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Stirling Castle
Leith Shore Trip - Stirling Castle
 

Private half day shore excursion from Leith to Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most significant royal castles, followed by Stirling's medieval old town. English speaking licensed guide, round trip from the Port of Leith. 4 hours.

4 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- Stirling Castle
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number: SLEIT-03


Group Size (Prices in USD)*: 		2 People - $606 Per Person
3 People - $420 Per Person
4 People - $322 Per Person
5 People - $262 Per Person
6 People - $224 Per Person
7 People - $198 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Stirling Castle

This half day shore tour from Leith visits Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most magnificent castles, followed by a stop in the medieval old town of Stirling.

After meeting your private guide at the pier, you depart directly for Stirling. The castle sits on a rocky outcrop with commanding views for miles around, built as an almost impregnable fortification. Visitors can explore its long military history, particularly during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 1300s, as well as its role as a luxurious royal palace, especially under James V.

After the castle, you visit the town of Stirling at the mouth of the River Forth, where the medieval old town sits below the fortress. Many consider Stirling the best small city in Scotland; this stop gives you the chance to judge for yourself.

Following this stop you return to the pier.

Mobility: NO wheelchairs

Please note
  • Mobility: Due to uneven surfaces, steps, and walking distances, this itinerary is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs. Please contact us for alternative sightseeing options, including private driving tours that may better accommodate your needs.

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- Stirling 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
    1 Hour
    Meet guide and drive to Stirling
  • 2
    2 Hours
    Visit Stirling Castle and old town
  • 3
    1 Hour
    Return to pier

Resources

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

Stirling Castle . Official Historic Environment Scotland site for tickets and visitor information. Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Stirling Castle significant?
It played a central role in the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 1300s and later served as a royal palace, particularly under James V.
Is Stirling far from Leith?
It's about an hour's drive each way, making this a suitable half day option.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, and the castle involves a fair amount of walking and stairs.
What is included besides the castle?
A stop in Stirling's medieval old town, often called the best small city in Scotland.

Also Available:

›Best of Edinburgh - Edinburgh shore excursion from Leith cruise port - private guided visit to the Georgian New Town with a licensed English-speaking guide.

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 ›

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Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
  • Meet guide and drive to Stirling - 1 Hour
  • Visit Stirling Castle and old town - 2 Hours
  • Return to pier - 1 Hour

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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