Calton Hill

We start the tour from arguably Edinburgh’s best viewpoint. In addition to offering stunning views of Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill is also famed for its quirky and interesting architecture, including the National Monument of Scotland, which remains unfinished to this day.

Edinburgh Old Town

Learn about Edinburgh’s dark history, the effect of the Black Death, the great fire, and developments in the city that have led to its international prominence in the 19th centuary. We will be exploring much of the Royal Mile, its Closes, and its history. We will walk through the heart of the old town. From the Castle to the Palace The Royal Mile is approximately 1.2 miles through the heart of The old city of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle

You will get a sense of just how important Castle Hill is in the history of Edinburgh, Scotland and the British Empire. We don’t go inside the castle on this tour, but you will gain an appreciation of its significance and some of its quirks from the esplanade.

Victoria Street to The Grassmarket

In the past, the Grassmarket was used as a hanging place for Edinburgh’s criminals. You will hear about much folklore about executions from your guide, including the story of Half Hanging Maggie, one of Edinburgh’s most famous residents.

This city was the birthplace of Harry Potter, and Victoria Street in Edinburgh is the inspiration for Diagon Alley, with its winding cobblestone streets and an eclectic selection of colourful shops stacked on top of each other.

Canongate

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a palatial residence which sits at the very bottom of the Royal Mile. The impressive entrance courtyard and Palace dominate the scene as well as the adjoining Queen’s Gallery.

As the seat of the devolved national government, the Scottish Parliament is a modernist building next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The architectural juxtaposition is breathtaking!

Edinburgh New Town

This large scale development that was built in Georgian times across the valley from the old Edinburgh is a notable example of Georgian urban development. The first phase was completed in 1767 and was in response to overcrowding in the old city and in part to provide the nation with a new, enlightened city unlike any other.

Leith Docklands

There are extensive docks around Leith and Shore, along with cobbled lanes, tramways and bond buildings. Leith is also home to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is a floating museum of the British monarchy.

We will explore many of the city’s attractions and sights as well as several off-the-beaten-track places that only locals know about during your private tour.

Please note that we will see both Edinburgh Castle and The Palace of Holyroodhouse, but we will not enter them given the time allotted to this tour. If you want to enter these locations with us, please book the full-day Edinburgh tour.