Edinburgh Castle: VIP Early Access & Royal Mile & Holyrood

Edinburgh boasts a wealth of history and culture, from its iconic castle to the picturesque Royal Mile. This VIP tour promises an exclusive experience, granting early access to Edinburgh Castle before the crowds arrive. Visitors will then embark on a guided stroll along the Royal Mile, uncovering hidden gems and landmarks. The journey culminates with a pre-reserved visit to Holyrood Palace, where self-guided audio tours allow for a truly immersive exploration of the state rooms and gardens. With an opportunity to explore Scotland’s rich heritage, this tour offers a unique and captivating way to discover the heart of Edinburgh.

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Key Points

VIP early access tour of Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace.
Guided walk along the historic Royal Mile, exploring hidden closes and landmarks.
Pre-reserved entry to Holyrood Palace, including state rooms and gardens.
Self-guided audio tour experience at Holyrood Palace in multiple languages.
Tour not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This VIP early access tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace.

Priced from €153.25 per person, the 4-hour tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Priced from €153.25 per person, this 4-hour tour offers free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.

Highlights include early entry to Edinburgh Castle, a guided walk along the Royal Mile, and a self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace.

The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Guests must arrive 15 minutes early at the designated meeting point, the Scotch Whisky Experience.

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Tour Highlights

The tour offers VIP early access to Edinburgh Castle before the public, allowing guests to explore the Crown Room, Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel.

The itinerary also includes:

A guided walk along the iconic Royal Mile, uncovering hidden closes and significant landmarks.
A visit to St. Giles’ Cathedral to learn about its royal connections in the Canongate.
Pre-reserved entry to Holyrood Palace, where visitors can tour the state rooms, gardens, and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey.
An immersive audio guide experience at Holyrood Palace, available in multiple languages.

Detailed Itinerary

The tour begins at Edinburgh Castle, where guests are granted early access to explore its iconic landmarks, such as the Crown Room, Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel.

Next, they’ll embark on a guided walk along the historic Royal Mile, uncovering hidden closes and significant sites. At St. Giles’ Cathedral, they’ll learn about the cathedral’s royal connections and the Canongate.

The tour culminates at Holyrood Palace, where guests can tour the state rooms, gardens, and Holyrood Abbey ruins using a self-guided audio tour.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes early access tickets to Edinburgh Castle, a self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace, and a local English-speaking guide.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Plus, the following are restricted:

No baby strollers
No food/drinks
No large bags
No flash photography or video recording inside the palaces

Audioguide languages at Holyrood Palace include English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Scots Gaelic.

Photography and filming aren’t permitted inside the palace state apartments.

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Important Information and Meeting Point

This tour is a walking tour, requiring a moderate pace. Guests should arrive 15 minutes early at the Scotch Whiskey Experience, located at 354 Castlehill in Edinburgh.

The tour provides an audioguide for Holyrood Palace in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Scots Gaelic.

However, photography and filming aren’t permitted inside the palace’s state apartments. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Visitors are prohibited from taking photographs or filming inside the palace’s state apartments. The tour is not accessible for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

Restrictions include no baby strollers, food/drinks, large bags, flash photography, or video recording inside the palaces.

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Early Access to Edinburgh Castle

Why start your tour at Edinburgh Castle, you ask? This iconic fortress offers VIP early access, allowing you to explore its grandeur before the general public arrives.

Here’s what you’ll experience:

Discover the Crown Room, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Wander through the Great Hall, a stunning medieval banquet hall.
Admire the serene beauty of St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh.
Gain a deeper understanding of Scottish history from your expert guide.

This exclusive access ensures you avoid the crowds and fully learn about the castle’s captivating stories.

Exploring the Royal Mile

After exploring the grandeur of Edinburgh Castle, the tour continues along the historic Royal Mile.

An expert guide leads the way, unveiling the hidden closes and iconic landmarks that dot this famous street. Visitors stroll past St. Giles’ Cathedral, learning about its royal connections in Canongate.

An expert guide reveals the hidden gems and renowned landmarks along Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, as visitors explore St. Giles’ Cathedral and its royal ties.

The guide brings the Mile’s rich history to life, sharing tales of Scotland’s past.

The tour culminates at Holyrood Palace, where guests explore the state rooms, gardens, and Holyrood Abbey ruins using a self-guided audio tour.

This immersive morning provides an in-depth look at Edinburgh’s most significant sites.

Visiting Holyrood Palace

Where does the tour conclude at Holyrood Palace? The tour culminates at the stunning Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Scotland.

Visitors explore the state rooms and gardens with a pre-reserved audio guide. The tour includes:

Touring the historic state apartments, where guests can envision the grand affairs of Scottish royalty.
Wandering the lush palace gardens, surrounded by architectural splendor.
Discovering the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, a significant religious site with a rich history.
Learning about the palace’s connections to influential figures like Mary, Queen of Scots through the immersive audio tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour provider explicitly states that it’s not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, which suggests pets would also not be permitted.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour group size is not specified, but the details indicate it’s likely a small group experience. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, so the group size is likely limited.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounts for seniors or students. The price is listed as €153.25 per person, with no indication of reduced rates for those groups. The tour appears to have a fixed per-person pricing structure.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if I Want to Spend More Time?

The tour doesn’t offer extensions, but visitors can explore the sites at their own pace after the guided portion. Extending the tour duration isn’t possible, though guests can spend more time independently at Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.

Does the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

The tour guide does not provide recommendations for local restaurants. The tour focuses on historical sites and landmarks, and does not include dining recommendations. Participants are free to explore Edinburgh’s dining options on their own after the tour.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the rich history of Edinburgh with this VIP Early Access tour. Enjoy exclusive entry to Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the iconic Royal Mile, and explore the grand Holyrood Palace. This comprehensive experience offers an in-depth exploration of the city’s most renowned landmarks, providing an unparalleled opportunity to discover the captivating essence of Scotland’s capital.

You can check availability for your dates here: