Edinburgh, the vibrant capital of Scotland, is steeped in history and culture and draws visitors from around the world. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful city is by taking a bus tour that showcases its iconic sights and attractions. With a wide range of tours available, visitors can experience the city’s charm, architecture, and rich heritage comfortably and enjoyably.
Bus tours in Edinburgh cater to an array of interests, from historical and heritage tours to sightseeing and private tours. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of architecture, or want to soak up the atmosphere of this enchanting city, there’s a bus tour for every traveler. By hopping on and off the bus at various stops, visitors can take in the famous Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the bustling Royal Mile, among many other attractions.
Many of the top-rated bus tours in Edinburgh are environmentally conscious, with some even earning Gold Green Tourism awards. With knowledgeable guides providing live commentary, visitors will not only have a memorable experience but also gain valuable insights into the city’s past and present. It’s time to climb aboard and discover the very best of Edinburgh on a bus tour that suits your interests and schedule.
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Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, offers a plethora of exciting bus tours for visitors to experience and enjoy. Here are the top 10 bus tours in the city:
Hop on Hop off City Sightseeing
One of the most popular bus tours in Edinburgh, the Hop on Hop off City Sightseeing tour allows visitors to explore key attractions at their own pace. Many of these buses stop at iconic locations such as Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The Royal Edinburgh Ticket Bus Tour
This tour includes admission to the city’s royal attractions, such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Touring these prestigious locations by bus is a comfortable and efficient way to learn about Scotland’s royal history.
Lothian Buses Tour
Riders on the Lothian Buses Tour will experience a comprehensive exploration of Edinburgh’s attractions. Live guides will provide historical context for the charming streets and impressive architecture. This tour covers stops such as the Royal Mile and the National Museum of Scotland.
Ghostly Bus Tour
Those seeking a spookier experience may enjoy the Ghostly Bus Tour, which highlights Edinburgh’s haunted locations and dark history. Traveling through the city on a vintage double-decker bus, participants will learn about Edinburgh’s paranormal past.
Multilingual City Tour
This tour caters to non-English-speaking visitors, offering audio guides in multiple languages. Covering attractions such as the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Leith, participants can appreciate Edinburgh’s beauty and history in their language.
Vintage Bus Tour
Travel back in time on a Vintage Bus Tour, where visitors can explore Edinburgh’s historic streets on a classic double-decker bus. This unique experience memorably combines history and sightseeing.
Best of Edinburgh Classic Bus Tour
This comprehensive tour takes visitors to a variety of highlights throughout the city, including the Edinburgh Dungeon, Greyfriars Bobby, and Johnnie Walker Princes Street. The Best of Edinburgh Classic Bus Tour is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an all-encompassing experience.
Whiskey Distillery Bus Tour
Scotch whisky enthusiasts will appreciate the Whiskey Distillery Bus Tour, which takes participants to various distilleries in the region. Tastings and guided tours provide insight into the production and heritage of this iconic Scottish drink.
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies from Edinburgh
This tour ventures beyond Edinburgh, bringing riders to stunning locations such as Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies. These historical and natural wonders offer a unique perspective on Scotland’s beauty and history.
Edinburgh’s Majestic Bus Tour
This hop-on, hop-off tour covers a more regal side of the city, with stops at attractions including the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Leith. It reveals the majestic aspects of Edinburgh in a convenient and accessible way.
Bus Tours from Edinburgh to the Highlands
Bus tours from Edinburgh to the Highlands are an excellent way for tourists to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Scotland. There are several reputable tour operators offering day tours from Edinburgh, with itineraries designed to provide an unforgettable experience.
Many of these bus tours travel through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Along the way, passengers can admire the stunning scenery of towering mountains, serene lochs, and dense forests. Some tours also make stops at historical sites like Dunkeld, an ancient cathedral, and Spean Bridge, a key location during the Jacobite Risings.
Another popular destination for bus tours is Glencoe. This majestic valley with its dramatic mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls is steeped in history and plentiful natural beauty. Some itineraries may also include a stop in Fort William, a picturesque town at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles.
Loch Ness is yet another must-see attraction for visitors to the Highlands. Bus tours frequently include a visit to the loch and its surrounding villages, with some even offering a chance for a relaxing cruise on the water. Who knows – you might even catch a glimpse of the legendary Loch Ness Monster!
Tour operators strive to accommodate various interests by offering a range of themed tours. For instance, fans of the TV series “Outlander” may choose a tour focused on visiting key filming locations. History buffs can opt for a tour specifically designed to explore notable landmarks steeped in Scottish heritage.
