Edinburgh Attractions & Tours (55)
Looking for great tours and places to visit while in Edinburgh, United Kingdom? Browse Edinburgh sights, activities, and tourist attractions enjoyed by other travelers. Search tours and learn about the top things to do and see.Check Edinburgh weather Forecast for November in order to find the best time to travel. We can also help you find places to stay in Edinburgh at the best rate available, by comparing multiple accommodation providers at once.
Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh[Category: Day Trips & Excursions] | Take the high road to the Scottish Highlands and Loch Ness on a small group day trip from Edinburgh. You'll travel through beautiful Glencoe, admire the spectacular Highlands and spend time at Scotland's famous Loch Ness - an absolute must on any visit to Scotland!With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience on this special day trip to the Scottish Highlands. Traveling in a small group means you can reach out-of-the-way places to discover the real Scotland!
Leaving Edinburgh, you'll pass Linlithgow Palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots), Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, to reach the most dramatic of all Highland glens, Glencoe. This area is steeped in history, and you will hear the truth about the infamous 1692 massacre of Clan MacDonald.
Journeying through Fort William, site of the military post built during the Jacobite Rebellions in the 18th century, you'll continue up the Great Glen, between Fort William and Inverness.
After lunch at Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness, you have the option of taking an hour-long cruise on the loch (not included). The boat has a sonar system, so if Nessie is around you will not miss her! (Operational from Easter to end October.)
Back on the road, you'll stop at Spean Bridge before heading through the Cairngorms National Park, Craig Meagaidh and along the shores of Loch Laggan, where the TV series Monarch of the Glen was filmed. Continuing over the Drummochter Summit, where herds of red deer often graze, you'll visit the Victorian town of Pitlochry, the final stop for the day. | | 3-Day Isle of Skye Small Group Tour from Edinburgh[Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours] | Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Highlands and Isle of Skye on a three-day small group excursion from Edinburgh. In three days you'll explore some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in the Highlands, and visit the second largest west coast island of Scotland, the magical Isle of Skye.This three-day trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands will show you Scotland?s most beautiful scenery. Tour highlights include Glencoe, the Lochaber region around Fort William, EileanDonan Castle (set of the movie Highlander) and over the sea to the Isle of Skye, where you'll stay in the picturesque harbor town of Portree.
You'll spend the entire second day on Skye, exploring the wild north of the island, the Old Man of Storr, the mountain pass of the Quiraing and Skye's most westerly point at Neist.
On the third day, you'll return to the mainland and travel through the Five Sisters of Kintail. You?ll visit eerie Loch Ness(boat trips are available April to October), where you can try to spot the Loch Ness Monster, before making your way to the central Highlands and Edinburgh.
With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, this special trip allows you to have memorable and personal experience. You'll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan and receive individual attention from your expert driver/guide. Traveling in a small group means you can reach out-of-the-way places to discover the real Scotland! See Itinerary section below for details on each day?s activities.
| | 2-Day Loch Ness and Inverness Small Group Tour from Edinburgh[Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours] | Spend two days exploring Loch Ness and Inverness, past and present, on a small-group trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh. As you enjoy scenic drives and historic landmarks, your eyes will pop at the dramatically beautiful landscape. With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, this leisurely two-day excursion allows you to have a memorable and personal experience in two of Scotland?s favorite locations.This two-day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Ness and Inverness will show you the Scottish Highland?s most beautiful scenery. The tour includes views of Stirling Castle and an optional boat ride on eerie Loch Ness, where you can look for the Loch Ness Monster.
You?ll visit Glencoe, a wilderness steeped in grim history, where you can soak up the atmosphere during an afternoon walk. You?ll take a walk in Glen Affric, featured in the 1970s BBC TV series The Last of the Mohicans. See the stronghold of Urquhart Castle. Admire the Grampian Mountains. And spend the night in Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands.
The Scottish Highlands are Europe's last great wilderness! This personalized tour is as close as you can get to touring in your own car, with the added benefit of gaining intimate knowledge of Scotland. Traveling in a small group means you can take lots of stops and reach out-of-the-way places, giving you more time out of the van to discover the real Scotland.
See Itinerary section below for details on each day?s activities. | | Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh[Category: Day Trips & Excursions] | Travel to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond in style on a small-group tour by Mercedes minivan from Edinburgh. With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience on this special excursion to Stirling and Loch Lomond.Stirling Castle was Scotland's most important medieval stronghold and is set high on a volcanic outcrop. There has been fortification on the rock since 1000 BC, as it guards the main route north into the Scottish Highlands. You have the option of visiting the castle to see some of the finest Renaissance architecture in Scotland.
Leaving Stirling, you'll travel past Doune Castle, Callander and into the Trossachs, an area popularized by authors such as Sir Walter Scott and Daniel Defoe. This is also the territory of Rob Roy MacGregor, Scotland's Robin Hood. The tour stops for a leisurely lunch (own expense) outside the village of Aberfoyle.
Continuing along the spectacular single track road to Inversnaid, originally an old droving route the Highlanders, you'll pass Lochs Ard, Chon, Arklet and Katrine. Inversnaid, by Loch Lomond, is home to a nature reserve owned by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
You will have about 1.5 hours at Loch Lomond, to either join your guide for a walk to the viewpoint overlooking the loch or enjoy a wee dram of whisky in the hotel whilst taking in the views.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are Europe's last great wilderness! This personalized tour is as close as you can get to touring in your own car, with the added benefit of gaining intimate knowledge of Scotland. Traveling in a small group means you can take lots of stops and reach "out of the way" places, giving you more time off the bus to discover the real Scotland.
