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Edinburgh and Royal Yacht Britannia
South Queensferry Shore Trips - Edinburgh and Royal Yacht Britannia
 
This 8 Hour Private Shore Excursion Includes:
  • Pick up from Port in South Queensferry
  • Private English Speaking Licensed Guide
  • Round Trip Transportation in Private Vehicle
  • Included Interior Visits- Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia
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Tour Number: SSOUT-02


Group Size (Prices in USD)*: 		2 People - $636 Per Person
3 People - $454 Per Person
4 People - $356 Per Person
5 People - $294 Per Person
6 People - $256 Per Person
7 People - $232 Per Person



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TOUR DESCRIPTION
 

South Queensferry Shore Excursion

This full day South Queensferry shore trip 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, 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 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. This magnificent ship has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. But, above all, she was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. Now docked in Edinburgh, you are welcome on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences.

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

  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- South Queensferry (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.

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

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  0 of 0 people found this review helpful:
 
5 of 5 Review Location- South Queensferry (Edinburgh) 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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