Private Tour – Edinburgh to St Andrews, Dunnottar Castle & Dundee

Thinking about a day trip from Edinburgh to see some of Scotland’s most captivating sights? This private tour promises a personalized experience that hits the highlights—Dunnottar Castle, the historic town of St Andrews, and Dundee—all with a knowledgeable guide by your side. It’s a solid choice if you’re after a flexible, booked-only-for-your-group adventure that skips the crowded bus tours.

What we really like about this tour is its balance between cultural highlights and stunning scenery, combined with the fact that it’s private—so you get the guide’s full attention. Plus, the professional photos taken at Dunnottar Castle add a special touch, giving you keepsakes from your trip. On the flip side, it’s a full-day affair, so be prepared for a long day and some extra costs for castle entries not included in the price.

This tour will suit travelers who want a customized, relaxed day out with a good mix of history, scenery, and city life. If you’re comfortable with a longer day on the road, and keen to explore beyond Edinburgh without the hassle of organizing multiple stops yourself, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with a private guide making stops tailored to your interests.
• Excellent value considering the included professional photography and private transport.
• Flexible schedule with the option to start between 8-9am, giving you a relaxed morning.
• Comfortable transportation that takes you efficiently between sites, saving your energy.
• Rich stories and insights from a knowledgeable guide, often praised for friendliness and expertise.
• Variety of sites—from castles and historic towns to vibrant cities—covering diverse Scottish highlights.

An In-Depth Look at Your Scottish Day

Starting Point: South Queensferry

Less than 30 minutes from Edinburgh, South Queensferry is a charming spot to begin your adventure. Your guide will share stories about the River Forth and its famous bridges—an iconic image of Scotland. The views here are lovely, especially with the bridges crossing the river, and it’s a perfect quick introduction before heading further out.

The stop is around 15 minutes long, just enough to get a feel for the area without feeling rushed. Since admission is free, you can enjoy the scenery without extra costs, making this a practical warm-up.

The Historic Charm of St Andrews

The next leg takes about an hour’s drive to the university town of St Andrews. This is where the tour really hits some of Scotland’s most iconic sights: the ruins of the castle and cathedral, and the world’s oldest golf course. You’ll love the mix of history and sports here—if you’re a golf fan, standing on the old course is a thrill.

You’ll have about three hours to explore, including a chance to grab lunch, browse local shops, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this university town. Note that admission to St Andrews Castle is optional and not included in the price—at around £10 for adults, it’s a worthwhile investment for history buffs. Many reviews mention the guide’s flexibility; one review highlights that the guide even arranged a distillery tour when asked, showing the personalized service.

The Majestic Dunnottar Castle

After a scenic drive of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you arrive at Dunnottar Castle—often described as one of Scotland’s most stunning castles. Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, Dunnottar is truly a sight to behold. The guide’s stories about its past make the visit even more engaging, bringing the ancient stones to life.

A special feature of this tour is the professional photography at Dunnottar. Your guide captures the moment on a mirrorless camera, and the photos are edited and sent to you afterward. This adds a memorable touch, especially if you want high-quality keepsakes. Entry fees are separate, but most agree it’s worth it for the views and history.

Exploring Dundee

The final stop is the city of Dundee, about an hour’s drive away. Here, your guide will share some city stories and take you to admire notable buildings. It’s a quick but enriching glimpse into one of Scotland’s lesser-visited cities—an area often praised for its architecture and local history.

The drive back to Edinburgh takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, giving you a relaxed end to a full day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s main value lies in its private transportation, expert guide, and personalized service. You’ll also receive bottled water and some Scottish snacks, which is a nice touch on a long day. The professional photos at Dunnottar are a standout bonus—an unexpected keepsake that many reviews highlight as a highlight.

However, it’s worth noting that entry tickets into Dunnottar Castle and St Andrews Castle aren’t included in the price. These typically cost around £8-£10 for Dunnottar and similar for St Andrews, so budget accordingly. Lunch is also not included, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred spot or picnic.

Price and Value

At around $713 for the whole group (up to 8 people), this tour offers a good bang for your buck, especially considering the private transport and personalized guide. Many reviews emphasize the quality of the guide, Lewis, who is praised for his friendliness, knowledge, and flexibility. The ability to customize the day, combined with professional photos, makes this a memorable and personalized experience.

Duration and Timing

The tour lasts roughly 9 to 12 hours, which sounds long but is pretty typical for a comprehensive day trip. Starting between 8-9am allows for a relaxed pace and ample time at each site. The flexibility in start time is a thoughtful touch, accommodating different travel schedules.

The Experience According to Travelers

Multiple reviews rave about Lewis, the guide. One reviewer called him “fantastic,” noting his accommodating nature and local recommendations. Others mention the “great demeanor,” “entertaining,” and “knowledgeable” approach, making the long day feel engaging rather than exhausting.

Travelers appreciated the personalized touches, like the extra stops and the chance to tailor the itinerary on the fly. Several reviewers highlight how much they enjoyed the professional photos taken at Dunnottar, and how the entire day felt curated just for them.

While some mention the cost of castle entries, most agree that the overall experience offers excellent value for money given the private guide, transport, and extras. The long drive and full schedule are balanced by the quality and customization of the tour.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for adventurous travelers who want a flexible, all-in-one day trip with a private guide. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with a long day on the road and want to visit key sites without the hassle of organizing transport or admissions yourself.

It’s also ideal for history buffs, architecture lovers, or those interested in Scotland’s scenic coastlines and urban charm. If you enjoy personalized service and spontaneous recommendations, this tour’s flexible approach will suit you well.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers a well-rounded taste of Scotland’s east coast, blending history, scenery, and city life with the comfort of private transport and a dedicated guide. The inclusion of professional photos adds a special touch, making it more than just a sightseeing journey. While the upfront cost may seem high, the personalized service, flexibility, and quality of the experience tend to make it worthwhile.

It’s a strong choice for those who value a curated, intimate adventure—especially if you’re traveling with a small group who appreciates flexibility and expert insights. If you’re seeking a memorable way to explore beyond Edinburgh without the stress of self-organizing, this could be just the ticket.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, it involves a full day of sightseeing and walking at historic sites. Children comfortable with long days and walking should be fine, but always check with the provider if you have specific needs.

Can I start the tour later in the morning?
The tour offers a flexible start window between 8-9am. Once booked, the provider will confirm your exact pick-up time, so there’s some room for adjustment.

Are lunch and entry tickets included?
No, lunch and entrance fees to Dunnottar and St Andrews Castle are not included. You’ll want to budget extra for meals and any castle admissions.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 to 12 hours, depending on the pace and stops. It’s a full-day adventure.

How many people can join?
This is a private tour for up to 8 people, making it intimate and personalized.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour provides private transportation, which makes traveling between sites more comfortable and efficient.

Will I get enough time at each site?
Yes, the itinerary balances time at each stop, with around 15 minutes at South Queensferry, three hours in St Andrews, 1 hour 15 minutes at Dunnottar Castle, and about an hour in Dundee.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviews consistently praise the guide’s friendliness and insight, making history and sites more engaging.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked around 101 days ahead, so it’s wise to reserve in advance if you’re planning a trip.

This tour offers a well-rounded, personalized way to see some of Scotland’s most iconic spots with the benefit of expert guidance. Whether it’s for the stunning coastal views, ancient castles, or charming towns, it’s a day designed to enrich your Scottish experience.