Duration
Meeting point
One of the best ways to explore Edinburgh is by foot. During your tour, we will stroll along the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile and hear the stories of the Old Town and visit hidden courtyards, secluded gardens and iconic buildings such as Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral and Holyrood Palace and see amazing views over the city.
Edinburgh Castle
Departing from your hotel, we will walk to our first stop of the day – Edinburgh Castle. You will hear about the turbulent history of the castle, explore St Margaret’s Chapel, wander through the Royal Palace, view the treasured Honours of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. During the tour there will be ample time to explore the Castle at your own pace before you meet your guide on the Castle Esplanade.
Royal Mile
Leaving the Castle behind we will slowly wind our way down the Royal Mile following the processional route of Scotland’s Kings and Queens. During our walk we will discover the “wynds” and “closes” that make the medieval ‘old’ town of Edinburgh so special. We will stop at the Writers Museum, Parliament Square, St Giles Cathedral, continue past John Knox’s House and the Netherbow town gate, view the delightful gardens at Dunbar Close before arriving at the foot of the Royal Mile.
Holyrood Palace
Against the dramatic backdrop of Salisbury Crags at the foot of the Royal Mile lies Holyrood Palace – the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Discover where Mary Queen of Scot’s secretary was brutally murdered, admire the opulent chambers or walk through the gardens where the Queen hosts the official garden party each year in June. The tour takes approximately one hour with the opportunity to visit the Queens Gallery and the Palace shop and cafe. If you prefer you can visit the Scottish Parliament instead or if you are feeling energetic why not walk up to Arthurs seat for outstanding views of the city before heading back to your hotel.
Is it possible to extend this tour to a full day?
Yes, on a full day we would follow the itinerary above as well as exploring the New Town of Edinburgh.
