The Best of Edinburgh: Private Walking Tour with Edinburgh Castle

On this half-day walking tour of Edinburgh, you will discover some of the most important historical sites of Scotland, including the world-famous Royal Mile, a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, and a medieval labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways and tenements that comprise this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

On your private walking tour, you will: 

• Enjoy a breathtaking view from Calton Hill with your private tour guide;
• Admire the Palace of Holyroodhouse and hear about political controversy outside the Scottish Parliament;
• See the historic John Knox House and hear about its history;
• Walk along the iconic Royal Mile, and discuss the history of Edinburgh's Old Town;
• Walk by the City Chambers, the place of the City of Edinburgh Council and its predecessors;
• Walk by Victoria Street and see one of the most photographed locations in the city and hear about Harry Potter stories;
• Explore the imposing St Giles Cathedral, known also as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, founded in 1124 by King David I;
• Enjoy a 30-minute tour of Edinburgh Castle, with a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress;
• End your tour at Edinburgh Castle, where you can continue to explore at your own leisure. 

On your private tour, your expert guide will take you into Old Town’s maze of streets and concealed courtyards, where you will learn about the city’s ‘closes’- cramped alleyways, and ‘wynds’ - narrow lanes between houses. 

Hear about the many characters who lived and died here, including Deacon Brodie, town councilman by day and master thief by night, who inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

You will also have the chance to explore the imposing St Giles Cathedral – the seat of Scottish Christianity for over nine centuries and the cradle of the Scottish Reformation during the 16th century.  

Found on the High Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, it dominates the city’s skyline, with its crowned steeple making a distinctive signature. The current building dates from the 15th century, but there has been a church on the site since early in the 12th.

A tour of Edinburgh would not be complete without learning about Scotland’s most famous historic attraction: Edinburgh Castle. Your guide will take you on a brief private tour of the castle, before leaving you to explore it at your own pace. 

Tour duration
3 hours

Type of tour
Walking tour: no transportation is included

Tickets included

- English Speaking Guide
- Edinburgh Castle admission tickets

Other inclusions

- Gratuities optional
- Food and drink are not included

- Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included 

Suitable for
Culture Vulture, Family, Friends, History Buffs

Attractions along this route:

The Royal Mile
The picturesque historic thoroughfare of the Old Town of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle
For nearly 1000 years Edinburgh Castle has shaped Scottish history as both a royal residence and a military stronghold.

Princes Street Gardens
The lovely Princes Street Gardens lie in a valley previously occupied by the North Loch, drained during the construction of the New Town of Edinburgh.

St Giles’ Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral has been at the spiritual heart of Edinburgh for over 900 years.

Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery is home to the country's spectacular collection of fine art.

John Knox House
Rumoured to have been the home of the 16th century Protestant reformer, this historic house tells the story of the Reformation and life in Edinburgh 400 years ago.

Calton Hill
Crammed with monuments, Calton Hill is part of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers splendid views over the city.