Winner of the Inaugural Scottish Thistle Award for Sustainable Tourism, October 2007. | | Edinburgh City Hop-on Hop-off Tour[Category: Tours & Sightseeing] | With great views from the top of the bus, strategically placed stops and an interesting commentary, this truly is the best way to see the sights of Edinburgh. You can hop-on and off as many times as you like aboard this open-top double-decker bus. There are 24 stops and the entire route takes approximately 60 minutes. The bus departs every 20 minutes from each stop. Tickets are valid for 24 hours from first use. The capital of Scotland since the 15th Century, Edinburgh stands on 7 hills creating a dramatic skyline. Tour highlights include the Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyrood House, the historic Royal Mile and Our Dynamic Earth. | | 5-Day Highland Explorer and Isle of Skye Small Group Tour from Edinburgh[Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours] | See it all on a grand five-day tour of the Highlands of Scotland by minivan - from the ancient Cairngorms and vibrant Inverness to the romantic beauty of the Isle of Skye and awe-inspiring Glencoe. With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience on this special five-day excursion to Scotland's Highlands. Highlights on your five-day small group excursion include:
- Crossing the Forth Road Bridge
- Cairngorm National Park and the ancient pine forests of the Rothiemurchus Estate
- Loch Insh and taking a short forest walk to the ruins of Loch an Eilean Castle
- Panoramic views of Loch Ness
- Two nights in Inverness
- Far north-west Highlands and the wild mountains of Assynt
- Corrieshalloch Gorge
- Fishing village of Ullapool
- Ruins of Ardvreck Castle
- Isle of Skye and overnight in Portree
Winner of the Inaugural Scottish Thistle Award for Sustainable Tourism, October 2007.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are Europe's last great wilderness! This personalized tour is as close as you can get to touring in your own car, with the added benefit of gaining intimate knowledge of Scotland. Traveling in a small group means you can take lots of stops and reach "out of the way" places, giving you more time off the bus to discover the real Scotland. | | 3-Day Speyside Whisky Tour from Edinburgh[Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours] | Soak up the spirit of Speyside on a 3-Day small-group whisky tour! Explore Scotland?s principle malt whisky producing region, which is noted for its elegant and subtle-tasting whiskies.
Your small-group 3-day whisky tour will depart from Edinburgh by luxury minivan with a maximum of 15 people and head to the north-east area of Scotland! The region of Speyside follows the path of the River Spey, stretching from the west of the Cairngorm National Park to the east coast. Boasting an impressive scene of winding lochs, green glens and dramatic peaks, the region has something for everyone.
Your base throughout your 3-day whisky tour is the idyllic village of Grantown on Spey, near Aviemore, where your charming B&B accommodation is located. From here, all the Speyside whisky distilleries and sights are within easy reach.
Enjoy visits to four of the region?s famous whisky distilleries, Dalwhinnie, Benromach, Cardhu and Glenlivet, and enjoy tastings and samples galore. Speyside is home to another 42 operating distilleries, so there?s certainly plenty more to see if time permits! You will also visit Gordon and MacPhail?s legendary whisky shop in the Royal Burgh (town) of Elgin where you can shop for some of Speyside?s finest malts.
The return to Edinburgh takes in the classic sights of the Cairngorm Mountains, Balmoral Castle (official Scottish home of the British Royal Family) and the village of Braemar in the Cairngorm National Park.
| | West Highland Lochs and Castles Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh[Category: Day Trips & Excursions] | Lochs and castles what could be more Scottish? Take this small-group day trip from Edinburgh to the Scottish west coast and you'll discover the real Scotland! Highlights of your west coast adventure include Doune Castle, Loch Lomond and a photo stop at famous Stirling Castle. With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience on this special day trip to Scotland's west Highland lochs and castles. You'll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan, reach out-of-the-way places and receive individual attention from your expert driver/guide.
Highlights include:
- Photo stop at Doune Castle
- Stop for refreshments in Callander or Kilmahog
- Scenic views of Loch Luibnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle and Glen Dochart
- Lunch in Inveraray village (not included)
- Scotland's longest loch, Loch Awe, and the spectacular ruins of Kilchurn Castle, a stronghold of the Clan Campbell
- Inveraray, an 18th-century whitewashed village on the shores of Loch Fyne
- Inveraray Castle (only open April-October), the neo-Gothic Scottish baronial home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, with its 19th-century jail, museum ship and bell tower
- Loch Fyne, renowned for its fine seafood and views of oyster beds, salmon and trout farms
- Loch Long, with its history of Viking raiders
- Loch Lomond
- Luss, a conservation village with traditional estate workers cottages
- Photo stop at Stirling Castle
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are Europe's last great wilderness! This personalized tour is as close as you can get to touring in your own car, with the added benefit of gaining intimate knowledge of Scotland. Traveling in a small group means you can take lots of stops and reach "out of the way" places, giving you more time off the bus to discover the real Scotland.
