Sightseeing Tours from Edinburgh
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10 best Sightseeing tour packages from Edinburgh
Compiled by
MelissaEdinburgh travel expert at TourRadar
- Classic Scotland: Edinburgh to the Highlands
- Scottish Highland Fling
- Scottish Highlands Escape
- Mull, Iona & Staffa Puffin Experience
- Elegance of Great Britain (Small Groups, Summer, Start Edinburgh, 11 Days)
- Wild Skye & Loch Ness Hunter
- Isle of Skye & Hebridean Hopper
- Scotland in a Week (Classic, Summer)
- Scotland in a Week (Age 27-35)
- Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days
The Royal Mile beckons from the centrally-located Radisson Blu, while Arthur's Seat offers panoramic city views. Edinburgh Castle, former home of King James VI, stands proudly alongside the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Old Town's winding streets and ancient strongholds come alive through expert guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunblane, Stirling, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Pitlochry, Cairngorms National Park Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$6,775
Scottish Highland Fling
269 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our guide was very knowledgeable, we saw all of the things we hoped to see, the hotels we stayed at were very nice and accommodating.”
Brooke, traveled in August
Old and New Towns reveal their secrets through expert local guides. Scottish Crown Jewels shine at Edinburgh Castle, while the Royal Mile and Georgian architecture impress. August visitors can witness the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performance.
Duration 10 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, Thurso, Orkney Islands, Durness, Ullapool, Gairloch, Isle of SkyeSee all destinations Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Globus From $5,839
10% Off- NZ$5,255You save $584
Scottish Highlands Escape
188 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I loved Scotland! We made good friends, we just felt we didn't have much time on stops.”
Mark, traveled in March
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Pitlochry, Inverness, Culloden, Fort William, Oban, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Glasgow Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Globus From
10% Off- NZ$1,910
Mull, Iona & Staffa Puffin Experience
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The scenery was amazing! The puffins were gorgeous and the beaches on Iona were stunning.”
Gillian, traveled in June
The Royal Mile serves as the historic gateway to Edinburgh's treasures and Scotland's natural wonders. The route winds through Stirling's ancient streets, Luss's conservation village, and offers views of the majestic Arrochar Alps from Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint.
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Stirling, Luss, Inveraray, Oban, Isle of Mull, Tobermory, Glencoe Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Explorer Tours From
10% Off- NZ$1,629
Elegance of Great Britain (Small Groups, Summer, Start Edinburgh, 11 Days)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers
A Local Expert guides you through Edinburgh's Old Town, showcasing Edinburgh Castle's Mons Meg and the Stone of Destiny. The 18th-century New Town features Adam facades and Scott Memorial, culminating in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo against the castle's floodlit backdrop.
Duration 11 days Destinations Edinburgh, Ardgowan, Gretna Green, Kendal, Grasmere, Leven, Windermere, Lake District National Park, York, HaworthSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Insight Vacations From $10,275
10% Off- NZ$9,248You save $1,028
Wild Skye & Loch Ness Hunter
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Our bus was reliable, but the driver was excellent at navigating the roads. My husband and I had a divine time.”
Ann, traveled in June
Architectural grandeur greets visitors before crossing the Forth Road Bridge. Modern marvels await at the Kelpies sculptures, standing 30 meters tall near Falkirk. Photo opportunities abound at Stirling Castle while learning about William Wallace's historic battles.
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Dunkeld, Culloden, Inverness, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus, Portree, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan, GlencoeSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator Haggis Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$789
Isle of Skye & Hebridean Hopper
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We really loved the islands and the highlands and were sad to leave it behind.”
Dieuwke, traveled in August
St Andrew Square launches your adventure to The Kelpies sculptures and Stirling Castle. The famous Jacobite Steam Train ride precedes a return through Cairngorms National Park, with expert commentary on William Wallace and Wars of Independence.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, Falkirk, Loch Ness, Inverness, Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve, Ullapool, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Isle of Harris, CallanishSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator Haggis Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$1,879
Explore Edinburgh Castle atop an extinct volcano, stroll the historic Royal Mile, and discover hidden closes. Optional guided tours reveal the city's secrets, while Princes Street offers premium shopping. Perfect blend of historical architecture and modern culture.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Loch Ness, Dundreggan, Glasgow Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $2,375
15% Off- NZ$2,019You save $356
Edinburgh Castle rises from its volcanic perch, watching over the historic Royal Mile and Princes Street's tartan treasures. Expert-led tours reveal blood-curdling tales while panoramic city views unfold from ancient ramparts.
