The Royal Tour: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and Royal Mile
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a tour of Edinburgh’s old Town and its royal highlights in 5 hours. The tour includes tickets to Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This is a small-group activity.
At Edinburgh Castle you will see the Honours of Scotland and hear the stories behind Scotland’s kings and queens. Walk the Royal Mile with a local guide and discover the historic highlights of the medieval heart of Edinburgh. The tour will end at Holyroodhouse, the monarch’s official residence in Scotland. You will visit the palace at your own pace using the audio guide, which is included in the price of the tour.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Edinburgh Castle
Our first stop is Edinburgh Castle, the fortress that crowns one of the seven hills of the city. We pass beneath the ancient portcullis into a realm of kings and queens, home to the Royal Palace and the Crown Room which houses the Honours of Scotland, our Crown Jewels. Learn about Mary, Queen of Scots and the birth of James VI, alongside fiery battles and bitter sieges that have helped to shape the fate of this nation. After the guided visit you can explore the castle’s interiors at your own pace. You will also have the opportunity to stop at a cafe for a break.
Victoria Street
Dedicated to Queen Victoria, Victoria Street is the most photographed street in Edinburgh, famed for its romantic architecture and sweeping curve. From the Castle we will stroll down to this very colourful thoroughfare, where quirky independent shops and vibrant facades line the way.
What‘s Included
Holyrood audioguide
Local Tour Guide
Holyrood Palace ticket
Edinburgh Castle ticket
Coffee and/or Tea
Tips
Public transportation
Options
Royal Tour: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace and Royal Mile
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour to take while in Edinburgh
X8688GYlauram,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really liked the tour level of details, the history covered and the great work of the guide. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn't mind a bit of a walk.
Great Experience
Kin07825,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mark (Irish) was so pleasant and knowledgeable. Delivered history with humour. Definitely recommended
Great starter tour! Covers most landmarks
siddh28,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tour was great, Irish Mark is amazing!
A great day
Dreamer51161150160,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was great and we enjoyed the day with our guide Irene. The visit to the palace of Holyrood was really interesting and the perfect way to end the tour. We visited all the sites of the Old Town we were hoping to see, and the tour was comprehensive. Thanks Irene for a lovely day!
Fantastic!
Dream36943469275,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic time with Irene! She was really passionate about the subject and very knowledgeable, we learned a lot. The tour started on time, the guide was professional and everything went smoothly. We would recommend this tour, the visit to Edinburgh Castle was the highlight of the day. 10/10!
Great tour in Edinburgh
Frank v,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, a lot of info from Mark; Mark knows a lot of the history from Edinburgh, en tells in a humorous and interesting manner.
Good tour
Polle v,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Good tour! Mark was really informative.
Edinbrah
cosmeticss2026,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enjoyable tour. Not too much walking. Mark was a good guide
Well worth it!
H5683MQlaurenm,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative and wonderful overview of Scottish history. Enjoyed the tour and the tour guide’s knowledge very much. Definitely recommend.
Royal mile and Castle tour
willmU4532WA,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is an amazing opportunity to travel through time and hear about the events that had happened within the castle and the outside as well
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Operated by Edinburgh Walking Tours