Edinburgh in a Day: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace

4.4
(27 reviews)

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4 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Discover Edinburgh’s rich royal heritage in one unforgettable day. Begin with a guided visit to Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll uncover treasures like the crown jewels and enjoy stunning city views. You'll also walk the historic Royal Mile with an expert guide, making stops at Lawnmarket, St. Giles’ Cathedral (exterior), and Canongate. Depending on the date of your tour, you'll wrap up your journey at either Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, or the Scotch Whisky Experience, where you'll taste one of Scotland's most beloved products like a true local (available Tues/Weds from Sept 8th).

What's Included

Local English-speaking guide
Entry to Edinburgh Castle
Guided whisky tasting (Tue & Wed from Sept. 8)
Entry to Holyrood Palace with audio guide (most dates)
Pre-opening access ticket to the Castle (if option selected)
Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Scotch Whiskey Experience located at 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1

End point

In Holyrood Palace.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Edinburgh Castle

    Start with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, an ancient stronghold perched atop volcanic rock. Your guide will lead you through its highlights, including Scotland’s crown jewels, the Great Hall, and panoramic views of the city. If you wish, choose the Early Access option when booking for a VIP experience in the Edinburgh Castle where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the iconic landmark one hour before they open to the public.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Lawnmarket

    See the historic Lawnmarket and the exterior of St. Giles’ Cathedral while your guide shares fascinating stories.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Royal Mile

    Walk through the historic heart of Edinburgh, uncover hidden closes, and hear tales of its past. Then continue on to Canongate to learn about this historic area’s ties to Scotland’s royalty, and marvel at its beautiful architecture.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Palace of Holyroodhouse

    On most dates, you'll end your tour by exploring the King’s Scottish residence with an audio guide, which will let you delve into its rich history and royal stories.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • The Scotch Whisky Experience (Pass by)

    On tours taking place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from September 8th, you'll enjoy a guided whiskey experience instead of the palace visit, diving deep into centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and culture.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Supplied by Walks - UK

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
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Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.4 Based on 27 27 reviews
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