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

15 Reviews 4.53 out of 5 stars Based on 15 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Edinburgh, Scotland

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4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

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

  • Entry to Edinburgh Castle
  • Pre-opening access ticket to the Castle (if option selected)
  • Entry to Holyrood Palace with audio guide (most dates)
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Castlehill
Edinburgh EH1 2NE, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Canongate
Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK

In Holyrood Palace.

What To Expect

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.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Lawnmarket

See the historic Lawnmarket and the exterior of St. Giles’ Cathedral while your guide shares fascinating stories.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
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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.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Photography and filming are not permitted inside the Palace.
  • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh in a Day: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-62043P38

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.53
15 reviews

Average 4.53 out of 5 stars based on 15 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
11
4 stars
1
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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.
  • Photography and filming are not permitted inside the Palace.
  • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
  • NOTE: On this tour you will visit Holyrood Palace with audio guide (most dates) OR guided whisky tasting (Tuesdays & Wednesdays from Sept. 8)
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Language & Country

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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