The historic Capital City of Scotland offers a wealth of things to see. After we leave Glasgow we’ll join ‘The Royal Route’, passing interesting landmarks before arriving at the Forth Bridge. Then we’ll continue for an informative and entertaining discovery tour of Edinburgh.
The city offers a wealth of things to explore including the medieval old town, Georgian new town and docklands area. Learn why Edinburgh is called the 7 hill city, see some of the famous views and explore local areas that are off the beaten track.
Each private tour is conducted in our premium Mercedes minivans, ensuring your comfort as we venture along the narrow cobbled streets of Edinburgh.
Your knowledgable kilt-wearing private tour guide will tell you the stories and show you the sights on this tour. We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.
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Tour duration
1 day (9am – 5pm)
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We pick you up
We’ll collect & return you from your Glasgow hotel, Greenock cruise port or Glasgow Airport
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Receipt for your booking immediately
Inclusions:
- All-inclusive private tour
- Door to door service
- Dedicated private tour guide and driver
- All travel costs
- Luxury Mercedes tour van
Exclusions:
- Lunch (we can recommend a place)
- Entrance into attractions & sites
- Gratuities (optional)
KEY SIGHTS ON THIS TOUR…
On the road to Edinburgh
On the journey to Edinburgh we’ll pass the iconic Kelpies statues at Falkirk and Linlithgow Palace sitting pride of place on Linlithgow Loch before coming to our first stop at The Forth Bridges View point. Then we’ll continue into the capital city for a comprehensive tour.
New Town
We’ll start the tour in the New Town of Edinburgh, a large scale development built in Georgian times in part to relieve the hugely over-populated city and in part to provide an enlightened new city. We’ll travel to Calton Hill to see the world-famous view over the city and Castle. Calton Hill boasts some quirky and interesting architecture including the un-finished National Monument of Scotland.
Old Town
Explore the historic medieval old city and Edinburgh’s dark history, learn about the effect of the Black Death, great fire and city developments that lead the world. Depending on your preference we’ll have around 45 minutes walking around the top of the old town, exploring the Closes, nooks and crannies and learning the story of medieval life here.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile that runs for a ‘Scottish mile’ (around 1.1 statute miles / 1.8 kilometres) through the heart of the old town from the Castle to the Palace. We will explore much of the history of its expansion throughout the ages.
Edinburgh Castle
The old city is dominated by Castle hill and the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Whilst we don’t venture inside on this tour, you will get an appreciation for its importance to Edinburgh and its role in Scottish and British history.
Grassmarket
From its sinister past to modern day leisure destination, there are many famous stories about executions that your guide will recite as we walk through this popular area.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The official residence of the British Monarchy in Scotland. The impressive entrance courtyard and Palace dominate the scene including the Queens Gallery next door.
Scottish Parliament
The modernist Scottish Parliament is home to the devolved national government. Immediately adjacent the Palace, the architectural juxtaposition is stark!
Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s seat is the dramatic volcanic ‘plug’ mountain that can be seen from all corners of the city. If open, we will drive round Queens Drive that circumnavigates Arthur’s seat that offers fantastic views over and beyond Edinburgh.
Leith
Technically a separate town, the extensive docklands around Leith and Shore are intertwined with cobbled lanes, tramways and bond buildings. Leith is also the home to The Royal Yacht Britannia, the Queen’s ex private yacht and a floating museum to the monarchy.
Off the beaten trail
On this trip we will also have the opportunity to get of the normal tourist route and explore some of our favourite Edinburgh enclaves. See where people live and how the history that makes Edinburgh famous extends to these areas.
At the end of the day it’s time to return west to Glasgow.
SUGGESTED TOUR ROUTE…
Each tour we operate is unique and designed to your requirements. Here is an example of this tour’s route
- Distance Instructions
- Distance 111 miles
- Time 3 h 39 min
- Speed 30 mph
- Min altitude 0 ft
- Peak 0 ft
- Climb 0 ft
- Descent 0 ft
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
These are some of the frequently asked questions about our Edinburgh Explorer Private Tour from Glasgow, however if you have a specific question please contact us
ALL OF OUR TOURS COME COMPLETE WITH…
KILT WEARING TOUR GUIDE
We are passionate, professional and full of personality. Let us share our knowledge of Scotland
HOTEL / CRUISE BERTH PICK UP
We’ll collect & return you at the start and end of the tour
BOTTLED SCOTTISH WATER
`Chilled, premium still and sparkling Scottish water is provided
PREMIUM MERCEDES MINIVAN
Our minivans offer luxury interiors and excellent legroom for up to 7 guests and their bags
ONBOARD WIFI
Stay connected to friends and family on tour with unlimited super-fast wifi
RECENT CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
Thomas W
Guide picked us up and dropped us off on time (very important since we were coming from a cruise ship) and was very friendly and knowledgeable. Drove us to all the key points of interest, and the van was very clean and comfortable. Communication from [...]
T Miller
From the moment Sandy picked us up, we knew we were in for a wonderful day trip experience around Edinburgh. His historical knowledge of the city and surrounding area is top notch! He tailored our day to take in some hidden gems and provided us [...]
Annemarie D
We had so much fun with Andy! He was a pleasure to spend an afternoon with. We visited Rosslyn Chapel and some other places that were in keeping with our interests, like the oldest pub in Scotland (I know, many make the claim, but I'm [...]
Mary Carol S
Fantastic day with Michael! Great views of Loch Lamond. A nice hike and lunch there as well. Michael was really informative about Sterling Castle and all of Glasgow. I would highly recommend this tour and Michael.