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Offered languages
- English
Skip the rushed crowds and join former history professor Sami - and occasionally our friendly Golden Retriever co-guide - for an unhurried, wider-ranging journey from the Old Town into the elegant New Town.
Rather than a generic checklist, this small-group walk traces centuries of history. We begin with the writers at Makars’ Court, step onto the Castle Esplanade, and descend through Victoria Street into the atmospheric Grassmarket. At Greyfriars Bobby’s statue, we separate fact from fiction, sharing a moving story that will stay with you long after the walk ends.
Rejoining the Royal Mile past St Giles’ Cathedral and Tron Kirk, we uncover hidden histories - clues in the stonework and street lines that most people walk straight past. Finally, we wander down iconic Cockburn Street, crossing into the New Town to finish near the magnificent Scott Monument with a completely fresh perspective on Edinburgh's city centre.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We meet at Makars' Court - just off the Royal Mile next to the Writers' Museum. Look for your guide, Sami, who will either have a Golden Retriever tour guide with him or be holding a light green umbrella with pictures of Golden Retrievers on it.
Itinerary
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Writers' Museum (Pass by)
Your tour guide, Sami, will meet you in Makars' Court next to the Writers' Museum. The tour begins by discussing some Scottish literary legends.
Admission ticket free -
Gladstone's Land (Pass by)
Along your walking tour you will pass by the historic Gladstone's Land.
Admission ticket free -
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions (Pass by)
Along your walking tour, you will pass by Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.
Admission ticket free -
Edinburgh Castle (Pass by)
We stop for a bit near Edinburgh Castle where you hear stories of sieges and battles, kings and queens, as well as some mysteries.
Admission ticket free -
The Scotch Whisky Experience (Pass by)
Along your walking tour we pass the Scotch Whisky Experience.
Admission ticket free -
Victoria Street (Pass by)
We walk along the picturesque Victoria Street.
Admission ticket free -
Grassmarket (Pass by)
We stop and talk about historic locals that once experienced the drama at the Grassmarket.
Admission ticket free -
Greyfriars (Pass by)
We stop in the iconic Greyfriars Kirkyard where we separate the fiction and falsehoods from the facts, but we promise that you will be moved as Bobby's story will imprint on your heart and soul!
Admission ticket free -
National Museum of Scotland (Pass by)
We pass by the renowned National Museum of Scotland.
Admission ticket free -
National Library of Scotland (Pass by)
We walk by the distinguished National Library of Scotland.
Admission ticket free -
St Giles' Cathedral (Pass by)
At St Giles' Cathedral, you’ll hear fascinating tales of saints and sinners, power and punishment, and the strange ways reputations are made (and unmade) in Edinburgh.
Admission ticket free -
The Real Mary King's Close (Pass by)
Hear about some of Edinburgh's hidden history.
Admission ticket free -
Tron Kirk Market (Pass by)
We discuss some of the fascinating history connected to Tron Kirk.
Admission ticket free -
The Edinburgh Dungeon (Pass by)
Hear more about some of Edinburgh's hidden history.
Admission ticket free -
Waverley Bridge-Edinburgh (Pass by)
We cross over from the Old Town to the New Town.
Admission ticket free -
Scott Monument (Pass by)
By the time we finish near the Scott Monument, you’ll have walked through centuries of Edinburgh history in one go, and you’ll see the city’s centre with fresh eyes.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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