The Grand 48+ Ticket

 

Make the most of your visit and explore the whole city as well as the Three Bridges. Our best value Grand 48+ ticket gives you a Three Bridges Bus & Boat Tour plus use of all three City Tours for 48 hours. Hop-on Hop-off the City Tours to explore sights such as the Royal Mile, historic Edinburgh Castle and the cobbled streets of the Grassmarket.

Sightseeing in Edinburgh by Bus.

There is so much to see and do in Edinburgh. So here’s our suggested itinerary for a best sightseeing hotspots in Edinburgh by bus:

Edinburgh Castle.

You simply have to start your bus tour at the iconic Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an extinct volcano and offers panoramic views of the city. Explore the castle’s historic buildings, including the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, and the Great Hall.

Royal Mile

Hop back on the bus and head down the Royal Mile, a famous street that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way, you’ll pass by numerous historic buildings, shops, and pubs. Take in the sights, including St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament Building, and the historic closes (narrow alleys) that are steeped in history.

Holyrood Palace

You simply have to explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and its beautiful gardens. Here you can also learn about its royal history or simply see the chambers Mary, Queen of Scots.

Calton Hill

Next, you should definitely make your way to Calton Hill. This special place offers panoramic views of the city and its landmarks. Once at the top, you can see the iconic monuments the main parts of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The include landmarks such as the National Monument, the Nelson Monument, and the Dugald Stewart Monument.

Old Town and New Town

The bus tour will take you through Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Admire the medieval buildings and narrow streets of the Old Town, including the Grassmarket and the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard. Then, marvel at the elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town, with its grand townhouses and wide streets.

Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens

Pass by the impressive Scott Monument, a Victorian Gothic tower dedicated to Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. And then visit Princes Street Gardens, a beautiful public park that separates the Old Town from the New Town. These landmarks offer great photo opportunities and a chance to relax in the green oasis in the heart of the city.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Take a short detour to the port of Leith to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II. Explore the luxurious yacht, including the State Apartments, the Royal Deck Tea Room, and the Crew’s Quarters, and learn about its fascinating history.

Dean Village

Finally, head to Dean Village, a picturesque neighbourhood located on the Water of Leith. This hidden gem features quaint cottages, charming bridges, and a tranquil river.  Quite simply making it a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll and some Instagram-worthy photos.

This is just a suggested itinerary, and you can tailor your bus tour of Edinburgh to your preferences and interests. Don’t forget to check the bus schedules and purchase tickets in advance, and enjoy your sightseeing adventure in Edinburgh!

---

Optional landing on Inchcolm Island?

 Explore the island’s historic Abbey – The ‘Iona of the east’ one of the best-preserved group of monastic buildings in Scotland. The Island is also a haven for wildlife and is well-known for its wartime coastal defences. 

(You must purchase a landing pass to land on Inchcolm Island. You will be on the island for a minimum of 90-minutes)

Please note that on the days when we are landing on the island the last sailing of the day does NOT allow for a stopover on Inchcolm Island. We only stop at Inchcolm on the final sailing to collect passengers. Inchcolm Island is not suitable for wheelchair users. 

< back