Essential Walking Tour of Edinburghs Old Town

Discover the captivating history of Edinburgh’s Old Town on this essential walking tour. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll uncover hidden gems and iconic landmarks, from the historic Grassmarket to the stunning St. Giles’ Cathedral. With a moderate fitness level, you’ll explore the Royal Mile and reach the Abbey Strand, near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, setting the stage for further culture. This immersive experience promises to reveal the city’s rich past and vibrant present, leaving you eager to delve deeper into Edinburgh’s enchanting charm.

Key Points

• The tour explores Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, showcasing iconic landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Royal Mile.
• Guided by a local expert, the tour accommodates a maximum of 6 travelers for a personalized experience.
• Guests can expect to learn about Edinburgh’s rich history, from public executions in the Grassmarket to the Scottish Reformation.
• The tour concludes at Abbey Strand, near the Palace of Holyroodhouse, allowing for further independent exploration.
• Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Tour Overview

The "Essential Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town" is a captivating exploration through the historic heart of Scotland’s capital.

Led by a private guide, this tour takes a maximum of 6 travelers on a journey through Edinburgh’s old town, showcasing its iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

Priced from $164.64 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate physical fitness level required makes it suitable for most visitors.

With COVID-19 measures in place, this private tour ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

The tour begins at Cafe Jacquees in Grassmarket and concludes near the Palace of Holyrood House, providing a rundown of Edinburgh’s rich history.

Meeting and Start Point

At the meeting point outside of Cafe Jacquees, located at 8 Grassmarket in Edinburgh’s city center, travelers will gather to commence their Essential Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Conveniently situated near public transportation, this designated starting point ensures a smooth and efficient transition into the tour experience.

Meetup Details
Location	Cafe Jacquees	8 Grassmarket
City	Edinburgh	EH1 2JU, UK
Accessibility	Near public	transportation
Start Time	Tour begins	promptly
End Location	Abbey Strand	EH8 8DU, UK

Exploring the Grassmarket

Leaving the meeting point at Café Jacquees, the tour guides lead participants into the vibrant Grassmarket.

This historic square was once the site of public executions, but today it’s a lively hub with an array of charming shops, cozy pubs, and colorful buildings.

The tour explores:

1. The iconic Grassmarket statue, commemorating the area’s dark past.
2. Charming independent boutiques showcasing local artisanal goods.
3. The iconic White Hart Inn, a former 14th-century inn with a rich history.

As the group strolls through the Grassmarket, the guides share captivating tales of Edinburgh’s past, painting a vivid picture of the city’s storied heritage.

St. Giles’ Cathedral

From the vibrant Grassmarket, the tour group now makes its way towards the iconic St. Giles’ Cathedral. This medieval church stands as a centerpiece of Edinburgh’s Old Town, its Gothic architecture and imposing steeple dominating the skyline.

The guide explains the cathedral’s rich history, noting it was the site of significant religious and political events, including the Scottish Reformation. Visitors are invited to step inside, marveling at the ornate interior and learning about the church’s role in shaping Scotland’s religious and cultural identity.

The tour then continues along the Royal Mile, providing a seamless transition from the Grassmarket to this renowned landmark.

Royal Mile Highlights

What’s the next stop on the tour? The guide will lead the group down the iconic Royal Mile, Edinburgh’s historic main street.

Visitors will explore three highlights along this famous thoroughfare:

1. St. Giles’ Cathedral – A stunning Gothic cathedral dating back to the 12th century, known for its magnificent spire and associations with John Knox and the Scottish Reformation.

2. Canongate Kirk – This picturesque church has served the Canongate community for over 300 years and is the final resting place of several notable Scots.

3. Mercat Cross – A significant landmark where public announcements and celebrations took place in centuries past, the Mercat Cross stands as a symbol of Edinburgh’s rich heritage.

Stops Along the Way

As the tour progresses down the iconic Royal Mile, the guide points out several captivating landmarks that showcase Edinburgh’s rich history.

Venturing through the Grassmarket, the tour explores the area’s colorful past as a former market and site of public executions.

Next, the group wanders through the charming Closes, narrow alleyways that offer a glimpse into the lives of 16th-century residents.

The guide then leads the way to St. Giles’ Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture and the spiritual heart of Scotland.

End Point and Dispersal

The tour concludes at the Abbey Strand, near the impressive Palace of Holyroodhouse at the eastern end of the Royal Mile.

This is an ideal location for visitors to:

1. Explore the area on their own and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the Queen in Scotland.

2. Seek out additional dining or shopping options along the Royal Mile.

3. Easily access public transportation, such as buses or the Edinburgh Tram, to continue their journey through the city.

With the tour now complete, guests are free to continue their Edinburgh adventure at their own pace, armed with the insightful historical knowledge provided by their knowledgeable guide.

Preparing for the Tour

To make the most of the Essential Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town, tour-goers should arrive promptly at the designated meeting point – Cafe Jacquees, located at 8 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility issues may want to consider an alternative option. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour involves moderate physical activity and covers approximately 1.5 miles.

While service animals are allowed, the tour isn’t suitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

Participants should check the tour’s COVID-19 measures before arriving to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Since You Asked

Can I Book This Tour for a Group Larger Than 6 People?

No, the tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers. The tour information explicitly states the group size is capped at 6 people, so larger groups wouldn’t be able to book this specific tour.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the tour. However, the tour guide may ask participants to avoid using flash or taking photos in certain areas to avoid disrupting the tour experience for others. Travelers are encouraged to check with the guide before taking photos.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Senior Citizens or Students?

The tour provider offers a 10% discount for seniors aged 65 and over, and a 15% discount for students with valid student IDs. Discounts must be requested at the time of booking and cannot be combined with other offers.

Can I Request a Specific Language for the Tour Guide?

Guests can request a specific language for the tour guide, though this may incur an additional fee and is subject to guide availability. The private nature of the tour allows for customization to meet individual needs.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Breaks and Rest Stops During the Tour?

The tour’s duration is flexible, allowing for breaks and rest stops as needed. The guide will accommodate participants’ comfort levels, ensuring a comfortable pace throughout the walkthrough of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.

The Sum Up

The Essential Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town offers an engaging exploration of the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you will uncover hidden gems and notable sites, culminating at the Abbey Strand near the Palace of Holyroodhouse. With a moderate fitness level required, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to take in Edinburgh’s vibrant culture and architecture.