Top Edinburgh Day Trips
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Day Trips from Edinburgh
- Edinburgh to England
- Edinburgh to Forth Bridge
- Edinburgh to Fort William
- Edinburgh to Glasgow
- Edinburgh to Glencoe (Glen Coe)
- Edinburgh to Inverness
- Edinburgh to Loch Lomond
- Edinburgh to Loch Ness
- Edinburgh to Melrose Abbey
- Edinburgh to Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel
- Edinburgh to Scotland
- Edinburgh to St. Andrew’s Church (The Kirk)
- Edinburgh to Stirling
- Edinburgh to Stirling Castle
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Scotland is full of historic sights and enchanting landscapes, and the Scottish capital makes an excellent base from which to explore this relatively compact country, with everything from centuries-old castles and abbeys to scenic lochs and valleys within easy reach. Here are our top picks for day trips from Edinburgh.
Fife and St. Andrews — 35 miles (56 km) and 55 miles (88 km) from Edinburgh
An easy day trip from Edinburgh, the Kingdom of Fife packs in some big attractions. Visit Dunfermline, Scotland’s ancient capital; the 19th-century Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and engineering marvel; and the town of St. Andrews, known as the “Home of Golf.” St. Andrews features several notable attractions, including its cathedral and the university where Prince William met Kate Middleton.
The Highlands — 130 miles (209 km) from Edinburgh
With their glassy lochs, towering peaks, and brooding, windswept landscapes, the Scottish Highlands are a top priority for most travelers to Scotland. Organized day tours from Edinburgh go to Loch Ness, the home of the mysterious Loch Ness monster; the scenic valley of Glencoe in the West Highlands; and the looming peak of Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain. Some tours make stops at whiskey distilleries en route.
Scottish Borders — 45 miles (72 km) from Edinburgh
The dramatic Scottish borders have seen plenty of bloodshed over the years thanks to the long Scottish Wars of Independence against the English. Exploring the bucolic region unveils many of the secrets of Scotland’s past. Admire the impressive ruins of the 12th-century Melrose Abbey and the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, made famous in Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code; pay a visit to the UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall, just across the border; or head west to Dumfries, the hometown of Scotland’s National Poet Robert Burns and the gateway to Burns Country.
Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond — 40 miles (64 km) and 80 miles (129 km) from Edinburgh
Originally built in the 12th century, Stirling Castle sits on the boundary between the lowlands and the highlands and is one of the most important historical structures in Scotland. Just an hour’s drive west of the castle is the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where visitors can embark on scenic hikes, bike rides, and loch cruises.
255 results | All Edinburgh Tours

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
3962
Take a personalized tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness on this day trip to the Scottish Highlands. See wooded lochs and tucked-away villages as you journey through spectacular scenery en route to Glencoe and Fort Augustus. Enjoy an optional boat tour in search of the Loch Ness Monster and traverse the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with a small group limited to 16 passengers.
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From
$74.68
From
$74.68

Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh
889
See the best of Scotland in one action-packed day on this Glencoe, Loch Ness and the Highlands tour from Edinburgh. Pass Stirling Castle on route to Kilmahog with a guide, then continue through Rannoch Moor to the soaring Highland peaks of Glen Coe. Head along the banks of Loch Linnhe to Fort William and gaze over Ben Nevis — Scotland’s highest mountain. Enjoy free time to explore Loch Ness and learn the famous legend of Nessie! Pass by Inverness, then travel through the mighty Grampian Mountains to Edinburgh.
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From
$71.18
From
$71.18

St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
720
Travel from Edinburgh to St. Andrews and Fife on this day trip from Edinburgh. Cross the Forth Road Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife and pass by the coastal villages of East Neuk. Then pay homage to the town of St. Andrews, home to Scotland's oldest university and the Old Course where golf is routinely played. Driving in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, see Falkland and the Lomond Hills. Enjoy a small-group tour, limited to 16 people, for a memorable and personalized experience.
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From
$62.03
From
$62.03

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Hairy Coos Tour from Edinburgh
955
Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands on a full-day excursion that includes Glencoe and Loch Ness. Set own from Edinburgh aboard a comfortable coach bus to experience some of the area's top sights and attractions. Visit to Callander "Gateway to the Highlands", learn the fascinating history of Glencoe—a village made modernly famous as a setting for 'James Bond' and 'Harry Potter' films—and opt to take a boat cruise upon iconic Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the famous 'Nessie' as you go.
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From
$71.18
From
$71.18

Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies from Edinburgh
332
Explore Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle, and delve into the world of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Rob Roy on this tour from Edinburgh. Visit Stirling Castle—widely considered among Scotland’s most impressive fortresses—with a guide. Head through the Trossachs National Park to the Highland village of Balloch, nestled by the banks of magical Loch Lomond. Perhaps take a lake cruise or enjoy capturing the pretty town of Luss on camera before the journey back to Edinburgh.
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From
$64.94
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$64.94

Underground Walking Tour in Edinburgh
1934
Step off the tourist trail and explore the Scottish capital’s hidden secrets on this underground walking tour in Edinburgh. Follow a guide from the South Bridge in Edinburgh Old Town down below street level, where a series of ancient vaults lie. As you explore the dark passageways, learn why the vaults were built, hear of the poor souls who sought refuge in the depths and discover a hidden witchcraft temple. Gain insight into city life during the 18th century, and learn of the deadly diseases which threatened Edinburgh’s inhabitants.
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$17.48
From
$17.48

The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour
2469
Edinburgh is known for its dark past, and this evening walking tour is the original one to showcase the city's historically sinister and spooky side. Discover the hidden ‘wynds’ (alleys) and closes of the Old Town as you learn their mysteries and horrors; visit the ghost-ridden Greyfriars Kirkyard; and explore the city’s underground vaults to uncover their spirits and secrets. Your tour is led by a creepily costumed guide.
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$17.48
From
$17.48

Loch Ness Glencoe and The Highlands from Edinburgh
534
Exploring the Highlands is a must-do when in Scotland but getting around can be tricky. Skip the hassle of navigating public transport or driving on familiar roads by booking this guided tour. From Edinburgh, you'll head north to the most important Highland destinations, including Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Great Glen and Loch Ness.
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From
$56.20
From
$56.20

Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glen Coe Day Trip from Edinburgh
1225
Discover the dramatic beauty, history and mystery of Scotland on this full-day trip from Edinburgh. Aboard a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, wind through the Scottish Highlands and marvel at the majesty of Cairngorms National Park and the mysterious Loch Ness—fabled home of the elusive water monster, Nessie. Spot the famous Urquhart Castle en route and hear about legendary warfare like the battles of William Wallace and the massacre of Glen Coe in the 17th century.
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From
$67.44
From
$67.44

Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
565
Uncover the mysteries of Loch Ness on an exciting day-trip from Edinburgh. Set out north along Scotland's West Coast to experience one of the country's most iconic lochs, best known for the fabled 'monster' said to reside deep within its waters. En route, pass some incredible sights, including the ruins of Linlithgow Palace, Ben Nevis―Britain's tallest mountain―and dramatic Highlands landscapes recognizable from films like 'Skyfall.' Your guide regales you with stories about the area, making for an exciting, informative―and if you're lucky, truly legendary―trip.
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From
$79.93
From
$79.93

City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
1415
An Edinburgh bus tour is the perfect way to hear commentary on city sights and get a panoramic overview. This City Sightseeing tour of Edinburgh lets you hop on and off at several strategically placed stops as many times as you like. Board the open-top double-decker bus and travel the entire route, or stop at Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum and many more. Buses depart regularly and tickets are valid for 24 hours from first use.
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From
$19.98
From
$19.98

Full-Day Trip to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands with Lunch from Edinburgh
1141
This full-day Scottish Highlands tour takes you on a scenic drive from Edinburgh to the fabled Loch Ness. The journey travels by coach across Rannoch Moor to Glen Coe and through the Great Glen to Fort Augustus, where you’re treated to a locally made picnic lunch. Take an optional boat ride on the legendary loch in search of ‘Nessie’ before the return trip over the Drumochter Pass and through the forests and rivers of Highland Perthshire, with views of the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge.
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From
$62.44
From
$62.44

Edinburgh Castle Tour - Skip The Line Tickets Included
325
Skip the line on your visit to one of Scotland's most popular attractions on this Edinburgh Castle walking tour. Walk up the Royal Mile toward to the castle with your guide while they share insight into the significance of the fortification in Scottish history and introduce you to some of the key characters associated with it. Once inside, explore the main buildings as your guide provides further details about such elements as the one o'clock gun, the Argyle Battery, and the castle dungeons.
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From
$41.21
From
$41.21

Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
453
Journey to the frontier of ancient Rome on this full-day tour of Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish borders from Edinburgh. First up is a tour of the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, famously featured in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and renowned for its mysterious stone carvings and unique architecture. After lunch (not included), stop at Melrose Abbey, the burial site of King Robert the Bruce’s heart, and look out over the English border from Cheviot Hills, before walking along the UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall.
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From
$74.93
From
$74.93

