Viator Rating : 5 (881 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.8/10 (Solid Experience)
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Tour: Tickets Included
135
Overview
The Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour offers a captivating journey through Scotland's historic capital. This walking tour explores the famous Royal Mile and includes entry to Edinburgh Castle, offering a deep dive into Scottish history and culture.
Walk the Royal Mile's ancient, cobbled streets, where the tour guide shares exciting stories of Scotland’s past, pointing out landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral, the colorful Victoria Street, and the lively Grassmarket. Then, step inside Edinburgh Castle to uncover its rich history and see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel, the city's oldest building. Hear dramatic tales of Mary, Queen of Scots, and experience the firing of the One O’Clock Gun.
This tour includes a local guide and entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle for a guided tour, as well as a guided tour of the Old Town and Royal Mile highlights. Gratuities are not included. Key stops include the Royal Mile, Closes and Mercat Cross, St. Giles Cathedral & West Parliament Square, Heart of Midlothian & Makars' Court, Victoria Street, Grassmarket, Castle Esplanade & The Hub, and Edinburgh Castle. With an expert guide, this experience will allow visitors to get the most out of Edinburgh's history. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
Explore the Royal Mile: Walk the historic Royal Mile and see iconic landmarks.
Visit Edinburgh Castle: Get entry and a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle.
Discover Scottish History: Learn fascinating stories of Scotland’s past from your guide.
See the Crown Jewels: View the Crown Jewels of Scotland inside Edinburgh Castle.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved the tour guides' knowledge and enthusiasm.
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Many reviewers appreciated the skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle.
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Visitors enjoyed the stories and historical insights shared during the walking tour.
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The tour provides a comprehensive overview of Edinburgh's Old Town and Royal Mile.
Some found the tour pace to be a bit fast.
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A few reviewers mentioned that the castle can get crowded.
The Journey
Royal Mile
Begin your Edinburgh adventure on the Royal Mile, the historic thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Immerse yourself in the tales of Old Town as your guide introduces you to the city's captivating past. Explore the vibrant atmosphere, where medieval history blends seamlessly with modern Edinburgh.
Closes and Mercat Cross
Venture into the intriguing 'closes' – narrow alleyways that branch off the Royal Mile, each whispering tales of Edinburgh's past. Stop at the Mercat Cross, once a hub for public announcements and even punishments, and spot the unicorn that sits atop, a symbol of Scotland.
St. Giles Cathedral & West Parliament Square
Stand in awe before St. Giles' Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh, where you'll uncover the fascinating history of Presbyterianism in Scotland and admire the cathedral's stunning architecture. Continue to West Parliament Square and reflect on the pivotal Act of Union, a landmark moment in British history.
Heart of Midlothian & Makars' Court
Continue your walk on the Royal Mile to the Heart of Midlothian, a mosaic marking the site of the Old Tolbooth prison – a place of both dread and historical significance. Just off the Royal Mile, enter Makars' Court, a literary haven where you'll celebrate Scotland's literary giants, from Robert Burns to Sir Walter Scott, with the Writer’s Museum providing a stunning backdrop.
Victoria Street
Descend to Victoria Street, a vibrant, curved street renowned as one of the Old Town's most picturesque locations. Delight in the quirky shops and colourful facades that line this enchanting street, which is rumored to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.
Grassmarket
Arrive at the Grassmarket, a lively plaza known for its pubs and vibrant atmosphere, but also shadowed by a dark history of public executions. Imagine the bustling market days and the sombre events that once unfolded in this iconic Edinburgh location.
Castle Esplanade & The Hub
Climb towards the Castle Esplanade, taking in the imposing silhouette of The Hub, a distinctive landmark. On the Esplanade, immerse yourself in panoramic city views and discover the stage for the spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an unforgettable cultural experience.
Edinburgh Castle
Enter the historic Edinburgh Castle, a fortress perched atop an ancient volcano. Dive into the captivating history of Scottish royalty, epic battles, and dramatic sieges. After the guided tour, explore the castle's depths at your own pace, uncovering its hidden secrets and breathtaking views.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a local tour guide, entrance ticket to Edinburgh Castle, a guided tour inside, and a guided tour of the Old Town and Royal Mile highlights. Gratuities are not included. Make sure to meet your guide at the designated meeting point to begin your historical journey through Edinburgh.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as this tour involves a good amount of walking on cobblestone streets. Also, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season, and arrive early to make the most of your time at Edinburgh Castle.
Review Summary
Customers finds this tour highly engaging with knowledgeable guides who bring Scotland's history to life through stories of Mary Queen of Scots and castle highlights like the Crown Jewels and One O'Clock Gun. Many praise the efficient inclusion of castle entry and Royal Mile walk, though some note challenges with steep paths and steps limiting accessibility for those with mobility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
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