tours by locals scotland

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A tour on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Tours of Scotland

Uncover fascinating stories of famous Scots, get up close with curious wildlife or try out a new activity on one of our rivers. Tours are a brilliant way to see Scotland in a new way.

Find a friendly local expert guide, or make your own way along one of our suggested itineraries.

Get the most out your Scottish experience and book a tour of Scotland today.

Find tour experiences

Search a wide range of organised, bespoke tours, self guided tours and day trips.

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Explore Scottish Holidays and Tour Sites

No matter which kind of Scotland tour package you choose, you're never far from fantastic attractions, all set amongst some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world. Go island hopping and explore the island paradises off Scotland's coast, see if you can spot Nessie on a Loch Ness tour, take a day trip around world-famous historic attractions or book a multi-day tour to really get a feel for the country's beautiful scenery and rich culture.

Top Tour Ideas

Scotland’s UNESCO Trail

Scotland is the first country in the world to bring together 13 UNESCO sites into one trail.

Harry Potter film and book locations itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter with our 4-day itinerary travelling from Edinburgh to the Highlands.

Outlander Filming Locations

Step into the world of Claire and Jamie and discover standing stones, castles, kilts and more.

Speyside Malt Whisky Trail Itinerary

Follow this 3-day itinerary around some of Speyside's top whisky attractions in the north east of Scotland.

Scotland’s Castle Trail

Discover the most famous and dramatic castles in the north east with our incredible 6-day itinerary.

Scottish Islands & island hopping

Explore some of the 700+ islands off Scotland's coast and experience their unique cultures and stunning landscapes.

Best tours to take in Scotland

See some of the best tours available across Scotland, allowing you to really get to learn more about our fascinating country.

Self-Guided Tours

The Ultimate Scotland itinerary

Venture around some of the most popular attractions and locations in this 14 day Ultimate Scotland Itinerary.

7 days in the West of Scotland

Follow this seven day itinerary through the west of Scotland to see iconic sights and attractions in Glasgow, Loch Lomond and more.

7 Days in the east of Scotland

Follow this itinerary to see the highlights of the east of Scotland including dramatic coastline, historic castles and awesome attractions!

48 hours in Glasgow

From museums and galleries to visiting the West End - explore with our 2-day Glasgow itinerary.

Highland castles itinerary

See some of Scotland's most amazing castles as you tour the Highlands over four great days.

5 Days in Scotland with an Electric Car

Take a road trip with information on charging points, accommodation, attractions, food and drink, and more.

All itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Highland Experience Tours

Scottish highlands tours & experiences, most popular tours of scotland.

• Most popular tour!

Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Highlands

Loch Ness, Glen Coe & the Highlands. On this tour, drive the full length of Loch Ness, get the opportunity to cruise on the loch and explore Urquhart Castle, and pass through Cairngorms National Park and the stunning Glen Coe.

• Calendar All year
• User 3+ years old
• Hour Glass 12.5 hrs
• Hour Glass 3 days

Ultimate Skye Experience

Stay, explore and travel like a local in one of Scotland’s most scenic locations, the Isle of Skye, and see the spectacular Eilean Donan Castle. Book today!

• Hour Glass 9 hrs 45 min

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky

This is the Scottish experience ‘distilled’. It gives you a taste of three classic Scottish ingredients — castles, lochs and whisky. Book online today!

• Hour Glass 8.5 hrs

Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle & Dunfermline Abbey

We take you behind the headlines of Dan Brown’s ‘Da Vinci Code’, explaining the background of one of the world’s most enduring mysteries. Book online today!

Why Choose Highland Experience Tours?

5-Star Customer Service & Value

Award-Winning Local Guides

Comfort on Our Luxury Eco-Friendly Vehicles

Choices: Departure City, Accommodation, and More

• Change multi-day tours for free up until 14 days before your tour starts!
• Change day-tours for free up until 24 hours before your tour starts!

This means you can book and be safe in the knowledge that if your plans change, we’ll change with you.

Experience Scotland with us!

As you might have noticed, we LOVE Scotland. From the challenging mountains to the glistening lochs and mysterious glens, the variety in its natural features is as striking as it is beautiful. But that’s not all; Scotland is also a nation boasting rich Scottish folklore and historical heritage. Clans, tartans, kilts and bagpipes are world-famous Scottish symbols, and so are our myths and historical figures. Are you curious about the origins of Nessie or want to learn about William Wallace or the battle of Culloden ? Scotland has an extensive history to be unearthed. With Highland Experience Tours, you enjoy world-famous Highland hospitality and experience all that Scotland has to offer. But don’t just take our word for it. Take a tour and experience it for yourself.

We hope to see you soon.

Award-Winning Guided Scotland Tours

Your Scotland experience starts here. From monsters and mountains , chapels and chieftains to castles and whisky , we want to give you the most authentic Scottish experience possible. From the comfort of our luxury bespoke vehicles to our legendary, fully qualified guides, we can’t wait to show you our stunning country.

