Edinburgh in a Day: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover Edinburgh’s rich royal heritage in one unforgettable day. Begin with a guided visit to Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll uncover treasures like the crown jewels and enjoy stunning city views. You'll also walk the historic Royal Mile with an expert guide, making stops at Lawnmarket, St. Giles’ Cathedral (exterior), and Canongate. Depending on the date of your tour, you'll wrap up your journey at either Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, or the Scotch Whisky Experience, where you'll taste one of Scotland's most beloved products like a true local (available Tues/Weds from Sept 8th).
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
The castle is reached across the esplanade – a wide area of smooth tarmac, with an uphill gradient of 5 degrees.
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Photography and filming are not permitted inside the Palace.
Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
NOTE: On this tour you will visit Holyrood Palace with audio guide (most dates) OR guided whisky tasting (Tuesdays & Wednesdays from Sept. 8)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local English-speaking guide
Entry to Edinburgh Castle
Guided whisky tasting (Tue & Wed from Sept. 8)
Entry to Holyrood Palace with audio guide (most dates)
Pre-opening access ticket to the Castle (if option selected)
Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Gratuities
What To Expect
Edinburgh Castle
Start with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, an ancient stronghold perched atop volcanic rock. Your guide will lead you through its highlights, including Scotland’s crown jewels, the Great Hall, and panoramic views of the city. If you wish, choose the Early Access option when booking for a VIP experience in the Edinburgh Castle where you'll enjoy a guided tour of the iconic landmark one hour before they open to the public.
Lawnmarket
See the historic Lawnmarket and the exterior of St. Giles’ Cathedral while your guide shares fascinating stories.
Options
Full Day Tour with VIP Castle
Exclusive Early Access Upgrade: Choose this option for a VIP experience in the Edinburgh Castle where you'll enjoy the iconic landmark without crowds.
Edinburgh in a Day Tour with Castle, Royal Mile & Holyrood
Reviews
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour!
Susan F,
Aug 31, 2025
- Viator
4.00Wonderful experience! Our tour guide Kat was great! Just the right amount of showing us around the castle & royal mile with bits of cool information and then time to explore on our own. Definitely go in the the morning, the castle gets crowded as the day goes on.
Missed this tour
Peter W,
Aug 25, 2025
- Viator
1.00Hard to reach other than by walking uphill. Edinburgh was very crowded and transportation was delayed. Missed the tour. Viator customer support was slow to respond and could not find an alternate tour on same day. Tour operator never responded. Our 2nd missed tour on Viator out of four reserved.
Castle2Palace
John Y,
Aug 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had a small group and enjoyed our tour with Kat our guide from the Castle to the Palace down the Royal Mile.
Excellent tour
Karyn F,
Jul 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Excellent tour with Nestor! He was so knowledgeable about the castle, closes, buildings and more!! He showed us the castle wall that was down the Royal Mile off a close. He showed us the house of John Knox It was amazing!
Fabulous day and our...
Sarah W,
Jul 14, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fabulous day and our guide, Mark, was very informative and was an enthusiastic guide of the city. Eat a big breakfast for the day. We had a lovely light lunch at the Palace of Holyrood cafe at the end of the tour but before entering the palace (you do that on your own). Very enjoyable day!
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