Edinburgh Luxury Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience
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Edinburgh Luxury Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience

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(11 reviews)
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

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.

Available options

Day Tour 8hrs + Walking Tour

Guided Royal Mile Walking Tour: 60 Min Guided Walking Tours with an Edinburgh Local<br/>Duration: 8 hours: Edinburgh Luxury Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience<br/>Pickup included

Day Tour 9hrs

Duration: 9 hours: Edinburgh Luxury Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience<br/>Pickup included

Day Tour 9hrs + Walking Tour

Guided Royal Mile Walking Tour: 60 Min Guided Walking Tours with an Edinburgh Local<br/>Duration: 9 hours: Edinburgh Luxury Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience<br/>Pickup included

Day Tour 8hrs

Duration: 8 hours: Edinburgh Luxury Private Day Tour | The Royal Experience<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Wi-Fi Access
Services & Stories of a Scottish Local
Door to Door Service from Glasgow or Greenock Cruise Port

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

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.

2
Stop 2

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.

3
Stop 3

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.

4
Stop 4

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.

5
Stop 5

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.

6
Stop 6

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.

What's not included

Gratuities (Passenger Discretion)
Edinburgh Castle
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Royal Yacht Britannia

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0
5 reviews
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1
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1
1★
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Tripadvisor 4.5
6 reviews
5★
5
4★
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3★
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2★
1
1★
0

Important information

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

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)
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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