Scotland · EDINBURGH TOURS

15 Edinburgh Tours & Day Trips Worth Booking

296 tours  ·  from $5 a head

The Old Town fits into a long weekend; the Highlands want a twelve-hour day of their own. These 15 cover both, with the price, the start time and how much walking each one asks of you.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour - Glencoe: a photo stop with a story behind it
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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

Travel from Edinburgh to Callander, Glencoe and Loch Ness with a local driver-guide, Scottish stories and music along the way. At Loch Ness, choose an optional cruise and Urquhart Castle visit, or spend your time exploring nearby. Expect a full day on the coach, big Highland views and a late return to Edinburgh.

“The tour was amazing and our driver/tour guide (Ash) was fantastic. He knows what to feed our brain. Telling story about the history of the place and he was knowledgeable. He knows when to crack jokes and has a good sense of humor. Good job ans thank your for the tour experience.”

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From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour - Glencoe: mountain views and a difficult past
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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 a full day on the road from Edinburgh to Glencoe, Loch Ness and Pitlochry, with a live English-speaking guide, regular stops and big Highland views. Choose your coach option at booking: Loch Ness cruise, Deanston Distillery, or a shorter cruise with Urquhart Castle. Bring lunch, and expect plenty of time on the bus.

“Paul S and Jason were amazing ! I got to see the hairy coo, which was incredible and the stories and tells from Paul S were fascinating and entertaining , I really love how proud and knowledgeable Paul S was of Scotland”

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The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour - Greyfriars Kirkyard: graves, legends and a loyal dog
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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

Meet your costumed guide on the Royal Mile for a 75-minute evening walk through Old Town closes, Greyfriars Kirkyard and Edinburgh’s underground vaults. The guide plays a character from Scottish history, with roles including Dr. Robert Knox, Maggie Dickinson and the Great Lafayette. Expect dark local stories, a brisk pace and a relatively short visit underground.

“Our guide, Dr. Knox was so engaging and knowledgeable. He made the tour fun and memorable. Would highly recommend this tour for those visiting Edinburgh!”

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Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town - The stone circle and the haunted vault
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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

Meet your English-speaking guide on the Lawnmarket for an hour-long Old Town walk into the South Bridge vaults. Hear about 18th-century hardship, criminals, and people who sought shelter below ground, then visit a former witchcraft temple and a vault associated with ghost sightings. Guides such as Louisa, Josh, James, and Kieran have been praised for lively storytelling.

“The tour was very interesting and Nick our guide, told the stories well and was so lovely and friendly. A really enjoyable experience. We would highly recommend.”

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Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour - What the long day feels like
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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

Ride north from Edinburgh with a Hairy Coo driver-guide, hearing Scottish stories as you pass the Trossachs, Glencoe and Ben Nevis. Choose a Loch Ness cruise, a cruise with Urquhart Castle, or a Deanston whisky visit. Expect long stretches on the coach, short scenic stops, and a full day of Highland views.

“What an excellent trip! We had an awesome tour guide and so many good photo ops. It was cool to ride along Loch Ness and the landscape up there was gorgeous.”

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Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise - Spean Bridge and the Cairngorms fill the return route
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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, stopping at Glencoe, Loch Ness, Spean Bridge and Pitlochry. A 50-minute Loch Ness cruise is included. Your English-speaking driver-guide handles the long scenic drive with local stories, history and practical breaks. Expect an early start, a full day on the road and lunch at your own expense.

“This is the second time we've been on a highlands tour and we were extremely impressed this time around. Andrew, our driver, was full of wit, knowledge, and superb driving skills! We brought our 2 young daughters with us, which can always prove to be a challenge for staff and guests alike, but Andrew kept them entertained and included in the fun. This guy deserves a raise! Cheers!”

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Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket - An outdoor introduction to a complex castle
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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

Spend about 90 minutes on an English-language walking tour of Edinburgh Castle, with entry included and time afterward to explore its buildings on your own. Guides such as Joe, Sonia, Raj, and Valeria have led lively tours, though your guide will vary. The guided portion is outdoors, so dress for Edinburgh weather and bring time to stay inside the castle grounds afterward.

“This was my first time using a tour guide for anything and I must say that Sonia was phenomenal!! I didn’t think I would make it to the end of the tour because it was freezing, but Sonia made it well worth it! She was knowledgeable, funny and full of enthusiasm and I would honestly highly recommend her as a tour guide!!”

