Top Edinburgh Historical Tours

Travel from Edinburgh to St. Andrews and Fife on this day trip from Edinburgh. Cross the Forth Road Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife and pass by the coastal villages of East Neuk. Then pay homage to the town of St. Andrews, home to Scotland's oldest university and the Old Course where golf is routinely played. Driving in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, see Falkland and the Lomond Hills. Enjoy a small-group tour, limited to 16 people, for a memorable and personalized experience.

Get a comprehensive look at Scotland during this 5-day journey through its rugged and rural landscapes. Travel through the Lowlands, Northern Highlands, West Coast, and the Isle of Skye, including a stop at Loch Ness and Eilean Donan Castle. Enjoy overnight stays in Oban and Loch Ness, and a 2-night stay in Isle of Skye, with daily breakfast included

Explore Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle, and delve into the world of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Rob Roy on this tour from Edinburgh. Visit Stirling Castle—widely considered among Scotland’s most impressive fortresses—with a guide. Head through the Trossachs National Park to the Highland village of Balloch, nestled by the banks of magical Loch Lomond. Perhaps take a lake cruise or enjoy capturing the pretty town of Luss on camera before the journey back to Edinburgh.

Trade the city’s bustle for a magical day in nature on this Harry Potter-themed excursion into the Scottish Highlands. In the morning, set off from Edinburgh and enjoy sightseeing stops en route, including the fishing village of Mallaig. Then, board the Jacobite Steam Train (a double for the Hogwarts Express) and travel along the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the films. Finally, see Glencoe’s dramatic scenery before your return trip.

Marvel at Scotland’s rural majesty on this 3-day Isle of Skye and Highlands tour from Edinburgh. Admire Loch Lomond and Eilean Donan Castle; and discover the relaxed lifestyle of Skye, with a stroll around the harbor town of Portree and a whisky tasting. Plus, explore Culloden Battlefield to learn of Scotland’s Jacobite Rising; visit Urquhart Castle, and cruise on Loch Ness. Some entry tickets are at your own expense.

This full-day Scottish Highlands tour takes you on a scenic drive from Edinburgh to the fabled Loch Ness. The journey travels by coach across Rannoch Moor to Glen Coe and through the Great Glen to Fort Augustus, where you’re treated to a locally made picnic lunch. Take an optional boat ride on the legendary loch in search of ‘Nessie’ before the return trip over the Drumochter Pass and through the forests and rivers of Highland Perthshire, with views of the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge.

Step off the tourist trail and explore the Scottish capital’s hidden secrets on this underground walking tour in Edinburgh. Follow a guide from the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town down below street level, where a series of ancient vaults lie. As you explore the dark passageways, learn why the vaults were built, hear of the poor souls who sought refuge in the depths and discover a hidden witchcraft temple. Gain insight into city life during the 18th century, and learn of the deadly diseases which threatened Edinburgh’s inhabitants.

Explore the Scottish Highlands with this three-day tour from Edinburgh. Skip the hassle of a rental car and kick back in an air-conditioned coach with a local guide. Hear stories of Scotland’s history as you visit the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, and Inverness. This tour offers an immersive experience into one of the most scenic areas of the Scottish countryside.

A perfect tour for Harry Potter fans; visit Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for the Hogwarts Express, and take your iconic photo as the train crosses the bridge; visit Mallaig and the Road to the Isles, explore Fort William and Glencoe in this one-day tour.

Explore famous landmarks and hidden secrets in Edinburgh on this walking tour. Explore Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile with a guide, and gain insight into famous writers and inventors who have called the city home. Hear tales of Scotland's national bard—Robert Burns—and discover top landmarks such as St. Giles’ Cathedral and the National Galleries of Scotland. Capture Edinburgh through the eye of your camera as you go, and find out what makes this ancient city tick.

Experience the beauty of rural Scotland on this 9.5-hour West Highland lochs and castles day trip from Edinburgh. Visit the iconic Doune Castle in Stirlingshire with a guide, then head deep into the Scottish Highlands. Take in fine views over shimmering lakes and soaring peaks, and enjoy an hour’s free time in Glen Ogle. Then, head onward to Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle — widely considered Scotland's prettiest castle. Explore the highland village of Inveraray and perhaps visit Inveraray Castle. Travel through the beautiful Arrochar Alps back to Edinburgh.

Discover the dramatic beauty, history and mystery of Scotland on this full-day trip from Edinburgh. Aboard a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, wind through the Scottish Highlands and marvel at the majesty of Cairngorms National Park and the mysterious Loch Ness—fabled home of the elusive water monster, Nessie. Spot the famous Urquhart Castle en route and hear about legendary warfare like the battles of William Wallace and the massacre of Glen Coe in the 17th century.

