Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!
Overview
Welcome to Historic Edinburgh Tours! We will take you on a fascinating journey through the historic streets of the Old Town. You'll get to explore the very places where some of Scotland's most famous (and infamous) characters once walked and lived. From Mary, Queen of Scots to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Deacon Brodie and more, this is an unmissable opportunity to discover Edinburgh's rich history.
Robert, your local guide, will come dressed in a kilt for your private tour. He will also carry a book of archive images. Robert will show you the city's iconic landmarks while sharing fascinating insights into its past. With our archive images, you'll be able to see how Edinburgh has changed over the years - and even compare it to its present-day counterpart. This is an experience not to be missed for history buffs and tourists alike!
Robert, your local guide, will come dressed in a kilt for your private tour. He will also carry a book of archive images. Robert will show you the city's iconic landmarks while sharing fascinating insights into its past. With our archive images, you'll be able to see how Edinburgh has changed over the years - and even compare it to its present-day counterpart. This is an experience not to be missed for history buffs and tourists alike!
Inclusions
- Local guide
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Greyfriars Kirkyard, Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ Scotland
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!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: 21 Grassmarket Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 2HS Scotland
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.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2PB Scotland
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...
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Cowgate, Edinburgh, UK
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Scotland
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!
Duration: 30 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Greyfriars Kirkyard, Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ Scotland
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!
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: 21 Grassmarket Old Town, Edinburgh EH1 2HS Scotland
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.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2PB Scotland
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...
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Cowgate, Edinburgh, UK
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Scotland
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!
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Your safety throughout your time with us is paramount. We’ve implemented a number of procedures which will give you confidence in your safety when with us. We've been awarded the “We’re good to go” certification from Visit Britain.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
redsoxmd
September 2021
The tour was amazing! We were the only people on the tour, so the guide customized the tour to our interests and schedule. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour! I would happily take the tour again!
The tour was amazing! We were the only people on the tour, so the guide customized the tour to our interests and schedule. We couldn’t have asked for a better tour! I would happily take the tour again!DennisS1980
September 2021
Robert’s wit, energy, and walking encyclopedia knowledge of history made this tour our most memorable
Robert’s wit, energy, and walking encyclopedia knowledge of history made this tour our most memorableMurphyd401
April 2022
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Robert. He was totally professional (a teacher by training), well prepared and flexible enough to address our personal interests. He is knowledgeable but highly entertaining, including the use of some interesting props to make his points. He even made it easy f...
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Robert. He was totally professional (a teacher by training), well prepared and flexible enough to address our personal interests. He is knowledgeable but highly entertaining, including the use of some interesting props to make his points. He even made it easy for us to recognize him in our hotel lobby…he was the one in the kilt. We heartily recommend Robert for a walking tour of Edinburgh.Navigator14715827132
September 2021
Robert was a superior guide. He knew his history like a boss but more than that, he made it fun. His passion for his hometown was contagious.
Robert was a superior guide. He knew his history like a boss but more than that, he made it fun. His passion for his hometown was contagious.takethenickel
October 2021
Robert was a wonderful guide, giving us a ton of history with some personal side trips thrown in. My wife and I really enjoyed the day learning of the city's history. It's a perfect way to start off a holiday in Scotland - Highly Recommended! Many thanks!
Robert was a wonderful guide, giving us a ton of history with some personal side trips thrown in. My wife and I really enjoyed the day learning of the city's history. It's a perfect way to start off a holiday in Scotland - Highly Recommended! Many thanks!beebeebee08
April 2022
Thank you Robert for a wonderful walking tour around Edinburgh, Alex and I really had a great time learning about the rich history of Edinburgh and Scotland from you. I highly recommend taking Robert's tour because its a small private tour and can be tailored to what we were interested in (hist...
Thank you Robert for a wonderful walking tour around Edinburgh, Alex and I really had a great time learning about the rich history of Edinburgh and Scotland from you. I highly recommend taking Robert's tour because its a small private tour and can be tailored to what we were interested in (historic Edinburgh, Mary Queen of Scots) - we also found Robert's enthusiasm and humour terrific as we were highly entertained throughout the walk (and reminisce about their other passion - football, AC Milan). The Scots are generally very kind and friendly people and Robert is a stand out example of that. We actually came across different parts of Edinburgh afterwards and remembered your stories and tales. We will recommend you to our friends and family!