Edinburgh Shore Excursion: Cows, Rosslyn Chapel and Royal Mile
Overview
About
- Explore the essence of Scotland in this private 6-hour shore excursion from the cruise terminals in and around the Edinburgh area. Begin your journey with a visit to Swanston Farm to meet the iconic Highland Cattle, before heading to the historic Rosslyn Chapel, famous for its intricate carvings and ties to Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code.' Stroll down the famous Royal Mile, where charming shops and cafes await, and finally, enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh from Calton Hill, home to the National Monument. This tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 passengers for a personalized experience.
- Private tour for groups of 1-8 passengers with flexible itineraries.
- Visit iconic sites like Rosslyn Chapel and Calton Hill for stunning views.
- Enjoy complimentary Scottish snacks and bottled water throughout the tour.
- Convenient pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal for ease during your visit.
At a Glance
- Ages: Ages 0-120
- Type: Mobile ticket
- Duration: 6h
- Live Guide: English
What you'll do
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At:
Swanston Farm, 111 Swanston Road Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 7DS Scotland
Meet three of the most adorable shaggy Highland 'Coos', Angus, Thelma and Louise.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At:
Chapel Loan Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Roslin EH25 9PU Scotland
During a tour at Rosslyn Chapel, visitors can choose between a guided talk led by a chapel guide or a self-guided experience with a free carvings map and optional audio guide. The tour focuses on the chapel's intricate stone carvings, medieval architecture, history, and the many legends surrounding it, including its links to the Knights Templar and its prominent feature in The Da Vinci Code. Visits are scheduled in 90-minute timeslots, and booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Duration: 2 hours
Pass By:
21 Grassmarket Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 2HS Scotland
The Grassmarket is a historic market square and street located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, directly below the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Once a hub of trade and public executions, it is now a vibrant, picturesque, and lively destination known for its pubs, unique shops, and historical atmosphere.
Stop At:
Royal Mile, High St., Edinburgh EH1 2PB Scotland
Your guide will drop you off at the top of the Royal Mile and meet at the bottom. The Royal mile is steeped in ancient history and culture with many attractions for you to explore at your leisure:
St Giles' Cathedral: Head inside this stunning, 12th-century masterpiece of Gothic architecture, famous for its intricate stained-glass windows and crown spire.
The Real Mary King's Close (Exterior): While the full tour is too long for a two-hour visit, you can see the entrance to this famous subterranean close near the City Chambers. The attraction is built over a labyrinth of well-preserved 17th-century streets and houses.
Pubs and Shops: The middle section of the Mile is filled with pubs and shops. It is a good time to grab a quick drink at a historic pub like the World's End or browse a few of the independent shops before your guide picks you back up.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At:
Calton Hill, St. Andrews House 2 Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG Scotland
Calton Hill is an iconic, volcanic hill in central Edinburgh, famous for its collection of neoclassical monuments, stunning panoramic city views, and designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The monuments on Calton Hill have earned Edinburgh the nickname "Athens of the North," reflecting the city's aspirations during the Scottish Enlightenment
Only 30 min from the cruise terminal, this is a fitting place to say your farewells to Edinburgh as we take advantage of your elevation for cracking pictures of the skyline below.
Duration: 20 minutes
Meeting and pickup
What is included?
- Scottish-themed snacks
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
What is not included?
- Meals
- Rosslyn Chapel (optional, £11.50 p/p, free for children, concession discounts)Admission fee Rosslyn Chapel (optional, £11.50 p/p, free for children, concession discounts)£11.50 per person
- Entry/Admission - Rosslyn Chapel
Additional Information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This tour is approximately 6 hours long, 1hr 20mins of driving and 4hrs 40mins at the various attractions.
- UK cars are smaller than our American counterparts, please be aware of this when booking for 4 adults in a 4-passenger sized vehicle.
- Contact us if you're on a wheelchair or have mobility requirements, so that we can accommodate you.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Meet your host
Itinerary
Edinburgh Half-day Tours Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do
Explore the full itinerary for Edinburgh Shore Excursion: Cows, Rosslyn Chapel and Royal Mile in Edinburgh, United Kingdom (UK). This half-day tours experience includes 4 stops over 1 day. Duration: 12 hours. Activity level: Moderate.
Here is the starting point
Swanston Farm
Meet three of the most adorable shaggy Highland 'Coos', Angus, Thelma and Louise.
Rosslyn Chapel
During a tour at Rosslyn Chapel, visitors can choose between a guided talk led by a chapel guide or a self-guided experience with a free carvings map and optional audio guide. The tour focuses on the chapel's intricate stone carvings, medieval architecture, history, and the many legends surrounding it, including its links to the Knights Templar and its prominent feature in The Da Vinci Code. Visits are scheduled in 90-minute timeslots, and booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.
Royal Mile
Your guide will drop you off at the top of the Royal Mile and meet at the bottom. The Royal mile is steeped in ancient history and culture with many attractions for you to explore at your leisure: St Giles' Cathedral: Head inside this stunning, 12th-century masterpiece of Gothic architecture, famous for its intricate stained-glass windows and crown spire. The Real Mary King's Close (Exterior): While the full tour is too long for a two-hour visit, you can see the entrance to this famous subterranean close near the City Chambers. The attraction is built over a labyrinth of well-preserved 17th-century streets and houses. Pubs and Shops: The middle section of the Mile is filled with pubs and shops. It is a good time to grab a quick drink at a historic pub like the World's End or browse a few of the independent shops before your guide picks you back up.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is an iconic, volcanic hill in central Edinburgh, famous for its collection of neoclassical monuments, stunning panoramic city views, and designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monuments on Calton Hill have earned Edinburgh the nickname "Athens of the North," reflecting the city's aspirations during the Scottish Enlightenment Only 30 min from the cruise terminal, this is a fitting place to say your farewells to Edinburgh as we take advantage of your elevation for cracking pictures of the skyline below.
This concludes the tour.
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