Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion

Outty Ranking 49 2.8 · 10 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $87
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Outty Ranking

49/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

2.8/5

Based on 10 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 $87 per person. It scores 49 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 2.8/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
49 / 100
Rating
2.8/5 (10)
Duration
8 hours
From
$87 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, 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 you get

    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

    1. 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

    2. 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

    3. 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

    4. 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

    • English Guide

    • German 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

    Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion, photo 2Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion, photo 3Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion, photo 4Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion, photo 5Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion, photo 6Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Pace and timing

    3 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    10 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    3
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    4
    Sort
    NatandSteve · October 2026

    Terrible experience

    I can’t even begin to rate this tour. My husband and I, along with two other couples, were never picked up from the port as promised, forcing us to spend extra money to get to the city ourselves. After making multiple calls to the company and waiting for a couple of hours, we finally received a call from the driver and had to meet him in the middle of the tour. By that point, we were all frustrated and upset, and the experience had already been ruined. The driver simply drove us around, made a couple of stops, and barely provided any explanations about the places we visited. It was extremely disappointing and one of the worst tour experiences I’ve ever had. We contacted the company, filed a complaint, and were told that some sort of refund would be provided. The tour took place on June 19, and we are still waiting for the issue to be resolved. So far, we have not received any refund. This entire experience was stressful, frustrating, and a complete waste of our day. The lack of organization, poor communication, and disappointing service made what should have been an enjoyable experience absolutely terrible. I would not recommend this tour based on our experience.

    via Viator

    JohnBrent_S · September 2026

    Tour bus didn’t show

    The tour bus was a no show and when we called the emergency contact number, it was disconnected. Very disappointed!

    via Viator

    Daniel_H · July 2026

    Great introduction to Edinburgh

    Our tour guide, John, was excellent. He conducted the tour with great knowledge and an outstanding sense of humor.

    via Viator

    F2798WErobm · July 2026

    So so

    Guide was very nice but unfamiliar with Edinburgh, which didn't help. also, the rain put a damper on the day

    via Tripadvisor

    Dennis_D · June 2026

    We would recommend this...

    We would recommend this trip if interested in seeing all of the art, culture and architecture in this charming town. Plenty of free time to roam, choose a lunch/snack spot, etc while in town.

    via Viator

    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
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    4
    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 runs

    Why this scores 49

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)39
    Review evidence (18% weight)30
    Booking momentum (14% weight)23
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    Prices start at $87 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 49 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (2.8/5 across 10 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    Around 4 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?

    +

    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 The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion?

    +

    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; and Visit to Edinburgh Castle (optional Entry- Entry Ticket not Included)). Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion?

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    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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion offered in?

    +

    It is offered in German and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion?

    +

    Across 10 reviews averaging 2.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    What booking options are available for Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace Shore Excursion?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including English Guide, German Guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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