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Leith Shore Excursion - Best of Edinburgh
 



Private Edinburgh shore excursion from Leith, a working port in its own right for over a thousand years. Driving tour of the city, a guided visit to Edinburgh Castle, then free time on the Royal Mile. English speaking licensed guide, round trip from the Port of Leith. 8 hours.

8.5 hours (private)
private excursion
licensed guide
english speaking expert
all group sizes
sedan to full size coach
››
port or hotel
pick up either location
  • Pick up from Port in Leith
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private English Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Included Interior Visits- Edinburgh Castle
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number:
SLEIT-01


Group Size (Prices in USD)*:
2 People - $620 Per Person
3 People - $436 Per Person
4 People - $338 Per Person
5 People - $278 Per Person
6 People - $238 Per Person
7 People - $214 Per Person



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Name of Ship or Hotel*:


TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Shore Excursion from Leith

This full day shore tour departs from Leith itself, Edinburgh's historic harbour on the Firth of Forth and a working port in its own right for over a thousand years, an independent burgh until 1920. You have a driving tour of the city followed by a guided visit to Edinburgh Castle, then free time to enjoy lunch and explore the Royal Mile.

After meeting your private guide at the pier, you enjoy a scenic driving tour of Edinburgh, including the Georgian New Town, with a photo stop on Calton Hill for views over the city and the historic Old Town.

In the Old Town, you visit Edinburgh Castle, the most famous of Scottish castles. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was built around 1503 by James IV; the Half Moon Battery was added by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial was built after the First World War. The castle houses the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O'Clock Gun, and the National War Museum of Scotland. In 1093, Queen Margaret died here while the castle was under siege by her brother-in-law Donald Bane and his Norwegian allies, following news of her husband King Malcolm III's death at the Battle of Alnwick; her body was smuggled out through a postern gate to prevent its capture.

Following the castle visit, you have free time for lunch in a local pub, then time to explore the Royal Mile on your own or browse for souvenirs.

Later in the afternoon you return to the pier.

Mobility: Folding wheelchair OK, some sites may be inaccessible (advance notice required)

Please note
  • Interior visit to Edinburgh Castle involves stairs and uneven historic surfaces; a folding wheelchair can be accommodated with advance notice, but some areas may not be accessible.

What's Included

Included

  • Pick up from Port in Leith
  • Your contact will hold a welcome sign with your name written
  • Private English Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Included Interior Visits- Edinburgh Castle

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities (optional, at your discretion)
  • Personal shopping

Tour Timing

All times are approximate and will vary based on your group's pace and interests.

  • 1
    Meet guide and depart for Edinburgh- 30 Minutes
  • 2
    Panoramic driving tour with photo stop- 2 Hours
  • 3
    Visit Edinburgh Castle- 1.5 Hours
  • 4
    3.5 Hours
    Free time for lunch and to explore the Royal Mile
  • 5
    Return to pier- 30 Minutes

Resources

Port of Leith. Official port authority site for Leith terminal information. Official Website

VisitScotland - Leith . Official Scotland tourism guide to the Leith neighborhood. Official Website

Good to Know

Mobility
This tour involves steps and uneven terrain that make it unsuitable for wheelchair users. If you have mobility concerns, contact us and we can discuss alternatives.
Walking
This tour includes a walking portion over some hills and uneven ground. Comfortable, supportive shoes are strongly recommended.
Dress Code
Some sites on this tour require that shoulders and knees be covered. We recommend wearing or bringing a light layer to avoid being turned away at the entrance.
Customizable
This tour can be adjusted to fit your group’s pace and interests. If you’d like to spend more time at a particular site or add a stop, contact us when you inquire.
Larger Groups
For groups that need a minibus or full coach, contact us for a custom quote. We accommodate groups of any size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's inside Edinburgh Castle?
The Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the 15th century gun Mons Meg, St Margaret's Chapel (the oldest building in Edinburgh), and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Where does this tour depart from?
The Port of Leith, Edinburgh's own historic harbour on the Firth of Forth, about 2 miles from the city centre.
Is there free time built into this tour?
Yes. After the castle visit you have free time for lunch and to explore the Royal Mile at your own pace.
How far is Leith from central Edinburgh?
About 2 miles, roughly 20 to 25 minutes by private vehicle.

Also Available:

›Edinburgh and Royal Yacht Britannia - if you would like to visit Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia

Our Back-to-Ship Guarantee

Every excursion returning 1.5 hours before departure is covered. If we are late, we cover your costs to reach the next port. More info ›

Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Meet guide and depart for Edinburgh- 30 Minutes
  • Panoramic driving tour with photo stop- 2 Hours
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle- 1.5 Hours
  • Free time for lunch and to explore the Royal Mile - 3.5 Hours
  • Return to pier- 30 Minutes

Average Rating: Average Rating: 5 of 5 5 of 5 Total Reviews: 4 Write a review »

  6 of 6 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Leith (Edinburgh) Sunday, July 26, 2026
Reviewer: Joan P from Surrey, BC, Canada  
Our first guide, Graeme Giles, met us as we stepped off the gangway.instantly identifiable thanks to his Kilt ensemble!  Very dashing! Admittedly his Scottish Brogue was pretty thick..he tried to slow down when talking..but we likely deciphered about half of what he said!  We drove straight to St Andrews from the Edinburgh Dock.  Did not see the Rail Road bridge.  Upon entering St Andrews we headed for a tour of the Cathedral.   Graeme was often stopped so a passerby could take a photo of him!  No question,,,he loved that!!   We visited the University of St Andrews, followed by lunch in the well known Grey Friars pub.  After lunch, shopping began in a number of golf shops that Graeme frequents.  Next he talked us onto the 18th green vantage point at the LPGA tournament.  Graeme seems to be known in St Andrewsand we received quick service where ever we went. There was a question if we could get into the R&A Museum due to the tournament,  but Graeme managed to secure our entrance.  The ride back to the ship went along country roads,,,,he was a master at avoiding traffic. As we arrived in good time back to the ship, Graeme asked us to come to the back of this van, we did, where he produced a bottle of Scotch Whiskey and teeny drinking cups. A good-by toast followed.  He presented the Barb and me two Scottish Terrierthe name of the tour company,,,pins.  Was a lovely day.and we managed to dodge all rain once we got out of Edinburgh.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Leith (Edinburgh) Sunday, June 7, 2026
Reviewer: Dannelle M from Mission Viejo, California  
Again, Private Shore Trips did not disappoint. Been using them since 2009. Steven is so great to work with - and his team of tour guides all over Europe have been amazing. This time we used them in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast. David in London, Ricky in Edinburgh, Ricky and Graeme in Glasgow and Paul in Belfast. All were personable, friendly, very knowledgeable, and flexible.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Leith (Edinburgh) Friday, November 7, 2025
Reviewer: Sal W from Howell, NJ D  
Your drivers were excellent! Thank you so much! We will definitely be intouch with future bookings.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Leith (Edinburgh) Friday, July 4, 2025
Reviewer: Ryan V from Stockton CA  
Were back home and still buzzing from an absolutely amazing trip! Every private tour was seamlessguides showed up right on time, adjusted to our pace, and shared fascinating insights (plus a few good laughs). Honestly, we cant imagine doing it any other way. Weve already told dozens of friends about your service, so dont be surprised if you get a flood of new fans. And skipping the cruise ship excursions Best decision.

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