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Offered languages
- English
What better way to acquaint yourself with the layout of Edinburgh's medieval Old Town than a private tour with your own experienced guide.
In 3 hours your guide will cover all of the highlights of the Old Town as well as the hidden gems that the unwary visitor misses.
Your guide will scratch under the surface of each location helping the visitor to understand why the city has such a gruesome history. Although many people think it is just about the Castle, it is much more than that. It is about the people who lived and died in the Old Town.
You will hear stories of body-snatchers, of witches and the religious zealots that sent them to their deaths. We will explain how Scotland went from independent country to becoming part of the United Kingdom and its impact on Edinburgh
The 18th century was a period that saw the rebirth of Edinburgh through learning and education. This period became known as the Scottish Enlightenment. Come on this tour to be entertained and enlightened.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The meeting point is outside Cafe Jacquees at the western end of the Grassmarket.
The Palace of Holyrood House is at the eastern end (the bottom end) of the Royal Mile.
Itinerary
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1Greyfriars
We will walk through one of the oldest graveyards in Edinburgh and will tell tales of some of its most famous inhabitants.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Grassmarket
Brief photo stop.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Edinburgh Castle
We will stop here for approximately 15 minutes to allow your guide to explain about the Castle and the surrounding landmarks. We do not enter the Castle.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Royal Mile (Pass by)
The Royal Mile stretches from the Castle to the Palace and we will walk our way downhill stopping at numerous locations listed below.
Admission ticket free -
4St Giles' Cathedral
The area of St Giles Cathedral was considered to be the very heart of medieval Edinburgh. We will spend approximately 30 minutes here while your guide "paints a picture" of life in this area.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Mercat Cross
Considered to be the main public meeting place for the townspeople of Edinburgh but here we will tell you the other significant features of this area.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6John Knox House Museum
Commonly believed (mistakenly) to be the property of Scotland's most famous Protestant reformer, John Knox. This is the oldest building on the Royal Mile and here we will tell you who really lived here.
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
7
This free-to-enter museum is housed in another of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile and is a treasure trove of historic artefacts related to the history of Edinburgh's Old Town.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Canongate Kirk
We will take a brief look inside the Canongate Kirk (when open). This has been a place of worship since 1688 and is where our present Queen Elizabeth II goes when she is in residence.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
This is the official residence of our Queen when she is in Edinburgh. However, its history stretches right back to the early 1500s but the abbey adjacent to it dates back to the early 12th century. Let your guide explain the most important periods in history associated with the Palace.
20 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note that this tour operates as a private tour only. We believe this is essential particularly whilst social distancing measures are in place.
- We will follow any COVID-19 measures that are recommended by the Scottish Government at the time of your tour.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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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.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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