Booking Edinburgh tours for groups is a much better way to explore Scotland’s capital than planning everything yourself. Let’s face it, the planning usually falls to one person. Get the best value of your visit by letting expert, local guides take care of the details.
The beautiful city of Edinburgh offers tours and attractions for all ages. Find the hidden gems while strolling on the Royal Mile. Travel into the heart of Scotland on personalized day tours. Gain exclusive access to underground caverns or hike to Edinburgh’s tallest peak. Whether you’re travelling with friends or family, here are the best tours for groups seeking an epic Scottish experience.
Best Tours in Edinburgh for Groups
Free Tours in Edinburgh
Highlights of Edinburgh Walking Tour
This Free Walking Tour of Edinburgh is the perfect introduction for a group of first-time visitors. This two-hour tour has three daily departures (10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 13:00 PM), so you can choose the tour time most convenient for your itinerary.
This experience starts with a Royal Mile tour, an in-depth look at some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks. Walk from Edinburgh Castle and down the High Street to St. Giles’ Cathedral. Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and its interesting inhabitants (including a loyal wee dog!). Finish the tour at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and learn about famous historical figures who lived there, such as Mary, Queen of Scots.
Top Free Tour Tips: Your expert tour guide will work hard for your tips and will ensure you have an entertaining experience. Expect to tip around £10 or more for a great tour, especially if your guide gives fantastic recommendations afterward. They usually have card machines, but bring cash too. You can just show up, but booking ahead is a good idea in busy times. Groups of 12 or more can opt for a private tour.
Edinburgh Ghost Walking Tour
Have some of your travel buddies already visited Edinburgh? Would you prefer to hear the sinister stories of Edinburgh’s history? This 1.5-hour Ghostly Free Tour of Edinburgh delves into body-snatchers, public executions, the plague, and supernatural events.
This daily tour starts at 7:00 PM, so you can experience Edinburgh’s Old Town after dark (or close to it in summer!). Learn about the real people who inspired Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and visit the most haunted graveyard in Scotland. Your tour guide will be a master storyteller who makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
There are no age restrictions, so feel free to bring kids who don’t mind gruesome tales! Groups of over 14 can book a private tour, but otherwise, book ahead or just show up. As before, guides in Edinburgh usually have machines for tips, but bring cash too.
Attractions and City Tours of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
Arguably, no building is more synonymous with Scotland and more important to Edinburgh’s history. Built in 1103, Edinburgh Castle sits atop a dormant volcano with panoramic views across the whole city. It’s home to the National War Museum, the Crown Jewels, churches, and much more. As you’d expect, it’s an overwhelming place to visit! This Edinburgh Castle Walking Tour is perfect for busy groups.
It’s a 1.5-hour experience with skip-the-line entry. You’ll be able to squeeze it into your bursting itinerary with no problems! Follow a knowledgeable guide who will take you around the priceless centuries-old artefacts and honours of Scotland.
Top tip: Although this tour runs three times a day, book the 12:00 PM tour. You’ll be able to witness the one o’clock gun from the Argyle Battery!
Arthur’s Seat Guided Hike
Edinburgh Castle Hill isn’t the only dormant volcano in the city. Arthur’s Seat is the tallest hill in the city. It’s peak offers the best views of the city from Leith Harbor in the east to the Pentlands in the west. But it’s also home to “lochs”, historical sites, and religious ruins. Active groups will get a lot out of this intimate Guided Arthur’s Seat Hike.
Learn about the local flora and fauna of the hill (which sits in the larger 650-acre Holyrood Park). Find out the origins of its name, visit a former fort, and discover the interesting geology of this region. Packing sturdy boots and a rain jacket is always a good idea when exploring Scotland’s outdoors!
Small-Group E-bike Tour
Edinburgh is not a flat city. Like Lisbon and Rome, it was built on seven hills. But the best way to see some of the outerlying neighborhoods and roads where buses can’t go is by bike. Ricky’s Ultimate City Bike Tour is one of the best Edinburgh tours for groups who like to get active on vacation!
Opt for a traditional bike or an e-bike for this comprehensive 3.5-hour expedition. Cycle around Queen’s Drive in Holyrood Park and through the Innocent Railway Tunnel. Peddle up Calton Hill and to the cool coastal neighborhoods of Leith and Portobello Beach (Porty to locals).
