Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow worth booking?
Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow is a 8-hour experience in Glasgow, United Kingdom, from $851 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (12)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $851 per person
Your Edinburgh Private Shore Excursion | The Royal Expereince takes in the stunning capital of Scotland. Edinburgh is our hometown, and like a lot of locals we're proud of our city. As your day tour is private you can customise the day to suit, and enjoy the sights & attractions of Edinburgh at your pace. Our Royal Experience focuses on the locations that have a connection to the Royal family, from our mighty Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Miles cobbled streets to The Royal Palace of Holyrood along with the Royal Yacht Britannia. With so many places to visit our tour allows you to visit the parts of Edinburgh you want to see, just remember this is Your Day, Your Way! With Door to Door service from Glasgow or Greenock Cruise Port and customisable your day is planned in advance to ensure you visit the locations you want, the itinerary lists the possible locations and must be agreed prior to arrival.
What you get
About this experience
Your Edinburgh Private Shore Excursion | The Royal Expereince takes in the stunning capital of Scotland. Edinburgh is our hometown, and like a lot of locals we're proud of our city. As your day tour is private you can customise the day to suit, and enjoy the sights & attractions of Edinburgh at your pace. Our Royal Experience focuses on the locations that have a connection to the Royal family, from our mighty Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Miles cobbled streets to The Royal Palace of Holyrood along with the Royal Yacht Britannia. With so many places to visit our tour allows you to visit the parts of Edinburgh you want to see, just remember this is Your Day, Your Way! With Door to Door service from Glasgow or Greenock Cruise Port and customisable your day is planned in advance to ensure you visit the locations you want, the itinerary lists the possible locations and must be agreed prior to arrival.
What's included
Included
- Wi-Fi Access
- Services & Stories of a Scottish Local
- Door to Door Service from Glasgow or Greenock Cruise Port
Not included
- Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)
- Edinburgh Castle
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- The Royal Yacht Britannia
What you'll see and do
Once a medieval market place and site for public executions, the Grassmarket area is now a vibrant area buzzing with eclectic shops. Its detailed medieval architecture, stunning castle views and dynamic atmosphere make it one of the city’s most-loved areas, frequented by tourists, students and professionals alike. Though Grassmarket executions ceased in 1784, some of the traditional area’s pubs, such as The Last Drop and Maggie Dickson's, keep alive the bloody tale of a chequered past. The White Hart Inn has played host to some famous patrons, including Robert Burns. Fashion fans will uncover a wealth of gems at Armstrongs Vintage Emporium, a haven of retro clothes and quirky accessories, while Fabhatrix offers beautiful hand-made hats and accessories, perfect for a Scottish summer shower or winter frost. Your final location on completion your Chauffeur will drive you to your accommodation or Cruise Ship.
15 minutes here
Edinburgh Castle
Explore Edinburgh Castle at your own pace, our castle is one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Set in the heart of Scotland’s dynamic capital city, it is sure to capture your imagination. The scenery will take your breath away. There are many ways to experience Edinburgh Castle. Go straight to a preferred option, follow an itinerary, or allow an audio guide to show you around. Edinburgh Castle is alive with exciting tales of its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of soldiers, kings and queens and even the odd pirate or two. Exploring Edinburgh Castle is a highlight of any Scottish adventure, memories will be created and long remembered.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Royal Mile
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is the heart of Scotland’s historic capital. Running through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle, with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Mile is overlooked by impressive, towering tenements, between which cobbled closes and narrow stairways interlock to create a secret underground world. Peppered with superb attractions and historical sites including St Giles’ Cathedral and some of the best eating and drinking spots in the city, the Royal Mile offers much to see and do. A great location to stop and take lunch whilst taking in some Scottish hospitality. The Royal Mile section is explored on foot, due to vehicle restrictions we are unable to drive the Royal Mile in full. Your driver will be on hand if the walk is a little too much, you can be collected and taken to The Palace of Holyroodhouse for your next stop if required.
60 minutes here
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse The official residence of the King in Scotland. Open throughout the year, the Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Explore the Palace's close associations with some of Scotland’s most well-known historic figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and learn how today it is used by The King when carrying out official engagements in Scotland. At the Palace of Holyroodhouse, visitors can explore magnificent historic and State Apartments, the beautiful ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey and remarkable royal gardens, all with a complimentary multimedia tour in 10 languages. Today, the State Apartments are used regularly for State ceremonies and official entertaining. The Palace is closed when in use by the Royal Family. If you wanted to Tour the Palace Itinerary will need to change.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Calton Hill
Calton Hill and the National Monument are situated in Central Edinburgh, east of Edinburgh’s New Town. Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Calton Hill has some of the city’s best views and if you get up early, the best sunrises. Calton Hill is also resident to some iconic Scottish monuments and buildings. Monuments include the National Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, Nelson’s Monument, the Old Royal High School, Robert Burns Monument, Political Martyrs’ Monument and also the City Observatory. The City Observatory is now home to Collective, a free, contemporary art space with a programme of world-class exhibitions, events, workshops and discussions from ground-breaking local and international artists.
