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Edinburgh UNESCO sites

Our most recommended Edinburgh UNESCO sites

Hadrian's Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

1. Hadrian's Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Travel south from Edinburgh on the old Roman Dere Street that linked the supply ports in the south of England with the ancient city of York. Then go north past Hadrian’s Wall to the Roman settlements in Central Scotland. Your first stop on this tour will be in the border town of Jedburgh, a historic burgh that lies only 12 miles north of the Scotland-England border. Here you have time to take a short walk through the narrow streets that lead to the remains of the Augustinian Abbey, which has been a great symbol of power during its 900 year history. Continuing south you make a brief stop at scenic Carter Bar on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. This crossing point between Scotland and England runs close to the ancient Roman road and has formed the border between the 2 countries for the past 700 years. The tour continues through the magnificent forests of Northumberland National Park before turning west towards the remains of Hadrian’s Wall. Follow the road taking you along the south side of the wall, stopping at Steel Rigg where you come face-to-face with large sections of the wall’s remains. Here, you can visit the Vindolanda Roman Army Museum and experience the life of a Roman soldier for yourself. Take time to walk along the wall and experience the isolation that Roman foot soldiers would have experienced as they guarded their empire from the barbarians to the north. You continue your journey west along the wall towards the village of Lanercost, the western gateway to Hadrian’s Wall. After pausing for lunch you travel a short distance to Birdoswald, one of the best preserved of the 16 Roman forts along the length of Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy time to explore this fascinating site and further sections of the wall before you turn north for the return journey. Traveling through the Galloway hills, stop in the Victorian spa town of Moffat before continuing through the Southern Uplands and Scottish Borders, and returning to Edinburgh.

Queensferry: 1.5-Hour Maid of the Forth Sightseeing Cruise

2. Queensferry: 1.5-Hour Maid of the Forth Sightseeing Cruise

Your tour will begin as you visit the booking office and gift shop to collect your boarding pass. From there, you will make your way onto Hawes Pier to board the boat and embark on your sightseeing cruise. Once the boat has departed Hawes Pier, there will be a brief safety message played to all passengers before the audio commentary begins. The journey then starts with the boat heading under the Red Forth Rail Bridge before continuing past the historic Inchgarvie Island towards Inchcolm Island. You can listen as the skipper points out seals, puffins, and other wildlife that can be found throughout the cruise. Once around Inchcolm Island, you can watch carefully for sunbathing seals on the Haystack before the cruise continues back under the Red Rail Bridge towards the Forth Road Bridge and the recently opened Queensferry Crossing. Once under these majestic bridges, the boat will cruise back to Hawes Pier where you will be free to disembark.

Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour

3. Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour

Visit intriguing Rosslyn Chapel, explore the town of Melrose, journey to the Scottish Borders, and see Hadrian’s Wall on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Rosslyn Chapel has always been mysterious, and has achieved worldwide fame since the publication of The Da Vinci Code. This beautiful and highly ornate 15th-century chapel has long been the subject of speculation about its origins and the meanings of its famous stone carvings. Visit the charming town of Melrose for lunch, then cross the ancient Scotland/England border at Carter Bar. Follow in the footsteps of feuding clans and families, known as Border Reivers, who fought a series of violent raids here until the end of the 16th century. Then visit one of the world's most important Roman monuments: Hadrian’s Wall. Travel to Housesteads Fort (National Trust) in Northumberland National Park, the best preserved Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy a free nature walk along one of the most dramatic and photographed stretches of the wall. Upon returning to Edinburgh, stop in the Border market town of Jedburgh to stretch your legs and take photos of the famous abbey.

Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour

4. Edinburgh: Old Town History and Tales Walking Tour

Meet your guide on Edinburgh's iconic and historic Royal Mile, by the Statue of Adam Smith (one of Scotland's greatest thinkers). From there, your tour will be lead through the gorgeous winding streets that comprise Edinburgh's "Old Town." Covering everything from history to religion and folklore, this walking tour is an original tour of Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town. Your talented and entertaining guide will walk you through the streets and alleys of "Auld Reekie", while enthralling you with with its history, folklore, and tales. Learn about the secrets Edinburgh is hiding and experience the incredible stories it has to tell, as your guide leads you through the city's long history.  Topics included in the tour include Edinburgh's Mercat Cross, St. Giles Cathedral, the Scottish Enlightenment, Greyfriars Bobby, the Grassmarket, Harry Potter's inspirations, and many more. Finish your tour in the heart of Edinburgh, surrounded by several bars, restaurants, cafe's, and great transport links.

