The Royal Tour: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood & 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
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.
Options
The Royal Tour: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood & Royal Mile
What‘s Included
Holyrood audioguide
Local Tour Guide
Holyrood Palace ticket
Edinburgh Castle ticket
Coffee and/or Tea
Tips
Public transportation
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
49 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Thorough tour of the royal mile with a very knowledgeable guide
Debb4935,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ricky made our tour very enjoyable on a quite rainy day. He is so knowledgeable both of the city and its history and delivered entertaining stories with passion and energy.
Good but too much standing.
Tour43048600001,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very good tour, but it is probably longer than it needs to be. Lots of local history, but some of it is a bit esoteric. After touring Edinburgh Castle, you have a long stretch of the tour down Royal Mile with no seating. By the time we got to Holyrood, we were too tired to give it a proper tour.
Highly recommended!
arnold N,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The visit to the to castle were incredible. Mark C was fantastic and very passionate about the subject and make it very easy to get into the experience. Highly recommended!!
Awesome
Richard I,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic trip, incredibly interesting with fun facts and tidbits in between. There is however, no time for even a bathroom break. It could do with 30 minutes to grab a water and a sandwich in-between.....
Well done tour!
Kimberley B,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Irish Mark gave us a very authoritative and personal tour. He quickly learned our names, he answered stray questions, and kept us in good order.
Good tour
Rocio R,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We enjoyed the castle visit and they gave us the tickets for Holyrood at the end so we can visit on our own
Wonderful tour
Ron F,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and the tour was wonderful! Detailed experiences at the Edinburgh Castle, Hollywood and the Royal Mile
Ben was the best guide!!!
Catherine H,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ben was an amazing guide who made it personalized and was incredibly accommodating. He focused on and added details based on what the group wanted to learn about. Highly recommend Ben!!!
Edinburgh tour
theresa-melb,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful, informative tour. Zenon was an excellent tour leader who made the tour enjoyable and interesting. Would highly recommend this tour.
Great history
andrewkK8307MQ,May 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Zenon was a great guide with great historical stories
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Operated by Edinburgh Walking Tours