Winner of the Inaugural Scottish Thistle Award for Sustainable Tourism, October 2007 | | 3-Day Isle of Skye, Scottish Highlands and the Jacobite Steam Train from Edinburgh[Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours] | Experience the Highland beauty of the Isle of Skye on a 3-day excursion from Edinburgh. You'll spend two nights on the Isle of Skye, see legendary Loch Ness and ride one of the world's most famous steam trains, the West Highland Line, as seen in the Harry Potter films.Leaving Edinburgh, head north to the Highlands and the forested mountains of Perthshire. We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay. It?s then further north and west deeper into the Highlands and its stunning scenery before we enter the Great Glen. At Fort Augustus, there is time to explore the shores of Loch Ness and maybe get a chance to spot our Nessie. Visit one of the most romantic castles in the region, Eilean Donan Castle, before traveling to your hotel on the magical Isle of Skye.
Day 2 is spent exploring the scenery, history and natural beauty of the legendary Isle of Skye. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his failed rebellion, see evocative ruined castles and the eerie scenery of the rugged Cuillin Mountains. Stroll through the scenic capital, Portree, then travel to the island's north past the cliffs and rock formations of Trotternish Ridge, including the Old Man of Storr.
Day 3 begins with a tour of the island's south, named 'the garden of Skye', before taking the ferry to Mallaig. Explore this busy west coast fishing village, then ride the famous Hogwarts Express steam train to Fort William, on one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. Along the way, you'll cross the famous Glenfinnan viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter films and the location where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the start of the failed Jacobite campaign.
The return journey from Fort William takes in the mysterious beauty of Glencoe and Rannoch Moor, skirting The Trossachs and Rob Roy country before arriving back in Edinburgh at around 8pm. | | St Andrews and Fife Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh[Category: Day Trips & Excursions] | Pay homage to the home of golf at St Andrews and visit the fishing villages of Fife on a small group day trip from Edinburgh. With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience on this special day trip to St Andrews and Fife.Your day trip takes you across the famous Forth Road Bridge, giving you a great view of the spectacular Forth Rail Bridge, until recently the longest cantilever bridge in the world.
Once over the bridge you'll enter the Kingdom of Fife, an isolated peninsula surrounded by the waters of the Firth of Forth, the Firth of Tay and the North Sea. The highlight is the area known as East Neuk. The small fishing villages hugging the coastline here were infamous as a paradise for smugglers.
You'll then stop in Crail before traveling to the medieval town of St Andrews, the capital of the Scottish Church for almost 1,000 years and home to the oldest university in Scotland (600 years), attended by Prince William.
St Andrews is most famously the home of golf, with the Old Course just off the town center. You will have several hours to explore this famous town.
From St Andrews, you'll take a pleasant drive through central Fife to Falkland. Falkland Palace dominates this old village, and was one of the main residences of the old royal family of Scotland. Returning to Edinburgh you will cross the Lomond Hills and pass Loch Leven, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned.
The Scottish Highlands and Islands are Europe's last great wilderness! This personalized tour is as close as you can get to touring in your own car, with the added benefit of gaining intimate knowledge of Scotland. Traveling in a small group means you can take lots of stops and reach "out of the way" places, giving you more time off the bus to discover the real Scotland.
Winner of the Inaugural Scottish Thistle Award for Sustainable Tourism, October 2007. | | Edinburgh Pass[Category: Sightseeing Tickets & Passes] | Visiting Scotland's capital city has never been easier with the Edinburgh Pass. No need to carry notes and small change, with this electronic smart card you can experience quick and hassle-free entrance to attractions. From museums and historic buildings to breath-taking art exhibitions and interactive visitor attractions, fine dining and shopping - you can use the Edinburgh Pass to make the most of your trip to Edinburgh. There is something for everyone! See more and save more with the Edinburgh Pass, the must-have sightseeing pass in Edinburgh. Enjoy free entry to many top attractions, free return airport transfers, great savings while in Edinburgh plus lots more. Just visit 3 attractions and you can save ?10 on a 1 Day Pass. The Edinburgh Pass contains ?220 worth of entrance fees and transport tickets at any one time. SAVE MONEY WITH THE EDINBURGH PASS OFFERING: - FREE entry to over 30 of the city's most exciting attractions
- FREE voucher for a return airport transfer to be used at a time of your convenience
- Lots of exciting offers from some of Edinburgh?s best retailers, restaurants, tours and gift shops
- Includes the Edinburgh Pass comprehensive color guidebook, listing all participating Attractions and Special Offers, visitor information, area maps and bus routes.
| | Highland Lochs, Glens and Whisky Small-Group Day Trip from Edinburgh[Category: Day Trips & Excursions] | Fancy sampling a wee dram o' whisky and exploring the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands? Combine the two on a small-group day trip from Edinburgh, and discover the real taste of Scotland! You?ll see the area?s beautiful scenery, full of lochs and glens, and sample Scotland?s favorite beverage. With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, this special full-day tour allows you to have a memorable and personal experience.Your day trip from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands takes you across the famous Forth Road Bridge , giving you a great view of the spectacular nearby Forth Rail Bridge, one of the longest cantilever bridges in the world.
