6 Full-Day Tours from Edinburgh, Compared

1.Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 676 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $112Our pick

Start in the elegant New Town and walk through Princes Street Gardens, the Royal Mile, Greyfriars and Victoria Street before reaching Edinburgh Castle. A guide leads a highlights tour at the Scottish National Gallery and, from 1 April 2025, the Georgian House. Groups are limited to 15; guides include Ben, James and Mark.

“The guide was personable and very knowledgable. He seemed to enjoy sharing Edinburgh with us. I highly recommend this tour and this guide.”

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2.Full-Day Highland Lochs Glens and Castles Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 256 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $87

Travel from Edinburgh in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver-guide and a group of no more than 16. The day links Doune Castle, Loch Lubnaig, Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray, Rest and Be Thankful, and Loch Lomond’s village of Luss. Expect Scottish history, mountain and loch views, and optional paid visits to castles or Inveraray Jail.

“The tour and the guide Kyle were both outstanding - Kyle was not just knowledgeable about the various sights and locations we visited, he folded in Scottish folklore and jokes throughout the day trip. And the playlist of songs were amazing too. My family of four thoroughly enjoyed the trip.”

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3.Full Day Scottish Highlands and Whisky Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 136 reviews · 9 hours · from $72Best value

Travel from Edinburgh with an English-speaking guide to see the Kelpies, stop at Glenturret Distillery for lunch and an optional whisky tour and tasting, walk to Black Linn Falls in the Hermitage, and visit Dunkeld. The route also passes Loch Earn and the Forth Bridge. Audio guides are available in six languages.

“Heidi was an excellent guide for this wonderful trip.”

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4.Oban, Lochs & Inveraray Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 97 reviews · 12 hours · from $74

From Edinburgh, travel through Glasgow and into the West Highlands, stopping in Luss, Oban and Inveraray. Expect loch and castle views, a free-choice lunch in Oban, and a long day on the road. Guides on past trips have included Keith, Cameron and Paul, known for mixing Scottish history with humor.

“We had a great day and learned a lot of John,who was our ever so friendly guid. We new much more about Scotland when we came back in the evening.”

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5.Kingdom of Fife & St Andrews Full-Day Guided Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $275

Travel from Edinburgh to Fife in a private, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan, with hotel or port pickup, snacks, and water. Your guide can shape the day around your interests, from Falkland Palace and St Andrews’ golf landmarks to the fishing harbours of Pittenweem and Anstruther. Guides have included Alexander, Sandy, Hazel, Gary, Sean, and Calais.

“Perfect Day! Michael was knowledgeable, courteous, funny,, respectful, and thoroughly showed us the area. Walking Around the Old Course was wonderful. Learning about the Stuarts was fascinating. Thank you sincerely.”

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6.Full-Day Tour to the Scottish Highlands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from Edinburgh at 8 am in a private group of up to seven, with a guide such as Davie, Dave, David, or Brian. The long day takes in the Kelpies, Highland viewpoints, Glencoe, Fort Augustus and Loch Ness, with time for lunch or an optional boat cruise. Shortbread, a wee dram, bottled water and air-conditioned transport are included.

“Six Stars Coaches and David our driver / guide sere amazing. Very comfortable bus, very safe driving skills and terrific knowledge of the local sites. In 40 plus years of world traveling one of the best tour experiences we have ever had. Six Stars and David is known to locals and we were blessed to have 5 local patrons riding on the tour to bring an amazing local experience to the adventure. We will come back to Edinburg just to tour with David! Kelly and Michele”

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