th century Edinburgh.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is one the main parks of Edinburgh, and we’ll cross it from the east to west. We'll stop to admire the Ross Fountain and other examples of public art. You will also enjoy a great view of the castle and the castle rock from the gardens.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

National Galleries Scotland: National

In the Scottish National Gallery we will discover the artworks of some of Scotland’s most famous artists including Sir Henry Raeburn, Alexander Nasmyth, and the Glasgow Boys.
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40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

High Street

We will walk towards the Royal Mile where we will stop for lunch. This area is renowned for its pubs and restaurants and you will have the opportunity to try some delicious Scottish food.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mercat Cross

After lunch we will walk along the Royal Mile where we'll see the Mercat Cross. This was once used for public announcements and public punishments. We will also explain why the unicorn appears at the top of this structure.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St Giles' Cathedral

In front of the Mercat Cross we will see St. Giles Cathedral. We'll talk about the architecture of the most important church in Scotland, and discover the history of the Presbyterian religion. We will also walk to West Parliament Square to talk about the Act of Union.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Heart of Midlothian

On the other side of St. Giles we will see the Heart of Midlothian, a landmark that marks the spot where the Old Tolbooth once stood.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Royal Mile

Leaving St. Giles behind us, we will stroll along the Royal Mile. Here's we'll learn what its medieval cobbled lanes, called closes, were and how they were used. There will also be the opportunity to talk about the city’s cultural scene, including its festivals.
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25 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Greyfriars Bobby

We will walk along George IV bridge. It is time to meet Edinburgh's most famous and loyal dog, Bobby! We'll also see the dog statue located just outside of the graveyard.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Greyfriars

Behind Bobby, we will find the entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard. This historic graveyard we will understand what the Mortsafes are, and learn about the connection between the Scottish Covenants and the George Mackenzie Mausoleum.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Grassmarket

After the graveyard we will find the Grassmarket, famous for its pubs and its dark past.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Victoria Street

From the graveyard, we will walk to the Grassmarket an area famous for its pubs and its dark past. From the Grassmarket we will walk up Victoria Street, the most picturesque and colorful street of Edinburgh.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Writers' Museum

Back on the Royal Mile, we'll find the Makars’ Court. Here, with the Writer’s Museum as a backdrop, we will talk about Scotland’s most important writers, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Castello Di Edimburgo

After leaving Makars' Court, we'll walk for a few minutes along the top part of the Royal Mile until we reach the Castle Esplanade. Before entering the castle, we will enjoy stunning views of the city and see where the Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh Castle

It is finally time to enter Edinburgh Castle. Once inside, we’ll delve into the history and secrets of this building, and recall the fascinating stories of kings, queens, battles and sieges. After the guided tour you will have the opportunity to explore the indoor areas of the castle at your own pace.
Read more

40 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Show 15 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • You will have free time during the lunch break. There will be cafes, pubs and restaurants for you to choose from with vegan and vegetarian options available.
  • The duration of the tour will be approx 5 hours, including the lunch break. We may need more time to access the historical sites and navigate the city during peak travel season (April to October), when more travellers are in town. Please note that in these months, the tour might be slightly longer.
  • The company is not responsible for participants arriving late and missing the beginning of the tour. If you miss the group at the starting point, please note that the first stop of the group would be Charlotte Square

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle included?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-454922P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.96
870 reviews

Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 870 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
844
4 stars
21
3 stars
4
2 stars
1
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle included?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Admission to 1 Historic House, either Gladstone’s Land or The Georgian House.
  • Scottish National Gallery guided tour (highlights).
  • Local Tour Guide.
  • Edinburgh Castle entrance ticket and guided tour.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle included is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Please wear comfortable shoes, Edinburgh is a hilly city. We also recommend a windproof and rainproof jacket.
  • You will have free time during the lunch break. There will be cafes, pubs and restaurants for you to choose from with vegan and vegetarian options available.
  • The duration of the tour will be approx 5 hours, including the lunch break. We may need more time to access the historical sites and navigate the city during peak travel season (April to October), when more travellers are in town. Please note that in these months, the tour might be slightly longer.
  • The company is not responsible for participants arriving late and missing the beginning of the tour. If you miss the group at the starting point, please note that the first stop of the group would be Charlotte Square
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle included will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Admission to 1 Historic House, either Gladstone’s Land or The Georgian House
  • Scottish National Gallery guided tour (highlights)
  • Local Tour Guide
  • Edinburgh Castle entrance ticket and guided tour
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Please wear comfortable shoes, Edinburgh is a hilly city. We also recommend a windproof and rainproof jacket.
  • You will have free time during the lunch break. There will be cafes, pubs and restaurants for you to choose from with vegan and vegetarian options available.
  • The duration of the tour will be approx 5 hours, including the lunch break. We may need more time to access the historical sites and navigate the city during peak travel season (April to October), when more travellers are in town. Please note that in these months, the tour might be slightly longer.
  • The company is not responsible for participants arriving late and missing the beginning of the tour. If you miss the group at the starting point, please note that the first stop of the group would be Charlotte Square
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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