Edinburgh Winter Festivals Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

Edinburgh , Scotland

Edinburgh Winter Festivals Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

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About this experience

A magical winter wonderland awaits you in Edinburgh at Christmas. Twinkling lights adorn the city, festive decorations abound, and a bustling market offers unique gifts and delicious treats. Each year, the iconic Edinburgh castle hosts a breathtaking light show set against a starry sky, while the Botanical Gardens become a magical winter wonderland. It's the season of ice skating rinks, funfairs, and carol singers. Enjoy a magical Edinburgh Christmas tour through the festive streets, visit The Botanical Gardens to see the best of Edinburgh's Christmas in the fresh Scottish Winter.

A glowing display of lights and vibrant colours adorns Edinburgh as darkness falls.

You'll explore the city on foot and in your premium tour van, so if it's icy and snowing outside, you can stay warm in the van, and our complimentary winter blankets and a complimentary dram of whisky will keep you cozy!

Available options

Edinburgh Winter Festivals Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

WiFi on board

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Castle of Light festival transforms Edinburgh Castle, perched atop the volcanic crag, into a captivating wonderland. A spectacular display of light, sound, and projection mapping illuminates the historic site. (Friday / Saturday / Sunday) We will view the projections outside the castle.

Stop 2

In addition to the castle, the old town features magical displays such as the 'Edinburgh' sign and Christmas tree outside the School of Divinity, as well as many other festive sights.

Princes Street Gardens hosts the world-renowned Winter Market, where you can enjoy mulled wine and haggis along with handcrafted gifts and unique souvenirs. There are also thrilling rides at the market, including the Star Flyer and the Big Wheel, providing views of the city skyline.

Stop 4

As part of the tour, your tour guide will also share with you some of the stories, folklore, and traditions that are steeped in our history. Imagine what stories the walls would tell if they could talk!

Stop 5

Discover a magical winter wonderland at the Botanics, where the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is transformed into a magical winter wonderland. A mesmerizing display of lights, colours, and sounds takes you on a journey through the gardens after dark.

As you stroll along illuminated pathways, you'll discover breathtaking installations, including twinkling trees, sparkling ponds, and magical tunnels of light that transport you to a magical world. There is a truly immersive and enchanting atmosphere created by festive music filling the air.

As you stroll through the city, keep your eyes open for a special appearance by Father Christmas. Enjoy an aromatic spiced winter warmer or a delicious hot chocolate at one of the cozy food vendors.

In addition to supporting the conservation work of the Royal Botanic Garden charity, Christmas at the Botanics is also an opportunity to celebrate the season. Attending this event helps protect plant diversity and ensure our planet's sustainability.

Stop 6

In the final leg of our journey together, we will visit the Black Ivy Restaurant, a festive institution in Edinburgh. The much-loved Bruntsfield destination offers classic dishes to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, decorated both inside and out with festive decor. The festive menu at this contemporary restaurant features traditional favourites such as turkey with all the trimmings and Christmas Pudding for dessert.

What's not included

Dinner

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Allotted time is for transportation duration

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture