Private or Group: Which Historical Tours Tour Should You Choose in Edinburgh?
By Editorial Team · Last updated 16/08/2026
- Best season
- May to September
- How to get there
- 4.5 hours by train from London King's Cross, or fly into Edinburgh Airport
- Avg. visit duration
- 2-3 days
Considering a historical tour of Edinburgh, we understand you’re weighing up whether to opt for a private experience or join a larger group. Generally speaking, private tours offer unparalleled flexibility – you can tailor the route and pace entirely to your interests and preferences. This comes at a premium; expect to pay in the higher end of the price range, potentially £96 for a truly bespoke journey. Group tours, conversely, are significantly more affordable, with options starting from around £18.
However, group tours do involve some trade-offs. You’ll be sharing your experience with other travellers, which can impact the atmosphere and potentially slow down the pace if the group is large or diverse in its interests. While a good guide will manage this effectively, you'll have less control over the specific sights visited and how long you spend at each location.
The level of engagement also tends to be different. In a smaller group setting, you’re likely to receive more personalized attention from your guide, leading to deeper insights and potentially more questions answered. Larger groups can sometimes feel rushed, with limited time for individual exploration or detailed discussion.
We offer 11 distinct historical tours in Edinburgh, ranging in duration from 60 to 300 minutes, allowing you to choose one that best suits your schedule and budget. With an average rating of 4.8/5 across all our tours, you can be confident in a quality experience regardless of which option you select. We believe the “Edinburgh Full Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle (Small Group)” at 4.9/5 is consistently popular, reflecting its excellent value and engaging format.