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EdinburghCastle & palace tours

Our most recommended Edinburgh Castle & palace tours

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

1. Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

Head for the Highlands, whether in search of the Loch Ness Monster or just a scenic day trip from Edinburgh. After pickup, relax on the bus and listen to the guide’s entertaining commentary. Visit Kilmahog for an introduction to the famous Highland Cows (depending on the time of year) and a cup of coffee. Next, travel up the road to Glencoe and enjoy a 10-minute photo stop in front of the unforgettable Highland views. Have lunch in the Fort William area, where your guide can advise you on where to eat. If you're interested in the mysteries of the kilt, you can even get a ‘wee’ kilt introduction here. Then be whisked to Loch Ness itself. Customize your experience at Loch Ness. Choose to visit the majestic Urquhart Castle, and hop on a boat in search of ‘Nessie’, as the locals call it. Or simply hang out on the pier and grab a coffee with gorgeous views. On the way home, make a short snack stop in Pitlochry, a beautiful village in the heart of the country, before returning to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh: Skip-the-Line Walking Tour of Edinburgh Castle

2. Edinburgh: Skip-the-Line Walking Tour of Edinburgh Castle

Discover the home of Mary Queen of Scots on this guided walking tour of Edinburgh Castle. Admire the 16th-century Great Hall where parties and feast took place. Learn about the bloody history of the kings and queens who lived in this castle.  Meet your guide and walk to Edinburgh Castle which dominates the city skyline from its seat on the extinct volcano of Castle Rock. Stroll on the castle's promenade and hear about the the origins and sieges of the castle. View where the Royal Military Tattoo is performed. Enter the castle and make your way to the three museums and two prisons. Go to the National Monument to the fallen of Scotland and a canine cemetery. See the oldest building in the city at the Chapel of Saint Margaret. Be captivated by the grandeur of the Great Hall and a Royal Palace. After the tour you will have time to explore all of the buildings inside the castle until its closure.

Edinburgh Castle: Tour in English with Fast-Track Entry

3. Edinburgh Castle: Tour in English with Fast-Track Entry

Begin your tour by the statue of Adam Smith on the Royal Mile. Walk towards Edinburgh Castle as your guide sets the scene, explaining the significance of the Castle and mentioning some of the key characters who have helped shape it. Once inside, let your guide walk you through the Castle complex. Hear their in-depth knowledge of the Castle's main buildings and attractions, including the Argyle Battery and One O'clock Gun, the Hospital Square and Western Panorama. See the Castle dungeons and military prison, the Black Banquet and Thomas Randolph's daring castle raid. Encounter St Margret's Chapel, Mons Meg, the Crown Square, and The Honors of Scotland. After the tour, enjoy some time at your leisure to explore the castle museums (not accessible during the tour).

Edinburgh Castle: Highlights Tour with Fast Track Entry

4. Edinburgh Castle: Highlights Tour with Fast Track Entry

Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, a historic fortress with a skip-the-line entry ticket. Admire the treasures of the castle like the Honours of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, and more on a guided tour. Wander along the ancient cobblestone paths and immerse yourself in the castle's captivating ambiance. You will discover the lesser-known areas of the castle, like the Western Panorama and Hospital Square. Continue to the National War Museum. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere and hear intriguing tales of the castle. Your guide will tell you about the castle's historical significance as a military fortress and royal palace. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh from the castle's ramparts. Experience a memorable journey while discovering the secrets and stories of one of Scotland's most treasured landmarks.

