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Private Full Day Edinburgh Walking Tour: Castles & Old Town Sight

5.01 reviewEdinburgh Castle

  • 8 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • 2 languages
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Step into Edinburgh’s fascinating history on a private full day walking tour through the city’s ancient streets, historic Old Town, winding wynds, and hidden passages. Discover the stories behind Edinburgh’s castles, monuments, royal landmarks, battles, lost heads, and legendary characters as your local guide reveals the secrets most visitors miss. Explore the unique identity of Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, uncovering fascinating places where kings were crowned, wars were won, and unforgettable legends were born. With Hearts and Highlands, go beyond the typical sightseeing route and experience the authentic stories that have shaped Scotland’s capital. Note: The King’s Gallery at Holyroodhouse has seasonal opening hours: daily in summer and Thursday–Monday in winter, with shorter winter opening days.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Personal Local Guide

What's not

  • Lunch
  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. Edinburgh's Royal Mile is the heart of Scotland's historic capital.

    1 h

  2. Marvel at the architectural splendour of St. Giles Cathedral, the crown jewel of the Royal Mile, where Gothic grandeur and centuries of history converge in a magnificent display of craftsmanship.

    30 min

  3. Wander through the historic Advocates Close, a hidden gem of narrow closes and winding staircases that whisper tales of Edinburgh's medieval past and literary connections.

    15 min

  4. Ascend to the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this fortress that has witnessed centuries of royal intrigue and military prowess.

    2 h

  5. Lunch Stop : At own expense

    1 h

  6. Discover the enchanting charm of Granny's Green Steps, a picturesque hidden stairway connecting the Old and New Towns, offering a serene escape amidst lush greenery.

    15 min

  7. Experience the vibrant energy of Grassmarket, a historic market square surrounded by eclectic shops, pubs, and tales of public executions, now a lively hub of entertainment and culture.

    30 min

  8. Stroll through the eclectic streets of Cowgate, a district that seamlessly blends ancient and modern Edinburgh, with its vibrant nightlife, historic venues, and artistic flair.

    Passes by

  9. Step into the past at Fishmarket Close, a narrow alley lined with historic buildings and stories of fishmongers, providing a glimpse into the city's bustling trade history.

    Passes by

  10. Climb Jacob's Ladder, a historic stairway that connects the New Town to Calton Hill, offering breathtaking views and a sense of connection between the city's different eras.

    Passes by

  11. Climb Calton Hill to soak in panoramic views of the city and marvel at iconic monuments, offering a peaceful retreat with a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.

    1 h

  12. Wander through the hauntingly beautiful Canongate Kirkyard, a historic graveyard that echoes with tales of Edinburgh's past, featuring the final resting places of notable figures.

    30 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

  • 51
  • 40
  • 30
  • 20
  • 10

Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Meeting point
Let's meet by the David Hume Statue on Lawn Market (Corner to The Mound / George IV Bridge).
Pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 28 travellers
Operated by
Hearts and Highlands
  • 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

How it compares in Edinburgh

  • Its from-price is 20% above the median of the 1253 experiences we list in Edinburgh.
  • It is longer than most of them.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 742 of 1253.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, rises on volcanic hills, with a castle on a crag, a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town.

Edinburgh Castle crowns Castle Rock and keeps the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels. From there, the Royal Mile runs downhill through the Old Town, past St Giles' Cathedral and a warren of narrow closes, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, rises above the palace with sweeping views.

Top-ranked sights in Edinburgh: Royal Mile, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh Castle.

See all 1253 experiences in Edinburgh

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Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

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