Your day begins appropriately where Edinburgh itself began: outside of Edinburgh Castle. Here, walking in the footsteps of kings and queens, you’ll learn about the castle's rich history as a royal residence, military outpost, prison, and fortress. 

Next, you will make your way to the charming Old Town, discussing the development of the city. Walking down the Royal Mile, your expert will share the historical significance of this area, interwoven with legends, folklore, and even ghost stories. You will continue down Victoria Street—renowned for its fairytale charm—on your way to Greyfriars Kirkyard, a graveyard from the 16th century where you will hear stories about some of its more famous inhabitants. 

You’ll then visit the National Museum of Scotland, home to a broad array of collections on topics ranging from the natural world to global art and design, to modern science and technology, and, of course, Scottish history. After absorbing the highlights of the museum, you’ll head on to the Grassmarket, once the city’s main marketplace and execution site. Spending some time in this historically rich area, your expert will also highlight the events and scenery that served as inspiration for famous literature (including Harry Potter).

Your guide will lead you next to view the exterior of Holyroodhouse Palace, the official residence of HRM the Queen in Edinburgh. And you also may venture up to Calton Hill for exquisite views of the city. Your historical morning of adventure will be topped off with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant or cafe (at your own expense)—the perfect opportunity to talk to your guide about everything from what you’ve seen during your morning to modern Scottish life. After your lunch, you’ll spend the afternoon in New Town, visiting its main streets, squares, and buildings, and seeing the contrast from the sights of earlier in the day. Wrapping up, you will finish your day, appropriately, with a wee dram in one of the city’s famed whisky bars. 

If you choose to add the optional car service, you will follow largely the same itinerary as the walking tour. We will pick you up from your hotel and you’ll kick off your tour in Old Town. However, the car will enable you to visit Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano and the main peak of hills in the city just before lunch. After lunch, you will continue to explore Edinburgh's New Town. At the end of the tour, you have the option to be dropped off at the hotel, or you can ask your guide to recommend a restaurant or pub to continue your Edinburgh exploration. 

Interested in exploring more of this beautiful and fascinating city? Try our Creating the Scottish Identity: Literature, Art and Politics Tour. 

For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

You’ll meet your expert guide near the Castle and it will end in the New Town. If you opt for the car service we will pick you up from your hotel and drop you back there after. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.
  

Yes, car services can be arranged if needed. The largest group size we can book a car service for is 6 people, due to vehicle size limitations. Please indicate your preference at the time of booking.

It’s a walking intensive tour, so may not be suitable for younger kids. We recommend checking out our Edinburgh Time Travel Tour for Kids.

The tour includes your time with the expert guide and a coffee at the beginning of the day. If you opt for the car service, this will be included in the price as well. Clients are expected to cover the cost of their own lunch.

If you select the walking tour, you will not go to Arthur's Seat. If you select the option with car service, we will do a scenic drive to view Arthur's Seat and, if the weather allows, go for a short hike there.

Do we go inside Edinburgh Castle or Holyrood Palace?
This tour doesn't go inside either Edinburgh Castle or Holyrood Palace, but views them from the outside.