Edinburgh Half Day Guided Private Tour in a Luxury Minivan

Edinburgh , Scotland

Edinburgh Half Day Guided Private Tour in a Luxury Minivan

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About this experience

Edinburgh is bursting with culture and energy. Avoid the hassle of public tours, and explore the best of the city with your own local guide.

The tour begins at the top of Calton Hill, where you can soak in the panoramic views of the city, before delving into the charming Dean Village.

Next, you’ll get to see Edinburgh Castle up close and learn why it’s one of the most interesting, and exciting historic sites in Western Europe.

Visit Arthur’s Seat, and take in the vibrance of Leith district before finally, wandering through the historic and picturesque Old Town. We can’t wait to show you the wonders of our capital city.

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Edinburgh Half Day Guided Private Tour in a Luxury Minivan

Pickup included

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Marvel at the majestic Edinburgh Castle as your personal guide brings it to life, pointing out its fascinating history, architectural wonders and breathtaking views up close.

Stop 2

The Old Town of Edinburgh is perhaps the most famous. Here you’ll get to experience the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile and St Giles’ Cathedral.

Stop 3

Also known as Monument Hill, this is a fantastic spot to look over Edinburgh. From here, you’ll be able to see Edinburgh Castle, Leith, the Old Town and the New Town. You might recognise the Monument from pictures, postcards or Pinterest, and that’s exactly why you’ll love this part of the tour. It’s a beautiful spot where your guide can tell you all about the history of Edinburgh – and point out all the landmarks as you go.

A true hidden gem, Dean Village is somewhere you might miss if travelling alone. With Hopscotch Travel, we’ll make sure you see all the best sights and make memories to last a lifetime. Upon entering Dean Village, you’ll be transported into another world, where cobbled streets and quaint houses sit on the banks of the Water of Leith. Historically, the village milled water and grains, and you can still spot many of the remains if you know where to look – and our guides do!

Stop 5

As we travel through Edinburgh you’ll get spectacular view of Arthur’s Seat. As we pass by your guide will also point out the New Scottish Parliament Building and Holyrood Palace – the official residence for King Charles III here in Scotland. Palace of Holyrood Get up close to the splendid Palace of Holyrood as your personal guide shares its rich history, royal connections, and the stories behind its stunning architecture.

Stop 6

Leith is the home to The Royal Yacht Britannia, a floating museum to the monarchy that is now permanently moored in Leith. We do not visit Britannia on this tour.

Stop 7

Contrasting old with new, Edinburgh is full of surprises. In Leith, you’ll get to see both sides with Edinburgh’s ports and docks. It’s also in Leith where Mary Queen of Scots’ first arrived back in Scotland after her time in France. You can imagine it looks very different today.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture