Edinburgh One-Day History and Culture Tour

Visit Edinburgh in one day!
Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, New Town, the National Galleries of Scotland. Small-group activity. You’ll learn about the history, culture and heritage of the Scottish capital, and there will be a break for lunch.

Meeting Point

2-4 Hope St

2-4 Hope St, Edinburgh EH2 4DB, UK

You will meet your guide on the corner of Princes Street, outside of Johnnie Walker and near the Binns Clock. Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour start time to check in.

What's included:

• Edinburgh Castle entrance ticket and guided tour
• Local Tour Guide
• Scottish National Gallery guided tour (highlights)
• The Georgian House (until 31st October 2024).
• The Dean Village (until 31st October 2024)

Not included:

• Gratuities

What to expect:

Duration: between 5 hours and 6 hours

Charlotte Square

West end of George Street 40 Charlotte Square, , Edinburgh, EH2 4HQ

Our tour will start in the West End of Edinburgh where we will introduce the city and its neighbourhoods. In Charlotte Square, we'll admire elegant examples of neoclassical architecture and understand why Edinburgh is known as the ‘Athens of the North’

15 minutes

Georgian House

7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DR

In Charlotte Square we will talk about the most iconic mansion of the New Town, the Georgian House. We will understand what the layout of Georgian townhouses looked like and what high society life was like in 18th and 19th century Edinburgh.

20 minutes

Princes Street Gardens

54 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4BA

Princes Street Gardens is one the main parks of Edinburgh, and we’ll cross it from the east to west. We'll stop to admire the Ross Fountain and other examples of public art. You will also enjoy a great view of the castle and the castle rock from the gardens.

20 minutes

National Galleries of Scotland: National

The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL

In the Scottish National Gallery we will discover the artworks of some of Scotland’s most famous artists including Sir Henry Raeburn, Alexander Nasmyth, and the Glasgow Boys.

40 minutes

High Street

High St, Edinburgh EH1, UK

We will walk towards the Royal Mile where we will stop for lunch. This area is renowned for its pubs and restaurants and you will have the opportunity to try some delicious Scottish food.

50 minutes

Mercat Cross

Mercat Cross, Edinburgh

After lunch we will walk along the Royal Mile where we'll see the Mercat Cross. This was once used for public announcements and public punishments. We will also explain why the unicorn appears at the top of this structure.

10 minutes

St Giles' Cathedral

High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE

In front of the Mercat Cross we will see St. Giles Cathedral. We'll talk about the architecture of the most important church in Scotland, and discover the history of the Presbyterian religion. We will also walk to West Parliament Square to talk about the Act of Union.

30 minutes

Heart of Midlothian

197 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PW

On the other side of St. Giles we will see the Heart of Midlothian, a landmark that marks the spot where the Old Tolbooth once stood.

10 minutes

Royal Mile

High St., , Edinburgh, EH1 2PB

Leaving St. Giles behind us, we will stroll along the Royal Mile. Here's we'll learn what its medieval cobbled lanes, called closes, were and how they were used. There will also be the opportunity to talk about the city’s cultural scene, including its festivals.

25 minutes

Greyfriars Bobby

Edinburgh, EH1 2QE

We will walk along George IV bridge. It is time to meet Edinburgh's most famous and loyal dog, Bobby! We'll also see the dog statue located just outside of the graveyard.

10 minutes

Greyfriars

26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ

Behind Bobby, we will find the entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard. This historic graveyard we will understand what the Mortsafes are, and learn about the connection between the Scottish Covenants and the George Mackenzie Mausoleum.

20 minutes

Grassmarket

21 Grassmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS

After the graveyard we will find the Grassmarket, famous for its pubs and its dark past.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Victoria street

Victoria St, Edinburgh

From the graveyard, we will walk to the Grassmarket an area famous for its pubs and its dark past. From the Grassmarket we will walk up Victoria Street, the most picturesque and colorful street of Edinburgh.

10 minutes

Writers' Museum

Lady Stairs House Lady Stair's Close Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2PA

Back on the Royal Mile, we'll find the Makars’ Court. Here, with the Writer’s Museum as a backdrop, we will talk about Scotland’s most important writers, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

10 minutes

Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

Castle Hill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

After leaving Makars' Court, we'll walk for a few minutes along the top part of the Royal Mile until we reach the Castle Esplanade. Before entering the castle, we will enjoy stunning views of the city and see where the Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place.

5 minutes

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

It is finally time to enter Edinburgh Castle. Once inside, we’ll delve into the history and secrets of this building, and recall the fascinating stories of kings, queens, battles and sieges. After the guided tour you will have the opportunity to explore the indoor areas of the castle at your own pace.

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Included