30 minutes here
Royal Yacht Britannia
Follow in the footsteps of Royalty and explore this floating Royal residence with a fascinating audio tour of five decks. The Royal Yacht Britannia played host to some of the world’s most famous people, from Nelson Mandela to Winston Churchill, but above all was home for the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Now berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, you can discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences. You'll receive a truly warm welcome at Britannia's Visitor Centre in Ocean Terminal before you step aboard this famous ship where you will discover the history of Royal Yachts and view displays and historical photographs of Britannia's fascinating past before boarding The Royal Yacht Britannia. What will you see? Tour Britannia’s five decks Feel like the captain of the ship in the Bridge and See Queen Elizabeth II's favourite room the Sun Lounge Discover below decks in the Crew’s Quarters.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Day Tour 8hrs
Duration: 8 hours: Edinburgh Luxury Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience Pickup included
Day Tour 8hrs + Walking Tour
Guided Royal Mile Walking Tour: 60 Min Guided Walking Tours with an Edinburgh Local Duration: 8 hours: Edinburgh Luxury Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience Pickup included
Day Tour 9hrs
Duration: 9 hours: Edinburgh Luxury Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience Pickup included
Day Tour 9hrs + Walking Tour
Guided Royal Mile Walking Tour: 120 Min Guided Walking Tours with an Edinburgh Local Duration: 9 hours: Edinburgh Luxury Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience 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
- Aura Journeys
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Edinburgh Royal Mile - This is explored on Foot Only
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 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
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
6 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent tour, excellent service
My wife and I had a terrific full-day tour of Scotland from our cruise-port of Edinburgh. Our guide, David Wesencraft, was inspirational, keenly focused on our particular interests, and — as a bonus —a Scotch whiskey guru. Debbie and I loved him, and the tour. Before the tour, the folks from Aura Journeys provided useful ideas for our tour itinerary, with continual great communication. High marks!
Response from the operator: Good Day Marne Thank you for allowing Aura Journeys Scotland to be part of your Scotland Vacation. So pleased David looked after you all and gave a great experience. We will ensure your kind words are passed on. Thanks Aura Journeys Scotland
via Tripadvisor
Amazing private tour experience with the most wonderful guide you could ask for!
Gerry is THE BEST guide you could ask for! His knowledge of the area and things we visited made our day beyond special. We were able to see so much more than we ever would have in a day by ourselves, and the local knowledge and wonderful conversation between stops couldn’t have been replicated without Gerry. Going above and beyond, he even took us to see some highland cows as a special request on our way back to the hotel and set us up for dinner the next night at a highly recommended restaurant he knew of. Do not hesitate to book this tour… you will not regret it! First class service!
Response from the operator: Good Afternoon Thank you for your fantastic review, we are so pleased that Gerry looked after you and the day in Edinburgh went well. We will ensure Gerry gets your kind words.
via Tripadvisor
Great day in Scotland.
Stephanie was an absolute pleasure to be around and very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed her tour and would highly recommend them anytime. Thank you for making our trip to Scotland so much fun.
Response from the operator: Thank You Mike for your custom and lovely review, we will make sure Stephanie gets your words. So pleased you had a great time, we appreciate you entrusting Aura Journeys with being part of your Scottish Adventure.
via Viator
Chauffeur not a tour guide
Our guide was the nicest and most wonderful person. But she knew absolutely nothing about Edinburgh. It was a $1300 chauffeur ride. Uber drivers knew more than she did. It was a bespoke tour and I had asked to go to Loch Lamond-she recommended not going there bc it was “just a lake without anything worth seeing there.” Did nothing to explain anything along our entire 8 hours together. I paid this much for this private tour so that I we could get a rich education about scotland tailored to both my teenage children and me. I feel like I need a refund-l to reflect the cost of a chauffeur - not a tour guide. This was through Aura Tours
Response from the operator: Ann, we are disappointed that you did not have the experience expected. Aura Journeys always set out to give an experience to remember so when we fall short we need to take a look at why expectations were not met. Discussing your tour with Gerry who managed your booking and Stephanie your Driver / Guide there seems to be a number of comments that do not reflect the day? When we receive a booking our team always reach out through the Viator and Trip Advisor messaging system to introduce ourselves and get a line of communication in place, this is key to ensuring a great experience is given to the travellers. You booked on Sunday the 12th of May 2024, our team messaged you on Monday the 13th of May 2024 to introduce and get the communication going. You replied on the 17th of May with the requested details and we emailed you straight away, we had no reply to this email so Gerry also tried again on the 3rd of June. No reply to Gerry was sent so he decided to send an Text Message on the 6th of June, he got a reply to this which was can I get back to you in a bit. You mention in the review that Stephanie “knew absolutely nothing about Edinburgh”, this we found strange as whilst we picked you up in Edinburgh we had to change the tour to suit your requests due to the weather. You visited Stirling and the Trossachs National Park. We could mention and counter your other comments on the tour, but what is apparent is that due to the poor communication from yourself and planning prior to your day expectations were not met. If you had taken some time to communicate prior to the day you would have had a much better experience, also maybe reading the tour listing would have also helped. Our Driver guides are all Scottish Locals, finding a Uber driver of the same standard would be like going on the hunt for Nessie ! We are confident that Stephanie would not of spoken about Loch Lomond as being a “Lake”, we are proud of our country and its jewels. Hopefully in the future you will take a little time to plan and find out about where you are so you get that rich education you strive for. If we had fallen short in anyway in trying to get the tour planned and correct we would be open to discussing a refund, the fact is we made every effort prior and during to get it correct. The issue is this was not reciprocal. We are not perfect but by taking a little time to read our other reviews, especially the one above this one travellers will see what they can get out of the day if some time and attention is given to the planning. saol ghrá
