Edinburgh · TOUR REVIEWS

The 15 Best Tours in Edinburgh

318 tours  ·  from $5

A long weekend or a fortnight, the problem is the same: one city, and the whole of Scotland an hour up the road. The 15 below are the days that earn their place, priced and timed, with the full catalogue underneath when you want to go deeper.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour - Callander: coffee, cattle, and an early break
Loch Ness Day Trips, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

1.Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17,446 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $62Our pick

Travel from Edinburgh to Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and Pitlochry by comfortable coach. A live guide such as Adam, Brian, or Stevie B fills the long drive with Scottish history, music, folklore, and humor. Add a castle visit, whisky tasting, or loch cruise.

“Our guide, Stevie B. was such a great guy, experienced driver and funny guide. The trip gets you through lovely landscapes, small villages, victorian houses and mountainous terrain.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour - Choosing between the three tour versions
Loch Ness Day Trips, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

2.Loch Ness, Glencoe & Scottish Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 11,381 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $61

Travel from Edinburgh through Glencoe, Loch Ness, Cairngorms National Park, and Pitlochry with an English-speaking driver-guide. Choose a Loch Ness cruise, Deanston whisky tour, or cruise and Urquhart Castle visit. Expect a long coach day, strong scenery, Scottish stories, and possible Highland cows.

“Really smooth trip and the places were beautiful. Everything was good and all the facilities were nice.”

Check availability →Read our full review

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour - Greyfriars Kirkyard and the city’s famous dog
Edinburgh Ghost Tours, Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

3.The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9,272 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $26

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with a costumed guide such as David, Maggie Dickinson, or Dr. Robert Knox, then visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and descend into South Bridge’s dark vaults. Expect macabre history, audience interaction, some steps, and a family-friendly 6:45pm departure.

“This was a very entertaining tour from start to finish. Prepare to be verbally abused 😂. The guide was knowledgeable and fun. Thank you”

Check availability →Read our full review

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town - Entering the South Bridge vaults
Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tours, Edinburgh Underground Vaults Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

4.Underground Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh Old Town

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,506 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $33

Spend about an hour with an English-speaking guide exploring Edinburgh’s South Bridge vaults. Guides such as Josh, Louisa, Kieran, James, and Aimee mix Old Town history with tales of crime, hardship, witchcraft, and ghost sightings. Expect some above-ground walking, dark passageways, uneven footing, and a steep entrance.

“Nice tour , our guide was interesting and gave us an insight into Edinburghs dark past . Can recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour - Glencoe: short stop, powerful setting
Loch Ness Day Trips, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

5.Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,854 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $67Top rated

Travel from Edinburgh through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Fort William and the Cairngorms to Loch Ness and Pitlochry. Choose a boat cruise, Urquhart Castle visit or Deanston whisky stop. Expect long coach stretches, short photo stops and live commentary from guides such as John, William and Rod.

“The tour was a lot of fun. David was a great driver and super funny. He’s the kind of guy you’d want to sit near at a pub. The tour was mostly spent in the bus, but views were worth it. We took this tour end of November so it was dark by 3pm.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise - Callander and Loch Lomond country
Cruises & Boat Tours, Loch Ness Day Trips, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

6.Loch Ness & Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh with Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6,022 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $84

Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking guide. See Glencoe, cruise Loch Ness from Fort Augustus, pass through Spean Bridge and Cairngorms National Park, and stop in Pitlochry. Guides such as Jim, Kenny, Shea, and Andrew are known for lively stories and music.

“Wow what a great tour all the way around. Martin was the best. Knowledgeable of history and very professional and entertaining. Loved every minute. Would highly recommend Rabbies and hope you are lucky and get our tour guide. Martin is terrific.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket - Mary Queen of Scots and the Great Hall
Edinburgh Castle Tours, Guided, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

7.Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,540 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Join guides such as Joe, Raj, Sonia, or Valeria for a 90-minute outdoor tour inside Edinburgh Castle. Hear sharp Scottish history, see Mary Queen of Scots’ palace and the Great Hall, then explore museums, prisons, and other buildings on your own.

“Absolutely great experience. Definitely worth the price. Sonia was our guide and she did an amazing job. My whole family loved it including my two teenage boys.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English - Using skip-the-line entry at Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

8.Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Meet near the Adam Smith statue on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a 90-minute English walking tour to Edinburgh Castle. Guides such as Koffe, Greg, Steph, Euan, and Graeme bring Scottish stories to life, then leave you free to explore the castle buildings on your own.

“Very knowledgable guide. Lots to see and do. Value for money. Worthwhile visit. Wrap up warm as the wind makes it very cold.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William - Callander and the first Highland views
Glenfinnan Viaduct & Jacobite Steam Train, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

9.Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,337 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $62

Take a full-day coach tour from Edinburgh through Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Glenfinnan, and Pitlochry. English-speaking guides such as Keith, Scott, Alastair, and Brian add history, humor, music, and local stories. The Jacobite Steam Train may cross the viaduct, but it is not guaranteed.

“We had Fisher as our guide and boy did we hit jackpot! Everything he said was so interesting and he’s hilarious! Our bus did not laugh as much as they needed too haha Knowing everything I knew, I would definitely book again! I also loved how quickly they communicated with me about whether we would see the Jacobite steam train and they shared how they do try to time it so we can see it. I loved that because another tour bus emailed saying they would go to the location but not see it. I ate up every recommendation he gave and tried to pick up on his Scottish ways…”

Check availability →Read our full review

The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh - From cocoa tree to chocolate bar
Dessert Tours, Edinburgh Food Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

10.The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,322 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $44

At The Chocolatarium on Cranston Street, a guide such as Kelly, Coco, or Hannah leads you from cocoa bean to chocolate bar. You will taste chocolates from Scotland and around the world, learn how chocolate is made, and design your own bar to take home. The small group is limited to 16 people.

