The Private Edinburgh City Tour offers an intimate and immersive way to explore Scotland’s captivating capital. Led by knowledgeable guides, this personalized excursion takes small groups on a journey through the city’s storied past, from the imposing grandeur of Edinburgh Castle to the charming alleyways of the Royal Mile. With convenient hotel pickup and optional lunch, this tour caters to visitors seeking a well-rounded introduction to Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks and lesser-known historical tales. Whether you’re fascinated by the city’s dark history of witchcraft and body snatching or simply eager to uncover its enchanting stories, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Good To Know

Private Edinburgh City Tour - Good To Know

  • A private Edinburgh city tour offers a personalized sightseeing experience with a knowledgeable guide, catering to a maximum of 5 people.
  • The tour covers highlights like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Calton Hill, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
  • Convenient hotel/accommodation pickup and drop-off are included, ensuring a seamless start to the tour.
  • The tour is accessible for guests with mobility challenges, families with young children, and those with service animals.
  • The tour delves into Edinburgh’s rich history, including captivating tales of witchcraft and body snatching.

Tour Overview

Private Edinburgh City Tour - Tour Overview

The private Edinburgh City Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historic city in a personal minibus.

The tour includes informative commentary from a knowledgeable guide, who’ll share historical tales about Edinburgh, including the city’s dark history of witchcraft and body snatching.

Highlights of the tour include the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the charming Royal Mile, the picturesque Calton Hill, and the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The tour is limited to a maximum of 5 people per booking, ensuring a personalized experience.

With pickup available from all Edinburgh accommodations, the tour starts at 9:00 AM, making it a convenient way to discover the city’s top attractions.

Inclusions

Private Edinburgh City Tour - Inclusions

The private Edinburgh City Tour includes a driver/guide who’ll provide live commentary throughout the experience.

The tour also includes:

  • Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the tour
  • An optional lunch, allowing visitors to refuel during the excursion
  • A maximum group size of 5 people, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience

These inclusions are designed to make the tour comfortable, informative, and tailored to the needs of each group.

With the expert guidance and attention to detail, visitors can expect an immersive and enriching exploration of Edinburgh’s historic landmarks and compelling tales.

Pickup Information

Private Edinburgh City Tour - Pickup Information

Visitors can look forward to being picked up from all Edinburgh accommodations, with the tour kicking off at 9:00 AM.

This provides a convenient start to the day, allowing guests to embark on their private Edinburgh city tour without the hassle of navigating to a central meeting point.

The pickup service ensures a seamless beginning to the experience, setting the tone for a comfortable and informative exploration of the city’s highlights.

Whether staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or other accommodation, the tour operator will make the necessary arrangements to collect participants and commence the immersive journey through Edinburgh’s storied past and iconic landmarks.

Accessibility

Private Edinburgh City Tour - Accessibility

This private Edinburgh city tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests with mobility challenges to join in the exploration of the city’s historical gems.

The tour is also stroller accessible, making it convenient for families with young children.

Service animals are welcome, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

The tour is located near public transportation, providing easy access for those relying on buses or trains.

With these accessibility features, most travelers can participate and fully enjoy the captivating tales and sights of Edinburgh.

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed

Reviews and Ratings

Private Edinburgh City Tour - Reviews and Ratings

With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 8 reviews, this private Edinburgh city tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.

Guests have praised the tour’s comfort, the guide’s extensive knowledge of Scotland, and the overall experience. Notable guide Alan Fee, in particular, has been commended for his personable approach.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, providing flexibility for travelers.

Priced at $1,018.65 per group (up to 5 people), the tour is competitively priced for the level of service and expertise provided.

Historical Tales

Private Edinburgh City Tour - Historical Tales

Among the highlights of this private Edinburgh city tour is the focus on the city’s rich historical tales, including those of witchcraft and body snatching.

Your knowledgeable guide will regale you with captivating stories from Edinburgh’s past, shedding light on the city’s darker side:

  • Uncover the chilling history of the city’s witchcraft trials, where innocent women were accused and executed.

  • Explore the notorious activities of body snatchers, who’d grave-rob to sell corpses to medical schools.

  • Explore the eerie sites associated with these macabre tales, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your Edinburgh experience.

Edinburgh Castle

Private Edinburgh City Tour - Edinburgh Castle

Towering over the city, Edinburgh Castle stands as a testament to Scotland’s rich history. This iconic fortress has witnessed centuries of battles, sieges, and royal intrigue.

Visitors can explore its impressive architecture, including the Great Hall, the Royal Apartments, and the Scottish National War Memorial. One of the highlights is the Stone of Destiny, a symbolic coronation stone that was once taken by the English and later returned to Scotland.

The castle also houses the Scottish Crown Jewels, offering a glimpse into the country’s royal past. With stunning views of the city and the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh Castle is a must-see attraction on any tour of the Scottish capital.

Royal Mile and Calton Hill

Private Edinburgh City Tour - Royal Mile and Calton Hill

The Royal Mile and Calton Hill offer a captivating juxtaposition of Edinburgh’s historical and architectural wonders.

Stroll along the iconic Royal Mile, lined with charming shops, pubs, and historic landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral.

Ascend Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city, showcasing the striking Edinburgh Castle and the neoclassical National Monument, a half-built replica of the Parthenon.

  • Explore the Royal Mile’s vibrant blend of old and new, from medieval structures to modern boutiques.

  • Climb Calton Hill for breathtaking vistas of Edinburgh’s skyline and surrounding countryside.

  • Discover the National Monument, a unique architectural piece that adds to the hill’s allure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and beverages on the tour. However, lunch is also offered as an optional inclusion, so travelers may choose to purchase a meal during the excursion if desired.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for the tour. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Participants should wear sensible walking shoes, as the tour involves exploring Edinburgh on foot. The tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all participants.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants can take photos throughout the tour. The guide encourages capturing the sights and recommends the best spots for photos. However, guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting the tour experience for others.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets for the Attractions in Advance?

The tour includes entrance to the attractions, so you don’t need to purchase tickets in advance. The guide will handle all the logistics, allowing you to fully enjoy the sights and stories during the tour.

Can I Request a Specific Tour Route or Itinerary?

Yes, you can request a specific tour route or itinerary. The tour operator offers flexibility to customize the experience based on your interests. They’ll work with you to create an itinerary that meets your preferences.

The Sum Up

The Private Edinburgh City Tour offers an intimate and personalized experience to explore the city’s rich history and stunning landmarks. With convenient hotel pickup, optional lunch, and accessibility features, the tour ensures a memorable journey through Edinburgh’s captivating stories, including its darker historical tales. Whether visiting iconic sites like Edinburgh Castle or learning about the city’s witchcraft and body snatching, this tour provides an engaging and informative way to discover the heart of Scotland’s capital.