Edinburgh · PRIVATE
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 private tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Follow a private guide through Edinburgh’s Old Town to explore gravestones, streets, schools, and cafes linked to JK Rowling’s Potter inspirations. Guides such as Caroline, Charlie, Christine, and Allister add stories, humor, trivia, and spells. Bring a pen or umbrella as your wand.
“Our guide, Roisin, was so engaging. She shared lots of fun stories and the time flew by. Highly recommend this tour for Potter enthusiasts.”
Leave Edinburgh in a private vehicle with an experienced guide and spend about nine hours exploring Highland scenery, Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Kilchurn Castle, Glencoe, and the Kelpies. Guides such as Jimmy, Taimur, Colin, Ryan, and Ross are praised for warm service, local stories, flexible pacing, and family-friendly help.
“Jimmy was excellent. There had been a storm in the area the night before and some of the stops were without power. Jimmy didn’t miss a beat. He knew places only visited by the “Locals,” so we could grab a bite, souvenirs, and use the restroom. We had our youngest daughter with us, just turned 9, and she loved it. She still talks about feeding the “Harry Coo!” That’s Scottish for Highland Cow. If you want to see The Scottish Highlands, this is the way to do it!”
Spend about three and a half hours with a private Edinburgh guide, usually on foot from the Usher Hall through the Old Town, Royal Mile, and St Giles’ Cathedral. Guides such as David Forsyth, Dr Alison Duncan, and Alastair Sym tailor the walk to your interests, pace, and energy.
“This tour was one of my family's favorite memories of our time in Scotland. David made the history of Edinburgh enjoyable for every member of our party, from my 12yr old son to 65 yr old mother. The weather was cold and wet and my kids stayed with it the whole time without complaint. Would do a full day again if we ever back in town. Many thanks!!!”
Join Robert, a lifelong Edinburgh resident and teacher, for a private two-hour Old Town walk. See Greyfriars, the Grassmarket, Royal Mile, Cowgate, and Old College while archive images, props, royal tales, executions, and Burke and Hare bring the city’s past to life.
“Robert was super accommodating and had wonderful stories to share. What a great guide and lovely, personable fellow! You will love your private and personalized walking tour! Thanks, Robert!! 💜🏴💜”
Explore Edinburgh’s West End, New Town, and Old Town with a private Eat Walk guide such as Tom, Wag, Anastaziya, or Julie. Expect a full meal’s worth of Scottish tastings, paired drinks, local history, hotel pickup, and a useful map with restaurant and bar discounts.
“The guide was knowledgeable, amiable and funny. Also he had earpieces so we could all hear him. The selection of foods and drinks was perfect.”
Spend four hours touring Edinburgh in a private six-seat Mercedes with guides such as Stephen, Andy, Alan, or Mark. See the Castle, Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Holyrood, Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, Dean Village, and more, with time for photos and short walks.
“We very much enjoyed the tour. Alan, our guide/driver was great! We saw so many wonderful sights and had an enjoyable stop at a local coffee shop. The car was comfortable and we got a n incredible view of Edinburgh.”
Travel privately between Edinburgh Airport and your city-center hotel or apartment in about 30 to 50 minutes. Your driver meets you with a name sign, tracks flight delays, handles luggage, and shares useful Edinburgh tips along the way.
“What a fantastic experience. Raza was phenomenal — truly the best. We’d recommend him to anyone visiting Edinburgh.”
Travel from Edinburgh in a private minivan for a full day through Stirling, Doune, the Trossachs, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Cairngorms, and Pitlochry. Guides including Andy, Nathan, Noel, Donald, and Graham tailor the route, with snacks, drinks, charging ports, and optional Loch Ness cruise.
“Loved this informative and flexible itinerary.. Our Driver Donald was terrific. He was friendly, well informed regarding important historical significance of the sites we visited and had lots of great stories and fun anecdotal facts that he shared with us. I would highly recommend using Bonnie Scotland Tours. I am so glad we added this side trip to our stay in Edinburgh.”
Spend three hours with a private Edinburgh guide, seeing Castle Rock, Grassmarket, the University of Edinburgh, and lesser-known Old Town corners. Guides such as Alice, Alec, Monica, Xavier, and Gain tailor the walk to your interests, pace, and questions. Attractions are viewed from outside.
“Unfortunately the tour had been canceled an hour before and no alternative had been offered. We feel sorry for the guide who had to cancel due to family reasons.”
Meet at St Giles’ Cathedral at noon for a three-hour private walk through Edinburgh’s food and landmark scene. Your English-speaking guide serves haggis, neeps and tatties, Scottish cheese, cakes, a secret dish, and Lowland single malt whisky. Ask about dietary needs before booking.
“Nicola was a great tour guide. She is knowledgeable, passionate about Scottish culture and funny. We enjoyed our tour immensely. Haggis, scones, whisky and ice cream were delicious.”
Travel from Edinburgh into the Central Highlands in a private minivan with a local guide such as Scott, Gary, Jim, or Will. Shape the day around castles, lochs, Highland cows, waterfalls, whisky, local food, or the Kelpies. Pickup and drop-off are included.
“Our private family Highlands driving tour was an experience we'll treasure forever! From the moment Scott, our guide, picked us up, we knew we were in for something special. His deep knowledge, infectious energy, and great sense of humor made the tour engaging and fun for everyone, including our kids. The highlights of our tour were absolutely unforgettable. We explored the historic Doune Castle, which felt like stepping back in time. As we journeyed through the Highlands, we were amazed by the vastness and depth of the various lochs we visited. Scott shared fascinating insights about the Picts and their impressive stone houses that dotted the landscape, making the experience…”
You’ll explore Edinburgh with a private local host for 3 to 8 hours, choosing between landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, Dean Village, whisky pubs, markets, and Camera Obscura. Hosts such as Jen and Doug have earned praise, but pacing and planning can vary.
“Doug was fantastic. Wealth of information and charm. Knowledge of the area is excellent. I would highly recommend”
Dirty Daves offers a private three-day Scotland tour for up to eight people, with pickup from your accommodation, private transport, and flexible planning led by Dave. Expect lively commentary, a route shaped around your group, and a return to Edinburgh after exploring beyond the city.
“I have visited 78 countries in the last 30 years and I have never had a tour and guide I enjoyed as much as Dave. Funny, knowledgable, and flexible. He works with you to let you help design the tour to meet your needs. He provides great commentary. He made everything enjoyable. His tours are a must do.”
Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with a private English-speaking guide such as David, Kieran, Adrian, Shanna, or Will. Hear stories of kings, witches, writers, crime, and Harry Potter connections while exploring St Giles’ Cathedral, the Royal Mile, Advocate’s Close, the Grassmarket, and Victoria Street at your group’s pace.
“Shawna was a great tour guide very knowledgeable. We learned a great deal. Edinburgh has a lot to offer. Make sure you wear a comfy shoes for the tour.”
Travel from Edinburgh in a private Mercedes vehicle with a chauffeur-guide such as Alistair, Brian, Lee, or Muhammad. See Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Loch Ness, Laggan Dam, Inverness, and Pitlochry, with an optional paid boat cruise and free time for food and photos.
“We had a lovely, adventurous and informative day with Alistair! We made seceral stops on our way to Lochness and we learned a lot about the history of Schotland. Highly recommend.”
Pick a close, a glen or a still room.
