Private tour in Edinburgh Toby W

Shore Excursion Edinburgh - Cruise Ship Private Tour

4.4

(13) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Toby W.

4.9

Guide rating

327

Reviews

Tours delivered

8 hrs

Avg. response time

I am Edinburgh born bred and educated. I am passionate about Edinburgh and love showing it to people and revealing its hidden secrets. I have always been fascinated by history landscape and architecture. I gradually became aware of how crucially such culture has shaped our understanding and the world we live in. This led to a further MA later in life from Edinburgh University in History of Art and Architectural History. I have now just completed an MSc. in Architectural Conservation. I try to make my guiding informative but lighthearted, interesting and fun with many photo opportunities. I love meeting international people, have many overseas friends and often find guiding a mutual learning opportunity. I live in the city center and can meet you at central hotels or a convenient landmark for walking tours tailored to your own schedule and needs or interests. My Edinburgh driving tours are a very good way to orientate yourself and see highlights to explore later at your own pace. Edinburgh is surrounded by lovely countryside with so many interesting places that I love taking people to visit. I was brought up rambling round ancient castles and listening to stories of old. I have lived in Edinburgh all my life and know virtually every corner of it. I am a qualified tour guide and used to guiding in historic houses. I was often previously asked to lead tours in Edinburgh. I have taken many specialist courses on art, history and architecture related subjects in addition to four different university degrees. More importantly, I am eager to share these interests and show people fascinating places.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Toby W.

Overview of your Edinburgh tour

This tour is designed to take in as much as possible during your time ashore mostly by driving with stops where possible. Tour of Edinburgh including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites of medieval Old town, Georgian Newtown. Followed by afternoon excursion into beautiful countryside. Options include stately home visit, distillery tour or magnificent castles in Scottish countryside with a wealth of history. Stops can include lunch in historic towns and villages. I will plan an itinerary to suit your interests and schedules.

Recent Reviews

Tom G.Canada
July 2025

Toby did a great job customizing our tour to enable us to see as much as possible in the short time we had available for our shore excursion. I would highly recommend Toby as a tour guide

Marek M.United States
September 2023

We did enjoy our day with Toby, and he was quite helpful, cordial, and knowledgeable about the history and current facts about Edinburg. I would like to offer two comments for possible improvement. The first is that Toby really likes to revert too much time to his area of expertise of architectural history. Secondly - Toby at times I think forgets that he has an entire group of 3-4 guests to consider, yet he often walks attending his message to only member out of ear shot of the others.

Paul S.United States
July 2023

Toby is very friendly and knowledgeable. He has background (and opinions!) regarding architecture. While the tour itself was fine, I believe it was significantly overpriced. For cost reasons only I do not recommend this tour.

Patricia D.United States
August 2022

Toby provided us with a wonderful tour of Outlander sites we requested as well as a few other local sites of interest!! Highly recommend him!!

Aimee D.United States
August 2018

Toby met us promptly at the cruise terminal in a comfortable Land Rover and was an excellent guide through the country side and some interesting abbeys, palaces and estates. He was very friendly, knowledgeable and informative. Highly recommended.

Gary C.United States
August 2018

Very informative and covered all the sites we wanted to see. Our guide was an expert on architecture which added to our understanding of the city (but maybe a bit too much) He was pleasant and accommodating when we requested some changes to itinerary. Lots of walking with inclines for those who may be less mobile.

Your Edinburgh tour itinerary

- Collect client from cruise ship port or tender. - Drive past interesting places and picturesque villages. - Driving tour of Edinburgh with history and context fully explained. - Park in Newtown then walking tour of Newtown and Old Town with optional visit to Edinburgh Castle. University center of 18 C. "Enlightenment" and Greyfriars kirkyard. Drive back to Queensferry and if time permits visit Hopetoun House magnificent stately home used in many film locations including Outlander Series. Return to ship. Alternative: Driving excursion to ancient castles in countryside. Possible distillery tour with whiskey tasting afterwards. Visits to historic villages, churches and harbours as time ashore allows. Return to cruise ship.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

Land Rover Discovery SUV. Large comfortable luxury car. Custom tours for up to 6 people may be possible at additional cost by separate arrangement.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Admission charges. Lunch and refreshments.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Meeting location

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Newhaven Port Rosyth Port Leith Terminal. South Queensferry.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Tour reference number
223190
Languages
English
Activity level
Light

Traveller reviews

4.4

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?

This private tour in Edinburgh is ideal for cruise ship passengers looking for a comprehensive shore excursion. It's perfect for those who want to explore both the city and the surrounding countryside in a single day. With a focus on history, culture, and scenic beauty, it's also great for travellers interested in visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic villages, and possibly even a distillery or stately home. The tour is designed to be flexible and can be tailored to suit your interests and schedule.

Can this private tour in Edinburgh be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Edinburgh suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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