After you cross the Highland boundary faultline,the scenery changes from the rolling farmland of the Lowlands to the forested hills and mountains of the Scottish Highlands. This thick forest is the very same mentioned in Shakespeare's Macbeth as "Birnam Wood." One part of the wood is especially beautiful ?the Hermitage ? and this is where you will take a walk. Here, surrounded by thick forest, the River Braan crashes over spectacular waterfalls . This is a migratory route for salmon, and they can often be seen trying to leap the falls.
Follow the wide valley of the River Tay , the longest river in Scotland with the greatest flow of water of any river in Britain. Stop in Pitlochry for lunch (own expense), and take the opportunity to visit a whisky distillery or the dam where salmon leap in summer.
Continue to Killiecrankie and the Queen's View, where on a clear day the view stretches from Loch Tummel to Schiehallion and beyond to the hills of Glencoe. Drive over the hills to Fortingal, where the Fortingal Yew tree is the oldest living organism in Europe. The village is the legendary birthplace of Pontius Pilate. Next you'll head along the shores of Loch Tay, in the shadow of Ben Lawers. At the head of the loch is Killin, with the wonderful falls of Dochart in the heart of the town.
After a short stop, continue over the Braes of Balquhidder, the final resting place of Highland outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor.
The Scottish Highlands are Europe's last great wilderness! Traveling in a small group means you can take lots of stops and reach out-of-the-way places, giving you more time out the van to discover the real Scotland. | | Murder and Mystery Walking Tour of Edinburgh[Category: Walking & Biking Tours] | Take a look at Edinburgh's dark side, including tales of witchcraft, plague and torture on this Murder and Mystery Walking Tour of Edinburgh. Visit the scenes of many horrific tortures, murders and supernatural happenings as you walk along eerie alleyways an creepy courtyards of the Old Town. Your ghostly guide will blend history with humor and facts with fables, while "jumper-ooters" provide guaranteed ghastly appearances. Visit the scenes of many horrific tortures, murders and supernatural happenings on this award winning tour of historic Old Town of Edinburgh. Your guide, under the cloak of darkness, is famous Edinburgh character Adam Lyal (deceased), highwayman, who was executed in Edinburgh's Grassmarket on 27th March 1811. Mr Lyal leads you through the haunted alleyways and dark courtyards of Old Town Edinburgh telling tales of executions and torture, ghosts and witchcraft, and the notorious 19th century trade of body snatching. Although the subject matter is dark, Mr Lyal's approach is fairly light-hearted. With a ghost as your guide, there will no doubt be a few strange incidents on route, whilst our "jumper-ooters" provide guaranteed ghastly appearances! Beware! This walking tour takes place in the cobbled streets of Edinburgh in all seasons. In the interests of safety please dress appropriately and wear sensible shoes. You come on this tour at your own risk and it is not for the faint hearted. | | Oban and the West Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh[Category: Day Trips & Excursions] | Escape the city bustle of Edinburgh, and head west on the small group Oban and West Highlands Day Trip! This breathtaking area of Scotland contains coastlines, moorlands and mountains which encompass the dramatic beauty of the West Highlands. Explore the cosy, wee villages of Oban, Luss and Inveraray and take in the scenery with friendly Highland hospitality from your guide!Starting from a central Edinburgh location, your small group tour departs early to beat the traffic on the drive west. Travelling via Glasgow to pick up some fellow passengers, you'll head to the first stop at the conservation village of Luss near Loch Lomond, Britain's largest freshwater loch. Take time to relax and enjoy the scenery before your tour continues into the heart of the Highlands.
Pass the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Kilchum Castle on the shores of Loch Awe, and hear tales of the Campbell Clan who once claimed the land as a stronghold. Loch Awe also follows the Pass of Brander, where Robert the Bruce (Scotland's heroic King) fought many a fierce battle in bygone times.
Reaching the Victorian seaside town of Oban in the early afternoon, take the chance to sample the freshest seafood from the town named as the Scottish Seafood Capital! Walk off your lunch with a stroll over to McCaig's Tower, the magnificent granite folly which has dominated the town's skyline since 1895. Don't be put-off by the long climb to the top! You'll be rewarded by spectacular views across the sea to the Isle of Mull.
On the return route back to Edinburgh, there will be a stop in Inverarary, a quaint village which lines the shores of Loch Fyne - characterized by it's pretty white-washed houses. Spend time at leisure and try some of the town's home-made sweets before heading back to Edinburgh, passing Scottish countryside steeped in myth and legend.
| | 5-Day Best of Scotland Experience from Edinburgh[Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours] | Experience the natural beauty of Scotland on a 5-day small-group tour through the Lowlands, Northern Highlands, West Coast and the magical Isle of Skye. Focusing on the breathtaking Scottish countryside, your route explores an amazingly diverse range of landscapes, combining lesser-known peaks and glens with the classic sights of Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and more!
With a maximum group size of 15 people, your 5-Day Best of Scotland Experience will depart from Edinburgh and head off through the lowland countryside to reach the remote Scottish Highlands. There will be time for monster-spotting at Loch Ness before ending your first day in a choice of selected B&B or hotel accommodation.
En route to the Isle of Skye, you will visit the stunning Glen Affric (often described as Scotland's most beautiful glen) and pass the rugged, bare peaks of the Torridon Mountains. At Skye itself, you'll have the opportunity to explore the island's beautiful beaches and jagged coastlines, framed by the dark and brooding Cuillin Mountains.