West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh
270
Experience the beauty of rural Scotland on this 9.5-hour West Highland lochs and castles day trip from Edinburgh. Visit the iconic Doune Castle in Stirlingshire with a guide, then head deep into the Scottish Highlands. Take in fine views over shimmering lakes and soaring peaks, and enjoy an hour’s free time in Glen Ogle. Then, head onward to Loch Awe and Kilchurn Castle — widely considered Scotland's prettiest castle. Explore the highland village of Inveraray and perhaps visit Inveraray Castle. Travel through the beautiful Arrochar Alps back to Edinburgh.
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From
$64.94
From
$64.94

Edinburgh Darkside Walking Tour: Mysteries, Murder and Legends
2436
Journey through Edinburgh’s grisliest tales on a haunted walking tour. Experience the ghastly histories of monsters, madness, and murder that cast a dark shadow on the capital city. Discover the stories and sites of witch trials, pagan rituals, and executions, and hear about local monsters that live in urban myth. Then visit the chilling Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery to learn about body-snatching and some of the infamous interred.
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From
$20.39
From
$20.39

Highland Lochs, Glens and Whisky Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
383
Experience Scotland's rugged countryside on a Highlands and whisky tour from Edinburgh. In a small-group, visit Scotland’s hilly Lowlands and forested Highlands, where you can spot waterfalls and migrating salmon in the River Braan. Stop in quaint towns for refreshments and optional whisky tastings, and soak up the stunning landscape — a mosaic of verdant glens, loch, and rivers. Along the way, learn the often dark history of this wild region.
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From
$69.62
From
$69.62

Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour from Edinburgh
198
Delve into Scotland’s rich history and heritage on this 1-day Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle tour from Edinburgh. Head from the Royal Mile over the UNESCO–listed Forth Bridge to Dunfermline with a guide, and explore the Abbey Kirk — burial place of Robert the Bruce. See where the Battle of Bannockburn raged and learn of Scotland’s struggle for independence. Take in top local attractions including Stirling Castle. Then, visit Rosslyn Chapel before returning to Edinburgh.
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From
$51.20
From
$51.20

Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
735
See Stirling Castle, the Kelpies monument, and Loch Lomond on this day trip from Edinburgh. Pass Linlithgow Palace on the way to the Kelpies, said to be the largest equine sculptures in the world. Then travel through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, where you can join your guide on a nature walk, before heading to Stirling Castle for an optional interior tour (own expense). This small-group tour in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach is limited to 16 passengers for a memorable experience.
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From
$62.03
From
$62.03

West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
925
Witness dramatic landscapes and majestic castles on a full-day trip through Scotland’s West Highlands from Edinburgh. With a knowledgeable guide, soak up stunning scenery from the rugged Breadalbane Mountains to The Trossachs National Park. Visit the villages of Luss and Inveraray, and hear tales of famous Scottish heroes and rebels. Movie buffs will love the visit to Doune Castle, film site of Monty Python and The Holy Grail.
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From
$69.62
From
$69.62

Outlander Adventure Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
297
Attention “Outlander” fans: this tour was created just for you. Leave Edinburgh behind as you embark on an epic adventure to several sites from the popular television show. Visit Culross Palace (the fictional Cranesmuir), Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Blackness Castle (Fort William), Midhope Castle (Jamie’s home), and Linlithgow Palace, the site of one of the series’ most intense scenes.
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From
$69.61
From
$69.61

Alnwick Castle, the Northumberland Coast & the Borders Day Tour from Edinburgh
166
Discover the rugged beauty and cultural splendor of the Scottish Borders on a day trip from Edinburgh. Aboard a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach, visit the market town of Kelso and the magnificent Alnwick Castle, a featured film setting in Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter Series. Soak up the beauty of Northumberland as you make a final stop at the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Entrance fees are your own expense.
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From
$65.83
From
$65.83

Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish Borders Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
390
Experience the legend and mystery of Rosslyn Chapel and the Holy Grail on this ‘Da Vinci Code’ tour from Edinburgh. In a small group, travel to the charming town of Melrose and through the Scottish borderlands. Explore Melrose Abbey and Rosslyn Chapel, and hear intriguing tales of Cistercian monks, the Knights Templar, and Robert the Bruce.
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From
$49.37
From
$49.37

St Andrews & The Fishing Villages of Fife from Edinburgh
129
Explore St. Andrews and the Villages of Fife on this day trip from Edinburgh. Admire fine views over the Forth Rail Bridge from South Queensferry en route into the Kingdom of Fife. Discover pretty coastal villages, then visit Anstruther with a guide. Perhaps visit St. Andrews’ castle and cathedral ruins, stroll along the harbor, or soak up the sunshine at your leisure. Afterward, travel through the Lomond Hills and past Loch Leven on route back to Edinburgh.
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From
$59.94
From
$59.94
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