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Edinburgh and Royal Yacht Britannia
Leith Shore Excursions - Edinburgh and Royal Yacht Britannia
 

Private Edinburgh shore excursion from Leith, visiting Edinburgh Castle then the Royal Yacht Britannia, permanently moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith itself rather than a long drive away. English speaking licensed guide, round trip from the Port of Leith. 8 hours 15 minutes.

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, Royal Yacht Britannia
Read Full Tour Description





Tour Number: SLEIT-02


Group Size (Prices in USD)*: 		2 People - $646 Per Person
3 People - $464 Per Person
4 People - $362 Per Person
5 People - $304 Per Person
6 People - $266 Per Person
7 People - $240 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

Edinburgh Castle & Royal Yacht Britannia Shore Excursion from Leith

This full day tour visits Edinburgh Castle, then, after some free time, the former Royal Yacht Britannia. Because this tour departs from Leith, Britannia's home port since it was decommissioned, the visit is close by rather than a significant drive, unlike from other Edinburgh-area cruise ports.

After meeting your private guide at the pier, you drive into Edinburgh for a scenic tour including the Georgian New Town and a photo stop on Calton Hill overlooking the Old Town. In the Old Town, you visit Edinburgh Castle, the most famous of Scottish castles, with a building history spanning St Margaret's Chapel from the 12th century to the Scottish National War Memorial built after the First World War. The castle displays the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and the 15th century gun Mons Meg.

Following the castle visit, you have free time for lunch in the Old Town and some time to explore or shop.

After lunch you head to Ocean Terminal in Leith to board the former Royal Yacht Britannia, in royal service for over 40 years and host to world leaders and royalty, but above all the private home of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family at sea. You explore the state apartments, crew quarters, and the bridge, seeing the ship much as the Royal Family knew it.

Later in the afternoon you return to the pier or your hotel.

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- Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia

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
    Free time for lunch and shopping- 2 Hours
  • 5
    Drive to Royal Yacht Britannia- 30 Minutes
  • 6
    Visit Royal Yacht Britannia- 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
  • 7
    Return to pier- 30 Minutes

Resources

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

The Royal Yacht Britannia . Official site for tickets, hours, and visitor information. Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What will we see on board Britannia?
The state apartments, crew quarters, engine room, and bridge, largely preserved as they were when the Royal Family used the ship.
Why does this tour work especially well from Leith?
The Royal Yacht Britannia is permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith itself, so the visit doesn't require the longer drive it would from other Edinburgh-area cruise ports.

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 depart for Edinburgh- 30 Minutes
  • Panoramic driving tour with photo stop- 2 Hours
  • Visit Edinburgh Castle- 1.5 Hours
  • Free time for lunch and shopping- 2 Hours
  • Drive to Royal Yacht Britannia- 30 Minutes
  • Visit Royal Yacht Britannia- 1 Hour and 15 Minutes
  • 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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