Edinburgh: Guided Tour in French

5. Edinburgh: Guided Tour in French

Come and explore the secrets of Edinburgh with a French tour guide on a unique guided tour mixing the Old Town and the New Town! This historical tour will give you a great overview of this city listed Unesco World Heritage Site while discovering its secrets. Soak in the Scottish atmosphere, culture, and traditions in this fantastic introductory guided tour to the Scottish Capital Your guide will take you through the typical narrow streets of the Old Town called Proches and then you will go on the large elegant streets of the Neoclassical New Town. Pass by must see monuments such as St Giles Cathedral and the Scott Monument. Your guide will talk about the various architectural styles of the city, the iconic characters of Scotland and the many Franco-Scottish connections and many more topics.

Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides 6-Day Tour from Edinburgh

6. Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides 6-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Day 1: Edinburgh to Inverness. Depart Edinburgh at 8:30 AM and head north towards Bannockburn, which is the site of the famous battle won by outlaw king Robert the Bruce. Learn about William Wallace as you pass Stirling Castle. Catch a glimpse of Doune Castle, which appears in Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Outlander, and Game of Thrones. Soak up the atmospheric scenery in Glencoe. Look out for Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, on your journey toward Loch Ness. Learn about the legend of the ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness monster then continue onto Inverness. Arrive around 5:30 PM and spend free time enjoying a walk along the River Ness or to Inverness Castle for views of the city. Then you can wander around the various bars and restaurants.  Day 2: Inverness to Stornoway. Begin your day with fresh air and stunning scenery at Black Water Falls. Continue north along a beautiful stretch of road then take to the water on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. Keep an eye out for dolphins along the way. Explore the remote and rugged Atlantic coastline of Lewis. Visit the Butt of Lewis, the most northerly point on the island, to see the isolated lighthouse and dramatic force of the sea against the cliffs. Return to the main town of Stornoway for the night. Day 3: Stornoway. Prepare for an exciting day touring the cultural attractions on the Isle of Lewis. First, go back to the Neolithic period as you visit the mysterious 5000-year old Callanish Standing Stones. Then fast-forward to the Iron Age at the broch of Dun Carloway. Experience 17th century island life at the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village and unwind with a wee dram of whisky at Abhainn Dearg, which is the most westerly distillery in Scotland. Spend free time back in Stornoway. You can wander around the pretty harbour and go in search of fresh seafood in the local restaurants.  Day 4: Stornoway to Portree. Depart Stornoway and drive south towards the idyllic Isle of Harris. Marvel at the flawless white sand beaches with turquoise sea and a backdrop of mountains on West Harris. Board the ferry and go over the sea to the Isle of Skye, where you will spend the afternoon exploring the Trotternish peninsula. Soak up the enchanting scenery and learn about the island’s myths and legends. Arrive at your final stop, Portree, in time to enjoy dinner in one of the town’s restaurants. Day 5: Portree. Enjoy a magical day of island exploration on the Isle of Skye. Hear about the island’s resident fairies on a stop at one of the famous Fairy Bridges. Visit the enchanted waters of the Sligachan River, with views of the old bridge and the breathtaking Cuillin mountains. Drive over the Skye bridge to the iconic and absolutely beautiful Eilean Donan Castle. This castle was used in the filming of Highlander and James Bond, The World is Not Enough. Spend free time back in Portree visiting the shops, restaurants, and picturesque harbour with its colourful facades. Day 6: Portree to Edinburgh. Explore more of the beautiful Isle of Skye before taking the ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig on the west coast. Experience one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and travel over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train, made famous by Harry Potter. Take the scenic route back to the city, through the Cairngorms National Park. Arrive into Edinburgh around 8:30 PM. 