Learn about Scotland's enticing history and culture as you travel south down the West Coast, passing iconic Scottish sights such as Ben Nevis and Glen Coe. Before returning to Edinburgh, there is a final stop at Kilmartin Glen, famed for its rich historical legacy that is charted by more than 350 ancient monuments around the site.
| | 2-Day Jacobite Experience including the Hogwarts Express[Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours] | See the Highland sights and historic locations linked to the Jacobite movement of 17th century Scotland. The 2-Day Jacobite Heritage Experience Tour combines spectacular Highland scenery and tales of historic battles fought by supporters of King James II (the Jacobites). Visit Dunkeld, Fort William, Loch Ness and take a ride on the famous Jacobite Steam train, as featured in the popular Harry Potter films.
Departing from central Edinburgh, your small-group tour commences with a photo opportunity at the world's first major steel bridge (the Forth Railway Bridge) before continuing onto the quaint village of Dunkeld in Perthshire. Take a woodland walk around the village where Jacobite battles raged in bygone times.
En-route north, you will pass the breathtaking Drumochter Pass, skirting the dramatic peaks of the Cairngorm National Park before heading straight onto Loch Ness, to try and catch sight of the fabled Loch Ness monster. Your first day ends in Fort William, roughly an hour away from Loch Ness. Spend the night in B&B or hotel accommodation.
Start the morning on-board the famous Jacobite Steam Train, featured in the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express. Regarded as one of the world's greatest train journeys, it's route passes a list of impressive extremes. Starting in the shadow of Britain's highest mountain (Ben Nevis), the train journey passes the deepest lochs, shortest river and most westerly train station in Britain. You'll cross the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films and the Glenfinnan Monument where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite rising.
Depart the train at Mallaig, a pretty fishing village on Scotland's west coast and take time to sample Scottish seafood for lunch. Your return journey home includes a stop at Glencoe, a narrow glen framed by wild mountains and steeped in Jacobite history. Marvel at the remaining beauty of the highlands as you pass Ranoch Moor and Stirlingshire on your way back to Edinburgh.
| | Da Vinci Code and Scottish Borders Small Group Day Trip from Edinburgh[Category: Day Trips & Excursions] | Visit Rosslyn Chapel and learn the truth about the Holy Grail on a "Da Vinci Code" tour to the Scottish Borders. You'll hear the true history of the famous Rosslyn Chapel and visit the lovely town of Melrose on this small group tour.With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience on this day trip to locations made famous by Dan Brown's best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code. Traveling in a small group means you can reach out-of-the-way places to discover the real Scotland!
Departing Edinburgh, you will head south to the world-famous Scott's View, with stunning views over the Tweed Valley and Eildon Hills. From here, you will travel to Melrose with the opportunity to explore its great Border abbey, founded by the Cistercians in the 12th century. The Cistercian monks had very close connections with the Knights Templar and Melrose Abbey is the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, brought back from the crusades in Moorish Spain. Following lunch in Melrose you will make your way to the stunning 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, immortalized in The Da Vinci Code and an important site of beauty and history in its own right.
The tour includes a discount card, offering fantastic savings on top Edinburgh and Scotland visitor attractions, restaurants, pubs and shopping.
Winner of the Inaugural Scottish Thistle Award for Sustainable Tourism, October 2007. | | 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh[Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours] | Visit the Isle of Islay in the Scottish Hebrides, famous for its friendly people, magnificent wildlife, and most importantly it?s whisky! Having produced Scotland's finest dry and peaty malt whiskies for more than 200 years, Islay provides the perfect base for whisky lovers and novices alike. Tour whisky distilleries and enjoy samples galore on the 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour from Edinburgh!With a friendly local expert as your guide, you will travel by luxury minivan from Edinburgh to Islay, "Queen of the Hebrides". Your small-group (maximum 15 people), 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour includes visits to many of the island's whisky distilleries. Learn how to nose and taste the distinctive malt whiskies and identify the characteristics that make each one so unique!
Even the most avid of whisky-lovers will appreciate that 'theres more to life than a good malt', and your small-group tour will certainly deliver on showing off the rest of the Islay's delights. In between distillery tours and tastings, enjoy bracing walks along dramatic coastal paths and sandy beaches. Additionally, there is a brewery tour and fresh oyster sampling at a local oyster farm.
The return journey provides further chance to explore, passing classic sights from mainland Scotland including the town of Inveraray, Loch Lomond and Loch Fyne. Arrive back in Edinburgh feeling refreshed after discovering one of Scotland's best kept secrets - the fascinating Isle of Islay. | | 5-Day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Jacobite Steam Train from Edinburgh[Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours] | Explore the Highlands beauty of Scotland's west coast and the Isle of Skye on a 5-day excursion from Edinburgh. This in-depth tour of Scotland?s classic Highland locations includes Glencoe, mysterious Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, a journey aboard one of the world's most famous steam trains (seen in the Harry Potter movies), the Hogwarts Express, the haunting Culloden Battlefield, Inverness, world- famous Eilean Donan Castle and the magical Isle of Skye. You can choose to stay in hotel accommodation throughout the tour for traditional style accommodation, or you may prefer to opt for cosy B&B accommodation for that more personal, local experience.