We consider ourselves extremely lucky to have a job doing something we really enjoy; everyone at Highland Experience shares a passion for travel and helping other people discover Scotland’s Highlands.

Our love for real, sustainable and unique tour experiences makes us who we are.

Tours from Edinburgh

Tours from glasgow, tours from inverness, we have thousands of 5-star reviews.

Michael was a great tour guide full of facts and made the journey super enjoyable! We all felt safe and comfortable even during this complicated time. Would highly recommend to all! We will definitely be making a return to the Highlands soon 😁

Just finished this 3 day tour and it was amazing. Chris, our tour guide was friendly, an excellent driver with a great sense of humor and a wealth of knowledge about the history of Scotland including Isle of Sky and the highlands. We had lots of photo opportunities and some of the places we stopped at were breathtaking. Accommodation was cozy and easy walk to town for dinner. Perfect amount of time to see some of Scotland’s beauty. Thanks for a lovely experience.

Eddy our driver was great! He had lots of stories and jokes along the way! We had a small group as it’s the off season but this gave us so much time to explore each stop. We really enjoyed this tour! The chapel was amazing and the staff there were so kind answering all our questions and showing the hidden gems the chapel had.

We had a great experience on our tour. Our tour guide Iain was thorough, well informed and funny. He made sure that our group found all of the best photo opportunities and even took us on some side adventures. He went out of his way to make sure we were safe, happy and got to feed the hairy coos!

I've been on 3 different tours with this company and would highly recommend traveling with them if you want to see the highlands! I had different drivers every time, taking me to places in the highlands I've never been before! Great company with great guides! Thanks!

Scotland Tours

You're sipping a wee dram of smoky whisky as you gaze out over a glistening loch. You and your new friends compare the photos you took of the Highland Coos you just spotted in a heather-covered moor. And someone is daring you to try haggis for dinner tonight... This is Scotland. And you're on a Rabbie's tour. Maybe you’re on a 1 day tour out of Inverness, or perhaps you’ve decided to discover the Scottish islands on a 17-day’ adventure. The choice is yours. Which of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks call to you? Loch Ness and its enigmatic monster ? The endless epic views of the Highlands? The raw beauty and legends of Skye ? Let our driver-guides take you there and share stories that go deeper and connect you with the land you travel through, its history, music, and culture.

Explore Scotland Tours

Why you'll love Scotland

Epic tales and terrific traditions

Scotland is the birthplace of Sherlock Holmes, the television, and whisky. So, the culture is a mix of poetry, intellect, and fun. The locals also love showing visitors a good time. So don’t be surprised when you’re invited to a Highland dance or regaled with folk tales at the local pub.

Famed beauty

Scotland’s landscapes are more dramatic than a superhero movie, more beautiful than a three carat diamond, and older than any of your grandparents’ stories. From blonde beaches to serene mountains: you’ll discover the scenery lives up to its reputation.

A trove of secrets

It’s no secret Scotland has fascinating history. But what’s less known, is how much of it’s shrouded in mystery. There are unexplained standing stones, untranslatable hieroglyphics, and unbelievable myths. So, keep your eyes peeled, your mind open, and your imagination switched on.

Natural flavours

Everyone wants a slice of Scotland’s local larder. The seafood is exported to the best restaurants, Angus beef is enjoyed everywhere, and whisky is loved worldwide. And although these flavours travel far, there’s no place it tastes better than in Scotland.

Our Scotland Tours

Where to travel to.

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APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Scotland Tours & Trips

From the colourful towns of the Hebrides to historic castles tucked away in the Highlands , an adventure in Scotland is filled with experiences waiting to be discovered. Keep an eye out for mythical creatures at Loch Ness , venture off the coast to the Isle of Skye, enjoy a Speyside whisky with the locals in Inverness, step back in time at Craigh Na Dun, or time your trip to catch the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. From highlands, castles, and stunning scenery to bagpipes and haggis, there's so much to see and do in Scotland.

