Edinburgh in 1 Day for Couples - Private executive vehicle and driver
In Collaboration with Not Another Tour Company. Updated on January 31, 2026.
Private, luxury 8‑hour chauffeured tour of Edinburgh’s highlights with photo stops, historic sites and romantic viewpoints. Customisable timing on request — driver will meet you at your arranged Edinburgh pickup.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Not Another Tour Company, inspired by the tour Executive Edinburgh Full-Day Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private executive vehicle and driver
- Picturesque Dean Village & Calton Hill sunset view
- Rosslyn Chapel & medieval Craigmillar Castle
- Historic Sheep Heid Inn lunch stop
- Old Town walk: Grassmarket, Victoria Street, Greyfriars & Edinburgh Castle
Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day private executive tour around Edinburgh and nearby historic sites. Comfortable vehicle transfers with short photo and exploration stops designed for a relaxed, romantic pace.
Pickup — central Edinburgh (prearranged)
Your driver will meet you at the prearranged central Edinburgh pickup (hotel reception or agreed address) and introduce the vehicle and plan for the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm the hotel reception or exact street corner the day before — the driver will message you to describe the vehicle and pick‑up details.
- Ask for a quick bottle of chilled water and a light snack before you depart to get comfortable immediately.
- If you’d like a champagne or floral surprise for a special moment, request it 24 hours before pickup and the driver can often accommodate it.
Dean Village — tranquil riverside photo stop
Short guided stroll on the Water of Leith through picturesque Dean Village and a photo opportunity on Dean's Bridge (Thomas Telford design).
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive early to avoid crowds — the soft morning light is perfect for couples' photos on the bridge.
- Stroller‑friendly riverside paths are mostly flat here — bring comfortable shoes for a short easy walk together.
- Look for small stone benches and quiet alcoves along the water for a private moment; cafés nearby if you fancy a mid‑morning coffee.
Fettes College — exterior photo stop (inspiration for Hogwarts)
Drive by and photograph the impressive stone buildings on Carrington Road frequently cited as a J.K. Rowling inspiration — exterior stopping only.
Tips from local experts:
- This is an exterior photo stop — be mindful of school grounds and respect any signage about access.
- Ask your driver for the best viewpoint for a romantic portrait with the college as a backdrop.
- Parking/viewing is brief — if you'd like a longer photo session, ask to allocate extra time when booking.
Queensferry Road — brief photo opportunity
Quick roadside stop along Queensferry Road to view local architecture and the leafy approaches to the Firth of Forth (another Hogwarts inspiration point).
Tips from local experts:
- This is a short photo stop — ask the driver to pull to a safe viewpoint for quick pictures.
- Great spot for architectural details — look for stone gables and ornamental gateways for close‑up photos.
- There are limited facilities here — use the vehicle for comfort breaks if needed.
South Queensferry — Forth bridges viewpoint
Drive to South Queensferry to admire the three Forth bridges (rail, road and Queensferry Crossing) — time for photos and shoreline strolls.
Tips from local experts:
- The viewing platforms can be windy — bring a light jacket for dramatic photos together against the bridges.
- Ask the guide for quieter viewpoints away from the souvenir stalls for more private photos.
- If you’d like a short walk, follow the sea front east for smoother paths and great views of the bridges meeting the shoreline.
Rosslyn Chapel — romantic Gothic architecture
Explore Rosslyn Chapel's intricate stone carvings and atmospheric interior (entry optional). Famous from The Da Vinci Code — wonderful for couples who enjoy history and architecture.
Tips from local experts:
- If you wish to enter the chapel, buy timed tickets in advance during summer months to avoid queues.
- Inside lighting is low and atmospheric — a quiet, reflective space perfect for intimate moments and detailed photos.
- There is a café and neat garden on site if you’d like a relaxed coffee together after the chapel visit.
Craigmillar Castle — medieval ruins and quiet terraces
Short visit to the atmospheric medieval Craigmillar Castle ruins — step back in time atop gentle terraces with great photo opportunities.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths are uneven in places — wear flat shoes for safe footing when exploring the ruins together.
- The castle grounds are often quiet — perfect for a couple’s wander and scenic photos without the crowds.
- Limited onsite facilities — use the vehicle between stops for comfort if needed.