See 'Itinerary' below for full details of your 5-day Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and the Scottish West Coast Tour. | | 5-Day Iona, Mull and the Isle of Skye Small Group Tour from Edinburgh[Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours] | Visit four romantic Scottish islands in five days on a small group excursion from Edinburgh. You'll explore some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery on Scotland's rugged west coast, and visit the fabled islands of Mull, Iona, Staffa and Isle of Skye. Highlights on your five-day island excursion include:
- Loch Lomond
- Inveraray, home to the Campbell Clan and the Duke of Argyll
- Overnight in Oban, gateway to the islands
- Ferry crossings to Mull and Iona
- Iona's historic abbey
- Glencoe, scene of the infamous massacre of the Clan Macdonald in 1692
- Views over Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain
- Overnight in the picturesque harbor town of Portree on the Isle of Skye
- Monster-spotting on Loch Ness
With a maximum group size of 16 passengers, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience on this special day trip to Scotland's west coast islands. You'll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan and receive individual attention from your expert driver/guide. Traveling in a small group means you can reach out-of-the-way places to discover the real Scotland!
Winner of the Inaugural Scottish Thistle Award for Sustainable Tourism, October 2007. | | Full-Day Trip to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands[Category: Day Trips & Excursions] | Go on a fantastic tour from Edinburgh to explore the legendary myths of Loch Ness and enjoy the diverse range of Scottish Highland scenery. Drive through the forests and rivers of Highland Perthshire and get a glimpse of dramatic Glen Coe ? the site of the Massacre of Glencoe. See Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, and enjoy a typical Scottish picnic lunch before taking in magnificent views of the Forth Bridge. Take a day trip from Edinburgh to discover the Scottish Highlands and the famous Loch Ness. Begin your journey by bus heading north from Edinburgh along the imposing ramparts of Stirling Castle. Pass the Trossachs, cross Rannoch Moor, and stop at the dramatic Glen Coe, the site of the infamous massacre in 1692. Pass through Fort William, one of the largest settlements in the Scottish Highlands, before driving through the Great Glen. All the while your guide will talk you through the most important and interesting sights of the region.
When you arrive at Fort Augustus, a charming Highland village on the banks of the famous Loch Ness, take a leisurely stroll through the village or simply relax by the Caledonian Canal. Enjoy a locally produced ?Taste of Scotland ?picnic lunch that includes a bottle of Scottish mineral water, a choice of freshly made sandwiches, fresh fruit and shortbread. If you want to learn more about Scottish cuisine, your guide can direct you to some great local caf?s for more tasty treats.
You also have the opportunity to take a 1-hour boat cruise on the loch (own expense). Discover the mysteries of the legendary Nessie monster on a custom-built boat designed specifically for sailing on this loch, equipped with the very latest underwater imaging technology, giving you a fascinating view of the terrain and life under the surface. Relax with a coffee or beer at the onboard bar.
Your journey continues past the shimmering Loch Laggan and then over the Pass of Drumochter, the main mountain pass connecting the northern and southern Scottish Highlands. Heading south, pass Perthshire and Big Tree Country, filled with lush forests, rivers and mountains, before getting an impressive view of Forth Bridge. Your Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands day tour ends in Edinburgh around 8pm. | | Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh[Category: Cultural & Theme Tours] | Discover the underground vaults of Edinburgh city! Far below the busy, bustling Edinburgh streets there lies a dark, quiet and forgotten place. These wonderful dark rooms of arched ceilings, fireplaces and 18th century wine vaults lie beneath the South Bridge, one of the city's main thoroughfares. The late 18th century was a time of great expansion and innovation in Edinburgh. To improve access from the Old Town to the new developments two enormous structures were built, the North and South Bridges. By 1790 there were almost one hundred businesses active on the South Bridge with their workshops in the underground Vaults below.
As well as lack of natural light, the Vaults suffered from water seeping from the South Bridge above, stalactites are evidence of this.
But, there was a darker side too. To the immediate south stands Infirmary Street, where Edinburgh's medical school used to be. It was here that the notorious pair, Burke and Hare, sold the bodies of their murdered victims. Could the vaults have stored a different sort of merchandise? | | Whisky Tasting and Dinner in Edinburgh[Category: Food, Wine & Nightlife] | Appealing to whisky novices and connoisseurs alike, the Whisky Tasting and Dinner gives a unique insight into the complex world of Scotch whisky! Led by an entertaining whisky tutor, you will discover how Scotland's water of life is made, and more importantly, sample a few wee drams before dinner!Upon arrival at a renowned Edinburgh gastropub (a high-class pub specializing in quality food), you will be greeted by your knowledgeable whisky tutor who will lead the tasting session. Lasting approximately one hour, the session will give you the chance to nose and taste four single malt whiskies from the main whisky producing regions of Scotland: the Lowlands, Highlands, Speyside and Islay.
To appreciate how the taste of whisky varies by region, your whisky tutor will introduce you to the five stages of Scotch whisky appreciation: color, body, nose, palate and finish. Hear about the complex art of blending whisky and malt, and learn about the traditions, lore and recipes that give each whisky its individual appeal!
