Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Highlights Tour
8 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience the grandeur of Scotland’s brooding capital with a full-day shore excursion of Edinburgh. With an expert guide, journey by coach to the city’s main attractions such as the formidable Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Yacht Britannia, owned by the British Royal Family for more than four decades! Accompany your local guide on a stroll along the Royal Mile and through Old Town, the city’s oldest quarter strewn with historic landmarks.
- Full-day shore excursion around Edinburgh’s historical highlights
- Visit mighty Edinburgh Castle, once home to many of Scotland’s monarchs
- Explore Holyrood Palace, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland
- Tour the luxurious Royal Yacht Britannia and learn about royal life on board
- Start with a panoramic tour to see Edinburgh’s main highlights from your coach
- Enjoy free time to stroll the impressive Royal Mile
- Covered by Viator’s worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship
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Your tour of historic Edinburgh begins in the morning with coach pick up from our departure point. Meet your friendly guide and settle in for your tour through the historic city. Your first stop is at the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. You may purchase an independent audio tour through the glamorous boat that is a site of much royal history, including serving as the Queen’s floating palace for more than 40 years. See the five decks and hear about illustrious guests like Winston Churchill.
Next, head to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace), Her Majesty the Queen’s home in Scotland. Take an optional tour (own expense) of the palace interior to see the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots and the State Apartments where Queen Mary witnessed the murder of her secretary at the hand of a jealous contingent.
Next, continue to Edinburgh Castle. There, admire the castle and the sweeping views from Castle Rock, or take an interior tour (own expense). Explore grand buildings and learn about medieval life in the palace, its royal residents like Mary, Queen of Scots, and the many bloody battles fought here such as the War of Independence in the 14th century.
Afterwards, take some time to independently explore the Royal Mile and grab your own lunch before returning to the coach.
Your full-day tour concludes at the departure point in time for dinner and evening activities.
Worry-Free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to Edinburgh port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Next, head to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace), Her Majesty the Queen’s home in Scotland. Take an optional tour (own expense) of the palace interior to see the chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots and the State Apartments where Queen Mary witnessed the murder of her secretary at the hand of a jealous contingent.
Next, continue to Edinburgh Castle. There, admire the castle and the sweeping views from Castle Rock, or take an interior tour (own expense). Explore grand buildings and learn about medieval life in the palace, its royal residents like Mary, Queen of Scots, and the many bloody battles fought here such as the War of Independence in the 14th century.
Afterwards, take some time to independently explore the Royal Mile and grab your own lunch before returning to the coach.
Your full-day tour concludes at the departure point in time for dinner and evening activities.
Worry-Free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to Edinburgh port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Itinerary
We will travel to the Royal Mile to visit historic Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s most iconic castle and named the UK’s best heritage attraction in 2014. Spend time touring the castle, learn all about its history and even see the famous Stone of Destiny; the traditional crowning seat of the ancient Scottish monarchs.
Duration: 2 hours
Admission Ticket Not Included
After a tour of the Castle, enjoy free time for refreshments and explore Castlehill, the city’s oldest street, and discover one of the many atmospheric ‘closes’ or alleys running off the back-bone of the Royal Mile, and attractions such as St Giles Cathedral.
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Free
Your Edinburgh Shore Excursion will then travel to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British Royal Family in Scotland, with enough time to visit the palace. This baroque palace is full of history and is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and was the setting for many dramatic episodes during her short and turbulent reign.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Not Included
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Edinburgh Shore Excursion: City Highlights Tour
8 hours
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