Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 47 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour worth booking?
Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour is a 5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $783 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 47 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (47)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $783 per person
The Edinburgh city tour is unique for several reasons: **Historic and Architectural Significance** **Literary Connections** **Scenic Views** **Cultural Festivals** **Dark History** **Unique Attractions** **Royal Connections** Together, these elements make the Edinburgh city tour a distinctive and multifaceted experience, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Tour will be our traditional Black Cab-LEVC TXE VISTA COMFORT PLUS within full Air-Conditioned & Heating control vehicle. complementary water bottle. Vehicle are fully insured and have full public liability insurance. Our driver & guide are officially recognised by the City of Edinburgh Council. All tours are priced per vehicle which can hold up to 6 passengers. We assured fully safe & secure every tour with bespoke tour, also provide any pick up or drop off in Edinburgh based location, including Air-port transport.
What you get
About this experience
The Edinburgh city tour is unique for several reasons: **Historic and Architectural Significance** **Literary Connections** **Scenic Views** **Cultural Festivals** **Dark History** **Unique Attractions** **Royal Connections** Together, these elements make the Edinburgh city tour a distinctive and multifaceted experience, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Tour will be our traditional Black Cab-LEVC TXE VISTA COMFORT PLUS within full Air-Conditioned & Heating control vehicle. complementary water bottle. Vehicle are fully insured and have full public liability insurance. Our driver & guide are officially recognised by the City of Edinburgh Council. All tours are priced per vehicle which can hold up to 6 passengers. We assured fully safe & secure every tour with bespoke tour, also provide any pick up or drop off in Edinburgh based location, including Air-port transport.
What's included
Included
- Transport by air-conditions Mercedes Vito or Ford Tourneo minivan
- Bottled Water & Soft Drinks
- Hotel/Cruise Port/Airport Pick Up & Drop Off
- Live commentary on board
- Private Tour-Just you & your professional local tour guide-Photo Opportunities & Short Walk
Not included
- Gratuities
- Optional entrances
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Walk the historic mile linking Castle and Palace. Lined with landmarks, shops, and tales, it forms the vibrant spine of the Old Town.
30 minutes here
Edinburgh Castle
Rising high above the Old Town on Castle Hill, Edinburgh Castle stands as one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. Step inside its ancient walls to uncover the stories that have shaped the history of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Britain. Discover the elegant Royal Apartments, the historic Great Hall, and St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving structure in the city. A tour of the castle can be included in the tour as per your preferences, depending on timing.) or (drive by and drive through).
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Edinburgh Old Town
Explore medieval closes and towering tenements. Discover stories of plague, fire, and innovation shaping a city that influenced urban planning worldwide.
20 minutes here
New Town
Admire elegant Georgian streets built to ease overcrowding. A vision of Enlightenment ideals, its symmetry and grandeur showcase ambitious 18th-century planning.
20 minutes here
St Giles' Cathedral
The St. Giles Cathedral: The current church building dates from the 14th century onwards and its distinctive crown steeple is one of Edinburgh's best-known landmarks. The church's role in the Scottish Reformation and the Covenanters’ Rebellion has led to its being called "the Mother Church of World Presbyterianism". Alongside housing an active congregation, the church is one of Scotland's most popular visitor sites, welcoming over a million visitors in 2018.
10 minutes here
The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
Stroll a narrow vennel passage to frame perfect castle views. These historic alleyways weave through the city, revealing dramatic perspectives and hidden corners.
10 minutes here
Discover the monarch’s Scottish residence. Its grand courtyard and historic chambers reflect royal tradition, with the Queen’s Gallery displaying treasures beside the palace.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Arthur's Seat
See the extinct volcano towering above the city. Drive Queens Drive for sweeping panoramas across Edinburgh and beyond to distant hills and sea.
10 minutes here
Greyfriars Bobby
Meet Edinburgh’s most faithful dog and hear the touching story that made him a global symbol of loyalty.
5 minutes here
Surgeons' Hall Museum
Discover one of the world’s oldest surgical museums, home to fascinating — and sometimes shocking — exhibits from medical history.
15 minutes here
South Queensferry
Visit this charming riverside town. Admire the iconic Victorian Forth Rail Bridge and the striking modern Queensferry Crossing spanning the Firth of Forth.
60 minutes here
Dean Village
Wander this tranquil riverside enclave below Dean Bridge. Cross the Water of Leith and enjoy picturesque architecture in one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems.
20 minutes here
Royal Yacht Britannia
Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia, also known as the Royal Yacht Britannia. Britannia is permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal, Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a popular visitor attraction with over 300,000 visits each year. (drive by and drive through)
5 minutes here · Admission not included
The Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament: Visit the Scottish Parliament for free. You can see our Chamber, take a free tour, get involved in free events and exhibitions and find out about the history of the Parliament.
10 minutes here
Calton Hill
Climb for world-famous views over Princes Street and the Castle. Discover striking monuments, including Scotland’s unfinished National Monument crowning the hill.
35 minutes here
Duddingston Kirk
Visit this historic village church beneath Arthur’s Seat. Nearby, the Sheep Heid Inn welcomes guests with centuries of colourful stories and famous patrons.