Lunch — The Sheep Heid Inn (historic pub)
Lunch at The Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston — a cosy and historic pub (est. 1360). Relaxed meal with Scottish dishes and a romantic, rustic atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a quiet corner table or window seat — the inn’s old wood interiors are very atmospheric for couples.
- The menu often features local seasonal dishes — ask staff for a tasting recommendation (and a single malt if you wish).
- If you need a high chair or dietary accommodation, the team is used to special requests but give them a heads up if you told the guide before arrival.
Grassmarket & Victoria Street — charming Old Town walk
Stroll the atmospheric Grassmarket and curve down Victoria Street — colourful shopfronts and cobbles often cited as inspiration for Diagon Alley.
Tips from local experts:
- Cobblestones can be uneven — choose comfortable, stable shoes for this short walk together.
- Pop into a small independent shop for a handmade memento — Victoria Street has lovely artisan stores that make a romantic souvenir.
- If you want a quiet photo, turn off the main street a little into the side lanes for less foot traffic.
Greyfriars Bobby — touching local story
Quick visit to the famous Greyfriars Bobby memorial — a short, sweet stop to learn the touching local tale and take photos.
Tips from local experts:
- The statue is popular — ask the driver to position you for a quick private photo before other visitors gather.
- There are shaded benches nearby — a nice place to share a moment and read the memorial plaque together.
- Combine this with a very short visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard if you enjoy atmospheric strolls (watch for uneven ground).
Edinburgh Castle — exterior photography and views
Stop for photos at Edinburgh Castle and take in sweeping city views from Castle Rock (entry optional).
Tips from local experts:
- If you prefer to skip long queues, enjoy the exterior viewpoints and skyline photos — entry can be optional on this private tour.
- Castle esplanade offers some of the most romantic skyline views of the Old Town at this time of day.
- Public toilets and cafe facilities are nearby — use the short break to freshen up before continuing.
St Giles' Cathedral — short cultural stop
A brief visit outside and (time permitting) inside St Giles' Cathedral to see the Thistle Chapel and beautiful stained glass.
Tips from local experts:
- The cathedral interior is calm and reflective — a lovely place for a quiet couple’s pause.
- Check opening times for short services if you’d prefer to avoid them; the guide will time this accordingly.
- There is step access in some areas — ask your driver to position the vehicle for the easiest drop‑off point.
Palace of Holyroodhouse exterior & quick photo
Drive past and step out briefly to admire Holyrood Palace and the elegant Canongate setting — entry optional.
Tips from local experts:
- If you'd like to see the State Apartments, prebook tickets — otherwise the palace exterior and gardens are lovely for photos.
- The Royal Mile area has charming cafes for a late‑afternoon refreshment if you want to extend this stop.
- This spot gives a nice sense of royal history paired with quieter streets for an intimate stroll.
Arthur's Seat (short viewpoint) — gentle nature moment
A brief stop at a convenient viewpoint in Holyrood Park to enjoy the ancient volcanic hill scenery — this is a short, easy viewpoint visit rather than a summit hike.
Tips from local experts:
- Rather than the full climb, request the easier viewpoint access to keep the experience relaxed and romantic.
- Evening light in June is long and soft — a lovely backdrop for couple photos looking over the city.
- Bring a light layer as winds can be stronger on exposed viewpoints even in summer.
Calton Hill — iconic sunset / city panorama
Final viewpoint on Calton Hill to take in panoramic views of Old and New Town — a romantic way to end the tour (golden hour in June).
Tips from local experts:
- Plan this as your 'special moment' — Calton Hill is ideal for golden‑hour photos and a quiet toast together.
- There are a few stone steps to reach the monuments — wear comfortable shoes and ask the driver for the easiest drop‑off.
- If you’d like a small celebration, ask in advance about ordering chilled fizz to enjoy while watching the view.
Drop-off — central Edinburgh (prearranged)
Return to your arranged Edinburgh drop-off point (hotel or central location). Driver will ensure a smooth handover and can assist with onward suggestions.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow the driver to advise on nearby romantic dinner options if you’d like recommendations for the evening.
- If you’ve enjoyed the tour, ask for a business card — many couples request the same driver for private transfers later in their trip.
- Confirm any luggage needs or assistance with check‑in to your hotel if required — drivers can usually help with short walks to reception.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 14 |
| Total Places | 14 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Neighborhood, Attraction, Outdoor, Culture, Meal |