To make the most of your Highlands adventure, consider these popular bus tours from Edinburgh:
- Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour
- Loch Ness & Highlands Day Tour (Includes Cruise)
- Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glen Coe Day Trip
- Glenfinnan, Glencoe, and Fort William Full-Day Tour
Bus tours from Edinburgh to the Highlands offer a convenient and enjoyable way to discover Scotland’s beauty and history. Choose the right tour for you and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
Coach Tours from Edinburgh to England
Coach tours from Edinburgh to England offer an exciting and convenient way to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes and remarkable sights. These tours cater to a variety of interests, including historical sites, picturesque countryside, and bustling cities.
Several tour operators provide well-planned and guided coach tours from Edinburgh to England. Some popular destinations on these tours include Alnwick, Durham, Whitby, York, and the Peak District National Park. The tours often accommodate a wide age range, making them suitable for all types of travelers, from solo adventurers to families.
Here are some notable coach tours from Edinburgh to England:
- Blue-Roads Touring: This operator offers a 10-day tour that covers Edinburgh, Alnwick, Durham, Whitby, York, Peak District National Park, Lincoln, and several other locations. Prices start from US $3,079, with an average cost per day of $308. These tours are fully guided and conducted in English, providing an in-depth cultural experience.
- David Urquhart Travel: This company provides coach holidays from various pickup points across Scotland, including Edinburgh. Their tours often focus on picturesque landscapes and remarkable sights throughout England.
- Shearings: With over 40 years of experience, Shearings offers coach holidays from Edinburgh to various destinations in the UK, including England. Prices for their coach holidays start from £259 per person.
When choosing a coach tour from Edinburgh to England, consider factors such as the tour’s length, destinations, and pricing, as well as your personal preferences and interests. Booking a tour with a reputable operator ensures a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey through the captivating landscapes and cities of England.
Day Trips and Excursions
Edinburgh offers a variety of day trips and excursions, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of Scotland. In this section, we focus on day coach trips departing from Edinburgh.
Day Coach Trips from Edinburgh
Day coach trips are a convenient and affordable way to explore the Scottish countryside. These tours typically use small, comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches, providing a more intimate experience than large buses. Several companies offer these journeys, with itineraries covering various attractions in the region.
Here are some popular day coach trips from Edinburgh:
- Scottish Highlands: Travel to the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, with stops at locations such as Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Fort Augustus.
- Stirling, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs: Visit historic Stirling Castle, admire the beauty of Loch Lomond, and explore the charming villages of the Trossachs National Park.
- Fife Coastal Tour: Discover the quaint fishing villages and magnificent coastline of the Kingdom of Fife, including St. Andrews, the home of golf.
- Rosslyn Chapel & The Scottish Borders: Journey to the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel featured in The Da Vinci Code, and venture into the picturesque Scottish Borders region.
These day tours not only introduce travelers to Scotland’s stunning landscapes but also support local communities and provide an opportunity to learn about the country’s rich history and culture from knowledgeable local guides.
Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Map
An Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Map is an essential tool for visitors looking to explore the city’s top attractions via hop-on hop-off bus tours. These maps provide detailed information on the routes, stops, and landmarks, making it easy for travelers to navigate the city.
Most bus tours in Edinburgh cover iconic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Johnnie Walker Princes Street. Utilizing an Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Map, visitors can effortlessly plan their tour and hop on and off at their desired stops to explore the attractions at their own pace.
Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Maps can be found both online and printed versions. Many bus tour operators offer their version of the map, detailing their specific routes and stops. Alternatively, tourists can find general maps of Edinburgh’s bus tours that encompass multiple operators, providing a comprehensive overview of the options available.
Key features to look for in an Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Map include:
- Routes: Clear and distinct lines representing the bus tour routes, with color coding for different routes, if applicable.
- Stops: Highlighted bus stops to indicate where to board and disembark the buses.
- Attractions: Icons or labels marking notable landmarks and sites along the routes.
- Timings: Information on the frequency of the buses and duration of the tours.
- Additional services: Details on any extra services offered by the tour operator, such as multilingual audio guides or discounted entry to attractions.
Overall, an Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Map is an indispensable resource for travelers to make the most out of their bus tour experience in the city. With a wealth of attractions and an efficient bus tour network, visitors are sure to have a memorable time discovering the historic charm and fascinating stories of Edinburgh.
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