Edinburgh Private Tour

7. Edinburgh Private Tour

This eight-hour tour will include all of the most popular and main tourist attractions that Edinburgh has to offer, including some spots you will not find in any guide or tourist book. This tour is extremely popular with visitors who have plenty of time and want to see what Edinburgh and the Lothian's has to offer. You will take in Leith Links, The Scottish Parliament, The Palace of Holyrood House, St Giles, The Royal Mile and of course Edinburgh Castle. You will also be driven around Arthur Seat and the Crags for some of the most breathtaking views the city has to offer. Discover mystery and intrigue at the world famous Rosslyn Chapel. Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code put Rosslyn Chapel on the map, and visitors like you come from all over the world to see where the Da Vinci Code was filmed. This beautiful and mysterious building is known for its cryptic carvings and captivating legends about the Holy Grail, the Knights Templar, and Freemasonry.

Private Discovery Tour: Edinburgh's Strange & Secret History

8. Private Discovery Tour: Edinburgh's Strange & Secret History

An ancient Celtic land of history, discover Edinburgh during this 2h walking tour. Start your visit with a breathtaking view of Castle Hill and then wander through the streets of the Old Town, discovering its history, monuments, local pubs, gossips, legends and mysteries ! Then finish your tour in the New Town and discover the secrets of the Athens of the North.

Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Tour in Spanish

9. Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Tour in Spanish

The tour will depart at 08:45 from Edinburgh and return to the original departure point at approximately 20:00. You will leave Edinburgh to stop in the village of Roslin, where you will be able to see the ruins of its castle and the famous Rosslyn Chapel, a Gothic structure built during the 15th century that maintains its mysterious attraction. It is well-known all over the world for the connections established by Dan Brown with Masonic and Templar theories.                                                                                                                     Later on, you will cross the green fields of the Lowlands, and reach Jedburgh, a small town in the border between England and Scotland. After crossing the border, you will go through the Northumberland National Park, one of the most important national parks in England, where you will visit the main attraction of your journey: Hadrian's Wall. This structure, a UNESCO World Heritage, is one of the most impressive Roman works of engineering. It splits the island in two parts, and it was the empire's northern frontier. You will also visit the military camp of Vindolanda. After this main visit, see the charming village of Gretna Green, one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations, where you will be able to rest and enjoy its wonderful environment before your way back to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh: 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Spanish

10. Edinburgh: 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Spanish

Meet your guide in central Edinburgh by the City Chambers, then set off on foot to explore Edinburgh Old Town. Walking is one of the best ways to experience the area because of its compact size and narrow passageways, which are known locally as ‘closes.’ Follow your expert guide around Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks. As you stroll, listen to your knowledgeable guide recount the history of the city. Learn about the rise of Presbyterianism in Scotland and hear stories relating to St Giles’ Cathedral, whose gray medieval spire towers over the Royal Mile, a famous road at the heart of the city that’s lined with stately buildings. Imagine the Edinburgh of old as you hear stories about the controversial 15th century monarch, Mary Queen of Scots, and about key figures from the Scottish Enlightenment. View the imposing Edinburgh Castle and be intrigued by tales about its rise and fall, and about the fabled Stone of Destiny that’s held inside. Part of the Scottish crown jewels, this ancient gem was captured and held by the English for over 700 years before being returned to the Scots in 1996. Next, make your way to the Mound, an artificial hill that connects Edinburgh Old Town with the New Town. Pause for a snack (own expense) at the Grassmarket Square, then delve into the city’s dark side at the graveyard of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Soak up the eerie atmosphere as you listen to stories about executions and hauntings that are associated with the site. Find out how the graveyard is connected to the famous Harry Potter novel series. Your tour will then conclude at the beginning of the Royal Mile.

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What people are saying about Edinburgh

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 5 reviews

Greg is hilarious! What a fantastic tour. We had loads of fun and learned a bunch of stuff. Only pity: we couldn’t do another tour!

Smaller group on the day. Well organized, good pace, insights, and the main attractions were great. Highly recommend this company.

Richard was a super guide! Great sense of humour and incredibly knowledgeable on all things history. The time flew by!

We really enjoyed the walking tour. Thanks, Roisin for interesting stories, history and witty repartee

Isabella was a wonderful guide and fantastic storyteller. We learned so much about the city.