Home > Baltic > Scotland > Leith - Edinburgh >

Best of Edinburgh
Leith Shore Excursion - Best of Edinburgh
 
This 8 Hour Private Shore Excursion Includes:
  • Pick up from Port in Leith
  • 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 - $610 Per Person
3 People - $426 Per Person
4 People - $328 Per Person
5 People - $268 Per Person
6 People - $228 Per Person
7 People - $204 Per Person



Port / City*:

Month*:

Day*:

Year*:

Pick Up Time*:

Pick Up Location*:

Name of Ship or Hotel*:

TOUR DESCRIPTION
 
Type: Antiquities, Culture, Scenic Drive, Walking
Length: 8 Hours
Walking: Medium (a lot of walking and some stairs)
Mobility: NO wheelchairs
Guide: Licensed Guide
Language: English

Leith Edinburgh Shore Excursion - This full day shore tour is great for those who wish to visit Edinburgh. You have a driving tour of the city followed by a visit to the intriguing Edinburgh Castle. There is free time to enjoy lunch in a local pub and explore the famous Royal Mile.

After meeting your private guide at the pier you enjoy a scenic driving tour of Edinburgh including the Georgian New Town. You delight in a photo stop on Calton Hill where you admire the splendid views of the city and it's historic Old Town.

Upon arrival in the Old Town you visit Edinburgh Castle, the most famous of Scottish castles. You will learn about its complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War. The castle houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland. It is here that in the 11th Century, Queen Margaret, directed the defense of her adopted homeland two decades after the same Norman had slaughtered her brother and the nobles of Saxon England at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Margaret, who was known for her saintly deeds and devotion to Christ, died during the siege and her body was lowered down the walls to prevent its capture and desecration by the Normans.

Following the castle visit is free time for lunch in a local pub and then you can explore the Royal Mile or visit St. Giles Cathedral which is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed crown spire it stands on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland's chivalric company of knights headed by the Queen).

Later this afternoon you return to the pier.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our Leith - Edinburgh tours and Leith - Edinburgh Shore Excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Leith - Edinburgh tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
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 »

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Leith (Edinburgh) 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.

Was this review helpful to you?

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Leith (Edinburgh) 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.

Was this review helpful to you?

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Leith (Edinburgh) 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.

Was this review helpful to you?

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- Leith (Edinburgh) June 26, 2025
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.

Was this review helpful to you?