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Edinburgh and Royal Yacht Britannia
South Queensferry Shore Trips - Edinburgh and Royal Yacht Britannia
 

Private South Queensferry shore excursion tracing Scotland's royal history from Edinburgh Castle, birthplace of King James VI in 1566, to the former Royal Yacht Britannia, home afloat to Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family for over 44 years. Includes a scenic drive past the Georgian New Town and Calton Hill. Licensed English speaking guide, round trip from the South Queensferry cruise port. 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 South Queensferry
  • 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: SSOUT-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 South Queensferr

This full day tour visits the famous Edinburgh Castle and then, after some free time, you visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the most unique royal residences.

After meeting your private guide at the pier you immediately drive into Edinburgh. Upon arrival you enjoy a scenic driving tour including the Georgian New Town and a photo stop on Calton Hill, where you admire the splendid views of the city and the historic Old Town.

Upon arrival in the Old Town you visit Edinburgh Castle, seat of the Scottish monarchy for centuries. It was here, on 19 June 1566, that Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI, who would go on to unite the crowns of Scotland and England as James I. The castle's oldest surviving building, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century, and the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510. Today the castle houses the Honours of Scotland, the country's crown jewels, along with the Stone of Destiny, the 15th century gun Mons Meg, and the National War Museum of Scotland.

Following the castle visit is free time for lunch in a local pub and then some additional time in Edinburgh's Old Town to explore on your own or pick up souvenirs.

After lunch you depart for the former Royal Yacht Britannia. Launched in 1953, this ship carried the Queen and the Royal Family on official visits and private voyages for more than four decades before her retirement in 1997. Now docked in Leith, Edinburgh's historic port, she is open for visitors to walk the same decks and staterooms once used for state receptions and royal holidays, a very different kind of royal residence from the medieval fortress you visited that morning.

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

Mobility: NO wheelchairs

If you cannot find what you are looking for, our South Queensferry shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private South Queensferry shore trip using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.

Please note
  • Due to uneven surfaces, steps, and walking distances at both Edinburgh Castle and aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, 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 South Queensferry
  • 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

South Queensferry - Visit Scotland . Cruise pickup town, on the Firth of Forth about 30 minutes from Edinburgh Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was King James VI born?
He was born in Edinburgh Castle on 19 June 1566, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots. He was crowned King of Scots at just thirteen months old and later became James I of England, uniting the two crowns in 1603.
How long did the Royal Yacht Britannia serve the Royal Family?
She served for more than 44 years, from her launch in 1953 until she was decommissioned in 1997, carrying the Queen and the Royal Family on state visits and private voyages around the world.
Is the Royal Yacht Britannia included in the tour price?
Yes, admission to the Royal Yacht Britannia is included as one of this tour's interior visits, along with Edinburgh Castle.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the castle's cobblestones and steps and the yacht's gangways and internal stairs. Please contact us for alternative sightseeing options.

Also Available:

›Best of Edinburgh - For guests who would rather spend the afternoon with free time on the Royal Mile instead of visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia.
›Stirling Castle and Linlithgow Palace - To swap royal Edinburgh for royal Stirling and Linlithgow, the castle where Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned and the palace where she was born.

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 ›

Book With Confidence

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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: 5 Write a review »

  6 of 6 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- South Queensferry (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- South Queensferry (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- South Queensferry (Edinburgh) Saturday, September 13, 2025
Reviewer: Gina D from Anaheim, CA  
We had a wonderful time, our tour guide was Nick . He was the best guide ever, he was very informative and speaks English perfectly. His knowledge of the city was unbelievable, he was very flexible and took us to where we want to go. I am a travel agent and we sell cruises, I will refer your tours to all my clients. Thanks for everything.

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- South Queensferry (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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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- South Queensferry (Edinburgh) Monday, May 8, 2023
Reviewer: Raymond D from Ft. Walton Beach FL  
We made it home last night, and we just have to sayour trip and private tours were absolutely fantastic! Every guide was on time, super flexible, and full of great info (pretty sure they know more about history than Wikipedia). We couldnt have asked for a better experience! Ive already passed your email along to dozens of friendsso dont be surprised if your inbox starts overflowing. And wow, are we glad we skipped the cruise ship excursionsThey looked so sad and crowded.

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