via Viator
Great Experience - Highly Recommend
We booked the private tour as we were getting married in Edinburgh with the cruise ship arriving in Glasgow, needing to leave the ship ready and a few things we wanted to do on our special day before returning to the ship before it departed. Our driver was Kenny and really glad we met. He messaged me the night before with his contact number and in the morning upon arrival. He spoke to the port security and drove right up to the gangway point, which was really appreciated having started our day at 6am, leaving the ship in full wedding gown and formal kilt kit for our day. Kenny arrived early and greeted us smartly dressed with a Mercedes minivan, stocked with drinks and snacks for the day. We headed out to Edinburgh with the wedding mid-day, Kenny was engaging but also respectful of our time alone, pointing out a few things along the drive. We arrived in Edinburgh early and he took us for a brief tour before heading to the park and Ross Fountain where we were holding the ceremony. Knowing the area, he was able to drive right into the park and park close to the Fountain, instead of us walking 500 metres from the entrance, which was great too. Waiting for Reverend Lindy, our photographer Jenny Beckett and piper Jonathan Graham, Kenny offered to assist us in any way he could - little did he know what he was getting into! When the the crew arrived, Kenny got along with everyone, like they knew each other well. He jumped in walking my beautiful bride from the van down the aisle, he was our ring bearer and assisted with logistics with her dress, bubbles and our photos, somehow finding the time to move the van and decorate it without us noticing. Following our ceremony and pictures, finally again aware there were others around us, we walked back to the decorated van where we asked Kenny to take us to a local pub to celebrate. He knew just the place, taking us to Grassmarket and the Beehive Inn, with cheers and congratulations from well wishers enjoying the afternoon on the patios as we strolled to the pub. He joined us for a Coke at our request as we celebrated, before leaving us to enjoy our moment together. We met up with him later and he took us to the Royal Mile, dropping us off close to the bottom as he pointed out a few landmarks, like St. Giles’ Cathedral where Queen Elizabeth II laid in State upon her passing. We strolled the Royal Mile like royalty, still in full wedding gown and Scottish kilt, stopping for pictures and conversations along the way, we shared our day with many before being turned away at Edinburgh Castle with so many taking pictures (apparently not allowed to go in wedding attire!). Being Canadian, we took that in stride as we walked the other side of the Royal Mile, standing for pictures and conversations as we did. We ended up at a pub, having fish and chips for lunch before meeting Kenny who had us on a schedule to ensure we arrived back to the ship in Glasgow in time. We were very fortunate to have meet Kenny. While a professional driver and knowledgeable guide, his personality really made experience on our special day even better and we are very grateful to have had him share our day. Highly recommend Kenny to anyone - he’s a professional that makes the journey personal. We have had great experiences with Viatour bookings and will continue to book through them as quality tours wherever we have gone. The service was great - new Mercedes, well stocked with a great knowledgeable driver who knew the area and history well.
Response from the operator: So pleased you had a lovely day, Kenny was so pleased that you entrusted Aura Journeys Glasgow to be part of your big day. We appreciate the kind words and the lovely review.
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
- Every day
- Price range
- $851 to $1,750
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Aura Journeys, who run 24 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.5.
See everything Aura Journeys runsWhy this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Glasgow.
How much does Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow cost?
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Prices start at $851 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Glasgow 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 Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow 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 Glasgow is not rushed.
Is Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Glasgow, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow?
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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 Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow 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 Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow?
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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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow 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 Glasgow 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 Glasgow?
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On Outty we rank every Glasgow experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Glasgow: Celtic Park Tour & Dine Package, Gander Walking Tours in Glasgow, Glasgow: The Clydeside Distillery 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 Glasgow?
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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 Glasgow?
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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 Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow?
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Included: Wi-Fi Access; Services & Stories of a Scottish Local; and Door to Door Service from Glasgow or Greenock Cruise Port. Not included: Gratuities (Passenger Discretion); Edinburgh Castle; Palace of Holyroodhouse; and The Royal Yacht Britannia. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 133 listed pickup locations in and around Glasgow. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow 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 Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow?
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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 Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; 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 Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow if the weather is bad?
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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 Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Edinburgh Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience from Glasgow?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Day Tour 8hrs, Day Tour 8hrs + Walking Tour, Day Tour 9hrs, Day Tour 9hrs + Walking Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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