This tour has a maximum of 15 people for an intimate trip. Note that only people aged 14 and over can use E-bikes.
Private Edinburgh in a Day Tour
Your group might be on a whistle-stop tour across Scotland. You might only have one day in your itinerary to spare! Rather than fumbling through self-guided tours, book a bespoke Private Edinburgh in a Day Tour via Context Travel. Explore Edinburgh at your own pace with your own expert guide and art historian.
Visit the famous landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and Holyrood Palace. Pop into the Scottish National Gallery and the National Museum of Scotland (head to the roof for the best views!). Your guide will offer fantastic lunch recommendations. Plus, if any group members have limited mobility, you can opt for a chauffeured car service.
It’s so worth it if you are short on time! If you’re traveling with kids, Context Travel offers a great 2-hour Edinburgh Tour for Kids, too.
Edinburgh Food and Drink Tours
Secret Food Tour
British food as a whole has a bad rap, but this Secret Food Tour of Edinburgh will prove your preconceived notions wrong. Edinburgh has a thriving culinary scene, and you’ll eat the best food of your trip on this tour. Enjoy dishes with classic Scottish ingredients such as haggis, neeps, and tatties. Sample a unique lowland single malt whisky, local cheeses, and delicious fresh cakes.
As with every secret food tour, you’ll taste a delicious secret dish! Tours are small with a maximum of 10-12 participants. Larger groups can also book private tours and add extra craft beers and whiskies. Remember, the drinking age in Scotland is 18. If you want to partake, bring your identification!
Holyrood Distillery Gin and Whisky Tour
Scotland is famous for its whisky (without an “e”). Whether it’s light, fruity tipples from Speyside, or peaty, smoked drams from the Isle of Islay. Sample the best at Edinburgh’s own Holyrood Distillery. Their 1-hour Gin and Whisky Tour and Tasting is ideal for friends and family groups where not everyone is a whisky fan!
It includes an experiential tour of their distillery and a tasting of their signature gin and whisky. Learn how to spot different flavor profiles and the characteristics of Scotch. Stop by the gift shop on the way out for souvenirs.
Edinburgh Cheese Crawl
Some groups may enjoy a lively pub crawl around Edinburgh, but this Edinburgh Cheese Crawl is quirky, fun, and family-friendly. While Edinburgh isn’t known for cheese, you’d be surprised at how many great cheesemongers and markets there are! Join a small group of fewer than fifteen people on this 2.5-hour cheesy adventure.
Enjoy generous tastings (with a side of prosecco, if desired) off the tourist trail. Learn about Edinburgh’s distinct neighborhoods and all about local cheese production. It involves some public transport, but your guide will take care of everything. Unsurprisingly, this tour is not recommended for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant.
Unique Edinburgh Tours
Harry Potter Walking Tour
One of the most popular Edinburgh walking tours for groups of all ages is this Harry Potter Walking Tour. While the movies weren’t filmed in Edinburgh, J.K. Rowling lived in Edinburgh while writing the books. This tour explores real-life locations that inspired the fantastic places in the books, and where she wrote early chapters.
It’s a fun, 2-hour experience through graveyards, along narrow closes, and streets with familiar names. As you’d expect, it’s perfect for kids (and big kids) who should feel free to dress as wizards and witches! Your equally Potter-mad guide will play interactive games along the route. There are even prizes to be won!
Underground Vaults Experience
It won’t take you long to realise that Edinburgh is a city with many levels. Some fully functioning streets were built over and closed off. This makes for some super cool subterranean places to explore! Mercat Tours runs Historic Underground Vault Tours to some of these less-accessible spots.
On this 1-hour small-group tour, walk through the historic underground vaults hidden underneath South Bridge. You’ll uncover dimly lit tunnels where people in the 18th century took shelter. Like the ghost tour, you’ll learn about Edinburgh’s murderous and criminal inhabitants. As you might expect, this tour is not suitable for groups with children aged five and under or those with limited mobility.
The Forth Bridges Boat Cruise
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But do you know that there is another just off Edinburgh’s coastline in the Firth of Forth? Hop on a Lothian Bus to South Queensferry and hop on this Boat Cruise of the Three Forth Bridges.
Over 90 minutes, learn about the history of the bridges via audio guides and see them with your own eyes. The Forth Rail Bridge, in particular, is a feat of engineering dating back to Victorian times. See the bridges up close, as well as seals (from late September to December) and puffins (late April to early August). There are plenty of daily departure times to suit your schedule.
Afternoon Tea on a Vintage Bus Tour
Indulging in afternoon tea is a distinctly British tradition. However, there are very few places in the UK where you’re able to take afternoon tea on a vintage bus! Everyone in your group can climb aboard this Afternoon Tea Experience on a 1966 double-decker Routemaster bus.
This 90-minute journey traverses Edinburgh’s scenic Old Town and the lush, green Holyrood Park. Sample fresh scones, finger sandwiches, and unlimited classic Scottish tea or coffee. There are plenty of daily tours. Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh with gal pals, kids, or grandparents, this is a unique bus tour perfect for everyone.
Day Tours From Edinburgh
St. Andrews and Fife Fishing Villages
For groups who aren’t eager to spend a lot of time in a bus, check out this St. Andrews and Fife Small-Group Day Tour. St. Andrews is just a 90-minute drive north of Scotland’s capital, so you’ll spend minimal time traveling. But it will be a nice drive, as these tours of Scotland operate from a top-of-the-line 16-seat Mercedes minivan. It’s ideal for groups on a budget who still want an intimate, personalized experience from the local guide.
Cross the majestic Forth Bridge to the East Neuk (nook) of Fife. Explore small fishing villages and coastal towns like Falkland, which are difficult to reach via public transport. Spend much of this 8.5-hour tour in the city of St. Andrews. See the Old Golf Course, where Prince William met Catherine Middleton at the University, and browse charming gift shops.
Scottish Highlands Tour
The Scottish Highlands cover such a vast and diverse landscape. It warrants a few days of your itinerary. However, some groups just don’t have the time. No problem! This Full-Day Scottish Highlands Tour might be long at 12.5 hours, but you won’t find one that offers more bang for your buck.
Visit the adorable mountain town of Callander, located in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Drive through the cinematic and storied Glen Coe, before traveling the full length of Loch Ness by boat and car. Searching for Nessie isn’t included on the tour ticket, but you can buy boat passes from your driver.
Head back to Edinburgh via the charming Pitlochry, a town in the Cairngorms National Park. Don’t worry about the long drive as your driver/guide will offer an audio history tour en route. Note that the tour is for kids aged seven and over. Groups of over eight members can book a private tour through this company.
Outlander Locations Family Tour
You don’t need to sail over the sea to Skye to visit locations from the Outlander novels and the STARZ TV show. It just so happens that these spots are close to Edinburgh. Plus, they’re also some of Scotland’s most scenic locations, so Highlander Tours’ Outlander Tour is perfect for groups of fans and non-fans. It includes all entrance fees and a knowledgeable guide. Many have even worked on the TV show!
Head to some of the show’s most iconic castles, such as Doune (Castle Leoch), Midhope (Lallybroch), and Blackness Castle (Fort William). Visit the picturesque Abercorn Church (where Frank is buried) and the historic town of Culross (Cranesmuir). Don’t see a location close to Edinburgh that you’re desperate to visit? Highlander Tours will tailor-make an itinerary to suit your group’s needs.
Read more about my experience on this Outlander tour with kids.
Personalized Scottish Ancestry Tour
Multi-generational families traveling to Scotland on an ancestry trip must book an Ancestral Tour with Solway Tours. You might have a rough idea of where your family is from or the origins of your clan name. However, nothing beats a more personalized experience curated by an expert local historian.
Your family will visit some amazing sights, including spectacular historical and countryside settings. Learn about what life was like for your ancestors in different periods of Scottish history and where they might have lived. Since this is a bespoke service, you can decide the length and will receive door-to-door pickup.
Read more about my family’s experience on an Ancestry trip with Solway Tours. It was, hands down, one of the best experiences on our Scotland vacation.
Book These Edinburgh Tours on Your Group Vacation
Whether you delve into your ancestral Scottish history with family or sip gin with friends, these Edinburgh tours for groups will ensure you have a great time. It’s a friendly city with tons of guides ready to offer their wealth of information to visitors. Scotland is known for its storytellers, and you will be talking about these fun memories with your loved ones for years to come.