Edinburgh Explorer

Introduction
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Edinburgh & East Lothian Full-Day Tour with Whisky Distillery

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Experience the Best of Edinburgh and East Lothian

Experience the best of Edinburgh and East Lothian on a full-day private tour combining historic villages, dramatic viewpoints, Instagram-famous locations and a whisky distillery visit. This carefully designed route blends local hidden gems with the coastal beauty and rural charm of East Lothian.

Tour Highlights

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At a glance

Map

Day 1 - Edinburgh & East Lothian Full-Day Tour

Day 1 - Edinburgh & East Lothian Full-Day Tour image

Historic Villages, Scenic Views, and Whisky Tasting

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Hotel Pick-Up in Edinburgh

Your day begins with a relaxed hotel pick-up from anywhere in central Edinburgh. Settle into your luxury Mercedes vehicle and enjoy stories, local insight and effortless travel with your private driver-guide.
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Duddingston Village

Your first stop is the historic village of Duddingston, a peaceful pocket of old Edinburgh filled with natural beauty and incredible history.
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Duddingston Kirk

Duddingston Kirk is a beautifully preserved 12th-century parish church set at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, offering a rare glimpse into medieval Edinburgh. Surrounded by its historic graveyard and overlooking Duddingston Loch, it celebrated its remarkable 900-year anniversary in 2024 and remains one of the city’s most peaceful and atmospheric corners.

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Dr Neil’s Secret Garden

A tranquil 'hidden Eden' beside Duddingston Loch.
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The Sheep Heid Inn

Scotland’s oldest pub, built in 1124 and celebrating its 900-year birthday in 2024.
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Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat

Take a scenic drive through Holyrood Park, beneath the dramatic volcanic cliffs of Salisbury Crags, with outstanding views of Arthur’s Seat.
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Calton Hill

Enjoy sweeping panoramic views from Calton Hill, overlooking Old Town & New Town, Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace, and The Firth of Forth.
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Dean Village

Travel to the tranquil riverside setting of Dean Village, filled with old mill buildings, stone cottages and leafy pathways—a true hidden gem.
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Stockbridge Village

Continue into Stockbridge, a stylish, village-like district full of Georgian charm, boutique shops and cafés.
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Circus Lane

Visit Circus Lane, Edinburgh’s most photographed mews street—perfect for photos and a peaceful walk.
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South Queensferry & The Forth Bridges

Arrive at South Queensferry, offering spectacular views of The Forth Bridge (UNESCO World Heritage Site), The Forth Road Bridge, and The Queensferry Crossing. A stunning location for photos and engineering history.
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Lunch in South Queensferry or Edinburgh

Choose from cafés, pubs or restaurants in South Queensferry or back in Edinburgh. Your guide will tailor recommendations to your tastes.
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Glenkinchie Distillery

Travel to Glenkinchie Distillery, the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker. Includes a guided distillery tour, whisky-making history, copper stills, and tasting of Lowland single malts.
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East Lothian Scenic Drive

Enjoy a relaxing drive through the countryside and coast of East Lothian. Potential stops include Haddington, Dirleton Village, North Berwick (optional), Tantallon Castle viewpoint, and beach & farmland photo stops.
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Return to Edinburgh

After a full day of sightseeing, whisky tasting and beautiful landscapes, your driver-guide returns you to your accommodation.
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Map

1. Duddingston Village

Duddingston Village, Edinburgh EH15 3PX, Scotland

2. Duddingston Kirk

Duddingston Kirk, Old Church Ln, Edinburgh EH15 3PX, Scotland

3. Dr Neil’s Secret Garden

Dr Neil’s Garden, Duddingston, Edinburgh EH15 3PX, Scotland

4. The Sheep Heid Inn

43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh EH15 3QA, Scotland

5. Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat

Queen's Dr, Edinburgh EH8 8HG, Scotland

6. Calton Hill

Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, Scotland

7. Dean Village

Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3AY, Scotland

8. Stockbridge Village

Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3, Scotland

9. Circus Lane

Circus Ln, Edinburgh EH3 6SU, Scotland

10. South Queensferry & The Forth Bridges

South Queensferry, Edinburgh EH30, Scotland

11. Glenkinchie Distillery

Pencaitland, Tranent EH34 5ET, Scotland

12. Haddington

Haddington, East Lothian EH41, Scotland

13. Dirleton Village

Dirleton, North Berwick EH39 5ER, Scotland

14. North Berwick

North Berwick, East Lothian EH39, Scotland

15. Tantallon Castle Viewpoint

Tantallon Castle, North Berwick EH39 5PN, Scotland