Cultural & Theme Tours in Edinburgh

Private One Day Highlands Tour of Scotland (opens in a new tab)

65 10 h

Our Highland Fling Tour has been carefully designed to give you a true taste of Scotland in just one day. From historic castles and charming Highland villages to dramatic mountain scenery, sparkling lochs, and our famous Highland cows, this tour showcases some of the very best that Scotland has to offer. Travel in comfort aboard one of our luxury Mercedes vehicles, accommodating up to seven guests. Along the way you'll visit iconic locations such as Doune Castle, Loch Lubnaig, the Falls of Dochart, Loch Tulla, and the breathtaking Glencoe Valley, while enjoying plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs and explore at your own pace. As a private tour, the day is relaxed and flexible, allowing us to share not only Scotland's most famous sights but also some of the hidden gems and local stories that larger coach tours often miss. With local guides who are passionate about their country, you'll experience Scotland through the eyes of those who know it best.

Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

1,939 1 h 20 min

As darkness falls, and the witching hour creeps ever closer, join us for a spine tingling, late night, 80 minute walking tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town and underground. The often brutal past of Scotland’s capital creates a wholly unique, grand but somewhat unsettling atmosphere which lends itself to evening ghost tours. Let one of our costumed guides, playing an infamous, historical character, lead you through the Old Town’s winding closes, show you the notoriously haunted Greyfriars Kirkyard and reveal one of Edinburgh’s darkest secrets – the underground vaults that snake beneath the city. Hear gory, but always entertaining and revealing, tales of ghosts, torture, executions, murder, cannibalism and witchcraft. The scares on this tour do not depend on jump scares or cheap tricks but good storytelling.

Scotch Whisky Tasting & Stories — Bespoke Whisky Lounge (opens in a new tab)

1,011 2 h

Our Whisky Tasting and Tales tour is unlike any other whisky experience in Edinburgh. We’ll welcome you into our cosy private whisky lounge, where you’ll sip your way through four Single Malt Scotch Whiskies from different regions of Scotland. Along the way, our guide will share stories, history, and whisky folklore in true Scottish style. Even if you’re not a whisky lover, it’s a brilliant way to immerse yourself in Scotland’s culture, traditions, and warm hospitality. The ticket price includes the cost of the whiskies (ONLY IF YOU DO NOT SELECT THE "NO WHISKY" OPTION.) 4 great single malt Scotch whiskies will be served over the tour. Drink alternatives are available upon request for those who do not drink whisky.

Outlander and Castles Film Locations Day Tour from Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

33 7 h 20 min

16 clients maxiumum - small group tour. Consistently awarded 5 star tour. Travel to Blackness Castle, used as Fort William in Outlander, and learn why this is commonly called the "Ship that Never Sailed". Explore the quaint and historic villages of Culross (Cranesmuir) and Falkland (1940s Inverness). Continue to the picturesque Dysart Harbour (Port of Le Harve) to admire the colourful fishing boats. Lastly, be blown away by the incredible ruin of Midhope Castle (Lallybroch).

Free cancellation

Evening Ghost & Underground Vaults Tour with Candlelit Whisky (opens in a new tab)

724 2 h

Edinburgh’s Master Storytellers, Mercat Tours, are redefining the walking tour, promising to enrich and deepen your connection with Edinburgh’s people and its past far beyond your visit. Take the Story Home: evoke the memories: - Smell the leather and smoke - Listen to the tour playlist Stories of blood, guts & gore in the Old Town of Edinburgh, then a whisky or soft drink in a candlelit cellar to warm the heart. Listen to grisly tales of witchcraft, torture and restless spirits as you venture down medieval closes and descend into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults of Edinburgh on this ghost tour. Hear the distant clatter of workmen and whispers of criminals as you’re immersed in the atmosphere of the past. As night thickens, we’ll gather together in Megget’s Cellar for a whisky — or locally-made beer or soft drink. Your Storyteller will conjure more tales of Edinburgh’s ghoulish past, and the tortured souls that stalk the city’s streets.

Highland Cow Hike in Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

19 2 h – 3 h

See the famous Hairy Cows in their natural environment in Edinburgh. They can be difficult to find on the hill, so choose this guided experience to make this easier. Join an Edinburgh-based Mountain Guide on a hike in the hills on the outskirts of the city Experience the rugged beauty of some of Scotland's mountains as we hike through some of the country's most amazing landscapes. This hike takes us up into the hills, where we often see rare wildlife, spectacular cityscapes, and incredible mountain views. We meet at Hillend, which is about 30 minites from the city centre. Getting up high allows us to find the cows more easily. We descend down the hillside where we can look for the local herd of Highland Cows grazing in their natural mountain environment. The cows live out on the hill 365 days a year and are kept as conservation grazers, helping to restore the natural ecology. We finish at Swanston Farm (lunch can bee booked) where a few more cows can be seen in a field.

