ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA (HMY BRITANNIA)
Explore Royal Edinburgh with three hop-on hop-off city tours plus guaranteed entry to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia, and Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Situated at the end of the Royal Mile in the center of Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is absolutely stunning both inside and out. A royal residence in Scotland for over 5 centuries, His Royal Majesty The King uses it for state ceremonies and official entertaining. Explore the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots. These walls have witnessed many dramatic events during her short and turbulent reign, including the murder of her Italian secretary by her husband Lord Darnley. It is hardly a surprise then that her Bedroom came to be described as 'the most famous room in Scotland'. Take a walk through the exquisitely decorated State Apartments, renowned for their beautiful plasterwork ceilings, historical works of art, and unparalleled collection of Brussels tapestries. Opulent interiors and haunting ruins Visit the Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie held several lavish balls after the setup of the Jacobite Court in September 1745. Take the chance to discover the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and the Palace's unique gardens, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Arthur’s Seat. Admire a colorful array of medicinal and culinary plants inspired by some of the earliest recorded gardens of the site, at the newly added physics garden. You can also choose to upgrade your tickets to include a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus pass which gives you entry into Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Yacht Britannia, along with the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points. You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket. City sightseeing tour (Classic red route) On the classic red route, catch the St Andrew Square, where elegant Georgian architecture greets you. Ascend toward the majestic Edinburgh Castle at Lawnmarket, then dive into the rich history at John Knox House. This route is lined with iconic sights that you just can't miss! Schedule First bus: 8:45 am from Waterloo Place Last bus: 5:57 pm from Waterloo Place Frequency: every 10-12 mins Popular stops: Historic Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile Edinburgh tour (Green route) The Green Route takes you to the city center from the stately Waterloo Place, where Edinburgh’s grand Georgian architecture sets the stage. You'll continue along the Lothian Road, bustling with life, before delving into the medieval allure of Grassmarket. This route captures the essence of Edinburgh’s rich history and stunning architecture in a seamless loop. Schedule First bus: 8:51am from Waterloo Place Last bus: 5:51pm from Waterloo Place Frequency: every 10-12 mins Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse Regal tour (Blue route) This route blends Edinburgh’s historic grandeur with its modern allure, offering a scenic and cultural journey through the city. Hop off at Holyrood for a taste of Scotland’s regal heritage. You'll also pass by Newhaven’s maritime charm, The Shore’s cozy waterfront, and Ocean Terminal’s bustling atmosphere. Schedule First bus: 8:40am from Waterloo Place Last bus: 5:25pm from Waterloo Place Frequency: every 15 mins Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse
Visiting Edinburgh? This all-inclusive combo ticket is just what you need. With three routes and access to iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, you can see all of the city. Royal Attractions Start at Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland's Crown Jewels and the iconic One o'Clock Gun. Next, board The Royal Yacht Britannia for a glimpse of life at sea for the Royals. End your day at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, His Majesty's official Scottish residence, exploring grand State Apartments and Mary, Queen of Scots' chambers. A regal adventure through time! Edinburgh HOHO Zip around the city on cool double-deckers, hopping on and off as you please! With 50+ stops across three routes, you'll hit all the hotspots. Tune into multilingual audio guides or catch the lively English guide exclusively on the green route. Red route First bus: 8:50am from Waterloo Place Last bus: 4:20pm from Waterloo Place Frequency: Every 30 mins Popular stops: Edinburgh Castle, Old Town, Royal Mile Green route First bus: 9am from Waterloo Place Last bus: 4pm from Waterloo Place Frequency: Every 30 mins Popular stops: Georgian New Town, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse Blue route First bus: 9:10am from Waterloo Place Last bus: 3:40pm from Waterloo Place Frequency: Every 30 mins Popular stops: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Yacht Britannia, Palace of Holyroodhouse Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points. You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Enjoy an 8-hour shore excursion of the ancient city of Edinburgh, and visit historic Edinburgh Castle. Learn all the secrets of the Royal Mile, visit the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia and much more.
Our Guided full day Edinburgh highlights shore excursion encompasses a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia (payable extra locally), the Palace of Holyroodhouse and of course Edinburgh castle.