208 Scotland tour packages with 7,408 reviews

5 Day Skye & Highland Fling

I recently had the pleasure of going on a tour guided by an exceptional guide. From start to finish, the tour was an absolute delight and exceeded all my expectations. One of the things that stood out to me was the variety of places we visited. The tour included a great balance of walking, hiking, and sightseeing, ensuring that we got to experience the best of each location. Additionally, the tour itinerary was well-planned, with sufficient rest time on the bus and well-timed stops that made each travel leg enjoyable and not too long. Speaking of the bus, it was spacious and comfortable, perfectly accommodating our group of 12 people. This allowed us to relax and enjoy the journey between destinations. Our guide, Neil, also took care to ensure our comfort by driving safely and steadily, making us feel secure throughout the trip. The guide's personality truly made the tour memorable. He was incredibly funny, positive, and interactive, always keeping the group engaged and entertained. His energy and outgoing nature were contagious, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the tour. I appreciated his caring nature, as he went above and beyond to make sure each passenger felt taken care of. Not only was the guide entertaining, but he was also knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited. He shared fascinating insights and personal experiences, which added a personal touch to the tour. I was impressed by his ability to provide clear instructions and answer any questions we had along the way. Another highlight of the tour was the guide's musical talents. He played and sang great music, enhancing the overall experience and creating a fantastic ambiance on the bus. Additionally, he introduced us to wonderful local restaurants and sightseeing places, ensuring that we had a well-rounded experience of the area. Overall, I cannot recommend this tour and guide enough. He truly made the experience unforgettable with his humor, knowledge, and dedication to ensuring our enjoyment throughout the journey. I would not hesitate to go on another tour with him in the future and encourage others to do the same.

• Coach / Bus

3 Day Loch Ness & Skye

Amazing tour! Fast paced and fun with incredible views of the highlands.

• In-depth Cultural

Bonnie Scotland

Rosanne was an amazing tour guide. She was so animated and filled with advanced history knowledge. There was never a dull moment with Rosanne and she made it a wonderful experience. I wished we stopped off in Loch Ness longer.

Highlights of Scotland

This was my second G Adventures tour and it proved to be as enjoyable as the first one, which was the main reason my wife and I booked it. The small size of the tour group and the variety of people made it all the better. The tour offered a good balance between structured visits of major attractions and free time to explore on our own. I would not hesitate to recommend a G Adventures tour to anyone seeking a guided travel experience in the company of other like-minded travelers.

Country Roads of Scotland (Classic, 9 Days)

Well done. I would recommend the trip to one and all.

Scotland's Orkney Islands

Intrepid needs to tighten up this tour. Two free afternoons is too much when one has only three days on the island. Either make the tour two full days or two full days with one full day free to make plans to go to Hoy or Rousay. Give people guidance on what to do on the free day.

Interesting materIal

Looking for tours beyond just Scotland?

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Scotland.

Isle of Skye & Outer Hebrides

I would have liked to stop at glencoe to walk around for a couple of hours. The tour was fast paced allowing us to see many things in a short period of time

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)

Fantastic tour. Highly recommend. Steve B was an excellent guide. Stayed at Oak Villa in Inverness, best hosts and the breakfast was amazing. Thank you for a great experience. Jeff and Karen Luskie

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Scottish Royal

The tour was very enjoyable. Diane was very knowledgeable and at times humorous. Great group of Canadians on the tour, I was the only American. Highly recommend this couch tour.

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

Classic Scotland Self Drive

Great car with automatic. Accommodation was pretty good. Breakfasts were nourishing.

Orkney & The Far North

Good value. Excellent driver. Saw all and more than brochure said.

Country Roads of Scotland (Small Groups, 9 Days)

• Hiking & Trekking

Walking Scotland’s Orkney Islands

Was even better than I expected. Very nice people, good and lovely organisation, nice walks and interesting sites. Good balence in activities. I would go again with this people!!!!

What people love about Scotland Tours

I recently had the pleasure of going on a tour guided by an exceptional guide. From start to finish, the tour was an absolute delight and exceeded all my expectations. One of the things that stood out to me was the variety of places we visited. The tour included a great balance of walking, hiking, and sightseeing, ensuring that we got to experience the best of each location. Additionally, the tour itinerary was well-planned, with sufficient rest time on the bus and well-timed stops that made each travel leg enjoyable and not too long. Speaking of the bus, it was spacious and comfortable, perfectly accommodating our group of 12 people. This allowed us to relax and enjoy the journey between destinations. Our guide, Neil, also took care to ensure our comfort by driving safely and steadily, making us feel secure throughout the trip. The guide's personality truly made the tour memorable. He was incredibly funny, positive, and interactive, always keeping the group engaged and entertained. His energy and outgoing nature were contagious, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the tour. I appreciated his caring nature, as he went above and beyond to make sure each passenger felt taken care of. Not only was the guide entertaining, but he was also knowledgeable about the history of the places we visited. He shared fascinating insights and personal experiences, which added a personal touch to the tour. I was impressed by his ability to provide clear instructions and answer any questions we had along the way. Another highlight of the tour was the guide's musical talents. He played and sang great music, enhancing the overall experience and creating a fantastic ambiance on the bus. Additionally, he introduced us to wonderful local restaurants and sightseeing places, ensuring that we had a well-rounded experience of the area. Overall, I cannot recommend this tour and guide enough. He truly made the experience unforgettable with his humor, knowledge, and dedication to ensuring our enjoyment throughout the journey. I would not hesitate to go on another tour with him in the future and encourage others to do the same.