The grand finale to your evening is a decadent three-course dinner from a whisky-themed menu. Please see the itinerary section below for sample courses. Enjoy traditional Scottish cuisine, made with the finest local ingredients - a sumptuous dinner which is guaranteed to end your evening on a high note! | | Scottish Highland Games Day Trip from Edinburgh[Category: Day Trips & Excursions] | Don?t miss the opportunity to experience the color and energy of the unique Scottish Highlands Games on a day trip from Edinburgh. See men in kilts tossing the caber, putting the shot and throwing the hammer, and enjoy a memorable day out in the scenic Highlands. This tour is likely to sell-out! The Scottish Highland Games Day Trip from Edinburgh has limited availability, so book ahead to avoid disappointment!
Dating back more than 900 years, when the Clans gathered to show off their athletic skills, the Scottish Highland Games are an unmissable event on the European calendar.
Highlights of this fantastic spectacle include Highlands dancing, pipe band displays, hammer throwing, tug-of-war, wrestling and, of course, tossing the caber.
The Games are held in different regions throughout the year, with the most famous held in Braemar in late summer.
2018 Scottish Highland Games Day Trip schedule:
- Glamis Caslte Highland Games (June 9)
- Luss Highland Games (July 6)
- Stirling Highland Games (July 14)
- Callander Highland Games (July 27)
- Bridge of Allan Highland Games (August 4)
- Crieff Highland Games (August 18)
- Braemar Highland Games (September 7)
- Pitlochry (September 14)
All tours spend the morning exploring the Highlands en-route to the village where the games are being held and at least 2-3 hours at the games themselves. | | 3-Day Lake District and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Tour from Edinburgh[Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours] | Spend three days discovering the secrets of Roman Britain and the stunning English Lake District on this small group tour from Edinburgh. Follow the route of the historic Hadrian's Wall before crossing the border into England to spend two nights in the tranquil surroundings of the Lakes.Here you will find the mountains and picturesque villages that inspired authors such as Beatrix Potter and offer the perfect setting to relax. With the group size not exceeding 16 people you are assured of a high level of attention from your expert guide as well as the intimate atmosphere only a small group can provide. You will experience the stunning scenery of the Scottish Borders and visit the statue of Scotland's most famous son, William Wallace. At Hadrian's Wall, built by the Emperor Hadrian in the Second Century AD to keep the Scottish tribes out of the Roman Empire, you have the opportunity to explore some of the Roman remains and walk in the footsteps of the Roman Centurians.
Your base in the English Lake District is the picturesque market town of Keswick, where you will stay in a charming B&B for two nights. From here you will visit beauty spots such as Ullswater, Lake Windermere and the village of Grasmere, described by poet William Wordsworth as 'the loveliest spot that man hath found'. There is also ample free time to relax and explore this beautiful region at your leisure.
| | Scottish Highlands Day Trip and Edinburgh Military Tattoo[Category: Day Trips & Excursions] | Tour the Scottish Highlands on a day trip from Edinburgh, then watch the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo at night. Capturing the essence of Scotland in one day, enjoy the perfect combination of Highlands countryside and villages, whisky tasting and guaranteed tickets to the Military Tattoo.Leaving Edinburgh, your Highlands day trip takes you to the city of Stirling, where you'll see the historical Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle -- one of the largest castles in Scotland. Heading further through the scenic Trossachs National Park, hear tales of Rob Roy and enjoy impressive views of the untouched nature.
Then journey along tranquil Loch Earn into the beautiful Highlands region of Perthshire, where you have the option to learn about Scottish whiskey making on a local whisky distillery tour (additional cost). Next, explore the peaceful Hermitage pleasure grounds and take a short woodland walk to spectacular waterfalls, Ossian?s Cave and the River Braan.
Returning to Edinburgh at approximately 5:30pm, past the medieval Cathedral of Dunkeld and the magnificent Forth Bridges, you'll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy dinner before making your own way to Edinburgh Castle for the evening?s special entertainment: the legendary Military Tattoo.
Set on the floodlit esplanade of Edinburgh Castle, performers from around the world are set to provide an evening of entertainment at the 2018 Tattoo. The action-packed programme features exciting contributions from the likes of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, as well as various international performances including music from a Dutch Mounted Bicycle Band. On a Saturday, the Edinburgh Tattoo is followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the city. | | The Royal Yacht Britannia[Category: Sightseeing Tickets & Passes] | A unique five-star visitor experience and recommended by BBC News as "Scotland's leading visitor-friendly attraction", The Royal Yacht Britannia is an essential visit whilst in Edinburgh. For over forty years, the Royal Yacht sailed over one million miles on nearly a thousand official visits for the British Royal Family. Now berthed in Edinburgh's historic port of Leith, Britannia is a fascinating visitor attraction.Receive a truly warm welcome at Britannia's Visitor Centre in Ocean Terminal before you step on board. Here you can view displays and historic photographs that detail Britannia's fascinating past.
The captivating audio handset tour takes you around five decks at a leisurely pace and is a rare glimpse into the public and private lives of the British Royal Family. From Sir Winston Churchill to Boris Yeltsin, Rajiv Gandhi to Nelson Mandela, some of the world's most influential people have been welcomed on board. Now you are free to see what they saw, to stand where they stood.
Every part of Britannia includes rich treasures to enjoy. Almost all the pieces in the State Apartments are on loan from The Royal Collection, with kind permission of Her Majesty The Queen. You will have a chance to see the working side of the ship, from the once sweltering heat of the laundry to the crew's densely packed quarters.
Tour highlights include the State Drawing Room, The Queen's Bedroom, the Sun Lounge and the Admiral's cabin.
