Edinburgh · TOURS

The 15 Best Tours & Day Trips from Edinburgh

237 tours  ·  from $5

Everything with a guide, a coach or a boat attached, in one list. The 15 below are the ones worth a whole day, priced and timed, with the rest of the catalogue underneath.

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.”

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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.”

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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”

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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”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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

9.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.”

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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

10.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 :)”

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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

11.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.”

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Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh - What the bus ride feels like
Edinburgh Ghost Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

12.Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,761 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Ride a vintage Routemaster through Edinburgh after dark with an English-speaking guide such as Tommy Terror. Hear grim tales of Burke and Hare, witch hunts, executions, and haunted sites including Greyfriars and Grassmarket, with theatrical effects, city views, and a comic horror performance.

“While this was fun, we were jam packed into an overheated bus that was very hard to see out of. The stories were very interesting and the guide was entertaining but the end with the ghost was a bit over the top. Would not recommend for small children.”

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City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free - Nicolson Square, Chambers Street, and George IV Bridge
City Tours, Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free

13.City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Kids Go Free

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,683 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Use a 24-hour Edinburgh hop-on hop-off pass to circle the city by open-top double-decker bus. Hear commentary in nine languages, follow a kids’ track, and stop near Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Dynamic Earth, and other major sights. Up to three children travel free with each paying adult before March 31, 2026.

“Windows fog up easily in the rain and cold. Scott was great on the Edinbyrg live tour. Drivers great on all three. Great way to embrace the city. We did red, green and blue route.”

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Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour - Starting on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
Highland Cow & Wildlife Tours, Loch Ness Day Trips, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour

14.Loch Ness, Glencoe, Coos & the Highlands Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,539 reviews · 12.5 hours · from $72

From Edinburgh, Highland Experience Tours takes you through Perthshire, the Cairngorms, Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Glencoe in 12.5 hours. Expect a full coach, frequent photo stops, optional cruise and castle entry, and lively English commentary from guides such as Terry, Charlie, Jamie and Stephen B.

“It was grate, very beautiful places. Our tiur guide Hugh absolutely one of the best guides I ever meet. He told us a lot history, legends and interesting facts. He also played to us on bagpipe, that was really amazing. He absolutely succeeded to create a Scottish vibe on this tour”

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From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour - Day one: Kelpies, Callander, Glencoe, and Glenfinnan
3-Day Experiences, Isle of Skye Tours, Multi-Day Scotland Tours, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

15.3-Day Isle of Skye and The Highlands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,405 reviews · 3 days · from $244

Travel from Edinburgh to Skye and Inverness by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a local Hairy Coo guide such as Stephen, Rod, Nick, or Paul S. Expect dramatic scenery, Scottish stories, film locations, photo stops, two nights in self-booked Inverness accommodation, and a fast but rewarding schedule.

“Craig was the best guide/driver ever. Always had little stories about everything which made the trip very interesting.”

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