The Potter Trail Private Tour (opens in a new tab)

2,563 1 h 30 min

Grab a wand and join your robed guide on the original tour of Edinburgh designed especially for Potter fans! Founded in 2012, we are the original Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh. Our guides have the most experience of any tour company in Edinburgh and we are consistently rated most highly by visitors across all platforms. Booking a private tour with us will ensure the ultimate experience for Harry Potter fans as you'll be able to take the tour at your own pace and ask as many questions as you like! Private means that the tour is for your group only. Our friendly and professional guides are all trained actors and comedians so we can guarantee they will captivate and entertain you as well as impress with their extensive knowledge, as you visit all the key Potter sights in the city. We are also happy to customise this tour to suit you! We take on lots of bookings for hen/stag parties and school groups and our guides are skilled at catering the tour content for any audience.

Private tourFree cancellation

Haunted Histories walking tour (opens in a new tab)

228 1 h 30 min

90-minute walking tour around the darker side of Edinburgh's mysterious and historic Old Town. Learn about ghosts, ghouls, torture and terror with our charismatic and theatrical tour guide. An iconic Edinburgh experience suitable for young and old.

Dark History and Ghost Tour of Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

77 2 h

Join a professional storyteller, Paranormal Investigator, and Paranormal Podcast Host as they guide you around Edinburgh, one of the most haunted cities in the world. You would be regaled with tales of Ghosts, murders, graverobbing and bodysnatching and much more as your are guided down the cobbled streets and winding closes of Edinburgh. This five star rated tour have left guests "Checking the shadows to make sure there is nothing hiding there" and the stories "Send chills down the spine" will you be brave enough to join your host for evening and learn the creepiest tales that Edinburgh has to offer. This tour is not suitable for anyone under the age of 12. Please be aware that some of the stories advertised may be different due to accessibility, audience present and weather impacts. Eerie Earth Tours reserves the right to change the content of the tour depending on different circumstances. Please Note we DO NOT go underground or go into the Edinburgh Vaults on this tour.

Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour & Holyrood Palace Ticket (opens in a new tab)

163 3 h

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.

Puffin Boat Trip & Tantallon Castle Day Trip from Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

25 7 h

See Puffins in Scotland! 16 clients maximum - small group tour. Consistently awarded 5 star tour. Travel to Tantallon Castle that sits on top of dramatic cliffs on the beautiful east coast. Enjoy lunch in North Berwick and explore the seaside town. Embark on a boat tour to spot puffins, seals and more wildlife.

Edinburgh Private Tour with a Local - Highlights & Hidden Gems (opens in a new tab)

105 2 h – 6 h

Edinburgh is a city of stories—and this experience is built around the ones that matter to you. Whether you're drawn to medieval intrigue, peaceful green corners, literary landmarks, or buzzing creative districts, your host will design a route that brings it all together. After booking, you'll complete a short Personalization Form so we can match you with a local who shares your interests. Together, you'll create a flexible, engaging itinerary filled with insight, character, and memorable moments that only a local perspective can offer.

Free cancellation

City of the Dead: The Double Dead Tour (opens in a new tab)

1,041 1 h 45 min

Can't decide whether to do the Underground City of the Dead Tour or the Haunted Graveyard Tour? Then don't. Get the worst of both worlds with our Double Dead Tour. Led by an expert guide, you will venture into two of the most haunted places on the planet – the South Bridge Vaults AND the Covenanter’s Prison in Greyfriars Graveyard. The Covenanter's Prison is home to the Mackenzie Poltergeist, the best documented supernatural case of all time and only City of the Dead Tours has the key! * 1hr 45 minute walking tour exploring Edinburgh's underground vaults and the Covenanter's Prison in Greyfriars Kirkyard, led by a local expert guide. Visit cityofthedeadtours.com for more information. PLEASE NOTE. 6 is the max number of tickets you can book for this walk on this site NOT the maximum we take. We take up to 35 on each walk but we sell out fast. If you want to be sure of a place contact us directly to see if there are spaces left. +44 (0)131 225 9044 or info@cityofthedeadtours.com

Free cancellation

The Royal Yacht Britannia Admission Ticket (opens in a new tab)

1,972 2 h

Why settle for an ordinary day out when you could dive into history aboard the last British Royal Yacht in the world! Come rain or shine, Britannia is an all-weather visit, with a refreshing breath of sea air in between the five highly accessible decks. Bring your curiosity to uncover the ship’s stories shared in 36 languages (audio guide, BSL/ASL tablet and Braille script). Just a short tram or bus ride from the city centre, there’s free car parking too. From the crown to the crew, don’t miss your chance, come visit the No.1 attraction in the world (Tripadvisor) for yourself? All aboard!

Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh Castle with Skip-the-Line (opens in a new tab)

5 2 h

Private access lets you walk straight into Edinburgh’s beating heart. Feel the worn stones of the Royal Mile under your shoes as the sound of bagpipes carries through narrow closes. Your licensed guide leads you through layers of Scottish history during this two hour castle walking tour. Step beyond the gates with skip-the-line entry and see treasures once guarded by kings. Light filters through St. Margaret’s Chapel while quiet air settles over its stone walls. At the National War Museum uniforms and medals gleam under glass as echoes of courage linger. From Castle Rock the wind brushes your face and the city spreads before you like a painted canvas. Will you see the same view that inspired rulers centuries ago?

West Coast Lochs & Castles Tour - from Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

23 10 h

Embark on a journey from Edinburgh through some of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes. Head northwest to Luss, a charming village on the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond, where the rolling hills of the Trossachs reveal serene lochs and rugged terrain. In Luss, enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, taking in views of the loch and its surrounding peaks. Continue into the highlands to Rest and Be Thankful, a mountain pass with spectacular views of waterfalls and dramatic peaks. Pause to absorb the stillness and grandeur of the scenery. Discover Scotland’s history at landmarks like Inveraray Castle, Kilchurn Castle, and Castle Stalker. Visit the architectural gem of St Conan’s Kirk by Loch Awe, marvel at Glencoe’s valleys and peaks, meet Highland cows at Kilmahog, and see the iconic Kelpies in Falkirk before returning to Edinburgh with unforgettable memories.

Free cancellation

Edinburgh: West Highlands Privately Guided Day Tour in Luxury MPV (opens in a new tab)

11 8 h

Enjoy a private, guided tour through the West Highlands. On this tour, you will see the most famous sights of Scotland including Stirling Castle, before visiting the picturesque town of Callander. From here, you’ll get to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through Glenogle, before stopping at Loch Awe - which provides a fantastic photo opportunity of Kilchurn Castle. Your guide will then take you to Inverary, where you can wander through the picturesque streets and marvel at the loch. Next, you’ll get to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Rest and be Thankful before your penultimate stop at the picture-perfect Village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond. Avoid the stresses of travel as you step away from fixed itineraries and crowded buses and sit back and relax on a private tour which includes; • A Private Day Tour tailored to your preferences. • An Expert Local Guide. • A Door-to-Door Service. • Travel in a Luxurious, Mercedes-Benz V-Class Premium Minivan.

Free cancellation

St Andrews & The Old Course Private Day Tour from Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

14 8 h

Your St Andrews Luxury Private Day Tour and Shore Excursion takes in the "Home of Golf" along with a Whisky Distillery & Scottish Fishing Village. Door to Door service from any Edinburgh location using a luxury vehicle & experienced Scottish Local. With Door to Door service from Edinburgh, complimentary Bottled Water and Wi-Fi Access you truly are getting that First-Class experience.

Free cancellation

Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh (opens in a new tab)

1,736 13 h 30 min

Runs 5 April - 20 October 2027 (selected dates) Escape the city for the day by coach and follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard, Harry Potter. Scotland has played a huge part in the story of Harry Potter, from the scenic filming locations and inspiring architecture to the coffee shop where J.K. Rowling is said to have written the first novel. Riding the Jacobite Steam Train is a bucket-list experience for any traveller, but even more so for Harry Potter fans who know that they are in fact boarding the Hogwarts’ Express! Our passionate guides will immerse you in all the magic of Harry Potter, plus the real-life beauty and history of Scotland. Disclaimer: This Tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites related to the Harry Potter franchise. This tour does not have any association with, connection to, sponsorship by or endorsement of, the Harry Potter franchise nor the author J.K. Rowling.

Free cancellation

Stunning Edinburgh E-bike Tour max 10 people small group (opens in a new tab)

70 3 h

With our Edinburgh E-Bike Tour, you’ll be able to see more than any other tour of the city, in less time! The tour is designed to show you all the most iconic spots of the city. We will take you off the beaten path to explore the most picturesque and charming corners. The tour is conducted by professional mountain bike guides that have a particular and local knowledge of the hidden gems of Edinburgh. The tours can also be conducted in Italian and Spanish. The Ebikes that we use are brand new gravel category with mountain bike tyres, suspension and are very easy and comfortable to ride.

Free cancellation