Scotland · TOURS

The 15 Best Tours & Day Trips from Edinburgh

240 tours  ·  from $5 a head

Everything with a guide, a coach or a boat attached, in one list. The 15 below justify a whole day, each priced and timed.

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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The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh - A guide makes the difference
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The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

9.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

10.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

11.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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Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh - Is $24.49 good value?
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Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

12.Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,761 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Spend about an hour on a vintage Routemaster as an English-speaking guide turns Edinburgh’s executions, witch hunts, and ghost stories into a theatrical night ride. You’ll pass landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Greyfriars Kirk, and Grassmarket. Guides such as Tommy Terror have brought the tales to life, though the bus can feel crowded.

“Fun, interesting tour of the city at night. Humorous guide, with just the right amount of scary tricks!”

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City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free - What the audio and staff add
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City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free

13.City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,683 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Ride an open-top double-decker around central Edinburgh, passing stops for the Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood and Dynamic Earth. Your 24-hour pass lets you hop off to explore and board again during service hours. Audio commentary comes in nine languages, with a children’s version too. Up to three children travel free with each full-paying adult on eligible dates.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the hop on hop off experience in the city of Edinburgh. It was a great way to get the lay of the land and to see the whole city. I went around all stops before getting off just to see everything first. I would highly recommend this tour option for anyone visiting Edinburgh for the first time. I was challenged finding where to catch the hop on and hop off, so it’s best to ask a local or a hotel concierge as there are many different stops in different locations”

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Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour - Coos and a taste of Perthshire
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Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour

14.Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,539 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $72

Ride from Edinburgh through Perthshire and the Cairngorms to Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Glencoe, with Highland scenery, coos and stories of Scotland’s past along the way. The 12.5-hour tour includes a driver and English-speaking guide. A Loch Ness cruise and castle visit cost an extra £30 in cash, and food is not included.

“a wonderful Tour with the guide Charlie Macbeth. His great knowledge of history and very refined way of describing our journey was exzellent. I loved hos humor and he kept us going on this fairy long Tour of over 12 hours. We saw a great deal of Scotland and now have a deeper sense of its history. The Highlands are so beautiful and there was no time to stop looking out of the bus window.Thank you very much Charlie for giving me this day to remember ❤️. sean from Hamburg”

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From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour - A full day on Skye
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From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

15.3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,405 reviews · 3 days · from $244

Travel from Edinburgh through Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Inverness and the Isle of Skye on a three-day guided road trip. Your English-speaking driver-guide shares Scottish history, local stories and music along the way. You’ll need to book two nights of accommodation in Inverness, and can add an optional Loch Ness cruise.

“Craig was the best guide/driver ever. Always had little stories about everything which made the trip very interesting.”

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Edinburgh Castle Tours7Edinburgh Ghost Tours28Loch Ness Tours46Isle of Skye Tours31Scotland Whisky Tours34Walking Tours38
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Edinburgh, further in

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