Britannia is berthed alongside the stylish Ocean Terminal shopping center which contains a choice of over 80 different boutiques, high-street shops and restaurants with scenic waterfront views. As the Royal Yacht is only 15 minutes away from Edinburgh city center, it is the perfect addition to any trip.
Britannia is owned by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, a non-profit making charity, and all proceeds go towards her long-term maintenance. |
» Duration: Flexible (suggested time is 2 hours) » from EUR 14.13 | update prices
| Edinburgh Night Walking Including Historic Underground Vaults[Category: Cultural & Theme Tours] | Explore the grim and ghastly side of Edinburgh on a ghost walking tour -- from fiendish plots that led to treason and torture, to secret lives lingering in the darkest corners of the city. Join this late-night ghost walking tour and experience Edinburgh's historic and mysterious streets and alleyways as your local guide brings to life tales of the city?s supernatural past and present. Explore the darkest secrets and souls of Edinburgh on this late-night ghost walking tour. Visit sites of documented hauntings, ghosts and spirits, and see where sinister events have taken place. Discover disreputable characters haunting Edinburgh?s dark corners, and hear stories of crimes, hangings and mysterious legends.
Hear about crimes of passion and poltergeists, and the story of Major Wier, the notorious wizard who was burned alive at the stake. Also, learn about the Bodysnatchers who stole fresh bodies from graveyards to sell to medical schools for anatomy lectures.
Follow your expert guide by candlelight as you journey through the Blair Street Underground Vaults, where these lively spirits are said to bide their time. Learn about the darkest deeds and unsettling tales as candles flicker in the shadows. Here, you?ll discover Edinburgh?s chilling history! | | Secrets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile Afternoon Walking Tour[Category: Cultural & Theme Tours] | Learn the secrets of Edinburgh's historic past on this afternoon walking tour of the city's famous Royal Mile. Begin your tour at the Mercat Cross which marks the historic heart of Edinburgh. Here merchants gathered to trade: 'Mercat' is simply the Scots word for market. The townspeople met to exchange news and gossip and listen to public pronouncements, and visitors to the city came here to find a guide who was both city grapevine and taxi driver! Pick up your guide at the Mercat Cross and let him entertain you with stories from Edinburgh's past. Since the earliest times, Edinburgh has been at the forefront of religious and legal matters in Scotland. St Giles Cathedral was founded in 854 AD and has been site of some of the most dramatic events in the nation's history. The Protestant Reformers, the brave Covenanters and the fiery Jenny Geddes who threw her chair at the Bishop - hear about them all. Home to the earliest skyscrapers in Europe, some famous Edinburgh tenements were 14 stories high. After defeat by the English in 1513 the city fathers build the Flodden Wall around Edinburgh to protect against invasion. As the population grew, the city could not expand outwards, so it grew upwards. It is said that people, ten stories up, could reach out and shake hands with their neighbors in the opposite building! Your tour ventures down the narrow passageways into courtyards where you learn of tragedy and triumph, marvel at the stunning architecture - and recoil at the cry "gardyloo". The Royal Mile was home to the great, the good - and the not so good - of Edinburgh. Deacon Brodie, locksmith by day and thief by night, inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Deacon Brodie and many others populate this enthralling and fascinating tour of the Old Town of Edinburgh. | | Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park with Optional Doune Castle Tour from Edinburgh[Category: Day Trips & Excursions] | Take a day trip from Edinburgh to the beautiful Scottish Highlands and admire stunning views of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Take in all the spectacular natural sights the region has to offer as you tour marvelous villages, including Aberfoyle, where you can enjoy lunch at one of the charming restaurants. You?ll also have a chance to tour through the impressive Doune Castle, where the movie ?Monty Python and the Holy Grail? was filmed!Discover Scotland?s Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park and Doune Castle on a day trip from Edinburgh. Meet your guide in Edinburgh and head north in a mini-coach through the former capital of Scotland, Stirling, to get a glimpse of magnificent Stirling Castle and see the Wallace Monument, the impressive tower built to honor Scotland's famous hero, Sir William Wallace. Then, continue through the picturesque Scottish Highlands to Loch Lomond.
Here, take in the panoramic views of the loch surrounded by magnificent mountains. Spend time at this breathtaking site walking along the banks, relaxing and exploring the visitor and shopping complex Loch Lomond Shores, or go on a boat cruise (own expense). The one-hour cruise on the loch is one of the best ways to explore the area and discover what makes it so magical. The boats have a nice indoor area with a bar and feature onboard commentary by TV historian and archaeologist Neil Oliver.
Then, spend some time exploring the Trossachs National Park, famous for some of Scotland's most iconic Highland scenery, before driving south to the quaint village of Aberfoyle, where you have the opportunity to grab lunch in a local restaurant (own expense). Your final stop will be further to the west in Doune, a small village with the medieval Doune Castle. Here, you?ll have the opportunity to tour the castle (own expense) and discover its fascinating history. Built for the Duke of Albany in the late 14th century, this castle?s most striking feature is the 100-foot (30.5-meter) high gatehouse, which includes the splendid Lord's Hall. The tour includes an excellent audio guide narrated by Terry Jones, who starred in the locally shot movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and features some insights into the making of the film, as well as the history of the castle itself. Concluding your tour in the early evening, you will then make your way back to Edinburgh. | |
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