Edinburgh Castle

Destination: Edinburgh.
Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is evidence of a fort here for almost 3000 years, and it has been a royal castle since at least King David I’s reign in the 12th century. The Scottish monarchs continued to use it until 1633, and even saw the birth of King James VI within its walls. Your tour will begin on the Royal Mile, then take you to the castle, where you will hear your guide talking about the origins of the castle and its sieges. Once inside the castle walls, the guide will take you through the different parts of the fortress and tell you its fascinating history. Inside the complex, you will find three museums, two prisons, a canine cemetery, the Chapel of Saint Margaret, the National Monument to the fallen of Scotland, the Great Hall, and a Royal Palace.(ENTIRE TOUR WILL REMAIN OUTDOORS; buildings are not accessible during the tour.)

Destination: Edinburgh.
Our Castle Tour enables you to skip the line into Scotland's most iconic fortification.  The 1h30 long tour will cover the 3000 year history of Edinburgh Castle and the significant role it has played in shaping Scotland. Tour leaves from our start point at 192 High Street, by the statue of Adam Smith.

Destination: Edinburgh.
Join us on an unforgettable journey through millennia as we explore the iconic Edinburgh Castle on a walking tour that will bring Scotland's rich history to life! As you explore, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with tales of battles won and lost, royalty and rebels, and the colourful characters who have called the castle home over the centuries. You'll be greeted with breath-taking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside, providing a unique perspective on this beautiful city. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique and educational experience, a tour of Edinburgh Castle is a must-do activity in Scotland's capital. Come and discover the rich cultural heritage of this iconic landmark, and immerse yourself in the history of one of the most fascinating places in all of Europe! *IN ENGLISH ONLY. Tickets to Edinburgh Castle are included, and the tour takes place inside. Due to guidelines imposed by HES, guides are not allowed inside the covered areas.

Destination: Edinburgh.
Set off on a magical tour of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide, and see the places that inspired JK Rowling to create her wizarding universe. Then, enter the incredible Edinburgh Castle! Starting at Tron Kirk on The Royal Mile, we first head to historic Waverley Station. Then head to Edinburgh University Old College – a famous old campus which provided lots of inspiration for JK Rowling’s creations. We continue through the atmospheric Old Town, stopping at Greyfriars Kirkyard which inspired Tom Riddle's Grave and passing by the Elephant Café where JK Rowling sat for many hours dreaming up the world of Harry Potter! Get amazing views of Edinburgh Castle on our way to Victoria Street – said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley – and we finish near Edinburgh City Chambers where you’ll learn about JK Rowling’s impact on the city. After the tour, you'll be given your tickets to explore the beautiful Edinburgh Castle!

Destination: Edinburgh.
Make the most of your time in Edinburgh with our guided walking tour that combines a walk on the historic Royal Mile and a guided visit inside Edinburgh Castle (entry included). The tour will begin on the Royal Mile, where your guide will lead you through cobbled streets, sharing fascinating stories of Scotland’s past and pointing out iconic landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral, the colourful Victoria Street, and the Grassmarket with its vibrant atmosphere. Uncover Edinburgh castle's rich history and visit the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in the city. Learn about the dramatic life of Mary, Queen of Scots, and experience the One O’Clock Gun firing. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to keep exploring the roofed buildings of the castle at your own pace.

Destination: Edinburgh.
This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. The first secret you’ll learn? That you can skip the line at Edinburgh Castle! Step into Edinburgh’s secrets and discover the heart of Scotland’s capital, beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved to this day, in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its ancient volcanic rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it. Visit Edinburgh Castle with your Mercat Tours Storyteller and from the Royal Mile you’ll walk over the drawbridge and straight past the ticket line – leaving the queues behind and continuing your journey into Edinburgh’s history uninterrupted.

Destination: Edinburgh.
Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle with an expert guide. Admire the castle's treasures such as the Scottish Crown Jewels, St Margaret's Chapel, Mary, Queen of Scots Birthing Chamber, and more on our guided tour. With your map in hand, your guide will lead you along the ancient cobblestone paths of this national monument. During the tour you will get to discover areas of the castle such as Hospital Square and the Western Panorama, where you can take in the breathtaking views. You will also see some of the more famous parts of the castle including: The One o'Clock Gun, Mons Meg, The Castle Esplanade, Crown Square, and more. Your local guide will tell you stories of the incredible people who have shaped the Castle throughout the centuries. From stories about deadly banquets and daring midnight raids to the death of a queen and the birth of a king. Be sure to set aside some time after tour for further exploration of the museums and exhibitions (not accessible during the tour).

