Edinburgh Castle: Exclusive Pre-Opening Tour
0
Overview
Edinburgh Castle Without the Crowds Exclusive Pre Opening Tour offers a rare glimpse into Scotland's most famous castle before it opens to the general public. This small-group tour provides an intimate experience, allowing visitors to explore the castle's historic grounds and buildings without the usual throngs of tourists. Visitors can discover the secrets and stories within the castle walls, usually unseen when the castle is busy.
This tour begins with early access to Edinburgh Castle, where a local English-speaking guide will lead the group through key areas, including the Crown Jewels, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and the Great Hall. Guests will also see areas that are often off-limits to regular guided tours. For those who choose the four-hour option, the journey continues with a guided walk along the Royal Mile, known for its historic landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral. The tour concludes at Holyrood Palace, the British Royals' official residence in Scotland, offering a comprehensive Scottish experience.
The tour includes a pre-opening access ticket to Edinburgh Castle and, if selected, a self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace. Please note that hotel pick-up/drop-off and gratuities are not included.




Highlights
Beat the Crowds: Enter Edinburgh Castle before it opens to the public for a more peaceful experience.
Expert Local Guide: Learn fascinating historical facts and stories from an English-speaking guide.
See the Crown Jewels: Get up close to Scotland's Crown Jewels, St. Margaret’s Chapel and the Great Hall.
Explore the Royal Mile: Extend your tour with a guided walk along the historic Royal Mile (four-hour option).
Visit Holyrood Palace: Top off the day at Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British Royals (four-hour option).
Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more personalized tour with a smaller group size.
Sentiment Analysis
Overall, customers highly recommend this tour for its exclusive access, knowledgeable guides, and intimate experience. However, some suggest allowing more free time and improving meeting point directions.

Customers loved getting into the castle before everyone else.
They enjoyed the smaller group size because it made the experience more personal.
Reviewers really liked their guides
Customers enjoyed the flexibility of the tour
Some people wished they had more time to explore on their own.
A few customers thought the meeting point was hard to find.
The Journey
Edinburgh Castle
Experience the majesty of Edinburgh Castle like never before with exclusive early access. Delve into centuries of Scottish history as you wander through its ancient grounds, including St. Margaret's Chapel, Edinburgh's oldest building, and the awe-inspiring Great Hall. Witness the dazzling Crown Jewels of Scotland up close, without the crowds. Venture into areas typically off-limits, such as the Royal Apartments and Military Prisons, and feel the weight of history in this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the secrets and legends of Scotland's past in a quiet, reflective journey.
St. Giles' Cathedral
Stand in awe before St. Giles' Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece and a pivotal site in Scotland's religious evolution. Admire its stunning architecture and intricate details. Explore the heart of Scotland's spiritual heritage, where John Knox once preached and where the nation's religious identity was forged.
Royal Mile
Stroll along the iconic Royal Mile, the historic heart of Edinburgh. Uncover hidden gardens, charming cobblestone streets, and the captivating stories etched into its ancient stones. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Scotland's most famous street, where history comes alive around every corner.
Holyrood Palace
Step into the world of royalty at Holyrood Palace, the official residence of the British monarchs in Scotland. Explore the opulent state rooms, wander through the picturesque gardens, and discover the haunting beauty of the abbey ruins. Immerse yourself in centuries of royal history and intrigue as you uncover the secrets of this majestic palace at your own pace.
Know Before You Go
This experience includes a local English-speaking guide and a pre-opening access ticket to Edinburgh Castle. If the option is selected, a self-guided audio tour of Holyrood Palace is also included. This tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, and gratuities are not included. The meeting point is located at [object Object], [object Object], [object Object] [object Object], [object Object].
Hot Tip
Reviewers suggest arriving at the meeting point a bit early to ensure a smooth start. They also say that wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea, especially if you choose the option that includes the Royal Mile walking tour.