
Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 43 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia worth booking?
Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia is a 7.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $87 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 43 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (43)
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- From
- $87 per person
When your cruise ship arrives in Edinburgh, get to know Scotland’s capital on this full-day shore excursion. Board a comfortable coach which takes you to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia (optional extra), the former royal yacht of the British monarchy. Then enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh before stopping to explore medieval Edinburgh Castle (optional extra), once residence to Scotland’s kings and queens. Use your free time for lunch and to explore the famous Royal Mile and see the Palace of Holyroodhouse the official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland.
What you get
About this experience
When your cruise ship arrives in Edinburgh, get to know Scotland’s capital on this full-day shore excursion. Board a comfortable coach which takes you to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia (optional extra), the former royal yacht of the British monarchy. Then enjoy a panoramic tour of Edinburgh before stopping to explore medieval Edinburgh Castle (optional extra), once residence to Scotland’s kings and queens. Use your free time for lunch and to explore the famous Royal Mile and see the Palace of Holyroodhouse the official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland.
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Knowledgeable driver-guide
Not included
- Lunch
- On-board restrooms
- On-board WiFi
- Attraction Tickets
What you'll see and do
Royal Yacht Britannia
Visit the former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now situated in Leith. She was in service from 1954 until 1997
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Your Edinburgh Shore Excursion will then travel to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland, for a photo stop. This baroque palace is full of history and is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and was the setting for many dramatic episodes during her short and turbulent reign.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Edinburgh Castle
We will travel to the Royal Mile to visit historic Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s most iconic castle and named the UK’s best heritage attraction in 2014. Spend time touring the castle, learn all about its history and even see the famous Stone of Destiny; the traditional crowning seat of the ancient Scottish monarchs.
150 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Timberbush Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note we pick up from the following cruise ships25/04/2026 Majestic Princess 07/05/2026 Majestic Princess 19/05/2026 Majestic Princess 31/05/2026 Majestic Princess 03/06/2026 Norwegian Sky 12/06/2026 Majestic Princess 13/06/2026 Norwegian Sky 19/06/2026 Norwegian Sky 20/06/2026 Norwegian Sky 23/06/2026 Norwegian Sky 25/06/2026 Sky Princess 04/07/2026 Norwegian Sky 10/07/2026 Norwegian Sky 11/07/2026 Norwegian Sky 14/07/2026 Norwegian Sky 18/07/2026 Majestic Princess 30/07/2026 Majestic Princess 31/07/2026 Norwegian Sky 01/08/2026 Norwegian Sky 11/08/2026 Norwegian Sky 21/08/2026 Norwegian Sky 23/08/2026 Majestic Princess 25/08/2026 Norwegian Sky 04/09/2026 Majestic Princess 15/09/2026 Norwegian Sky 16/09/2026 Majestic Princess
- This tour will depart from the port at 9:30 AM. Make sure to arrive on shore at least 15 minutes prior to departure to allow sufficient time for check-in.
- Please note: The attractions for this tour must be pre-booked to avoid disappointment. We will send you a pre-booking template before your tour departs.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 43 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
43 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour guides!
The Royal Brittannia was really interesting. Edinburgh Castle was interesting but very spread out. Lots of walking. Not like most castles where you go into one building. Gregor and Neil were very pleasant and we had a wonderful tour!
via Viator
Britannia/Edinburgh Castle
Because this stop was tendered and the boats were running late we lost time at the Britannia and did not get to see the entire ship. Same held true for Edinburgh castle. Pretty rushed, only got to see the highlighted areas. However our guide Gregor was fabulous. He was so knowledgeable in Scottish and English history. He had a wonderful personality and you could tell he loved his job and was very excited to show off Edinburgh.
via Viator
Fun Day with a few drawbacks.
The sites we visited were great. Royal Ship Brittania so interesting and Edinburgh Castle the most impressive castle we saw on our cruise through Ireland and Scotland. However, felt more like a transport service than a tour. Robert was very friendly, but not much information provided between stops. Maybe at least explain the history of Edinburgh, population, etc. Also, some confusion at Brittania as everyone who had purchased tickets ahead of time not allowed in until guide showed up, which was surprise to all including Guide. Would recommend with some improvements.
via Tripadvisor
Nice tour, but you have to purchase entry tickets separately.
Boosting the Royal Yacht was nice. The tickets we bought to the Yacht from Tumberbush tours would not work at the entry but the tour guide got it straightened out. This happened on a different tour as well from Timberbush tours and it took that guide several minutes to get it straightened out. So Timberbush needs to work on that part, but at least the guide was there to show that we had in fact paid the entry. The price of the tour didn't include the entry tickets, so they had to be purchased after the tour was booked. Other than that, the tour went well and the guide did areally good job.
via Viator
Ticket needed for Yacht...
Ticket needed for Yacht and for the Castle. We chose not to do either. Had to waste time in the mall where ship is docked. Wasted our time.
Response from the operator: Dear Sherry, We appreciate your time in leaving a review. Entrance fees to attractions are not included in the tour price, as these are optional extras, which some guests may or may not want to participate in on the day, as stated in the advertised. We understand that not every passenger wants to do the attractions, so we like to give them options to explore the area if they wish to not partake in these optional extras. We hope that despite these issues, we you were still able to enjoy your experience in the Scottish Highlands! Kind regards, Fatima
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7.5 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
- 15
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Timberbush Tours, who run 32 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Timberbush Tours runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia cost?
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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 Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia take?
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Plan for about 7.5 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 Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia 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 (3.9/5 across 43 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 Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia?
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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 Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia?
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Around 15 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 7.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia 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 Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; and Knowledgeable driver-guide. Not included: Lunch; On-board restrooms; On-board WiFi; and Attraction Tickets. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Edinburgh.
What languages is Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia 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 Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia?
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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.
What happens to Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia 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 Shore Excursion: City Tour and Royal Yacht Britannia?
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Across 43 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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