The 5 Best Tour Operators in Edinburgh That’ll Show You the Real Thing
My husband isn’t originally from Scotland, so when he first arrived in Auld Reekie to meet my parents, I didn’t think twice about booking a tour to show him the best of my homeland.
Planning trips usually isn’t my strong suit, but with the help of some reliable tour operators, I managed to pull off an unforgettable week exploring Scotland’s stunning countryside with my then-boyfriend, now-husband.
If you’re visiting for the first time, I really recommend these top local tour operators. They made it so easy, and even now, we still turn to them for short trips!
How much do tour operators in Edmonton cost?
The all-in cost of a tour through a tour operator in Edinburgh is around £50 to £90 per head for a 1-day tour and around £170 to £250 per head for a 3 to 4-day tour.
The cost of your tour will be influenced by factors such as group size, travel season, and the length of the trip.
1. Love Scotland and Edinburgh Tours
Address: 192 Royal Mile
Phone: +447305012461
Business hours: Open 24/7
Before discovering Love Scotland and Edinburgh Tours, I hadn’t a clue luxury tours were even a thing. But, out of sheer curiosity, my husband and I booked the private full-day Edinburgh City tour for £495 each—and what a bonnie adventure it was!
The tour spanned up to 8 hours, whisking us around over 20 iconic spots, including St. Giles’ Cathedral, Calton Hill, and Holyrood Park, all in the comfort of our own private vehicle.
The free hotel pick-up and drop-off were a lovely touch too. The price was a wee bit steep, and not all entry fees were included, but the jam-packed itinerary and top-notch service made it worth every penny.
If a full day of hiking feels like too much, they have a half-day tour for £295 per person. For anyone wanting a proper taste of Edinburgh with a touch of luxury, this is the way to go!
Worth every penny
“Highly recommended!!! This was hands down the best idea if you’re only spending a few hours in Edinburgh. We took the train from London and were met by our driver right outside the station. Saf was amazing, very knowledgeable, and lots of fun! He really enjoys his job. He’s also a pro at taking group photos. We learned so much. I also enjoyed visiting the hidden gems away from all the tourist spots. Would definitely do this again! Worth every penny.”
– ebony fem, Google Review
Exceeds expectations
“Did the Private Sterling tour with Mr Saf. He made sure we were fully informed, taken care of and happy. He was very know and exceeded our expectations.”
– Anthony, Google Review
2. Timberbush Tours
Address: 521 Lawnmarket
Phone: +441312266066
Business hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Offering budget-friendly adventures across Scotland, Timberbush Tours is a top pick for my husband and his mates. Most tours begin in Edinburgh, with options to visit iconic spots like Loch Ness, the Highlands, Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the Isle of Skye.
If you fancy something more personal, you can even craft your own bespoke tour tailored to your budget, preferences, and time. My husband and his pals often go this route, but he swears by the pre-planned tours as being just as fantastic.
Day tours typically range from £50 to £70 per person, while longer trips start at around £220. It’s not too shabby, especially when you’re travelling in a comfy, air-conditioned coach!
However, keep in mind that entry fees aren’t included, much of the tour is bus-based, and you’ll be sharing the ride with a group.
Excellent customer service
“Timberbush Tours is a top pick for my husband and his mates, offering budget-friendly adventures across Scotland. Most tours begin in Edinburgh, with options to visit iconic spots like Loch Ness, the Highlands, Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the Isle of Skye.”
– Khushboo Mamtani, Google Review
Very helpful and attentive tour guides
“I highly recommend using Timberbush Tours! I’m very glad that I decided to go with them instead of visiting the Isle of Skye on my own. It was less work for me, they took care of transportation & sleeping arrangements, knew the best places to visit on the island & provided me with information & context I would not have had so easily.”
– Maggie Flores, Google Review
3. Rabbie’s Tours
Address: 22 Rose St
Phone: +441312263133
Business hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Rabbie’s Tours is a standout operator, offering unique adventures like whisky tastings and fishing trips. My whisky-loving brother raves about their curated whisky experiences designed for true connoisseurs.
Their tours range from 1 to 17 days and cover all of Scotland. For those starting in or near Edinburgh, packages start at just £46 per person, including luggage space, an English-speaking guide, and stops at five or more attractions per city.