Destination: Edinburgh.
Join the only Edinburgh Castle guided walking tour that guarantees a Scottish guide! Explore Scotland’s most famous fortress with a local expert, proudly dressed in a traditional kilt for an authentic experience. What to Expect: A truly Scottish experience – Your kilted guide will share dramatic stories of kings, queens, and epic battles. Discover Edinburgh Castle’s secrets – See the Crown Jewels, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and stunning views of the city from the top of Castle Rock. Engaging storytelling – Learn about the castle’s past through history, legends and local insight. Skip the confusion – Navigate the key sites with an expert local guide. Why Choose This Tour? The ONLY tour that guarantees a Scottish guide—don’t settle for less! A fully immersive experience for history lovers and first-time guests – History comes to life with a guide in authentic Scottish dress, sharing real Scottish stories. Book now to walk through history with a true Scotsman!

Destination: Edinburgh.
Explore Edinburgh’s Royal History Join a guided tour starting at 10:00 a.m. and walk to Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock. Discover its dramatic history, from ancient battles to royal life, and visit highlights like the Great Hall and St. Margaret’s Chapel. Later, at 2:00 p.m., return to the meeting point. A staff member will escort you to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where you'll explore with an audio guide. Learn about Mary, Queen of Scots, and the palace’s role in modern royal visits. This experience offers the perfect blend of expert guidance and independent discovery — ideal for travelers who want to dive deep into Scotland’s royal and cultural heritage.

Destination: Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most evocative castles in the whole of Britain and has dominated the Edinburgh skyline for centuries. In this 3-hour private tour you will explore this great castle and discover its interesting and sometimes bloody history. There is a maximum group size of 6. We are proud that on August 16th 2022 our tour was featured as the Star Prize on CBS Price Is Right.

Destination: Edinburgh.
Set off on a magical tour of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide and see the places that inspired JK Rowling to create her wizarding universe! Then, enter the incredible Edinburgh Castle with tickets included! Starting at Tron Kirk on The Royal Mile, we first head to historic Waverley Station. Then head to Edinburgh University Old College – a famous old campus which provided lots of inspiration for JK Rowling’s creations. We continue through the atmospheric Old Town, stopping at Greyfriars Kirkyard which inspired Tom Riddle's Grave and passing by the Elephant Café where JK Rowling sat for many hours dreaming up the world of Harry Potter! Get amazing views of Edinburgh Castle on our way to Victoria Street – said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley – and we finish near Edinburgh City Chambers where you’ll learn about JK Rowling’s impact on the city. After the tour, you'll be given your tickets to explore the beautiful Edinburgh Castle!

Destination: Edinburgh.
Discover the rich history and charm of Edinburgh's Old Town on our walking tour through the city's most significant places and monuments including Edinburgh Castle! Our tour begins on the historic Royal Mile where your guide will issue you with our bespoke map and begin to lead you along the cobbled streets and down the hidden closes to uncover Edinburgh's most fascinating tales. You will cover all of the Old Town's major sights including; The Royal Mile, St Giles' Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard, The Writers Museum, The Grassmarket, and Victoria Street. Your guide will then lead you into Edinburgh Castle. Here they will share the highlights of the 3,000 year old fortress, from stories of daring midnight raids, deadly banquets, the birth of a king, and the death of a queen Your tour will conclude in the royal heart of Edinburgh Castle where we recommend setting aside further time for independent exploration of the museums and galleries which are not accessible during the tour.

Destination: Southern Scotland.
The visiting schedule may vary depending on the Edinburgh port where your ship docks; however, all key aspects of the tour are included regardless of the docking or tendering port. After meeting your official guide, board an air-conditioned coach and begin with a Drive-By visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia ( Drive-By). Continue to Edinburgh Castle for stunning views and history (entry optional). Next, visit the Palace of Holyrood House and enjoy a guided stroll along the iconic Royal Mile, passing St Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament, and historic alleys. Time is included for refreshments and photos. Your guide will provide commentary throughout. Ample breaks are included, and if the ship’s time in port is shortened, visits will be adjusted to ensure on-time return—typically one hour before sailing.

Destination: Edinburgh.
Experience the freedom of exploring without the extra weighting in Edinburgh. Our luggage storage service ensures your belongings are secure, allowing you to enjoy the wonders of your destination with peace of mind. Whether you're waiting for a late flight, have arrived early for your stay, or simply want to explore without the burden of your bags, our service is the perfect solution. Store your bags at prime locations near major attractions, transport hubs, and popular areas, making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Destination: Edinburgh.
Start by meeting your guide at the Statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott. From there, you’ll follow in the footsteps of royalty (and even pirates) as you enter Edinburgh Castle. As you discover the castle grounds, hear stories about how this fortress was once the residence for Mary, Queen of Scots, and a prison during the Napoleonic Wars. Take a snap of the six-tonnes Mons Meg (a medieval cannon), and admire the Royal Palace. Afterwards, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site at your own pace, and step inside St Margaret's Chapel, Scottish National War Memorial and more.

Destination: Edinburgh.
Join us for this half day tour of Scotland’s beautiful capital city, Edinburgh. Exploring the Old Town on foot, led by your local Blue Badge Guide, is the best way to soak up the local atmosphere. Starting on top of the volcanic rock, we will visit the iconic Edinburgh castle. Then we will follow the ancient path of a glacier all the way to bottom of the Royal Mile. Your guide will lead the you through narrow closes and beautiful buildings surrounding the Royal Mile, giving you the chance to discover the city’s history and its famous citizens along the way. Our tour finishes with a view of both the Royal palace of Holyrood and the modern Scottish Parliament, a fantastic introduction to the city of Edinburgh.

Destination: Edinburgh.
Delve into the rich history of Edinburgh’s Old Town on this guided walking tour. Starting at the iconic Tron Kirk, explore UNESCO-listed sites and hear captivating stories about the city’s past. Visit St Giles’ Cathedral and the Edinburgh Council Chambers, while uncovering secret closes and wynds that reveal the medieval heart of the city. Discover vibrant Victoria Street and the atmospheric Grassmarket, and learn about the legends that haunt Greyfriars Kirkyard. Conclude your adventure with skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle, where the Crown Jewels await. – Guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town – Visit key attractions like St Giles’ Cathedral and Grassmarket – Skip-the-line entry to Edinburgh Castle included – Expert guide shares stories of Edinburgh's vibrant culture and history

Destination: Edinburgh.
Follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots to "the most besieged place in Great Britain”, Edinburgh Castle. See the majestic St Giles' Cathedral and the Royal Mile. Visit the historic castle courtyards. Available in English German, French, Italian and Spanish HIGHLIGHTS: – Discover the heritage of Edinburgh Castle with a 5-Star Private Guide – Save time with skip-the-line tickets to Edinburgh's top-rated attraction – Follow the historical Royal Mile and see the majestic St Giles’ Cathedral – Learn about Mary, Queen of Scots and other historical figures – Immerse yourself in Scottish history, culture and legends from past and present Edinburgh Castle is a cradle of Scottish history and Edinburgh’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take this private tour to explore the historic Old Town and Royal Mile, and visit the castle courtyards with an Expert Guide.

Destination: Edinburgh.
No more selfies or pestering strangers for photos of yourself and loved ones; enjoy the services of a professional vacation photographer in Edinburgh to capture your travels in a contemporary and candid style. We specialize in delivering quality photography with photographers all over the world, and we guarantee you amazing photos to remember your travels. All images shown were taken by our photographers.

Destination: Edinburgh.
With tickets included and joining a small group, discover the royal heart of Edinburgh from the castle ramparts to the splendour of Holyrood Palace. At Edinburgh Castle you will see the Honours of Scotland in their historic home, an unforgettable encounter with centuries of history, powerful kings and stalwart queens. Stroll the Royal Mile with your expert guide, weaving through story-filled closes, postcard views and tales that bring this city to life. Then finish at Holyrood, the sovereign’s official residence in Scotland, but with a new and vivid understanding of Scotland and the United Kingdom.