Pick this tour!!!! Seeing the highlands was a dream come true, and Branka was the most incredible and hilarious guide. She made the trip so so special with her knowledge of the area and folklore and her talent for storytelling. Even when we got delayed due to a closed road we were having a great time and all the other tour busses looked *miserable*. So do yourself a favour and go on this tour - or better yet, the 5-day one like I should have! I'll be back ? P.s Branka drop a link when you start a podcast tysm

We thoroughly enjoyed our Bonnie Scotland tour. The location was beautiful and the trip well organized. Our tour guide, Gavin, was simply the best. Loved the experience!!

Scotland Destinations

• Northern Scotland (45)
• Scottish Highlands (35)
• Isle Of Skye (22)
• The Hebrides (7)
• Orkney Islands (5)

Travel Styles

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• Luxury (14)
• Singles and Solo (141)
• For Couples (69)
• Young Adults (10)
• Seniors (117)
• Group (181)
• Fully Guided (168)
• Family (125)
• Explorer (109)
• In-depth Cultural (102)
• Coach / Bus (66)
• Personalized (49)
• Private (21)
• Self-Guided (19)
• Active (16)
• Partially Guided (16)
• Hiking & Trekking (14)
• Self Drive (7)
• Ocean Cruise (6)
• Train & Rail (5)
• 3 Day Tours (31)
• 7 Day Tours (66)
• 10 Day Tours (48)
• 2 Week Tours (19)
• Spring 2024 (100)
• Summer 2024 (144)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (143)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (38)
• Spring 2025 (73)
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• Winter 2025 / 2026 (3)
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• Starting in Edinburgh (91)
• Starting in Glasgow (41)
• Starting in Inverness (14)
• Scotland Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 7 Day Scotland Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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Tours from Glasgow

Tours from Edinburgh

• Shore Excursions
• Isle of Iona
• Isle of Mull

Stirling Castle

• Loch Lomond
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Scotland Tours

Find your tour.

Award-Winning Tours of Scotland

When you visit Scotland, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome when you come on board award-winning Discover Scotland Tours. A Family owned company, we operate small group tours to the Scottish Highlands and Islands from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Our friendly driver-guides can’t wait to share their passion for Scotland’s spectacular natural beauty, history, and heritage. They’ll share our myths and legends and will tell you tales of Scotland’s heroes and villains. They’ll also take you to some of the most beautiful and inspiring views Scotland has to offer.

Why travel with us?

Eco 3 Air Purifiers Eliminates viruses

Guaranteed Departures You Book – You Go

Small Group Tours Maximum 16 Persons

Eco Friendly Tours Supporting Local Communities

Greenock Shore Excursions

Where can we take you?

The Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is renowned for its stunning scenery, picturesque fishing villages and breathtaking landscapes. At the foot of the Black Cuillin mountains lie the magical fairy pools, azure blue crystal-clear pools, and waterfalls.

Romantic Loch Lomond

This beautiful loch is the beating heart of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 720 square miles of stunning scenery from lush rolling countryside and thick forest to vast glens and craggy mountains.

The Jacobite Steam Train

Enjoy one of the world’s greatest train journeys aboard the Jacobite Steam Train and immerse yourself in breath-taking Highland scenery. The railway line curves over the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct as seen in Harry Potter.

Outlander Filming Locations

Combine your favourite Outlander filming locations with some beautiful Highland scenery. Take in the historic gems of the Royal Burgh of Culross (Cranesmuir), Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) and the foreboding Blackness Castle.

The Isle of Mull

With its quaint villages, miles of coastline and cliffs, majestic mountains and empty beaches, the Isle of Mull is one of the best locations in Scotland to spot rare white-tailed sea eagles, whales, basking sharks, and dolphins.

The Isle of Iona

The tiny sacred Isle of Iona has been a place of Christian worship and pilgrimage ever since St Columba arrived here from Ireland in 563 AD. Iona is also the final resting place for many kings of Scotland, including Macbeth.

Perched on top of a vast volcanic rock, and visible from miles around, Stirling Castle was the key to the kingdom of Scotland. It has witnessed sieges, wars, and battles and looks over the famous battle site of Stirling Bridge.

Stunning Glencoe

Driving deep into Glencoe, Scotland’s most famous glen, you can’t fail to be moved by its haunting atmosphere and the legend surrounding the massacre of the Clan MacDonald by government forces in 1692.

Beautiful Oban

Originally a fishing village, Oban on the rugged west coast has grown into a vibrant town. Known as ‘seafood capital of Scotland’ you can savour some of Scotland’s tastiest oysters and mussels around the picturesque harbour.

Mysterious Loch Ness

Loch Ness harbours many mysteries and is the most famous stretch of water in the world. From its famous monster ‘Nessie’, the loch forms part of the 60-mile Caledonian Canal which cuts through the Highlands.

Historic Glenfinnan

In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard at Glenfinnan in an ill-fated attempt to reinstate the exiled Stuarts to the throne of Great Britain. Harry Potter fans will know the viaduct as the bridge to Hogwarts.

Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands is a place where majestic mountains reach up into massive skies. Where sparkling lochs stretch as far as the eye can see, while rugged glens and moorland hide legends of long ago.

Exciting Adventures

Experience Scotland’s breath-taking scenery with the buzz of some high adrenaline thrills. How about a 40-metre-high Highland bungee jump over a dramatic river gorge or a thrilling RIB ride across Loch Ness.

Majestic Castles

There are around 3000 castles in Scotland, many are picturesque ruins, others being medieval towers and craggy fortresses to gilded palaces. Eilean Donan Castle is probably the most photographed castle in Scotland.

Scotch Whisky

Scotland has over 130 distilleries across five whisky-making regions. We’ve been enjoying Scotch for at least 500 years. The oldest distillery, Glenturret was founded in 1775, followed by Bowmore in 1779.

A Discover Scotland Tours Gift Certificate makes a thoughtful present for someone you know who is longing to explore Scotland. They could enjoy a small group tour between 1 & 6 days of the Highlands.

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Scotland with a guide

 Discover the real Scotland

Tours & experiences in your own language

This Is Our Story

Bringing people together with the joy of languages.

Scotland With a Guide was created a few years ago by Carole Beaumont and it is now part of an extended team of local tour guides. 

Originally born and brought up in France, Carole moved to Scotland over 12 years ago where she now resides on the magical Isle of Skye. Over time, she came to realize the importance of languages within the tourism industry. That and the fact that nowadays people were looking for something a little bit different, something a wee bit off the beaten track, where they can meet genuine local guides, with a passion and a wealth of knowledge. And hear tales about the land and its people, in their chosen language. This convinced her that something had to be done. And so was born Scotland With A Guide!

What Makes Us Special

Local expert guides.

Our guides are all local to whatever region you decide to visit. They won't necessarily be certified, but are definitely genuine, passionate people, who will bring your chosen activity or tour to life.

Handpicked Adventures

All our activities and tours, will offer you something just that little bit extra special, be it a sporting experience in a beautiful location, or one of our historical and cultural walking tours.

Green tourism

We have picked our adventures and activities because of their natural beauty and interest.  Away from the crowds, and popular destination. We want to show you the real Scotland.

Testimonials

“The tour was super interesting, I love history and it was great to hear all about the Island's and hear a bit about island life from someone who lives there too. Carole was really friendly and lovely, would definitely recommend!”

“Carole is thoughtful and knowledgeable about the history of the village and tells the story in a fun way. The walk itself is not too difficult but takes you to some spectacular views. I would recommend this”

“Carole made sure we got to the experience despite inclement weather. She was very original in her storytelling and used maps of the historic times to walk us through the location. Highly recommend if you are in Kyleakin"

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

J.R.R. Tolkien

Ask Us Anything

5 olaf road, Kyleakin, Isle of Skye, IV41 8PJ, Scotland

[email protected] | 00447 972 30 36 60

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Experience the best of Edinburgh with Withlocals

Find the perfect private tour

Select one of our local experts

Enjoy Edinburgh like a local

The fun never ends in Edinburgh! Enjoy one of our private tours to the spellbinding Edinburgh Castle, the photogenic Royal Mile or the historic Victoria Street. Discover the incredible things to do in the city with the local of our choice.

Top 10 things to do in Edinburgh

Make your stay in Edinburgh complete with these things to do

1 The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh

2 City Escape: Loch Ness Day Trip

3 Empowering Change: Uncover History with a Crime & Punishment Storytelling Tour

4 Treasures of Edinburgh: Ghosts, myths and legends Tour

5 Highlights & Hidden Gems of Edinburgh

6 City Escape: Highlands Day Trip

7 The History of Edinburgh: Robert Louis Stevenson Tour

8 Support Reducing Homelessness with a Royal Mile Tour

9 City Escape: St Andrews Day Trip

10 Beautiful East Lothian Beaches Private Day Trip

“ We did our first Withlocals tour when arriving to the city and can highly recommend people to do the same. ” Travelers about our local experts

Explore Edinburgh with our incredible locals

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Edinburgh with locals

Why you should book a Withlocals tour

100% customizable.

Let your local host tailor the tour completely to your wishes.

Private guided tours

No strangers on your tour. It’s just you and your local host.

Responsible

Our tours are designed with people, places & the planet in mind

Things to do in Edinburgh

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Edinburgh has to offer

The 10 Tastings of Edinburgh

City escape: loch ness day trip, empowering change: uncover history with a crime & punishment storytelling tour, treasures of edinburgh: ghosts, myths and legends tour, highlights & hidden gems of edinburgh, city escape: highlands day trip, the history of edinburgh: robert louis stevenson tour, support reducing homelessness with a royal mile tour, find experiences by category.

