Edinburgh Private Walking Tour of UNESCO-Listed Old Town
Your historical tour begins at the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard, an atmospheric graveyard in the heart of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. As you walk to your first location, your guide transports you back in time using vivid descriptions and photographs of old Edinburgh. Delve into the capital’s gory past on a visit to three former execution spots and the site of the notorious Tolbooth Prison, the scene of Scotland’s most infamous assassination. See, too, Edinburgh Castle from its hilltop perch, and listen to stories featuring some of Scotland’s most famous figures, including Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Robert Burns. Following your exploration, bid your guide farewell outside the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Highlights
- ✓Archive imagery of historic Edinburgh enhances your experience
- ✓Visit hidden gems that many travelers miss out on thanks to your guide's knowledge
- ✓There's no need to rush—go a pace that suits you and your group
- ✓Gain a local's perspective on Edinburgh as you chat to your guide
What you'll see & do
- ✓Your tour starts just inside the main gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard. You'll find out about Edinburgh's famous 'wee dug'; Greyfriars Bobby. There are a number of versions of his story. We'll let you make your own mind up!
- ✓Candlemaker Row and the Grassmarket will be next on your route. You'll find out about one of Scotland's most significant weddings and how it affected Edinburgh. You'll follow the route of the pre-wedding party.
- ✓Your tour will take in a number of locations along Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile. We'll see where Mary, Queen of Scots spent part of her childhood, we'll visit a charming little courtyard (with a royal link) and we'll discover the very strange story of Deacon William Brodie and his hanging. We get to cover a brief history of St Giles before visiting the site of the old Mercat Cross. You'll learn about the significance of this location in the story of Prince Charles Edward Stewart ('Bonnie Prince Charlie') before we visit an atmospheric Old Town close. The stories here will be rather memorable...
- ✓The Cowgate is often ignored by other tours, but we'll make the most of it when we discover what life was like for Edinburgh's Victorian poor.
- ✓We'll visit two stops which belong to the famous University of Edinburgh. Burke and Hare, the infamous Irish murderers, came to where we make our penultimate stop. You'll find out how this pair worked, why they were able to murder so many people...and finally what happened to them. We may even look at the 'traditional' Highland outfit your guide will be wearing. Your final stop takes place near to Old College (or, if it's open to us, inside Old College). This is possibly one of the most fascinating places on our tour. It looks incredible now...but the story we share is even more explosive. Literally!
What's included
- ✓Local guide
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
Good to know
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Edinburgh Private Walking Tour of UNESCO-Listed Old Town
Your historical tour begins at the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard, an atmospheric graveyard in the heart of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. As you walk to your first location, your guide transports you back in time using vivid descriptions and photographs of old Edinburgh. Delve into the capital’s gory past on a visit to three former execution spots and the site of the notorious Tolbooth Prison, the scene of Scotland’s most infamous assassination. See, too, Edinburgh Castle from its hilltop perch, and listen to stories featuring some of Scotland’s most famous figures, including Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, and Robert Burns. Following your exploration, bid your guide farewell outside the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Highlights
- ✓Archive imagery of historic Edinburgh enhances your experience
- ✓Visit hidden gems that many travelers miss out on thanks to your guide's knowledge
- ✓There's no need to rush—go a pace that suits you and your group
- ✓Gain a local's perspective on Edinburgh as you chat to your guide
What you'll see & do
- ✓Your tour starts just inside the main gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard. You'll find out about Edinburgh's famous 'wee dug'; Greyfriars Bobby. There are a number of versions of his story. We'll let you make your own mind up!
- ✓Candlemaker Row and the Grassmarket will be next on your route. You'll find out about one of Scotland's most significant weddings and how it affected Edinburgh. You'll follow the route of the pre-wedding party.
- ✓Your tour will take in a number of locations along Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile. We'll see where Mary, Queen of Scots spent part of her childhood, we'll visit a charming little courtyard (with a royal link) and we'll discover the very strange story of Deacon William Brodie and his hanging. We get to cover a brief history of St Giles before visiting the site of the old Mercat Cross. You'll learn about the significance of this location in the story of Prince Charles Edward Stewart ('Bonnie Prince Charlie') before we visit an atmospheric Old Town close. The stories here will be rather memorable...
- ✓The Cowgate is often ignored by other tours, but we'll make the most of it when we discover what life was like for Edinburgh's Victorian poor.
- ✓We'll visit two stops which belong to the famous University of Edinburgh. Burke and Hare, the infamous Irish murderers, came to where we make our penultimate stop. You'll find out how this pair worked, why they were able to murder so many people...and finally what happened to them. We may even look at the 'traditional' Highland outfit your guide will be wearing. Your final stop takes place near to Old College (or, if it's open to us, inside Old College). This is possibly one of the most fascinating places on our tour. It looks incredible now...but the story we share is even more explosive. Literally!
What's included
- ✓Local guide
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
Good to know
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.