Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion
Traveler rating
3.3/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion worth booking?
Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion is a 8-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $1 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.3/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 3.3/5 (8)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $1 per person
The visiting schedule may vary depending on the Edinburgh port where your ship docks; however, all key aspects of the tour are included regardless of the docking or tendering port. After meeting your official guide, bo
What you get
- Visit to the Palace of Holyrood house (optional Entry- Entry Ticket not Included)
- Drive by the Royal Yacht Britannia
- Guided full day Edinburgh highlights shore excursion
- Visit to the Scottish Parliament building
- Visit to Edinburgh Castle (optional Entry- Entry Ticket not Included))
- Visit to St Giles Cathedral
About this experience
The visiting schedule may vary depending on the Edinburgh port where your ship docks; however, all key aspects of the tour are included regardless of the docking or tendering port. After meeting your official guide, board an air-conditioned coach and begin with a Drive-By visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia ( Drive-By). Continue to Edinburgh Castle for stunning views and history (entry optional). Next, visit the Palace of Holyrood House and enjoy a guided stroll along the iconic Royal Mile, passing St Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament, and historic alleys. Time is included for refreshments and photos. Your guide will provide commentary throughout. Ample breaks are included, and if the ship’s time in port is shortened, visits will be adjusted to ensure on-time return—typically one hour before sailing.
What's included
Included
- Visit to the Palace of Holyrood house (optional Entry- Entry Ticket not Included)
- Drive by the Royal Yacht Britannia
- Guided full day Edinburgh highlights shore excursion
- Visit to the Scottish Parliament building
- Visit to Edinburgh Castle (optional Entry- Entry Ticket not Included))
- Visit to St Giles Cathedral
- Stroll along the Royal Mile
- Services of a licensed qualified Guide
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia served the British Royal Family for over 44 years, sailing more than a million nautical miles across the globe. Commissioned in 1954, this majestic vessel hosted state visits, royal honeymoons, and official receptions. Now permanently berthed in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britannia offers visitors a glimpse into royal life at sea with its elegantly preserved rooms and historic charm. A symbol of tradition and diplomacy, it remains one of the most treasured pieces of maritime history.
Pass by without stopping
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, dominates the skyline of Scotland’s capital. With origins dating back to the Iron Age, it has witnessed centuries of history, including royal births, battles, and sieges. The castle houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny, used in coronations. Visitors explore ancient halls, the National War Museum, and St. Margaret’s Chapel—the city’s oldest building. A symbol of Scottish heritage, Edinburgh Castle remains one of the nation’s most iconic and visited landmarks.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Canongate Kirk
The Palace of Holyrood House, at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, is the official residence of the King in Scotland. Rich in royal history, it was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots, and has been the setting for many dramatic events. Visitors can explore the State Apartments, the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and the beautiful gardens. The palace remains a working royal residence and offers a unique glimpse into Scotland’s past and present monarchy.
45 minutes here · Admission not included
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s most famous street, stretching one mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood House. This historic cobbled road forms the heart of the city's Old Town and is lined with charming shops, traditional pubs, and historic landmarks. It offers a vibrant mix of Scottish culture, architecture, and street performances. Visitors can explore hidden closes (alleys), St Giles Cathedral, and the Scottish Parliament, making the Royal Mile a must-see destination rich in history and character.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Our Guide will display a sign with Your Shore time. Your Joining Instructions are dependant on the port that you will be arriving at. Please see below. In the highly unlikely event you are unable to locate your Guide / Driver - please call our Emergency Support Number 00 44 77979 1386
Meeting point
Edinburgh
After disembarkation, You will be tendered ashore, and at your dis-embarkation point, your guide will be waiting, displaying a sign with ‘YOUR SHORE TIME’.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Our Guide will display a sign with Your Shore time. Your Joining Instructions are dependant on the port that you will be arriving at. Please see below. In the highly unlikely event you are unable to locate your Guide / Driver - please call our Emergency Support Number 00 44 77979 1386
Ends at
After disembarkation, You will be tendered ashore, and at your dis-embarkation point, your guide will be waiting, displaying a sign with ‘YOUR SHORE TIME’.
Options you can book
German Guide
English Guide
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Your Shore Time
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- After disembarkation, You will be tendered ashore, and at your dis-embarkation point, your guide will be waiting, displaying a sign with ‘YOUR SHORE TIME’.
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $1 to $64
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Your Shore Time, who run 23 experiences we rank across 19 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.8.
See everything Your Shore Time runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion cost?
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Prices start at $1 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 Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace 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 Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.3/5 across 8 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 Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace 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 Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion?
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Around 3 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 Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace 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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