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!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Local guide
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Just inside the main entrance, next to the grave of Greyfriars Bobby (the pink headstone which you see as soon as you enter the Kirkyard). Greyfriars Kirkyard, Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QQ
End point
We usually end this tour on South Bridge, ten minutes from our starting point at Greyfriars.
Good to know
This tour starts just inside the main entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard. The grave of Greyfriars Bobby sits here, just in front of the Kirk itself.The main entrance sits just next to Greyfriars Bobby's Bar at the top of Candlemaker Row. Please do not wait at the smaller entrance at the bottom of Candlemaker Row.
Your tour guide will either be wearing a Royal Blue shirt/jacket or, possibly, a kilt. Please say 'hi' and let him see your voucher.
We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes as the ground underfoot can at times be uneven around the Old Town of Edinburgh.
It can get cold in the evenings and sometimes it may have rain, bring a warm waterproof jacket and/or umbrella with you.
Our tours run whether it is raining or the sun is shining. However in the event that a severe weather warning has been issued, due to safety of our guide and you, we will contact you to reschedule your booking to another date.
Late arrivals:
If you are running 5 minutes late, it will still be possible to join the tour as most likely the guide has not moved on to the next stop. However if you are later and miss the group at the meeting point it will not be possible to join the tour.
Thanks for booking with Historic Edinburgh Tours.
What to expect
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Greyfriars
15 min
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!
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Grassmarket
25 min
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.
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Royal Mile
40 min
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... -
10 min
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.
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University of Edinburgh
30 min
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!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/London).
Additional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
FAQs about Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!
Can I cancel Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours.
Where does it start?
Just inside the main entrance, next to the grave of Greyfriars Bobby (the pink headstone which you see as soon as you enter the Kirkyard).
What's included?
- Local guide
What's not included?
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Greyfriars, Grassmarket, Royal Mile, University of Edinburgh.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Operated by Historic Edinburgh Tours