Discover experiences based on your interest

• City highlights tours 7
• Day trips 7
• Art & Culture tours 1
• Food tours 1
• Off the beaten track tours 1

Travelers love our locals

What other guests say about our tours and locals

History of Edinburgh

"Marvellous Edinburgh city and its history introduced by highly educated and friendly local Alec - highly recommended! Jana and Lukas"

Great overview

"We really enjoyed our morning with Alice exploring Edinburgh and hearing stories. Although it was foggy and misty, we really feel like we had a great tour of old town and learned a lot of history and tales. "

Personalised insider’s guide

"I can not recommend Alec and his hidden gems tour enough. He had the hard task of impressing my three teenagers and deftly managed to balance impressive broad historical points (including a sense of scale that resonated with the kids) with fun quirky facts and personal anecdotes which captivated the teens. I’m already recommending Alec to fellow travellers planning their next edinburgh trip! Thank you Alec! "

Fantastic tour

"Alex is the best. His deep knowledge of the area, especially the history, is without peer. We had a great time. DO NOT eat before tour. The food was plentiful and delicious. Highly recommend. "

An Amazing Guide in Edinburgh!!

"Alice was such a fantastic guide!! She is such an amazing storyteller and made our introduction to Edinburgh so enjoyable. She has so much knowledge about local stories and hidden gems and is a natural in presenting them that it made our 3 hour tour fly by despite the weather not always cooperating. I would highly recommend Alice to anyone traveling to Edinburgh. She was the best!!!!"

Incredible Storyteller & Guide

"Alice is the type of person that you think you’ve known for a long time. Her ease with conversation is a gift. She listens as much as she story-tells. The tour was a delightful way to learn about the many characters of the city. We learned so much from our three hours with Alice. There’s no way we could have learned all that we did without her. Booking her was the highlight of the trip! David & Michael -Connecticut "

It’s like having a friend show you around!

"I recently experienced a delightful private food tour in Edinburgh, Scotland, and it exceeded my expectations. The knowledgeable guide led us through charming streets, introducing us to hidden culinary gems. From traditional haggis to artisanal Scotch whiskies, each tasting was a sensory delight. The personalized attention and insider stories made the tour truly memorable. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a unique and flavorful journey through Edinburgh's culinary landscape."

We really enjoyed our time with Monica

"Monica was super nice and really knew allot of the history of the spots she showed us. She even took the time to stop at one of the shops so we could ask the merchant about their wool jumpers (we later went back and bought one). She gave us some great recommendations about which pubs had the best music and gave us great advice on some good restaurants to go to. We highly recommend her, she helped make our trip to Edinburgh a memorable one!"

The night is dark & full of... stories

"Sara is a gifted story teller and the tour was amazing. We had some good laughs. Listening to one of her songs at night is an event in itself. She told us a lot of detailed stories about some famous Edinburghians. Don't want to spoil too much here, you need to take the tour! She also reacted to our questions and interests and spontaneously changed the tour a bit to make it fit even better. Also, the places we visited are really worth to see them at night and hear the stories about some famous and some notorious Edinburgh poets, misfits as well as about the lucky and unlucky ones, not to forget the development of the city and its underworld. Also, if you are interested particularly (as we were) into the stories of body snatching and grave robbery, this is your tour! Also, Sara patiently waited at all sites we went to, to give me a chance to translate for my dad, who also very much enjoyed the tour. So, overall, that's a tour, which also gives you a lot of inspirations to come back to the places and explore them in more depth (as we did the day after). Highly recommended! "

Making the invisible visible!

"Sonny is a great person and an engaged guide, very friendly, courteous and reflective in what he is doing. He showed us a lot of sites, which you would usually ignore as a tourist (although a couple of famous places were also part of the tour). The whole tour helped us to better understand the city with regard to its social aspects and the everyday life of quite a lot of people living there and trying to purely survive. Moreover, Sonny is also entertaining, while keeping the balance between great legends of the city and serious stories about the hardships of life. He patiently waited at every stop, giving me the chance to translate for my dad, who was also glad to be on that tour and enjoyed it. We would do similar tours with "invisible cities" in other cities again, if there is a chance. It is a fantastic project und worth to support it. "

Enjoy the Best of the Edinburgh Like a Local

Incredible activities at every turn in edinburgh.

Take in the sights of the city like a local and discover precisely where to go in Edinburgh for an exhilarating journey. From enchanting architecture to fascinating history, you will be enthralled by the captivating things to do in Edinburgh. Follow the lead of your friendly local host to have an unforgettable experience in Edinburgh. History buffs will be captivated by the riveting stories of the city’s past and architecture lovers will be amazed by the gorgeous designs in Old Town and New Town. Taking a stroll down the cobblestone streets of the Royal Mile is one of the most fascinating things to do in Edinburgh. Your local host will show you exactly what to do in Edinburgh if you wish to uncover all the city’s vibrant history among its hidden alleyways. When looking for mesmerizing activities in Edinburgh, look no further than a visit to the glorious Edinburgh Castle. This breathtaking fortress has stood the test of time and has watched over the city for centuries. If you are ever stuck on what to do in Edinburgh, just waltz down the famous Victoria Street for lovely shops and some of the most colorful images in town. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is one of the most spellbinding things to see in Edinburgh. If you are searching for unforgettable activities in Edinburgh, a private tour is a wonderful way to make your adventure 100% customizable. Just tell your local host of your interests and they will take care of everything for you!