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Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English - How to use your independent time
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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 Little Fish Tours on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a guided walk to the castle, where your guide explains its history, grounds, dungeons, and Crown Jewels. Skip the entry line, then explore the castle buildings on your own. Guides such as Steph, Euan, Greg, and Koffe have earned praise for lively storytelling and humor.

“Graeme was an incredible guide, keeping adults and children of all ages engaged. His accent makes the tour even better!”

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Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William - From Charlotte Square to the Highlands
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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 by air-conditioned coach from Edinburgh through the Highlands, stopping at Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Pitlochry. Your English-speaking driver-guide shares local stories along the way. You get 90 minutes at Glenfinnan for the viewpoint walk and, in season, a chance to see the Jacobite Steam Train cross the viaduct. Train operation is not guaranteed.

“Keith is an amazing guide and driver, who is also very funny and quite knowledgeable about the history of Scotland. I really enjoyed how he incorporated stories told to him by his grandfather into tour. He made the 12+ hour tour entertaining and fun, especially for someone like me who loves to learn about history. It was an amazing tour. History with an extra helping of Harry Potter, my favorite pastime, and Glenfinnan Viaduct along with the Jacobite Steam train. Amazing experience!!”

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The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh - A guide makes the difference
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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 in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a guide takes you from cacao tree to chocolate bar through a short history, hands-on bar making, and tastings from a selection of more than 30 chocolates. You’ll leave with your own bar. Guides have included Kelly, Coco, Bogi, and Hannah, though your guide may differ.

“Hands down a highlight during my trip to the UK. So informative and hands on. Not to mention the unforgettable tasting experience.”

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Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour - What the guide can add
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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

Start at William Chambers Monument for a two-hour, easy-paced walk through Edinburgh’s Harry Potter connections and Old Town sights. Your English-speaking guide shares Rowling-related stories, local history, and trivia, with stops including a graveyard and a Diagon Alley-like facade. Expect about 1.5 miles on foot, a group of up to 25, and an ending near Edinburgh Castle.

“10/10 tour with our brilliant guide Jenny. It was really interesting and interactive. You learn so much about Harry Potter and the history of Edinburgh too.”

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Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends - Choosing between two historic burial grounds
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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

Starting on the Royal Mile at 6:30 pm, this two-hour walk pairs Edinburgh’s shadowy lanes with stories of murder, witch trials, body snatchers and hauntings. You’ll climb Calton Hill for city views, visit one of two historic burial grounds, and finish near the Royal Mile. Guides vary; names associated with the tour include Niamh, James, Brian and G.

“Just myself and my son on the walk, and our guide, Mr Davidson, was fabulous. He took us all over the place which suited us great - brilliant information and entertainment.”

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Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands - Fort William makes room for lunch
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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

Leave Edinburgh at 7:30 am for a full-day coach trip through Callander, Glencoe and the Highlands to Fort Augustus on Loch Ness. Your English-speaking driver-guide shares local history, and you’ll get regular breaks for photos and a chance to look for Highland cows. A Loch Ness cruise is optional and costs extra.

“I almost gave up going on this trip, I did it on a Sunday and I wasn't sure if I could survive so many hours on the road. I am so glad I didn't though! I had a great time, our driver/guide, Neil, made sure we had enough stops to stretch our legs and for whatever else we needed. I am so grateful for that! Neil was also very entertaining, with a great sense of humour, I mean, I enjoyed it, very knowledgeable regarding everything we saw. He shared some personal anecdotes, which made the trip even more delightful, adding a bit of a more intimate touch, like "we are…”

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Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William - From Charlotte Square to the Highlands
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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

Travel from Edinburgh through Glencoe to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, with stops at Callander, Fort William and Pitlochry. Your English-speaking driver-guide shares Scottish history and stories along the way. Guides have included Ross, Neil, Brian and Chris, though assignments vary. The Jacobite Steam Train is seasonal and not guaranteed.

“i loved the tour! Brian, the tour guide and driver, was very friendly, witty and shared some interesting stories and facts about Scotland - id definitely recommend the tour!”

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Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh - The Cairngorms make the drive worthwhile
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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

Leave central Edinburgh at 8am for a full day of Highland scenery and stories. Travel through Perthshire and the Cairngorms to Loch Ness, where you can pay cash for a cruise and Urquhart Castle visit, then stop for views in Glencoe. Your English-speaking driver-guide handles the long drive, while you bring snacks and keep some cash handy.

“It was an amazing trip. Very interesting history and beautiful scenery. Although it is a full day trip, you don’t get bored or tired. Comfortable bus and excellent driver and tour guide.”

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