25 minutes here
Rosslyn Chapel
One of the things that makes Rosslyn Chapel so unique is its air of mystery. Thanks to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, it's now famous as a possible hiding place for the Holy Grail. And while we can't promise you'll find the Grail, the sealed crypt beneath the chapel certainly sparks the imagination!
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Grassmarket
Explore this historic marketplace beneath the Castle. Once the site of public executions, it echoes with dramatic tales of crime and punishment.
15 minutes here
Victoria Street
This colorful curved street is said to have inspired Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series. A magical stop for photos and stories.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
7 Hours Private Tour
Duration: 7 hours: Please Note: Our tour runs on a fixed schedule with photography and shopping. Extra time may mean missing some attractions. 7 hours Private Tour: Please select up to 14 attractions of your choice of interest but choose one of them-3 Bridges or Rosslyn Chapel. Pickup included
6 Hours Private Tour
Duration: 6 hours: Please Note: Our tour runs on a fixed schedule with photography and shopping. Extra time may mean missing some attractions. 6 hours Private Tour: Please select up to 10 attractions of your choice of interest. Except Rosslyn Chapel. Pickup included
5 Hours Private Tour
Duration: 5 hours Pickup included
8 hours Private Tour
Please Note:The entire itinerary will be covered, but Choose one of them-Three Bridges or Rosslyn Chapel. We don"t cover both Duration: 8 hours: Please Note: Our tour runs on a fixed schedule with photography and shopping. Extra time may mean missing some attractions. Pickup included
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
- Love Scotland and Edinburgh Tours
Know before you go
- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Customize the tour itinerary to suit your preferences, if you wish
- The tour guide will be wait 15 minutes at the pickup location for the private tour guest. If the guest does not arrive, it will be considered a NO SHOW.
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- If the cruise ship unable to dock due to weather conditions, we will be able to give a partial refund.
- Pushchair accessible
- Most Travellers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- The admission fees for Itineraries 7, 13, and 17 are not included but if travelers want to buy the admission tickets its fine but it is not mandatory
- Transport by Private London Black Cab on Request
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 47 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
47 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
This is a great overview...
This is a great overview of the city. Hitting the highlights and also letting you in on some hidden gems.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm really glad the overview struck that balance — it's always a joy to cover the can't-miss highlights while sneaking in a few lesser-known spots for those who want to explore a little deeper. Thanks for reading, and happy travels!
via Viator
It was a private tour...
It was a private tour which covered the city’s beautiful sights. Will, our tour guide was very knowledgeable as he was a native. He was very considerate and kind!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the private tour and that it showcased the city's beautiful sights. It means a lot to us that Will made such a positive impression — his local knowledge and native insight are truly something we're proud of, and we're so glad his considerate and kind nature made your tour special. We'll be sure to pass along your lovely words to him. We hope to welcome you back for another tour soon!
via Viator
My husband and I had the...
My husband and I had the most delightful tour! Our guide Mr. Sak was as knowledgeable as any Edinburgh historian, detailed and thorough. We explored the main sites as well as many hidden pathways and photo stops. Thank you!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your husband had such a delightful tour with Mr. Sak. He truly has a passion for Edinburgh’s history, and it means the world to us that you appreciated his depth of knowledge and attention to detail. We’re especially glad you enjoyed the mix of iconic landmarks and those hidden gems—those secret spots often make the best memories (and photos!). Your kind words will be shared with Mr. Sak, who will be just as delighted to read them. Should your travels bring you back to Edinburgh, we’d be honored to welcome you again for another adventure. Until then, warm wishes and safe journeys!
via Viator
Edinburgh Detailed Snapshot
Our tour of Edinburgh was excellent. Our guide was very knowledgeable, kind, courteous and funny! Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and that our guide made it memorable with their knowledge and humor. It truly means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
via Viator
Our driver was very...
Our driver was very knowledgeable about Edinburgh and was a careful driver. We would highly recommend him to anyone needing a tour in Edinburgh. He was very friendly and made our experience memorable.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that our driver’s knowledge and safe driving made your Edinburgh tour so enjoyable. It’s great to know that his friendly approach helped create a memorable experience for you. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him. If you ever return to Edinburgh, we’d love to welcome you back for another tour! Warm regards, Lin Manager
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 16
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Love Scotland and Edinburgh Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.1.
See everything Love Scotland and Edinburgh Tours runsWhy this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour cost?
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Prices start at $783 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 Private Full Day Guided Tour take?
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Plan for about 5 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 Private Full Day Guided Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 47 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 Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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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 Private Full Day Guided Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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Around 16 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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour 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?
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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.
What is included in Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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Included: Transport by air-conditions Mercedes Vito or Ford Tourneo minivan; Bottled Water & Soft Drinks; Hotel/Cruise Port/Airport Pick Up & Drop Off; Live commentary on board; and Private Tour-Just you & your professional local tour guide-Photo Opportunities & Short Wal. Not included: Gratuities; Optional entrances; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 214 listed pickup locations in and around Edinburgh. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour offered in?
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It runs in 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 Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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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 Private Full Day Guided Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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Across 47 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Edinburgh Private Full Day Guided Tour?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including 7 Hours Private Tour, 6 Hours Private Tour, 5 Hours Private Tour, 8 hours Private Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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