The historic Capital City of Scotland offers a wealth of things to see. After we meet you from your hotel or cruise ship we’ll depart on a informative and entertaining discovery tour of Edinburgh, a great orientation to the city for first-time visitors. The city offers three distinct areas to be explored including the medieval old town, Georgian new town and docklands. Learn why Edinburgh is called the 7 hill city, witness first hand some of the famous views and explore localities that are off the beaten track.
Then travel the short distance south of the city to visit one of Scotland’s most beautiful churches in Rosslyn Glen. Made Famous by Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, Rosslyn Chapel is shrouded in mystery, intrigue and scandal.
Each private tour is conducted in our premium Mercedes minivans, ensuring your comfort as we venture along the narrow cobbled streets of Edinburgh.
Your knowledgable kilt-wearing private tour guide will tell you the stories and show you the sights on this tour. We offer flexibility and your time inside and outside the vehicle is up to you.
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KEY SIGHTS ON THIS TOUR…
The historic Capital City of Scotland offers a wealth of things to see. Depart on a informative and entertaining discovery tour of Edinburgh and on to of of the regions best attractions at Rosslyn Chapel.
Calton Hill
We start the tour from 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
From the Castle Esplanade, you’ll get a sense of just how important Edinburgh Castle is in Scottish history on a full tour of the fortress. We’ll visit its many interesting buildings including St Margarets Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh. Learn the fascinating military history and gain an appreciation of its significance in Scottish and British history.
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.
Rosslyn Chapel
Driving the short distance south from the city we come across Rosslyn Chapel in Rosslyn glen. Built in 1446 and renowned for its mysterious connections to the Knights Templar. It is also the location for the conclusion of the Dan Brown novel and film The Da Vinci Code, starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou.
Rosslyn is one of the best examples of stonemasonry in Europe and there is an incredible amount of intricate stonework on the inside and outside of the Chapel. The Apprentice Pillar tells a story of jealousy and murder that is incredibly gruesome.
According to legend, under the floor of this mysterious and majestic church, there is a crucifixion cross buried under it which is believed to be the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. The holy grail, as well as the treasures of the knights Templar themselves may also be hidden underneath.
Duddingston Village
Our tour will also include a stop at Duddingston Village on the way back to the city. This small enclave of Edinburgh contains a delightful old pub (where some guests choose to end their tour when they reach it) and a charming church and graveyard.
ALL OF OUR TOURS COME COMPLETE WITH…
KILT WEARING TOUR GUIDE
We are passionate, professional and full of personality. Let us share our knowledge of Scotland
HOTEL / CRUISE BERTH PICK UP
We’ll collect & return you at the start and end of the tour
BOTTLED SCOTTISH WATER
`Chilled, premium still and sparkling Scottish water is provided
PREMIUM MERCEDES MINIVAN
Our minivans offer luxury interiors and excellent legroom for up to 7 guests and their bags
ONBOARD WIFI
Stay connected to friends and family on tour with unlimited super-fast wifi
RECENT CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
Heather C
Our tour was a wonderful and immersive experience with Hazel, who has a wealth of historical knowledge! Tremendously affable, she took us to several unexpected points of Outlander related interest, a delicious place for lunch and our private tour felt like spending the day with [...]
ML
If you're reading this review trying to decide if you want to book this tour, let me tell you that you absolutely should! You will not regret it and will have memories for a lifetime. I highly recommended his tour. Alexander thank you for an [...]
Martin L
We actually took the full day tour and I can't say enough good things about our tour experience and, more importantly, our guide Alexander (Sandy). He was top notch. He immediately made us feel at home. Alexander was down to earth, funny and SO knowledgeable. [...]
Alex M
We went on a tour with Hazel today. She was a rock star! We had the best day ever! She was so friendly, knowledgeable and kind! She was very attentive to our interests and we truly enjoyed her company. She’s the best tour guide ever!