The whisky tours are a highlight, taking you to Scotland’s finest distilleries for an unforgettable tasting journey.
While whisky tours are strictly for those 18 and over, non-whisky tours welcome travellers aged 12 and up, though younger children may need to sit these out.
Popular itineraries include the Highland Lochs, Isle of Skye, Rosslyn Chapel, Alnwick Castle, and coastal getaways. They even offer road-trip tours beyond Scotland for those keen on exploring further afield.
Spots were on-point
“Just got back from the 5 day Highlands Tour.
Robbie and Kevin were our guides and did an excellent job. Lots and lots of great photo stops , relevant stories and facts on history of the places we visited or passed through .
Rest stops were on point with good recommendations for food and points of interest.
No hesitation is recommending this tour , or Rabbies ”
– Darren Martin, Google Review
Fabulous experience for everyone
“We had a fantastic experience on our 5 day tour of Orkney and the Highlands. Queen Kelly of Scotland provided impeccable service throughout. We were told incredible stories, cheesy jokes, and great facts. The tour itself was really well run, accommodation was all fabulous, and the places visited were stunning and interesting in equal measure. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in learning more about this beautiful country. Kelly did everything she could to provide a fabulous experience to everyone on our bus. Thanks Rabbies!”
– Larissa Wilson, Google Review
4. Trailfinders
Address: 14 Castle St
Phone: +44 131 243 2800
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Trailfinders is a top-notch choice for tours, whether you’re exploring Scotland’s glens or venturing abroad. With over 50 years of experience and a track record of helping 16 million travellers, they know how to craft memorable journeys.
In Scotland, they offer two main tours: a weekend escape starting at £225 per person, perfect for a short getaway, and a luxurious 9-day road trip through the country’s scenic landscapes for £3,595.
While these options are well-designed, more variety—and friendlier price points—would be welcome. Tour rates can fluctuate seasonally, so booking at least six months in advance is a wise move.
Trailfinders also excels in handling travel documents and bookings. If you’re organising a private tour group, they’re open to negotiating rates, especially for added stops or accessibility services.
Excellent tour operator
“Excellent. We had a great holiday, and when a flight was cancelled due to weather, Trailfinders stepped in and booked and paid for a hotel for us plus taxis to the airport and back.
I will definitely use them again.”
– Alexander Inglis, Google Review
Great insight and information
“I am so glad I visited today. I was full of trepidation and didn’t have a clue in how to organise my trip to India. Jenna is a true professional with great insight and information about this vast country. She put my mind at ease and I’m actually looking forward to the adventure that awaits me.”
– Jane Ross, Google Review
5. MacBackpackers
Address: 15 Johnston Terrace
Phone: +441312201869
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
If you’re a young, independent adventurer who loves packing light and seeing the world with just a backpack, MacBackpackers is the tour operator for you.
With over 25 years of experience, they specialise in fully guided tours around Auld Reekie and beyond, crafting itineraries that keep you out in the open rather than cooped up on a bus.
Think of it as the perfect blend of travel and adventure—wandering Scotland’s stunning landscapes on foot and soaking up the beauty up close.
It’s worth noting their tours are tailored for young adults, so if you’re travelling with wee bairns or older folks, you might want to explore other options.
Their standout offering is the 3-day Bonnie Lands Tour, taking you to iconic spots like Culloden, Loch Ness, and the Isle of Skye.
Goes out of the way for you
“I booked the 3 day tour and it was amazing! Branka was an amazing tour guide. She took us to lots of gorgeous places, many of which are less well known which was awesome! It was one of my favorite trips in Scotland, and I would highly recommended. She goes out of her way to make sure everyone has a good time and her stories are wonderful! Such a beautiful tour, and a fantastic guide. If you want to experience the majestic beauty of Scotland book this tour!”
– Gianna Giudice, Google Review
Extremely knowledgeable tour guides
“Neil was amazing; he explained everything in great detail and ensured we saw the best of things according to the weather. He was kind, funny, and helpful, and we visited some of the best places in the Highlands.
Understanding the history and stories behind the places made us connect more deeply, allowing us to experience them fully. I loved my time in Scotland and will be back soon for a longer trip.”
– Eshan Shukla, Google Review