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Our city and Scotland tours depart from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London. Our tours of Scotland are the perfect way to explore the real Scotland and convenient too with daily departures on the most popular Scottish Highland tours . We select the routes and tour guides.

With Scottish Tours you can choose to visit Loch Ness and Inverness or Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond - both popular one-day trips of Scotland. Or why not travel further afield, on one of our short break tours. The magical Isle of Skye and Eliean Donan Castle , the remote yet picturesque surroundings of the Applecross Peninsula and nature watching in a lonely Highland glen are just some of the delights that await you when you choose a short break tour with Scottish Tours.

Our extended range of sightseeing tours of Scotland is the most comprehensive available. You can select your Scottish Tour confident in the knowledge that the widest possible choice of tours of Scotland has to offer.

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15 Best Tours in Edinburgh [2024]

Boasting a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the most iconic castles on earth, elegant Georgian architecture and much more, the Scottish capital surely belongs on everyone’s bucket list. If you want to discover this enchanting city, then booking the best tours in Edinburgh is an easy and enjoyable way to do exactly that. 

This guide to the best Edinburgh tours is here to help you choose which tours you should take. From foodie or whisky tasting experiences to spooky, Harry Potter and hop-on hop-off tours, there really is so much scope in this stunning city. 

Edinburgh Castle Tour: Fast-Track Guided Tour in English

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $$ | Duration: 1.5 hours

Booking an Edinburgh castle tour can really help you make the most of visiting this famous location. I t also includes skip-the-line entry to save you precious time . 

The experience commences with a walk up the Royal Mile, before taking your guided tour of the famous fortress. This includes explanations of the castle dungeons, the iconic one o’clock gun salute and the Argyle Battery. 

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Edinburgh: Underground Vaults Tour

Rating: 4.5⭐| Price: $ | Duration: 1 hour

If the best underground tour in Edinburgh is what you want to find, check out this spooky tour of the city’s ancient underground vaults. It’s said that ghosts lurk here beneath the Old Town, and during the one hour tour your guide will regale you with gory tales about witchcraft and historic murders in the area.

Exploring the South Bridge vaults puts an entirely new spin on things, so don’t miss this if you want to see a different side to this elegant city!

Edinburgh: The Dark Side Walking Tour

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 2 hours

Another of the more quirky Edinburgh tours is this Dark Side walking tour. Expect to hear all about Burke and Hare, the city’s most notorious murderers, as well as the trials and even burnings that witches once endured. The practices of grave robbing and body snatching, plus stories of real life vampires and cannibals, are also discussed.

Sites visited during the tour include narrow, twisting alleyways, Calton Hill, the Old Calton Burial Ground, one of Edinburgh’s chilling cemeteries or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery. The tour finishes at a local pub near the Royal Mile where you can purchase a beverage to steady your nerves!

Edinburgh: Comedy Horror Ghost Bus Tour

Rating: 4.5⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 1 hour

If all that after-dark activity sounds a little too gruesome for your tastes, then the best ghost tour in Edinburgh to book might be a more light-hearted comedy horror trip. Your conductor will share tales of ghosts, murder, grave robbings and victims of the plague as you ride around town.

The tour takes you through both the ancient Old Town and the Georgian New Town. It all takes place aboard a restored and black-painted vintage double decker bus. This was the sole survivor of the Necropolis Bus Company fleet, following a rather mysterious 1967 fire. This is a fun, light-hearted tour and a perfect option if you’re travelling with teenagers!

Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour

Rating: 4.8⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 2 hours

This highly rated city tour of Edinburgh allows you to truly explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the safe hands of your knowledgeable tour guide, you’ll stroll along the twisting streets of the historic Old Town.

Expect to be enjoyably entertained throughout this tour, as your guide shares all the stories you’ll want to hear about the Scottish capital. Sights to see include the old pubs of Grassmarket, places that inspired J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, St. Giles Cathedral and more. 

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $$ | Duration: 2 hours

Should you be seeking fun Edinburgh tours for the whole family, this Harry Potter locations tour could be spot-on. As well as sites associated with the books and movies about the boy wizard, you’ll also visit key Edinburgh landmarks such as Princes Street, the Old Town and the castle.

J. K. Rowling wrote much of the books in Edinburgh, and during the tour you’ll see sights that inspired her works. These include the Castlehill graveyard that doubles as Voldemort’s final resting place, and winding lanes that Diagon Alley was based on. 

Edinburgh: JK Rowling’s Edinburgh & the Writing of Harry Potter

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $$ | Duration: 4.25 hours

Another contender as best walking tour in Edinburgh for a Harry Potter fan is this magical guided tour with Sam. Discover the many Edinburgh locations that inspired JK Rowling. You’ll also get the chance to find out which Hogwarts house you’d be placed in. As well as whether you’re a muggle, a squib or a pure-blood witch or wizard. 

It’s worth noting that this is a long tour lasting over 4 hours so if you’re short on time or prefer a shorter walking tour, check out the other Harry Potter tour listed above.

Edinburgh: Comedy Walking Tour with Professional Comedian

Rating: 4.9⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 2 hours

This walking tour led by a professional comedian has to be among the most entertaining tours in Edinburgh. Setting out from the Monkey Barrel Comedy Club in the Old Town, you’ll learn all sorts of fun local facts and trivia during the two hour walk.

Expect some swearing, adult humour and a strong Scottish accent from your guide, which is why this tour is intended for over-16s only. If you want to know why the gun salute takes place every day at one o’clock or other city facts, this could be your chance to find out. This recent review says it all:

“BEST SIGHTSEEING TOUR EVER! Seriously guys, if you’re thinking about booking any of the walking tours through Edinburgh, THIS ONE is the one to go for! Daniel is not only incredibly funny, but also really knows his Scottish History!”

Edinburgh: 24-Hour Family-Friendly Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Rating: 4.5⭐ | Price: $ | Validity: 1 day

As with many cities across the world, some of the best tours of Edinburgh are jump-on, jump-off bus tours where you can travel when you please. This one is especially family friendly, and tickets are valid for 24 hours. 

With stunning city views throughout, this tour allows you to see places like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket, the New Town, Castle Rock and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. You can hop off whenever you like to explore further, before boarding another bus to take you somewhere else. 

Edinburgh: Royal Attractions with Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Rating: 4.8⭐ | Price: $$ | Validity: 2 days

Royal Edinburgh is the focus for this hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Tickets include three fast-track entrance tickets for the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle as well as flexible transport for up to 48 hours.

To simplify things even further, your pass includes use of buses operated by three different hop-on-hop-off bus tour companies. These are Edinburgh Tour, Majestic Tour and Edinburgh City Sightseeing.

Edinburgh: The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour and Tasting

You simply cannot come to Edinburgh as an adult without sampling the famous Scottish tipple! This whisky tasting and tour allows you to do exactly that. Your guide will also teach you about the five Scottish whisky-making regions. 

Comprising close to 3,500 bottles, one of the largest whisky collections on the planet also forms part of this tour. Single malt and blended whisky tastings are also included, and you’ll also get a crystal tasting glass to keep as a souvenir. 

Edinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling

Another option for whisky lovers! If you’re looking for something to do in Edinburgh during the evening, how about this whisky tasting experience? It includes local history and folklore tales, so you can learn about the city while sipping for single malts.

The tour takes place on the atmospheric Royal Mile, after meeting your guide at the aptly-named Hot Toddy. With the whole of the first floor reserved for your group, there’s plenty of space to stretch out in while learning about Scottish whisky production. You’ll also sample four distinctive single malts from different distilling regions of Scotland. You can also choose to do the tour with no drinks included.

Edinburgh: 3-Hour Guided Secret Food Tour

Rating: 4.8⭐ | Price: $$ | Duration: 3 hours

Whether you’re searching for unusual tours in Edinburgh because you’re a second-time visitor or because you really like to get under the skin of a city, this secret food tour can tick that box. Lasting for three hours, you’ll make half a dozen stops to sample Scottish delicacies.

Food and drinks to taste during the tour include haggis, neeps and tatties (mashed swede and potatoes), local cheeses, scones with butter and jam, gin and of course single malt whisky. The secret dish might also tickle your tastebuds. 

Edinburgh: Silent Disco Adventure Tour

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 1 hour

If you want to experience Edinburgh in a truly unique way, then surely this Silent Disco tour is unbeatable! It’s not for shy and retiring types, though, as you’ll need to sing and dance your way through the city streets.

Moving through the historic Scottish capital to hits from several decades, you’ll pass lots of famous landmarks en route. It’s a different way to see the city, that’s for certain. 

Edinburgh: Chocolatarium Tour, Tasting & Chocolate Making

Rating: 5⭐ | Price: $ | Duration: 1.5 hours

A tour of Edinburgh’s Chocolatarium also provides visitors with something different to do while visiting the city. During the 90 minute experience you’ll discover how chocolate is produced, from South American cacao plantations to the finished bars available from Scottish chocolate makers.

You can even make your own chocolates, including the flavours of your choice, as part of the tour. Sampling Scottish and global chocolates is also included, with options ranging from chilli to whisky. I took my daughter here for something a little quirky to do together and we had such a fantastic time!

Whether you prefer the idea of dancing and singing your way through the streets, laughing until your sides split or visiting a Chocolatarium, we hope you’ve enjoyed discovering 15 of the finest Edinburgh city tours!

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