Edinburgh Shore Excursion -

The City of Edinburgh

Busy city street with view of a castle in the background

From £205 per person + Booking Fee - Edinburgh Castle entry and a two hour walking tour included

Visit Edinburgh Castle, Defender of the Nation, entry ticket included

Experience the Old Town with an inclusive two hour walking tour

Small Group Excursions

All excursions backed by our Shore Excursion Guarantee

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Important information

Port pick up and drop off included

Excursion Length - 8 hours, including time for lunch

Activity Level - Moderate

Maximum Group Size - 14 passengers

Entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle included

Two hour walking tour included

Experienced Tour Guide behind the wheel

Cost of lunch not included

Suitable for ages 12 and over

Excursion Itinerary

Discover Scotland’s captivating capital on this small-group Edinburgh shore excursion, designed exclusively for cruise passengers docking at South Queensferry, Newhaven, Leith, or Rosyth. With convenient port pick-up and drop-off, this tour combines a guided walking experience through the city’s historic heart with a visit to its most iconic landmark — Edinburgh Castle.

Your day ashore begins with a scenic drive through the city’s elegant New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Georgian architecture and graceful town planning. Then, your driver will bring you to Holyrood Palace, where your local walking guide awaits to lead an immersive two-hour walking tour of the Old Town.

This guided walk takes you through the cobbled streets and narrow closes of the Royal Mile, Victoria Street, the Grassmarket, and the Vennel Steps — uncovering stories of royal intrigue, medieval merchants, and Edinburgh’s colourful characters. Comfortable footwear and a moderate level of physical fitness are required to enjoy this experience fully, as the terrain is uneven and hilly in parts.

After your walking tour, your guide will escort you to the entrance of Edinburgh Castle, where entry is included for a self-guided visit. Inside, you’ll have time to explore highlights such as the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the Great Hall at your own pace. The Castle offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy lunch at the Redcoat Café, located within the grounds and offering spectacular views across the city skyline.

Before departing, your walking guide will point out the designated meeting area where your vehicle and driver will be waiting to collect you after your castle visit. From there, you’ll enjoy a comfortable return journey to your cruise port, arriving back with ample time before all-aboard.

With expert local guides, small-group touring, and a Shore Excursion Guarantee for peace of mind, this Edinburgh cruise excursion offers the perfect balance of discovery, culture, and comfort in Scotland’s capital city.

For any shore excursion in Scotland, preparation is key to enjoying your adventure comfortably. Our weather is famously changeable, so checking the forecast and dressing in layers is essential:
- Light base layer
- Sweater or fleece
- Waterproof jacket
Comfortable shoes are also a must, as many destinations feature cobbled streets, rugged trails, or castle grounds that require footwear capable of handling different types of uneven surface.
While many places accept cards, having a bit of cash on hand can be helpful.
A small backpack is useful for carrying essentials like snacks, extra clothing, and any souvenirs you may pick up along the way.
Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone to capture all those sights on your excursion with us!