Duration 6 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, Glasgow Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From
15% Off- NZ$1,991
Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were very clean and tidy with a good location to town.”
Victoria, traveled in September
Your Scottish adventure starts at St Andrew Square Bus Station, taking in the magnificent Forth Rail Bridge. The route leads to Scone Palace's elegant gardens, showcasing Scotland's most iconic landmarks across 5 memorable days.
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Ullapool, Stornoway, Inverness, Loch Ness, Cairngorms National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From $3,405
25% Off- NZ$2,554You save $851
What people love about Sightseeing Tours from Edinburgh
- Scottish Highland Fling
Excellent tour leader and driver. Great itinerary though sometimes almost too much in one day.
- Isle of Skye, Loch Ness & Inverness
I did the 5 day Highland Tour with Glenn as our driver and tour guide. I loved his energy and passion for his country. We had a great group of 26 including a family with kids, sisters, friends, couples, singles and he made a way of making us all feel comfortable whether through music, conversation, jokes etc. He also took the time to compose a quiz for us and a playlist of all our favorite music. He also really seemed to be having fun. I would highly recommend this tour with Glenn
- Scotland and Ireland (Classic, Summer)
From the moment I met up with the tour in Scottland, Megs felt like an old friend I hadn't seen in awhile. She wasn't just the leader of the group but one of us!! She made the trip what it was, awesome and fun!! When I go on my next tour I could only hope that Megs was the tour leader, I only have the upmost respect for her and what she does. To sum Megs up in one word... Epic!!!
What our customers ask about Sightseeing Tours from Edinburgh
What are the most popular first-day activities for sightseeing tours starting in Edinburgh?
Your first day in Edinburgh usually starts with a walk down the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, which sits on top of an old volcano. Many tours kick off with dinner at places like the Radisson Blu, where you can get to know your group and maybe try some Scottish whisky. As one traveler told us: "the tour guide was phenomenal and made sure everyone had a great time from day one."
Which months offer the best weather for sightseeing tours starting in Edinburgh?
Plan your trip between May and September for the nicest weather, when temperatures are usually between 59-66°F (15-19°C) and you get lots of daylight. You'll likely stay at places like the Mercure Edinburgh Haymarket or Radisson Blu during these busy months. One traveler who went in July said they "had great weather with only one rainy day, perfect for exploring the Highlands."
What type of accommodation can I expect on sightseeing tours from Edinburgh?
You'll stay in nice hotels like the Voco Edinburgh Haymarket and DoubleTree by Hilton. In Edinburgh, you'll be close to the Royal Mile, while in the Highlands you might stay in beautiful old buildings like the Atholl Palace Hotel in Pitlochry. One happy traveler mentioned that "the hotels were all centrally located and of high quality, making it easy to explore each destination."
What are the most visited landmarks on sightseeing tours starting from Edinburgh?
You'll see the big ones like Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Stirling Castle, and Loch Ness. Most tours also take you to Culloden Battlefield, Eilean Donan Castle, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct - you might recognize it from the Harry Potter movies. According to one traveler, "the variety of castles, lochs, and historic sites exceeded expectations, with Edinburgh Castle being a definite highlight."
What's included in meal plans for sightseeing tours from Edinburgh?
Your tour typically covers breakfast each day and some dinners at your hotel or local restaurants. You'll get to try traditional Scottish food, including haggis, often paired with whisky at places like the Kailyard by Nick Nairn restaurant. One traveler mentioned that "the included Scottish dinners were excellent, especially the welcome dinner with whisky tasting in Edinburgh."
How much free time is typically available during sightseeing tours from Edinburgh?
You'll usually get 2-3 hours of free time each day, with some afternoons completely open in bigger cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. If you're staying at the Radisson Blu Edinburgh or Leonardo Royal Glasgow, you'll have plenty of time to explore on your own. One traveler said there was "a good balance between organized activities and free time to explore on our own."