What to do and see in Edinburgh, Scotland: The Best Bus Tours

March 24, 2022 Frederic Celentano

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals. Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh

1. Private 4 Hour Tour of Edinburgh in a Spacious 6-seater Mercedes

Edinburgh Cab Tours
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5.0 based on 28 reviews

Soak up the amazing sights of both the Old and New Town of Edinburgh in the comfort of a Mercedes 6-seat vehicle during this 4 hour tour. This private tour is perfect for the visitor who has limited time and who wants to see all of the major attractions. You will have time to get out, walk around and take photos and to learn about this beautiful medieval city from your guide. Or perhaps, you are a visitor who simply wants a shorter tour to orientate yourself to the layout of the city with hints and tips from your guide on the best places to visit, eat and shop in your own time. Here are just some of the places that you will be able to stop at on your tour: Edinburgh Castle Grassmarket Greyfriars Bobby Royal Mile St Giles Cathedral Mercat Cross Palace of Holyrood House Arthur's Seat Calton Hill Walter Scott Monument New Town Dean Village

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, All activities

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Anna P

We had a complicated itinerary coming to Scotland when moving our oldest over from the US to attend university here and having to do a mandatory two week quarantine upon arrival. There were many logistics and details that had to work out just right from our arrival with many bags to collecting us after quarantine and then picking up a special order of essentials at the local department store. We simply could not have done it without Andy. Starting with the original email correspondence, he was extremely professional, friendly and helpful and through it all he offered excellent communication and handled our few curveballs with grace and a great attitude. He's very knowledgeable about this great country and it's history and landscape and is such a great guy that we've invited him and his wife to come stay with us sometime in California. That's how much we trust and appreciate Andy and Edinburgh Cab Tours. Highly recommend for an airport transfer or better yet, a tour of the the city and beyond.

2. The Ultimate Whisky Experience from Edinburgh

521 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PE, UK Timberbush Tours Edinburgh - Day Tours
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4.9 based on 35 reviews

Take a trip into Whisky paradise on our 1 day Ultimate Whisky Experience tour from Edinburgh. Visit two distilleries; Dewar's and Deanston; view stunning scenery across Loch Lubnaig and enjoy a relaxing stop in the village of Killin on this Scottish Whisky trail

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By 167mahmoudm

A fantastic day with Neil our tour guide. A PLENTY of information in attractive way. Ask to go the trip with him. You deserve a trip like this with a fantastic tour guide like Neil. We saw 7 lochs, 4 castles, and two villages. Thank you Neil

3. 2-Day Inverness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

Waterloo Place, Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh, UK Heart of Scotland Tours
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4.9 based on 145 reviews

Join this small group tour for a magical two day escape to the Highlands. Traveling through spectacular scenery, this tour is the perfect way to see Scotland and many of her highlights. These include stops at Doune Castle, Glen Coe, Glenfinnan Viaduct (April - October only) and Loch Ness. Overnight is in the bustling Highland capital of Inverness followed by visits to Culloden Battlefield, prehistoric standing stones, Pitlochry (optional whisky distillery tour) and a riverside walk at Dunkeld.

Inclusions: Small-group tour - 13 passengers or less, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini coach

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Attraction Entrance Fees, Accommodation: See the Additional Info section below to select your preferred accommodation choice

Reviewed By EmJo

23 October 2020. Almost everything is so good, but Glencoe stood out due to its natural beauty. We were on the foot of the mountains. I highly recommend this tour to everyone!! Keith was our tourguide and driver. Very professional. :)

4. 4-Day Islay and the Whisky Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

Edinburgh Bus Station, Edinburgh EH1 3DQ, UK Rabbie's
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4.9 based on 48 reviews

Visit the Isle of Islay in the Scottish Hebrides on a 4-day tour from Edinburgh, and discover its famously friendly people, stunning landscapes, and most importantly – its whisky! Having produced Scotland's finest smoky malt whiskies for more than 200 years, Islay provides the perfect base for whisky lovers and novices alike. Enjoy three nights of accommodation in the 4-star Bowmore Distillery Cottages (not available on Wednesday departures)** and discover up to six different distilleries, including big-name sites like Laphroaig and Ardbeg, with a guide. Numbers are limited to 16 on this small-group tour, ensuring you’ll see the best of Islay with personalized attention with your guide. ** (Monday and Friday departures: only B&B available; Wednesday departures only 3-star Hotel available)

Inclusions: 3 nights en-suite accommodation, Driver Guide, Transport by top of the range Mercedes mini-coach, Ferry crossings

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Entrance fees to the distilleries and Kimartin House Museum

Reviewed By 464kathyi

Just returned from a lovely trip to the beautiful city of Edinburgh, can't wait to go back ???? During my stay I booked two 1 day tours with Rabbis. Firstly a huge thank you for running the tours with just the 2 of us, our stay had been planned around these days out so very grateful they went ahead. The Outlander tour with Lizzie was amazing as was Lizzie, she went out of her way to ensure we had a great day even though the weather was a bit liquidy! She was extremely knowledgeable about the Outlander series/locations and Scottish history in general, many thanks Lizzie. Our second tour was to St Andrews and the fishing villages of Fife with David who was fab, he was extremely helpful, flexible, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. The villages were beautiful and St Andrews was stunning, we were also fortunate enough to have lovely sunny weather. I would highly recommend both tours and guides! Kathy ☀️☔????