Edinburgh: Palace of Holyroodhouse Entry Ticket

5. Edinburgh: Palace of Holyroodhouse Entry Ticket

Wander the opulent state rooms and lavish gardens of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, His Majesty The King's official Scottish residence, located at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Once inside the baroque palace, learn about its close associations with Scotland's history via a complimentary multimedia guide (available in 9 languages). Visit the State Apartments to see the changing tastes of successive monarchs. Marvel at fine plasterwork ceilings and Brussels tapestries, along with paintings and other artworks in rooms still used by the King and Royal Family for official ceremonies. Go to the Throne Room to see where lunch was served to the Knights and Ladies of the Order of the Thistle when a new knight was installed. Discover where the King holds his private audiences in the Morning Drawing Room. Continue to the Great Gallery, where Scottish residents named in the New Year’s Honours List or Kings Birthday Honours List receive their award at an Investiture ceremony. Admire Jacob de Wet's portraits of real and legendary kings of Scotland in the Great Gallery, the largest room in the palace. Learn about dramatic events from Scotland’s history in Mary Queen of Scots' historic chambers, where she witnessed the brutal murder of her secretary, Rizzio, by her jealous husband, Lord Darnley. At the end of your multimedia tour, enjoy a refreshing drink or light lunch (own expense) at the Café at the Palace.

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Historical Tour w/ Tickets Included

6. Edinburgh Castle: Guided Historical Tour w/ Tickets Included

Join us on an unforgettable journey through the centuries as we explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle on a walking tour that will bring Scotland's rich history to life! As you explore, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with tales of battles won and lost, royalty and rebels, and the colorful characters who have called the castle home over the centuries. You'll be greeted with breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside, providing a unique perspective on this beautiful city. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique and educational experience, a walking tour of Edinburgh Castle is a must-do activity in Scotland's capital. So come and discover the rich cultural heritage of this iconic landmark, and immerse yourself in the history of one of the most fascinating places in all of Europe! *This is a visit of the Castle grounds only, as no guides are allowed inside the buildings.

From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces and Jacobites Tour

7. From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces and Jacobites Tour

Step into the story and witness the scenic landscapes and ruins from the TV show "Outlander" on this day trip from Edinburgh. Travel in a comfortable bus and see the village of Cranesmuir and the Tuilyies Standing Stones. Board your bus in Edinburgh's Royal Mile and head to Midhope Castle. Explore this 16th-century Tower House, which served as the backdrop to Lallybroch; Jamie Fraser's family home. Next, head to Blackness, home to Blackness Castle, an optional extra on this tour. The castle is used to represent Fort William in the series. Learn why this castle is known as "the ship that never sailed". Following in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie, your Outlander tour travels northwest to the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow. Stop to take a photo of Linlithgow Palace, Outlander's Wentworth Prison. Explore the town, purchase refreshments, and learn about this palace's history as a relaxing retreat for the Royal Family on journeys between Edinburgh and Stirling Castle. Continue to the Royal Burgh of Culross. a tiny 17th-century village on the coast of Fife. The gardens here feature in Claire's herb garden and the Mercat Cross in Outlanders' Cranesmuir Village. Enjoy plenty of time to stroll through this picturesque town and visit the quaint Biscuit Café. Next, head to Falkland. This small village in Fife served as the set for Inverness in Outlander, where Claire and Frank arrive on their second honeymoon. Spend time exploring the small village, enjoy refreshments, and optionally visit Falkland Palace and Gardens. Finish your tour with a stop in South Queensferry for photos and a stunning view over the Firth of Forth before returning to Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh: "Outlander" Filming Locations Explorer Tour

8. From Edinburgh: "Outlander" Filming Locations Explorer Tour

Join a local guide and discover some of the stunning filming locations from the hit TV series "Outlander". Admire the views of Doune Castle, Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, and the quaint villages of Culross and Falkand on a tour departing from Edinburgh. Set out from Edinburgh early in the morning for a journey to some of the most famous locations from the series. Relieve some of your favorite moments from the show as you gain insight into the history of each location from your local guide. Leave the capital behind and first drive to the instantly recognizable Midhope Castle. Enter the grounds and discover the real-life Lallybroch and the home of Jamie Fraser. Next, travel to Doune Castle, or Castle Leoch, which was also featured as Winterfell in "Game of Thrones" and as the castle in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". You have the option of entering the castle, or you can simply admire it from the outside. Next, travel to the ancient Kingdom of Fife, an area of great historical importance. Make a stop in Culross, where Claire was accused of witchcraft in the village of Cranesmuir. Admire one of the most complete examples of a typical 17th and 18th-century burgh that remains in Scotland today. For your penultimate stop, head to the charming village of Falkland, which was used as the filming location for 1940s Inverness. Admire some of the 28 listed buildings, which indicates their national historic and architectural significance. Finally, visit Blackness Castle which is perched on a strategic point overlooking Blackness Bay. Then, hop back on the bus and relax on the return journey to Edinburgh.

