Edinburgh Shore Excursions from South Queensferry Cruise Port

Large cruise ships anchor in the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry because they are too wide to pass under the famous Victorian Forth Railway Bridge. Passengers are tendered approximately 10 minutes to Hawes Pier in South Queensferry - right in the centre of the town. South Queensferry is within Edinburgh's city boundary but approximately 15 to 20 minutes by private vehicle from the historic city centre. Your guide will meet you at Hawes Pier with a name sign.

For first-time visitors the Best of Edinburgh private shore excursion is the strongest choice - Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and a driving tour of the city in 8 hours. For guests who want to add the Royal Yacht Britannia, permanently berthed at Leith, the Edinburgh and Royal Yacht Britannia tour extends the day slightly. For guests who have already seen Edinburgh and want to explore further afield, Stirling Castle and Linlithgow Palace, or St Andrews, are both within reach of a comfortable full-day private shore excursion from South Queensferry cruise port.

Edinburgh city centre is approximately 9 miles from Hawes Pier in South Queensferry - a drive of 15 to 20 minutes by private vehicle depending on traffic. The Forth Road Bridge and the newer Queensferry Crossing both provide fast connections to the city. Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace are all within the historic old town and easily accessible from the city centre once you arrive.

Yes - Stirling Castle is approximately 35 miles west of South Queensferry cruise port, a drive of about 45 minutes by private vehicle. The castle sits on a volcanic crag dominating the medieval town of Stirling and is considered one of Scotland's most magnificent fortresses - used as a royal residence by the Stuart monarchs and the backdrop for major battles in Scottish history. A half-day Stirling Castle shore excursion (SSOUT-03) runs 4 hours. The full-day version (SSOUT-04) combines Stirling Castle with Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, in 8 hours.

Our back-to-ship guarantee means that if an unforeseen delay during your private Edinburgh shore excursion prevents you from returning to Hawes Pier before your ship departs, we will arrange and cover the cost of transportation to your next port of call. This guarantee applies to all private shore excursions and Edinburgh cruise excursions booked through us from South Queensferry. Your tour must be scheduled to return 1.5 hours before the ship departs.