5. Loch Ness, Highlands and Whisky Distillery Day Tour from Edinburgh

Deacon's House Cafe, 304 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PS, UK The Hairy Coo
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4.9 based on 460 reviews

When exploring Scotland on your 1 Day Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Whisky Tour, you will get to experience the very best of Scotland in a jam packed adventure. This tour is perfect for those who might have limited time and want to get the most for their money. With breathtaking scenery and landscapes of unspoilt nature you’ll travel the Scottish highlands, getting away from the hussle and bustle of modern life. Experience Scottish culture through the folklore of Scotland’s myths and legends, historical sites and learn about the process of making Scotch whisky - Scotland’s national drink. Every twist and turn of the winding Scottish road has a new photo opportunity, a new story to be told and a new experience to be had.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Local guide, Pick-up and drop-off from designated meeting points, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, The optional whisky distillery tour costs £10 per adult, £5 for children under 18 no whisky tasting, Optional boat cruise on Loch Ness costs £14 per adult, £9.50 for children under 16

Reviewed By iswrt

Going on this tour is one of the best decisions I have made. I was quite nervous to begin with as I usually travel alone but our tour guide John made us all feel welcome very quick. All of the stops and sights were so beautiful and like nothing I have seen before. The people on the tour were also very kind. Highly recommend!

6. Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

Waterloo Place, Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh, UK Heart of Scotland Tours
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4.8 based on 331 reviews

Join this small group tour (maximum 16 passengers) and follow in the footsteps of great Scottish heroes on this historic and scenic trip into the Scottish heartlands. Enjoy a day with at least 5 fabulous stops including Stirling Castle, whisky tour and tasting at the Glengoyne Distillery and a scenic drive through the Highlands to the legendary Loch Lomond.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Local guide, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach

Exclusions: All entrance fees, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By EmJo

23 October 2020. Almost everything is so good, but Glencoe stood out due to its natural beauty. We were on the foot of the mountains. I highly recommend this tour to everyone!! Keith was our tourguide and driver. Very professional. :)

7. The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience from Edinburgh

521-523 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PE, UK Timberbush Tours Edinburgh - Day Tours
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4.8 based on 178 reviews

Enjoy a one day tour visiting filming locations of the award-winning TV series, Outlander. Visit castles, palaces and mansions. Explore Linlithgow Palace, Outlander's Wentworth Prison; see Blackness Castle, the Headquarters of Black Jack Randall, and explore the Royal Burgh of Culross, Claire's herb garden; and many more!

Inclusions: Driver/guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Entry to attractions

Reviewed By 167mahmoudm

A fantastic day with Neil our tour guide. A PLENTY of information in attractive way. Ask to go the trip with him. You deserve a trip like this with a fantastic tour guide like Neil. We saw 7 lochs, 4 castles, and two villages. Thank you Neil

8. 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

Highland Explorer Tours, 60 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB, UK Highland Explorer Tours
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4.8 based on 50 reviews

Discover the Highlands and the magical Isle of Skye with its outstanding natural beauty, Viking history, and ancient myths and legends. This is a journey packed with many of Scotland’s most iconic sights and scenery, as well as the chance to visit one of the most picturesque sights in Scotland, Eilean Donan Castle.

Inclusions: Breakfast, 2 nights accommodation, Breakfast, Driver/guide, Local guide, Transport by climate controlled coach

Exclusions: Meals, Jacobite Steam Train, Dunvegan Castle entry

Reviewed By 180rebecar

Despite Covid-19 this tour company makes us feel very safe, they had sanitisers and a considerable social distancing inside the tour bus. Was the best way to see the highlands and their incredible landscape, our tour guide Caitlin was incredible, knowledgeable, full of energy, kind, and happy, if you take this tour make sure you ask for her as she did this experience much more memorable. The visit to Loch Ness was fantastic we had the boat trip there also a must to do!

9. Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

Waterloo Place, Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh, UK Heart of Scotland Tours
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4.8 based on 474 reviews

Join this small group tour (13 passengers or less) for a classic one day tour to Loch Ness. Traveling through spectacular Highland scenery, this tour is the perfect way to see lots of Scotland and search for the famous Loch Ness monster. Highlights include stunning Glen Coe and an optional boat cruise on Loch Ness, the world’s most mysterious stretch of water. This twelve hour adventure represents great value for money.

Inclusions: Small group tour - 13 passengers or less, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Attraction Entrance Fees

Reviewed By basiao977

We went on the Loch Ness and Highlands tour and it was really good. Even though you spend a long time in the bus, you can’t really feel it because of the amazing views. 10/10 would recommend ???? (not if you have motion sickness though)

10. Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

Waterloo Place, Waterloo Pl, Edinburgh, UK Heart of Scotland Tours
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4.8 based on 411 reviews

Join this small group tour (13 passengers or less) and travel to the amazing and mysterious 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, across the historic Scotland/England border and south to Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage Site celebrating the power – and northern limit – of the Roman Empire. Other highlights on this tour include the mighty Abbeys of Melrose and Jedburgh as you journey at a relaxed pace through the beautiful Borderlands.

Inclusions: Small group tour - 13 passengers or less, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Attraction Entrance Fees

Reviewed By EmJo

23 October 2020. Almost everything is so good, but Glencoe stood out due to its natural beauty. We were on the foot of the mountains. I highly recommend this tour to everyone!! Keith was our tourguide and driver. Very professional. :)

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