Edinburgh Private Old Town History Tour

What better way to acquaint yourself with the layout of Edinburgh's medieval Old Town than a private tour with your own experienced guide.
In 3 hours your guide will cover all of the highlights of the Old Town as well as the hidden gems that the unwary visitor misses.

Your guide will scratch under the surface of each location helping the visitor to understand why the city has such a gruesome history. Although many people think it is just about the Castle, it is much more than that. It is about the people who lived and died in the Old Town.

You will hear stories of body-snatchers, of witches and the religious zealots that sent them to their deaths. We will explain how Scotland went from independent country to becoming part of the United Kingdom and its impact on Edinburgh

The 18th century was a period that saw the rebirth of Edinburgh through learning and education. This period became known as the Scottish Enlightenment. Come on this tour to be entertained and enlightened.

Meeting Point

8 Grassmarket

8 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU, UK

The meeting point is outside Cafe Jacquees at the western end of the Grassmarket.

What's included:

• Private guide

Not included:

• Pay-to-enter attractions.

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours

Greyfriars

26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ

We will walk through one of the oldest graveyards in Edinburgh and will tell tales of some of its most famous inhabitants.

15 minutes

Grassmarket

21 Grassmarket, Old Town, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS

Brief photo stop.

10 minutes

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

We will stop here for approximately 15 minutes to allow your guide to explain about the Castle and the surrounding landmarks. We do not enter the Castle.

15 minutes

Royal Mile

High St., , Edinburgh, EH1 2PB

The Royal Mile stretches from the Castle to the Palace and we will walk our way downhill stopping at numerous locations listed below.

Pass by without stopping

St Giles' Cathedral

High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE

The area of St Giles Cathedral was considered to be the very heart of medieval Edinburgh. We will spend approximately 30 minutes here while your guide "paints a picture" of life in this area.

20 minutes

Mercat Cross

Mercat Cross, Edinburgh

Considered to be the main public meeting place for the townspeople of Edinburgh but here we will tell you the other significant features of this area.

10 minutes

John Knox House Museum

43-45 High Street, , Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

Commonly believed (mistakenly) to be the property of Scotland's most famous Protestant reformer, John Knox. This is the oldest building on the Royal Mile and here we will tell you who really lived here.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

The Museum of Edinburgh

142 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8DD

This free-to-enter museum is housed in another of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile and is a treasure trove of historic artefacts related to the history of Edinburgh's Old Town.

20 minutes

Canongate Kirk

153 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN

We will take a brief look inside the Canongate Kirk (when open). This has been a place of worship since 1688 and is where our present Queen Elizabeth II goes when she is in residence.

10 minutes

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, UK

This is the official residence of our Queen when she is in Edinburgh. However, its history stretches right back to the early 1500s but the abbey adjacent to it dates back to the early 12th century. Let your guide explain the most important periods in history associated with the Palace.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included