“Having gone on a couple other chocolate tours, this was our best experience yet. We made our own chocolates to take home and that was our favorite part. Lots of options to choose from when designing your own bar. The knowledge shared with us was also very interesting! Some of the things we already knew but a lot of it was interesting facts we didn’t know yet. The tasting we also did was another highlight. We tried some chocolates I never seen as well as tried some flavors that required more of my taste buds than I expected. GREAT EXPERIENCE! Our tour guide was great and knowledgeable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour - The University of Edinburgh stop
Edinburgh Harry Potter Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour

11.Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh : Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,236 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $19Best value

Walk about 1.5 miles through Edinburgh’s Old Town and beyond, following Harry Potter connections with guides such as Robbie, Jenny, Orla, and Xander. Expect quizzes, Rowling trivia, castle views, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and stories about the city that shaped the books.

“Orla was very friendly and she gave us great background information about Harry Potter. She was also patient with us :)”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends - Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard
Edinburgh Ghost Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

12.Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,862 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $29

Meet your English-speaking guide at 6:30 pm on the Royal Mile for a two-hour walk through Edinburgh’s dark past. Hear tales of Burke and Hare, witch trials, executions, and hauntings while visiting Calton Hill and a historic cemetery, then finish at a pub near the Royal Mile.

“We booked this on the spur of the moment and had a great time! G is exceptionally well-versed in this subject so if you have questions he has the answers. It is a lot of standing and a fair few hills (fine with us but you may have different feelings). Ten out of ten, would recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands - Callander gives you the first break
Loch Ness Day Trips, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands

13.Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,771 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $62

Travel from Edinburgh to Callander, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, and Pitlochry on a full-day coach tour with an English-speaking guide. Expect scenic photo stops, Scottish history, Highland Cows when available, and an optional Loch Ness cruise for an added fee.

“It’s a very long day & lots to see the drive was very knowledgeable about history and everything else was good to hear all the stories he had to tell very nice chap”

Check availability →Read our full review

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William - Callander and the first Highland views
Glenfinnan Viaduct & Jacobite Steam Train, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews

Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

14.Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Fort William

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 3,366 reviews · 12 hours · from $60

Travel from Edinburgh to Glencoe, Fort William, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct with an English-speaking driver-guide. Expect film locations, Loch Shiel views, Scottish stories, music, comfort stops, and a chance to see the Jacobite Steam Train from April to October.

“An amazing day with Fisher. Super Knowledgeable and engaging. Can tell he takes great pride in his country and his job. We Thoroughly enjoyed our time”

Check availability →Read our full review

Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh - Through the Cairngorms National Park
1-Day Tours, Loch Ness Day Trips, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews

Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

15.Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,793 reviews · 13 hours (approx.) · from $74

Travel from Edinburgh into the Cairngorms, stop at Loch Ness, optionally cruise to Urquhart Castle, and hear the story of Glencoe. An English-speaking driver-guide such as Chris, Ben, Terry, or Graham handles the long drive, with photo stops and free time along the way.

“The experience was good but our bus got missed and we went for a trip to st Andrews’s from the same company and the trip was really good especially the our guide Aaron he was so good and friendly”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Tour Reviews

★ 4.9Lake District 3-Day Small Group Tour from EdinburghFrom $55611 reviews
★ 5.0The Royal Military Tattoo Edinburgh City Tour Rosslyn Chapel and DinnerFrom $65128 reviews
★ 5.0Arthur’s Seat Sunset Hike with Mountain GuideFrom $6127 reviews
★ 5.0Dinner and Private Tour with your Personal Scottish SommelierFrom $6775 reviews
★ 5.0Highland Cows, Walk Alpacas & Scottish Wildlife Centre from Edin.4 reviews
★ 4.0Ghosts of Edinburgh: Bloody Past Exploration Game and TourFrom $725 reviews
★ 4.5Edinburgh City of Wizards Exploration Game and TourFrom $83 reviews
★ 5.0Edinburgh Photo Shoot – capture your memories !From $24719 reviews
‘A wee pedal’s’ E-bike tour of Arthur’s Seat and beyondFrom $9428 reviews
★ 5.04 Day Mull, Iona and Staffa Puffin Experience from EdinburghFrom $1,17735 reviews
★ 5.0Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands: Whisky, Views & Hairy CoosFrom $673 reviews
★ 4.5Royal Mile, Edinburgh Walking Tour with AudioguideFrom $716 reviews
★ 5.0Privately Guided Day Tour of Glasgow in Luxury MinivanFrom $48017 reviews
★ 5.0Isle of Skye Private 4 Day Tour From Edinburgh or GlasgowFrom $2,09111 reviews
★ 4.0Glasgow Loch Lomond Loch KatrineFrom $808 reviews

Keep browsing

Edinburgh Old Town Walking Tours19Scottish Highlands Day Trips92Edinburgh Ghost Tours22Edinburgh Whisky Tastings32Loch Ness Day Trips47Edinburgh Castle Tours7
Scroll to Top

Explore Edinburgh

Pick a close, a glen or a still room.

The Old Town

Old Town WalksCastle TicketsThe VaultsHistory ToursWalking Tours

After dark

Ghost WalksPotter TrailsOutlanderPub CrawlsStreet Games

Whisky and food

Whisky TastingsDistillery DaysGin DistilleriesFood ToursScottish Dinners

Out of the city

Highland Day TripsLoch NessIsle of SkyeCastle DaysSt Andrews & Fife