Enjoy the captivating history of Edinburgh’s Old Town with the Private Old Edinburgh Walking Tour. Led by a knowledgeable local expert, this 1.5-hour experience takes you on a journey through the city’s storied past. Wander ancient streets, uncover literary and architectural gems, and enjoy stunning views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. From the hidden corners of Riddles Court to the vibrant Grassmarket, this tour offers an enriching glimpse into the heart of Scotland’s capital. Discover the rich cultural heritage that has shaped this enchanting city, and find yourself enticed to explore further.
Good To Know
- Explore the ancient streets and hidden gems of Old Edinburgh on a 1.5-hour private walking tour with a knowledgeable guide.
- Visit historic sites like Riddles Court, Writers’ Museum, and Gladstone’s Land to learn about the city’s rich literary and architectural heritage.
- Enjoy captivating views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle from vantage points along the old city walls.
- Conclude the tour in the lively Grassmarket area, with opportunities for dining and shopping.
- The tour is stroller-accessible but not wheelchair-friendly, and confirmation is provided upon booking.
Overview of the Tour
The 1.5-hour private walking tour of Old Edinburgh allows guests to explore the ancient streets and hidden gems of the historic city.
The tour includes visits to key sites like Riddles Court, the Writers Museum, and Gladstones Land. Participants will also enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle from old city wall vantage points.
The tour concludes in the Grassmarket area, where guests can explore dining and shopping options.
Confirmation is provided upon booking, and the tour is stroller-accessible, though not wheelchair-friendly. Most travelers can participate without restrictions, and service animals are permitted.
The tour is highly rated, with reviewers praising the guide’s local knowledge and adaptability.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Edinburgh.
Exploring Ancient Streets
Guests on the private walking tour of Old Edinburgh embark on a captivating exploration of the city’s ancient streets and hidden gems.
As they meander through the charming alleyways, they’ll encounter:
- Riddles Court, a beautifully preserved 16th-century building that showcases the architectural elegance of the past.
- The Writers’ Museum, a tribute to Scotland’s literary giants like Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
- Gladstone’s Land, a well-preserved historic tenement that provides a glimpse into the lives of Edinburgh’s residents centuries ago.
Throughout the journey, the knowledgeable guide shares fascinating stories and insights, bringing the city’s rich history to life and leaving your with a deeper appreciation for Old Edinburgh’s enduring allure.
Key Historic Sites
Throughout the private walking tour, guests marvel at the wealth of key historic sites that dot the ancient streets of Old Edinburgh.
One highlight is Riddles Court, a 16th-century merchant’s house with stunning architectural details. The Writers’ Museum, dedicated to celebrated Scottish authors like Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott, offers a glimpse into the city’s literary heritage.
Another must-see is Gladstone’s Land, a preserved 17th-century tenement building that provides insight into how ordinary citizens once lived.
The tour also showcases views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle from vantage points along the old city walls, allowing guests to appreciate the castle’s imposing presence over the historic landscape.
Vantage Points of Edinburgh Castle
From various vantage points along the old city walls, tour participants can marvel at the imposing presence of the iconic Edinburgh Castle towering over the historic landscape.
As the tour winds through the ancient streets, it offers several breathtaking views of the castle from unique perspectives:
- The rugged silhouette of the castle perched atop its volcanic crag, dominating the skyline.
- The intricate architectural details and fortifications visible from the old city walls.
- The castle’s resplendent majesty framed by the picturesque surrounding buildings and cobblestone alleys.
These captivating vantage points allow visitors to fully appreciate the grandeur and significance of this legendary Scottish landmark.
Dining and Shopping in Grassmarket
As the private walking tour concludes in the Grassmarket area, visitors find themselves surrounded by a lively array of dining and shopping options.
This historic marketplace offers an eclectic mix of traditional pubs, cozy cafes, and independent boutiques. Travelers can savor local cuisine, from hearty Scottish dishes to international fare, in the charming cobblestone setting.
Shoppers will delight in browsing the unique stores, discovering artisanal goods, vintage finds, and Edinburgh-themed souvenirs.
With its vibrant atmosphere and convenient location, the Grassmarket provides the perfect finale to the private walking exploration of Old Edinburgh’s hidden gems.
- Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English
- Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh
- Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands With Lunch From Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour With Entry Ticket
- Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip From Edinburgh
- Haunted Vaults Walking Tour in Edinburgh
Booking and Confirmation Details
Customers who book the private walking tour of Edinburgh receive confirmation upon booking.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible, and service animals are permitted. The tour is also conveniently located near public transport.
The private nature of the tour ensures exclusive group participation, making it accessible to most travelers without restrictions. Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The product code for reference is 17341P49, and the Viator Help Centre is available for any inquiries.
