Edinburgh Shore Excursion: Cows, Rosslyn Chapel and Royal Mile

Edinburgh , Scotland

Edinburgh Shore Excursion: Cows, Rosslyn Chapel and Royal Mile

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About this experience

Explore the essence of Scotland in this private 6-hour shore excursion from the cruise terminals in and around the Edinburgh area. Begin your journey with a visit to Swanston Farm to meet the iconic Highland Cattle, before heading to the historic Rosslyn Chapel, famous for its intricate carvings and ties to Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code.' Stroll down the famous Royal Mile, where charming shops and cafes await, and finally, enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh from Calton Hill, home to the National Monument. This tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 passengers for a personalized experience.

- Private tour for groups of 1-8 passengers with flexible itineraries.
- Visit iconic sites like Rosslyn Chapel and Calton Hill for stunning views.
- Enjoy complimentary Scottish snacks and bottled water throughout the tour.
- Convenient pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal for ease during your visit.

Available options

Up to 4 passengers

Sedan/SUV Pickup included

Tour in Italian

Tour in Italian Pickup included

Tour in Spanish

Tour in Spanish Pickup included

Tour with Luxury Vehicle

Tour in a Mercedes Vehicle Pickup included

Up to 8 passengers

Large People Carrier Pickup included

Tour in French

Tour in French (Sedan vehicle) Pickup included

Up to 7 passengers

Mid-range people carrier Pickup included

UP to 6 passengers

Minivan Pickup included

Tour in Portuguese

Tour in Portuguese Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Scottish-themed snacks

Detailed itinerary

Meet three of the most adorable shaggy Highland 'Coos', Angus, Thelma and Louise.

Stop 2

During a tour at Rosslyn Chapel, visitors can choose between a guided talk led by a chapel guide or a self-guided experience with a free carvings map and optional audio guide. The tour focuses on the chapel's intricate stone carvings, medieval architecture, history, and the many legends surrounding it, including its links to the Knights Templar and its prominent feature in The Da Vinci Code. Visits are scheduled in 90-minute timeslots, and booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Stop 3 Pass by

The Grassmarket is a historic market square and street located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, directly below the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Once a hub of trade and public executions, it is now a vibrant, picturesque, and lively destination known for its pubs, unique shops, and historical atmosphere.

Stop 4

Your guide will drop you off at the top of the Royal Mile and meet at the bottom. The Royal mile is steeped in ancient history and culture with many attractions for you to explore at your leisure:

St Giles' Cathedral: Head inside this stunning, 12th-century masterpiece of Gothic architecture, famous for its intricate stained-glass windows and crown spire.

The Real Mary King's Close (Exterior): While the full tour is too long for a two-hour visit, you can see the entrance to this famous subterranean close near the City Chambers. The attraction is built over a labyrinth of well-preserved 17th-century streets and houses.

Pubs and Shops: The middle section of the Mile is filled with pubs and shops. It is a good time to grab a quick drink at a historic pub like the World's End or browse a few of the independent shops before your guide picks you back up.

Stop 5

Calton Hill is an iconic, volcanic hill in central Edinburgh, famous for its collection of neoclassical monuments, stunning panoramic city views, and designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The monuments on Calton Hill have earned Edinburgh the nickname "Athens of the North," reflecting the city's aspirations during the Scottish Enlightenment

Only 30 min from the cruise terminal, this is a fitting place to say your farewells to Edinburgh as we take advantage of your elevation for cracking pictures of the skyline below.

What's not included

Meals

Rosslyn Chapel (optional, £11.50 p/p, free for children, concession discounts)

Available languages

Guide guide

HI DE PT EN IT FR UR ES

Important information

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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour is approximately 6 hours long, 1hr 20mins of driving and 4hrs 40mins at the various attractions.

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