Edinburgh: VIP Early Access Castle & Guided City Tour
ID: GYG907998-1421917
Category:
Country: United Kingdom
Duration:
04:00 hours
Description
Unlock Edinburgh’s treasures on this tour, complete with early access to Edinburgh Castle before it opens to the public. Enjoy a guided stroll down the Royal Mile, and a visit Holyrood Palace—all in one day.
Discover the best of Edinburgh in one unforgettable day. Your tour begins with exclusive early access to Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll step inside before the public arrives. Take advantage of this rare early access to explore its fascinating history and treasures in serene solitude, including the Crown Room, Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel—the oldest building in Edinburgh.
Next, your guide will lead you down the Royal Mile, the historic heart of Edinburgh. Along the way, you’ll uncover its cobbled streets, secret closes, and towering tenements. Stop to admire St. Giles’ Cathedral (exterior only), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and hear stories of Scotland’s dramatic past. You'll also explore the charming Canongate area, and hear about its royal connections and local history.
Your day wraps up at the majestic Holyrood Palace. With an audio guide, you'll wander its opulent state rooms, tranquil gardens, and the evocative ruins of Holyrood Abbey—the perfect finale to your Edinburgh adventure.
Highlights
- Enter Edinburgh Castle with private early access
- Discover the Royal Mile’s hidden closes & historic sites
- View the exterior of St. Giles’ Cathedral & hear its story
- Explore Canongate, rich in royal and cultural significance
- Take a self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty
The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour, it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers
Photography and filming are not permitted inside the palace
Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the palace's state apartments
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. Your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Scotch Whiskey Experience located at 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1.
INCLUDED
- Early access ticket to Edinburgh Castle
- Self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace
- Local English-speaking guide
NOT INCLUDED
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Tips
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