Discover the palaces and castles of TV’s ‘Outlander’ series on a 9.5-hour tour from Edinburgh. Visit some of the sites that starred in the fictional Jacobite saga, including Blackness Castle, the headquarters of Jack Randall, and Hopetoun House, the Duke of Sandringham’s residence. Explore Wentworth Prison, set in Linlithglow Palace, and see Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Mercat Cross (Cranesmuir), and more, as you hear trivia on the series and its stars. Entrance fees are excluded.

See Stirling Castle, the Kelpies monument, and Loch Lomond on this day trip from Edinburgh. Pass Linlithgow Palace on the way to the Kelpies, said to be the largest equine sculptures in the world. Then travel through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where you can join your guide on a nature walk, before heading to Stirling Castle for an optional interior tour (own expense). This small-group tour in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach is limited to 16 passengers for a memorable experience.

Journey to the frontier of ancient Rome on this full-day tour of Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish borders from Edinburgh. First up is a tour of the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, famously featured in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and renowned for its mysterious stone carvings and unique architecture. After lunch (not included), stop at Melrose Abbey, the burial site of King Robert the Bruce’s heart, and look out over the English border from Cheviot Hills, before walking along the UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall.

Delve into Scotland’s rich history and heritage on this 1-day Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle tour from Edinburgh. Head from the Royal Mile over the UNESCO–listed Forth Bridge to Dunfermline with a guide, and explore the Abbey Kirk — burial place of Robert the Bruce. See where the Battle of Bannockburn raged and learn of Scotland’s struggle for independence. Take in top local attractions including Stirling Castle. Then, visit Rosslyn Chapel before returning to Edinburgh.

Discover the Scottish Highlands on a leisurely 2-day trip from Edinburgh that includes overnight accommodation at a hotel or bed & breakfast. Visit two of Scotland’s most popular spots—Loch Ness and Inverness—during scenic drives among pine forests, dramatic castles and charming villages, with an optional boat ride on Loch Ness. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group limited to 16 passengers for a personalized experience with your informative guide.

There are so many fantastic places to eat and drink in Edinburgh that planning where to go can be a headache. Leave the decisions to the experts on this food and drink tour. In a small group, you'll delve deep into Scotland's culinary heritage and history and make five food stops in the Old and New Towns, three of which include a drink tasting.

Follow the trail of the Romans through ancient Scotland on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. With an expert guide, visit millennia-old Roman ruins such as Hadrian’s Wall, Birdoswald Fort, Steel Rigg, and soak up the beauty of Northumberland National Park, the Irthing Valley, and the Southern Uplands. Travel with a small group to historic villages and hear the about Anglo-Scottish wars that once rattled the region.

Explore coastal routes around Edinburgh and the ancient kingdom of Northumbria on this 9.5-hour Holy Island, Alnwick Castle and Northumberland tour from Edinburgh. Head south across the Scottish border into English with a guide, and visit Holy Island and the peaceful village of Lindesfarne. Discover local attractions such as Lindesfarne Castle and the Priory, and explore the market town of Alnwick. Travel through Flodden Field — the battlefield where the English and Scots met in battle in 1513 — and gain insight into British history. Then, return in comfort to Edinburgh.

Uncover the mysteries of Loch Ness on an exciting day-trip from Edinburgh. Set out north along Scotland's West Coast to experience one of the country's most iconic lochs, best known for the fabled 'monster' said to reside deep within its waters. En route, pass some incredible sights, including the ruins of Linlithgow Palace, Ben Nevis―Britain's tallest mountain―and dramatic Highlands landscapes recognizable from films like 'Skyfall.' Your guide regales you with stories about the area, making for an exciting, informative―and if you're lucky, truly legendary―trip.

Take a break from the city and head into the Scottish Highlands for a taste of Scotch whiskies often missed by visitors. In addition to navigating, your guide acts as designated driver so that you can fully enjoy the tastings. Between distillery visits, break up the day with a midday stop to explore Aberfeldy. Round-trip transport from Edinburgh is included for your convenience.

The Waverley Pub is one of Edinburgh’s most popular drinking establishments and stocks a huge variety of Scotch whisky. On this tasting tour, sample four single malt whiskies from four different whisky-producing regions of Scotland, uncover the secrets of Scotch whisky-making, and experience the Scottish tradition of storytelling.

Discover the rugged beauty and cultural splendor of the Scottish Borders on a day trip from Edinburgh. Aboard a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, visit the market town of Kelso and the magnificent Alnwick Castle, a featured film setting in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter Series. Soak up the beauty of Northumberland as you make a final stop at the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Entrance fees are your own expense.