Edinburgh · PRIVATE
48 reviewed
This is the shortlist we’d hand a friend the night before: the 15 private tours worth booking, each with its price, its verdict, and the one thing to know first.
Private 90-minute Harry Potter walk in Edinburgh’s Old Town: Greyfriars gravestones, Elephant House, and Victoria Street, guided in English.
“Our guide was knowledgeable and it was fun to see Edinburgh through the eyes of JK Rowling and see some of the various places that inspired her writings.”
A private 9-hour Scottish Highlands escape from Edinburgh with cozy transport, photo stops, Highland cows, castles, lochs, and Kelpies.
“We started the day with an intimate Cow encounter that my kids flipped for. Shak was friendly and informative. He knows the history very well. We made it to every site on the itinerary in spite of the short winter daylight. He was flexible with the needs of the children with regard to bathroom breaks.”
Private 3.5-hour Edinburgh walk with a guide: Castle exteriors, Old Town closes, St Giles, plus optional interiors and galleries.
“This tour was one of my family's favorite memories of our time in Scotland. David made the history of Edinburgh enjoyable for every member of our party, from my 12yr old son to 65 yr old mother. The weather was cold and wet and my kids stayed with it the whole time without complaint. Would do a full day again if we ever back in town. Many thanks!!!”
Private 2-hour walk through Edinburgh’s Old Town tales, from Greyfriars Bobby to Burke and Hare, with archive photos and flexible pacing.
“Great walk around the city. Our guide Robert started by asking about our visit and our interests and tailored our tour to match. He also accommodated our pace and told us great historical facts and stories.”
A luxury private food-and-drink walk across Edinburgh’s West End, New Town, and Old Town, with a full meal, paired drinks, and stories.
“The guide was knowledgeable, amiable and funny. Also he had earpieces so we could all hear him. The selection of foods and drinks was perfect.”
Private 4-hour Edinburgh tour in a Mercedes V-Class with hotel pickup, Castle and Royal Mile stops, plus viewpoints and easy walking breaks.
“Super unique and flexible tour that is tailored to your interests and a rare gem among the tour offerings in the city! Stephen was a kind, knowledgeable and flexible tour guide. He took us so many amazing places that only a local would know and it truly enriched our experience. This tour is a must for someone that wants to see all of the city. An added bonus was that Stephen knew all the good angles and viewing spaces that were not jammed with tourists so we could get great photos of our time here. Thanks so much Stephen!”
One-way private transfer to Edinburgh Airport EDI with flight-tracked driver, clean air-conditioned car, named pickup, and luggage help.
“Our driver Pedro communicated since I signed up for transfer service up to the time we arrived at the airport. He is very courteous and helpful with getting around Edinburgh where we stayed. Very safe driver and provided us a lot of info about the place.”
Luxury private Highlands and Loch Ness day from Edinburgh with castles, hairy cows, Glencoe views, and an optional Loch Ness cruise.
“This was such an incredible tour. From the minute we booked up until the day of the actual tour, we were so impressed. Prior to the tour, Jenny reached out to confirm what type of car seat we would need for our little one - how thoughtful! Noel was our guide and he was so incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable, it really brought this trip to life. He took us EVERYWHERE and it was some of the most breath taking and satisfying views of our lives. He was also a complete saint as our child screamed for 60% of the ride, maintaining all sorts of grace and giving us time to…”
Private 3-hour Edinburgh Old Town tour with a local guide, top sights from the outside, and a included local drink.
“We had a fabulous 3 hours with Monica. She was knowledgeable, funny, and engaging throughout. Even though this was our second tour of Edinburgh, we learned a lot and enjoyed our time. Highly recommended.”
A private Edinburgh walking food tour with haggis, neeps and tatties, Scottish cheese and cakes, and Lowland single malt whisky.
“Nicola was a great tour guide. She is knowledgeable, passionate about Scottish culture and funny. We enjoyed our tour immensely. Haggis, scones, whisky and ice cream were delicious.”
Private Central Highlands day trip from Edinburgh with a local guide, scenic stops, whisky options, and no rental-car stress.
“Henri was able to take us where we wanted to go. He was polite and professional and he took us to some out of the way places.”
A flexible private Edinburgh walk with a local host: iconic landmarks, 360-degree views, whisky pub stops, and Scottish food, tailored to you.
“Doug was very good as a guide sharing with us his knowledge his passion to Edinburgh. Thank you very much for this experience....................................................................................................................................”
A 3-day private Scotland trip with pickup, sharp humor, and flexible pacing—plus a guide who cuts the junk like Inverness Castle.
“I have visited 78 countries in the last 30 years and I have never had a tour and guide I enjoyed as much as Dave. Funny, knowledgable, and flexible. He works with you to let you help design the tour to meet your needs. He provides great commentary. He made everything enjoyable. His tours are a must do.”
Private 2.5-hour Edinburgh Old Town walk with your own guide: St Giles, Royal Mile, closes, Victoria Street, and local food tips.
“Very interesting, wonderful tour and guide, David. Well worth the time and expense. Very interesting stories, historical and otherwise.”
Private Loch Ness and Glencoe day trip from Edinburgh with chauffeur-guide, onboard Wi‑Fi, comfy vehicle, and an optional 1-hour cruise.
“It was a wonderfull experience, booked it for a trip with friends. Mohamed was a great guide, atentive, and funny, for me he created a perfect balance between sharing information and jokes.”
