Stop in Edinburgh during your cruise trip
We appreciate the short time you have to see the city. Some guests chose to head to St Andrews. Others want to see Rosslyn Chapel and the Borders. If Edinburgh itself is your preference, then we can give you a driving tour of the city, Calton Hill and let you explore the castle at your own pace. In the afternoon, after lunch, we can visit the Royal Yacht or the beautiful Botanic Gardens.
Prices:
- 1-4 guests £490
- 5-6 guests £530
- 7-8 guests £570
Tour duration approx. 8 hours.
Make the Most of Your Time in Edinburgh
When your cruise ship arrives in Scotland, every minute ashore is precious. That’s why our private Edinburgh shore excursions are carefully planned to help you experience as much of Scotland as possible while ensuring you return to your ship comfortably and on time.
Whether you’d like to spend your day discovering the historic streets of Edinburgh, exploring the famous St Andrews, visiting Rosslyn Chapel or enjoying the beautiful Scottish Borders, every tour is tailored to your interests. Travelling in a private executive vehicle with an experienced local guide allows you to relax and enjoy Scotland without worrying about transport, parking or navigating unfamiliar roads.
Our flexible itineraries are ideal for couples, families and small groups looking for a more personal alternative to large cruise excursions.
Private Shore Excursions Designed Around You
Unlike coach excursions with fixed schedules, your private tour is built around your preferences.
Some guests prefer to spend the entire day discovering Edinburgh’s famous landmarks, while others choose to travel further afield to experience more of Scotland’s beautiful countryside and historic attractions.
Popular options include:
- Edinburgh city sightseeing
- Edinburgh Castle
- Calton Hill
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- St Andrews
- Rosslyn Chapel
- The Scottish Borders
- Scenic countryside drives
- Traditional Scottish villages
Your driver-guide will recommend the best route based on your available time, helping you enjoy a relaxed and memorable day ashore.
Discover Historic Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital is one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cities.
From its medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian New Town, Edinburgh is packed with centuries of history, stunning architecture and fascinating stories.
A driving tour allows you to experience many of the city’s famous landmarks while your guide explains how Edinburgh grew from an ancient volcanic fortress into one of Europe’s most important cultural capitals.
Throughout the tour you’ll enjoy spectacular viewpoints, historic streets and plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs.
Visit Edinburgh Castle
No visit to Scotland’s capital would be complete without seeing Edinburgh Castle.
Standing proudly on Castle Rock, the castle dominates the city skyline and has watched over Edinburgh for almost a thousand years.
Visitors can explore the magnificent fortress at their own pace while discovering Scotland’s Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, St Margaret’s Chapel and the National War Museum.
The panoramic views across Edinburgh from the castle walls are among the finest in Scotland.
Your guide will provide background information before you enter, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
Enjoy Spectacular Views from Calton Hill
One of Edinburgh’s finest viewpoints is Calton Hill.
Located just a short distance from the city centre, it offers breathtaking panoramic views across Edinburgh, Arthur’s Seat, the Firth of Forth and beyond.
The hill is also home to several famous monuments, including the National Monument and Nelson Monument, making it one of the city’s most photographed locations.
It’s the perfect place to appreciate Edinburgh’s unique skyline.
Visit the Royal Yacht Britannia
After lunch, many guests choose to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Once the official royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II, Britannia served the Royal Family for over 40 years and travelled more than one million nautical miles around the world.
Today visitors can explore the beautifully preserved state apartments, engine room, crew quarters and royal decks while learning about life aboard this remarkable vessel.
The yacht provides a fascinating insight into Britain’s modern royal history.
Explore the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
For visitors seeking a quieter afternoon, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Covering over 70 acres, the gardens are home to thousands of plant species from around the world together with beautiful glasshouses, woodland walks and colourful seasonal displays.
It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers, photographers and anyone wishing to enjoy a more relaxed pace during their visit to Edinburgh.
Looking Beyond Edinburgh?
Many cruise passengers choose to explore beyond the capital.
Because your tour is private, it’s possible to tailor the itinerary to suit your interests.
Popular alternatives include:
St Andrews
Visit the famous Home of Golf while exploring medieval streets, historic university buildings, castle ruins and beautiful coastal scenery.
Rosslyn Chapel
Made famous by The Da Vinci Code, Rosslyn Chapel is one of Scotland’s most remarkable historic buildings, renowned for its intricate stone carvings and mysterious history.
The Scottish Borders
Discover picturesque villages, rolling countryside and historic abbeys while enjoying one of Scotland’s most peaceful regions.
Your guide will help you choose the itinerary that best suits your available time.
Cruise Port Collection and Return
We understand how important timing is when travelling from a cruise ship.
Your guide will meet you at the agreed collection point before beginning your private tour.
Throughout the day, timings are carefully managed to ensure a comfortable return to your ship well before departure.
This allows you to relax and enjoy your day knowing everything has been planned with your cruise schedule in mind.
Why Choose a Private Cruise Excursion?
Choosing a private shore excursion offers many advantages over standard cruise coach tours.
Benefits include:
- Collection from your cruise port
- Private executive vehicle
- Flexible itinerary
- Experienced local Scottish guide
- Comfortable travel
- Scenic photography stops
- No large coach groups
- More time at attractions
- Personal recommendations
- Guaranteed return in plenty of time
Your tour is designed entirely around your interests, ensuring you experience Scotland in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
See More of Scotland During Your Cruise
Whether you’re visiting Scotland for the first time or returning to discover more, a private shore excursion allows you to experience far more than you could independently.
From Edinburgh’s historic landmarks and royal attractions to charming coastal towns and beautiful countryside, every tour is carefully planned to create lasting memories while making the most of your limited time ashore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you collect from the cruise terminal?
Yes. Your driver-guide will meet you at the agreed cruise port collection point before beginning your private tour.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Every King Tours Scotland shore excursion is exclusively for your own group.
Can we choose our own itinerary?
Absolutely. Your day can be tailored to include Edinburgh, St Andrews, Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders or other attractions depending on the time available.
Will we return to the ship on time?
Yes. Cruise schedules are carefully monitored to ensure you return comfortably before your ship’s departure.
Can we visit Edinburgh Castle?
Yes. You can explore Edinburgh Castle at your own pace while your guide provides local recommendations and historical background.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included, giving you the freedom to choose from Edinburgh’s many cafés, pubs or restaurants.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes. The tour is suitable for couples, families and small groups of all ages.
What vehicle will we travel in?
King Tours Scotland uses comfortable executive Mercedes and Volkswagen vehicles suitable for private sightseeing tours.
How much walking is involved?
The amount of walking depends on your chosen itinerary. Your guide can adapt the day to suit your mobility and preferences.
Why choose King Tours Scotland?
King Tours Scotland specialises in private Scottish tours, offering experienced local driver-guides, executive vehicles and flexible itineraries designed to help cruise passengers make the very most of their time ashore, with a relaxed and personalised experience from start to finish.