The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with travelers highlighting the guide’s local knowledge and adaptability.
Accessibility and Transport Options
The private walking tour of Edinburgh is accessible for most travelers. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller accessible.
Service animals are permitted, and the tour is located near public transportation.
Participants can expect a personalized experience as the tour is private, ensuring exclusive group participation. Most travelers can participate without any restrictions, making the tour suitable for a wide range of visitors.
The tour’s accessibility and transport options cater to the needs of various travelers, allowing them to fully enjoy the historical and cultural exploration of Old Edinburgh.
Traveler Reviews and Testimonials
A wealth of positive traveler reviews and testimonials underscore the exceptional quality of this private walking tour of Edinburgh. According to Viator, the tour boasts an overall rating of 5.0 stars based on 7 reviews, with the majority praising the guide’s local expertise and adaptability.
Key highlights include:
- "Our guide was fantastic – knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating to our interests."
- "Highly recommend this tour for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for an immersive experience."
- "The tour exceeded our expectations, showcasing hidden gems we never would have discovered on our own."
The reviews convey a consistently positive experience, instilling confidence in the tour’s ability to deliver an engaging and memorable exploration of Old Edinburgh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pets on the Tour?
Service animals are permitted on the tour, but personal pets are not allowed. The tour is not suitable for bringing non-service animals as it may disrupt the experience for other participants.
Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary can be customized to an extent, though the core sites like Riddles Court and Gladstones Land are likely fixed. Guests can discuss their interests with the guide to tailor the experience within the scheduled timeframe.
Do the Guides Have Special Training or Qualifications?
The guides on this tour have specialized training and qualifications. They’re knowledgeable about local history and adapt the experience to suit the audience. Reviewers praise the guides’ expertise and ability to create an engaging, personalized tour.
Will There Be Restroom Breaks During the Tour?
During the tour, guides typically plan for short restroom breaks at appropriate points along the route. The tour schedule is designed to accommodate reasonable needs without disrupting the overall flow and experience for participants.
Can I Book the Tour for a Group Larger Than 6 People?
Yes, the tour can accommodate groups larger than 6 people. The product overview states this is a private tour, which allows for exclusive group participation. Larger groups can be booked as needed.
Sum Up
The Private Old Edinburgh Walking Tour offers a captivating 1.5-hour exploration of the city’s historic sites, including stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Guided by a knowledgeable local, guests uncover the rich literary and architectural heritage of the area, concluding in the vibrant Grassmarket with diverse dining and shopping options. It’s an enriching and memorable experience for all.
More Walking Tours in Edinburgh
- Edinburgh: Dean Village, Circus Lane & Botanic Garden Walk
- Edinburgh: Multi-Sensory Old Town Historical Walking Tour
- Edinburgh: Old Town Walking Tour with Holyrood Entry
- Edinburgh: Full-Day Walking Tour with Edinburgh Castle
- Edinburgh’s Dark and Hidden History Walking Tour
- Edinburgh: Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour
More Tours in Edinburgh
- From Edinburgh: Scottish Highland Games Day Tour
- Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye & Highlands Guided Tour
- Edinburgh: small-group historic coffee tour
- Private city tour of Edinburgh Old Town and the historic Royal Mile
- Edinburgh: Multi-Sensory Old Town Historical Walking Tour
- Edinburgh: Old Town Walking Tour with Holyrood Entry
More Tour Reviews in Edinburgh
- From Edinburgh: Scottish Highland Games Day Tour
- Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye & Highlands Guided Tour
- Edinburgh: Dean Village, Circus Lane & Botanic Garden Walk
- Edinburgh: small-group historic coffee tour
- Private city tour of Edinburgh Old Town and the historic Royal Mile
- Edinburgh: Multi-Sensory Old Town Historical Walking Tour
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Edinburgh we have reviewed
- From Edinburgh: Scottish Highland Games Day Tour
- Edinburgh: 3-Day Isle of Skye & Highlands Guided Tour
- Edinburgh: Dean Village, Circus Lane & Botanic Garden Walk
- Edinburgh: small-group historic coffee tour
- Private city tour of Edinburgh Old Town and the historic Royal Mile
- Edinburgh: Multi-Sensory Old Town Historical Walking Tour
- Edinburgh: Old Town Walking Tour with Holyrood Entry
- Edinburgh: Late Night Edinburgh Zoo Entry Ticket
- From Edinburgh: Loch Ness & Scottish Highlands Tour
- From Edinburgh: St Andrew’s & Whisky Tour (Small-Group)
- Edinburgh: School of Magic – Craft Your Own Wand Workshop
- Edinburgh: Underground Vaults and Graveyard Evening Tour