Edinburgh: Sightseeing Bus Tour & Inchcolm Island Boat Tour

Edinburgh’s captivating sightseeing tour allows visitors to explore the city’s iconic landmarks from the comfort of a double-decker bus. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – a scenic boat cruise along the Forth River uncovers the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridges and the historic Inchcolm Island, where a medieval abbey and local wildlife await. With informative audio commentary throughout the journey, this captivating blend of urban and natural exploration promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Edinburgh enthusiast, this tour offers a unique perspective that may just surprise you.

This experience made our list of the 8 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Edinburgh.

Key Points

• Comprehensive sightseeing experience combining a bus tour of Edinburgh’s landmarks and a boat cruise to explore the historic Inchcolm Island.
• Panoramic views of iconic attractions like Edinburgh Castle, the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridges, and the medieval abbey on Inchcolm Island.
• Opportunities to spot local wildlife, including seals, adding an adventurous element to the tour.
• Inclusive and accessible tour, with a wheelchair-friendly design and audio commentary to enhance the experience.
• Highly rated by customers for its value, transportation, and overall enjoyment of the combined bus and boat tour.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This Edinburgh sightseeing and Inchcolm Island tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience, combining a comfortable double-decker bus tour of the city with a boat cruise along the Forth River.

Priced from £87 per person, the tour lasts 3.5 hours and provides free cancellation with a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Three Bridges, Inchcolm Island, and the medieval abbey.

The audio commentary provides local stories and insights, and there’s an opportunity to see local wildlife, including seals, during the boat cruise around the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridges.

Experience Highlights

A combination of bus tour and boat trip allows visitors to fully enjoy the captivating sights of Edinburgh and the surrounding area.

The bus tour provides panoramic views of iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, while the boat cruise along the Forth River offers a unique perspective of the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridges and the medieval abbey on Inchcolm Island.

The audio commentary throughout the tour delivers local stories and insights, enhancing the experience.

Plus, the opportunity to spot local wildlife, including seals, adds to the adventure.

This comprehensive tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Edinburgh’s natural and historical wonders.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a comfortable double-decker bus ride from Edinburgh, allowing visitors to take in the city’s captivating sights, such as the iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Arriving in Queensferry, participants embark on a boat cruise along the Forth River. During the cruise, they’ll admire the impressive Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, and Queensferry Crossing, all UNESCO-listed marvels.

The boat then circumnavigates Inchcolm Island, a historically significant military fortification that boasts a medieval abbey.

Throughout the journey, passengers can enjoy the onboard commentary and live guide, learning about the local stories and insights that bring the tour to life.

Inclusions

The tour package includes both the bus tour and the boat cruise, allowing visitors to experience the highlights of Edinburgh and Inchcolm Island.

The bus tour provides an overview of the city, passing by iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle.

The boat cruise then takes passengers along the Forth River, offering stunning views of the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridges.

Once at Inchcolm Island, visitors can explore the medieval abbey and keep an eye out for local wildlife, including seals.

Throughout the journey, an onboard commentary provides insightful information about the history and significance of the sites.

The tour caters to different age groups, with pricing options for adults, children, and seniors.

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Customer Feedback

According to 21 reviews analyzed, customers have rated the overall experience of the Edinburgh Sightseeing and Inchcolm Island Tours at 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Specifically, the transportation aspect was praised with a 4.6/5 rating, and the value for money was deemed excellent at 4.7/5.

Customers highlighted the interesting nature of the tour and the enjoyable boat trip to the historically significant Inchcolm Island.

The combination of the bus tour and boat cruise, along with the informative commentary, made for a well-rounded and memorable sightseeing experience in Edinburgh.

Sightseeing Bus Tour

Commencing from the heart of Edinburgh, the sightseeing bus tour whisks passengers through the city’s picturesque streets, offering an engaging introduction to its iconic landmarks. Aboard the comfortable double-decker, travelers are treated to live commentary, bringing the city’s rich history and culture to life. The tour showcases the enchanting Edinburgh Castle, the Three Bridges, and other must-see attractions, allowing visitors to appreciate the city’s architectural splendor.

Sightseeing Bus Tour Highlights
Edinburgh Castle	Three Bridges	Panoramic Views
Audio Commentary	Onboard Guide	Comfortable Transport

The sightseeing bus tour is an ideal way to orient oneself in the city, setting the stage for the captivating boat excursion to Inchcolm Island that follows.

Forth River Boat Cruise

After the sightseeing bus tour, visitors then embark on a captivating boat cruise along the Forth River.

They’ll admire the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridges, including the iconic Forth Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge, and the modern Queensferry Crossing.

The boat circumnavigates Inchcolm Island, a historically significant military fortification that’s home to a medieval abbey.

Along the way, passengers can spot local wildlife like seals.

The onboard commentary provides interesting insights and stories about the region’s history and landmarks.

The boat tour offers a unique perspective on Edinburgh’s picturesque landscape, complementing the earlier sightseeing bus experience.

Inchcolm Island Exploration

The boat cruise takes visitors to the historic Inchcolm Island, where they can further explore the island’s rich heritage.

On the island, travelers discover the well-preserved medieval abbey, a testament to its religious significance. Strolling through the tranquil grounds, they encounter the remnants of 12th-century monastic buildings and learn about the island’s military history as a strategic fortification.

Scenic vistas of the Forth Bridges and Firth of Forth provide a picturesque backdrop. Visitors may also spot local wildlife, including seals, along the shoreline.

The guided tour offers insights into the island’s past, allowing travelers to appreciate its unique role in Scotland’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While the tour includes a bus tour and boat trip, food and drinks are not included. Guests are free to bring their own refreshments to enjoy during the excursion.

Are Photography Opportunities Available During the Boat Cruise?

Yes, the boat cruise offers ample photography opportunities to capture the stunning views of the Forth Bridges, Inchcolm Island, and the surrounding wildlife. Passengers are encouraged to bring their cameras to make the most of the scenic cruise.

Is There a Specific Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour does not have a specific dress code, but participants should dress comfortably and wear weather-appropriate attire. Waterproof jackets or sweaters may be useful for the boat cruise portion of the tour.

Can I Extend My Bus Tour or Boat Cruise Time if Needed?

The tour’s itinerary and duration are fixed, so you can’t extend the bus tour or boat cruise time. However, the tour offers some flexibility, allowing you to explore the island at your own pace during the allotted time.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children Participating in the Tour?

Children aged 16 and younger can participate in the tour. There are specific ticket options available for children, allowing them to join the bus tour and boat cruise along with the adult participants.

Recap

The Edinburgh Sightseeing Bus Tour and Inchcolm Island Boat Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and natural wonders. From the grand architecture of Edinburgh Castle to the serene beauty of Inchcolm Island, this tour provides a comprehensive experience that showcases the rich history and stunning scenery of the Scottish capital. It’s a must-do for anyone seeking to enjoy the beauty and charm of Edinburgh.

You can check if your dates are available here: