Glasgow: Privately Guided Day Tour of Edinburgh in Luxury Minivan

Glasgow , Scotland

Glasgow: Privately Guided Day Tour of Edinburgh in Luxury Minivan

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About this experience

Edinburgh is bursting with culture and energy. Avoid the hassle of public tours, and explore the best of the city with your own local guide.

The tour begins at the top of Calton Hill, where you can soak in the panoramic views of the city, before delving into the charming Dean Village.

Next, you'll get to see Edinburgh Castle up close and learn why it's one of the most interesting, and exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Visit Arthur's Seat, and take in the vibrance of Leith district before finally, wandering through the historic and picturesque Old Town.

We can't wait to show you the wonders of our capital city.

Avoid the stresses of travel as you step away from fixed itineraries and crowded buses and sit back and relax on a private tour which includes;

- An Expert Local Guide
- A Door-to-Door Service
- Travel in a Luxurious, Mercedes-Benz V-Class Premium Minivan

Available options

Glasgow: Privately Guided Day Tour of Edinburgh in Luxury Minivan

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled Water

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

Experienced Kilt-wearing guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Also known as Monument Hill, this is a fantastic spot to look over Edinburgh. From here, you’ll be able to see Edinburgh Castle, Leith, the Old Town and the New Town. It’s a beautiful spot where your guide can tell you all about the history of Edinburgh - and point out all the landmarks as you go.

A true hidden gem, Dean Village is somewhere you might miss if traveling alone. With Hopscotch, we’ll make sure you see all the best sights and make memories to last a lifetime. Upon entering Dean Village, you’ll be transported into another world, where cobbled streets and quaint houses sit on the banks of the Water of Leith.

Although the New Town is not so ‘new’, it was originally built in the 1700s to give the wealthy a place to stay out-with the crowded streets of the city. All through the area, you’ll see typical examples of Georgian Townhouses and architecture and it’s now classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Old Town of Edinburgh is perhaps the most famous. Here you’ll get to see Edinburgh Castle, the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile and maybe St Giles’ Cathedral. The Castle is not part of the tour, but we can organise it if you’d like. We want to help you have the best, possible experience in Edinburgh!

Stop 5

At the top of this volcanic Cragg, you’ll get spectacular birds-eye views over Edinburgh and the surrounding hills.
Your guide will point out the New Scottish Parliament Building and Holyrood Palace - the official residence for King Charles.

Stop 6

Get up close to the splendid Holyrood Palace as your personal guide shares its rich history, royal connections, and the stories behind its stunning architecture.

Stop 7

Marvel at the majestic Edinburgh Castle as your personal guide brings it to life, pointing out its fascinating history, architectural wonders and breathtaking views up close.

Stop 8

Contrasting old with new, Edinburgh is full of surprises. In Leith, you’ll get to see both sides with Edinburgh’s ports and docks. It’s also in Leith where Mary Queen of Scots first arrived back in Scotland after her time in France. You can imagine it looks very different today.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Glasgow

Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is a vibrant urban hub known for its rich architectural heritage, thriving arts scene, and friendly locals. With a mix of grand Victorian and modern buildings, the city offers a dynamic blend of culture, history, and innovation.

Top Attractions

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

One of Scotland's most popular free attractions, this museum features a diverse collection of art, artifacts, and natural history exhibits.

Museum 2-3 hours Free

Glasgow Cathedral

A stunning example of Scottish Gothic architecture, this cathedral is one of the few medieval buildings to survive in Glasgow.

Historical 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Riverside Museum

Award-winning museum showcasing Glasgow's rich transport and industrial heritage with interactive exhibits and historic vehicles.

Museum 2-3 hours Free

Glasgow School of Art

A masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Glasgow School of Art is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

Architecture 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Buchanan Street

One of Glasgow's premier shopping destinations, Buchanan Street offers a mix of high-street brands, luxury boutiques, and department stores.

Shopping 1-2 hours Varies by store

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onions, oatmeal, suet, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Contains meat and offal.

Cullen Skink

A creamy smoked haddock soup with potatoes and onions, originating from the town of Cullen in the northeast of Scotland.

Soup Contains fish.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef, seasoned with pepper and spices.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

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

Dessert Vegetarian, but may contain dairy.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Trossachs Kayaking on Loch Lomond Mountain biking in the Campsie Fells Climbing at the Rucksack Club Spas and wellness centers Afternoon tea at the Willow Tea Rooms Strolling through the Botanic Gardens Relaxing in Kelvingrove Park

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is the best time for outdoor activities and festivals.

15°C to 20°C 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic, Scots
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

Glasgow is generally safe for travelers, but like any city, it has its share of petty crime and safety concerns. Exercise caution in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious in crowded areas and at night
• Use licensed taxis and avoid unmarked cabs

Getting there

By air

Glasgow Airport • 10.5 km (6.5 miles) west of the city center
Glasgow Prestwick Airport • 50 km (31 miles) southwest of the city center

By train

Glasgow Central Station, Glasgow Queen Street Station

By bus

Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is easy to use and affordable, with a circular route connecting key areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

West End City Center East End Southside

Day trips

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

30 km (19 miles) northwest of Glasgow • Full day

A stunning national park offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and wildlife spotting.

Stirling

40 km (25 miles) northeast of Glasgow • Full day

A historic city offering a mix of medieval architecture, museums, and scenic views.

Edinburgh

75 km (47 miles) east of Glasgow • Full day or overnight

Scotland's capital city offers a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

The Glasgow International Comedy Festival • March The Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art • July The Celtic Connections Festival • January to February

Pro tips

Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Take advantage of the city's free museums and galleries, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum
Visit the Necropolis for a unique perspective on the city's history and a stunning view of Glasgow
Experience the city's vibrant nightlife, from traditional pubs to trendy bars and live music venues
Try local Scottish dishes, such as haggis, neeps, and tatties, and enjoy a traditional ceilidh (Scottish dance)