City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion worth booking?
City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion is a 8-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $217 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 57 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $217 per person
Discover the best of Scotland’s capital on a semi-private tour designed for cruise guests who want to go beyond the typical sightseeing loop. With small group sizes, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and immersive experience
What you get
- Edinburgh Castle Ticket
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local Driver-Guide
- 2 Hour Old Town Walking Tour
About this experience
Discover the best of Scotland’s capital on a semi-private tour designed for cruise guests who want to go beyond the typical sightseeing loop. With small group sizes, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and immersive experience led by a local guide who knows how to bring Edinburgh’s layered history to life. Your day combines a panoramic drive through the Georgian elegance of the New Town with a guided walking tour of the Old Town, where cobbled closes and historic landmarks reveal the city’s medieval past. From the Royal Mile to Victoria Street and the Vennel Steps, your guide shares fascinating stories that make the streets come alive. With entrance to Edinburgh Castle included, you’ll cap off the day with a self-guided visit to Scotland’s most iconic stronghold, complete with sweeping city views. This carefully curated itinerary offers the perfect balance of storytelling, scenery, and independence—far from the crowds of larger tours.
What's included
Included
- Edinburgh Castle Ticket
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Local Driver-Guide
- 2 Hour Old Town Walking Tour
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
New Town
Your day ashore in Edinburgh begins with a scenic drive through part of the city’s elegant New Town. Renowned for its Georgian architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status, the New Town offers a striking contrast to the medieval charm of the Old Town. Here, you’ll see grand townhouses, sweeping crescents, and stately squares, reflecting 18th-century sophistication and modern urban planning.
Pass by without stopping
Palace of Holyroodhouse
You'll be driven to Holyrood Palace—the official Scottish residence of the King—where your walking tour guide will be waiting to lead you on an immersive half-day journey through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
Pass by without stopping
Old Town
*Old Town Walking Tour - Cost Included* This does require a moderate level of physical ability to fully enjoy the experience. We recommend comfortable shoes and a spirit for adventure! While the terrain can be uneven, the charm of the Old Town is well worth exploring. With your expert guide, you’ll stroll through highlights of the Old Town, including the historic Royal Mile, the colourful charm of Victoria Street (a must-see for Harry Potter fans), the lively Grassmarket, and the hidden Vennel Steps. Along the way, your guide will bring the city’s dramatic stories to life, from medieval trade routes to infamous historical figures. The two hour walking tour fee is included, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s captivating atmosphere.
120 minutes here
Edinburgh Old Town
LUNCH We recommend The Redcoat Cafe inside Edinburgh Castle for lunch. This will allow you to make the most of your time. Your walking guide will escort you to the castle entrance
60 minutes here · Admission included
Edinburgh Castle
*Entrance Included* You’ll be escorted to the gate for a self-guided tour of this iconic fortress. Explore the Great Hall, see the famous Stone of Destiny, and enjoy unbeatable views stretching across the city—a fitting finale to your unforgettable day in ‘Auld Reekie.’ After your castle visit, reconnect with your driver for a comfortable return to the cruise port, taking home the magic and memories of Edinburgh’s timeless contrasts.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
The driver-guide will meet you at the end of the tender dock with branded signage.
Meeting point
Edinburgh
The driver-guide will meet you at the entrance gate to the port with branded signage.
Meeting point
Edinburgh
The driver-guide will meet you at the entrance of the cruise terminal with branded signage.
Meeting point
Edinburgh
The driver-guide will meet you at the end of the tender dock with branded signage.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The driver-guide will meet you at the end of the tender dock with branded signage.
Ends at
The driver-guide will meet you at the entrance gate to the port with branded signage.
Ends at
The driver-guide will meet you at the entrance of the cruise terminal with branded signage.
Ends at
The driver-guide will meet you at the end of the tender dock with branded signage.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shore Excursion Scotland
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not suitable for children under 12yrs
- Remaining time is allocated for travel between stops
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Hours of Edinburgh
Our cruise did not offer the stops involving Edinburgh that we were specifically going for and after consults with several guides our pick was with Martin at Shore Excursions Scotland. He built two different trips for us to include leaving Glasgow for a day in Edinburgh with castle and Tattoo tickets. This trip allowed us to spend the day and see those events. With the crowd size we didn't quite make it around to all of our bucket list sites so it appears a return is in order!! It also gave us the opportunity, on the flip side, to spend the Queensferry day of Edinburgh with a countryside drive view into St Andrews with the AVID golfer in our party.
via Tripadvisor
Incredible trip to Edinburgh Military Tattoo
We took the shore excursion from our cruise ship in Greenock to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Seeing that show was a bucket list item for me. We were picked up at our ship and driven to Edinburgh. The driver was extremely polite and fun to ride with. They dropped off the group close to the castle where we were escorted to our seats. After the show, our van trip back to the ship was parked really close as well. While this was the same excursion Princess has, ours left the ship 2 hours later and arrived back to the ship 40 minutes earlier. It was a much better experience overall than provided by the ship. I'd recommend this company over the ship's excursion easily.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're delighted we could help make seeing the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, especially as a bucket-list experience, such a memorable part of your visit to Scotland. It's particularly great to hear that you enjoyed the convenience of our smaller-group transfer, from being collected directly at the ship to getting you close to Edinburgh Castle and back to Greenock comfortably after the show. We really appreciate your recommendation, especially your comparison with the cruise line's excursion. Providing a more personal and relaxed alternative to the larger ship tours is exactly what we aim to do. Thank you again for choosing Shore Excursion Scotland. We hope the Tattoo lived up to everything you'd been looking forward to!
via Tripadvisor
Edinburgh City
This was such a great way to see Edinburgh during our cruise stop with Princess! We loved exploring the Old Town with our guide and learning about the history and stories behind the city. Edinburgh Castle was definitely a highlight, and the views were incredible. The small group was a nice surprise and everything felt relaxed and personal. One of our favorite days in Scotland!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We're delighted you enjoyed exploring Edinburgh with Shore Excursion Scotland. It's especially great to hear that you enjoyed the relaxed, small-group experience. Thank you for choosing Shore Excursion Scotland during your Princess cruise – we're thrilled to have been part of one of your favourite days in Scotland!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour! No problem...
Great tour! No problem meeting up with our friendly driver even with a tender port. Very knowledgeable and personable tour guide for walking tour and plenty of time on our own in Edinburgh with exact information on where to meet our driver afterwards.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your great review of our City of Edinburgh excursion. I'm delighted to see that you enjoyed the walking section of this tour - I think this adds a different dimension when you are able to see Edinburgh Old Town on foot. We hope to see you again in the near future!
via Viator
Outstanding experience
This is a new company, but they provided a very professional and educational experience. The guide/driver was very engaging, educational and fun. There was another guide for a walking tour of Edinburgh and she was outstanding. She provided history mixed with stories and background. Also, our tender from our ship was delayed, but the company adjusted our schedule without issue. It was very easy to find them at the port. This company did an outstanding job and I recommend them!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your recommendation and your kind review - it really helps us reach out to potential customers in our first season! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the walking tour section - we wanted to add in a local's view of the Old Town and I believe this will really open up a different side of Edinburgh. We hope you'll come and see us again on your next cruise! Best Wishes, Martin
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 57
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion cost?
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Prices start at $217 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 8-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does City of Edinburgh Shore Excursion start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe and The Highlands, Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William, Edinburgh Ghost Tour: Mysteries, Legends and Murders. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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