From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

9. From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

Explore the Scottish Highlands and admire its spectacular scenery on a guided tour from Edinburgh. Discover more about Scottish historical figures and events with stops at Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and Kelpies. Depart Edinburgh and travel through the historic grace of Linlithgowshire. Your guide will help you spot Linlithgow palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. On the way to Loch Lomond, make a stop at the Kelpies Monument. These two horses’ heads stand as a testament to the horse power that drove the industrial development of Central Scotland. From here you head to the shores of Loch Lomond, which is Scotland’s largest loch and is protected as Scotland’s first National Park. This is the perfect place to enjoy a walk along the ‘bonny banks’ and take in fantastic views of the mountains. This tranquil area was once the home of Scotland’s famous highland folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. By spending time on the trails by the loch you’ll be walking in the footsteps of one of Scotland’s greatest legends. Head into the Trossachs or ‘The Highlands in Miniature’, where the Lowlands meet the Highlands. See steep mountains, shimmering lochs, and thick forests. You stop for lunch in the heart of the National Park then continue to the city of Stirling where you can visit one of Scotland’s most magnificent castles. You can choose to take in the views from inside and understand why this castle was so instrumental in Scottish history. From here, make a short journey back to Edinburgh via Kelpies before arriving back in the capital.

From Edinburgh: Outlander Adventure Day Tour

10. From Edinburgh: Outlander Adventure Day Tour

After leaving Edinburgh at 9:15 AM you will travel back in time as your driver guides you over the Queensferry Crossing to Culross. This virtually-unchanged 16th-century village overlooks the sea and poses as the fictional town of Cranesmuir. You have time to visit Claire’s herb garden, explore the palace, or wander the ancient streets while you imagine what life must have been like 400 years ago. You will journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building gives you an insight into the living conditions of a Scottish earl in the 14th century. You can also listen to an excellent audio guide about how this castle was used as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Your next stop is Linlithgow Palace. Here you have time to enjoy beautiful views to the Forth bridges, have a picnic by the loch, and explore the ruins of Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace. If you’re feeling brave, you can visit the spot where that gruesome Outlander scene took place. You then travel the short distance to Blackness Castle. It’s an impressive castle that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat. You have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall. Midhope Castle* is your next highlight. Unfortunately, visitors are unable to go inside the castle, but Jamie’s lovely Lallybroch home is still an essential photo opportunity for any fan of the show. Before heading back to Edinburgh, you will have a final stop in the colorful harbor area of South Queensferry and will return to Edinburgh by approximately 5:45 PM.

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What people are saying about Edinburgh

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 4,655 reviews

Amazing trip from Edinburgh to the highlands of Scotland. Our guide / driver Nestor was awesome and made it a great “Scottish” experience. He played great Scottish music and gave the history behind it along side with the epic scenery which really created a unique and enjoyable experience. What I loved the most was that Nestor set the ground rules/expect and at the beginning so there were no surprises and everything went to plan. We had extra photo ops which I was very valuable for me and my wife. He dodged the busy areas so we all can have more time and privacy to take better photos. Overall a great trip, thank you Nestor for sharing your culture with us!

It’s our first time in Edinburgh and our first tour of the castle, while searching for tours I noticed the price was the same without a tour guide as it was with one so we went with a tour guide and I’m so happy we did. We had the best experience with our guide Angus. He was so welcoming and made it very exciting not only with his knowledge of history but also made it so much fun with his sense of humor. We will definitely be back and would 100% recommend! go raibh míle maith agat agus Slán go fóil, from Ireland

The tour itself was beautiful. The guide, Paul, was amazing. He was always available in case anything happened and was really good at explaining the history of each site.

Sarah was the best tour guide - she really knew how to tell a story and had fantastic knowledge of the history. Would highly recommend it!

Rick was fantastic as our tour guide! The whole tour was exceptional!