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5 (1555)

Location Icon Edinburgh

Royal Mile History Tour: Uncover Edinburgh's Secrets

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180

Overview

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

Overview

Quotes Logo The Royal Mile Walking Tour with a Professional Historian explores the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. Edinburgh Guided Tours offers an intimate exploration of the Royal Mile led by expert guides, including historians and academics, in a small group setting, limited to just 12 people. Guests will walk the historic streets and hidden closes while their guide tells stories of royal scandals, Enlightenment thinkers, and even Harry Potter inspirations.

This walking tour shows guests the important sites along the Royal Mile. They will see landmarks like St. Giles Cathedral, the Grassmarket, and Greyfriars Kirkyard. The tour also visits Usher Hall, Edinburgh Castle, Medieval Marketplace, 17th and 18th Century Court, James Court, Museum of Scottish Literature, David Hume's House, Deacon Brodie's Story, Magnificent Cathedral, Royal Mile Highlights, Bridge to Princes Street Gardens, and Landmark Separating Old & New Towns. Guests will learn about famous writers, poets, and economists who lived in Edinburgh. This is a great chance to take amazing pictures.

This tour includes a professional guide and a small group size to ensure a personal experience. Gratuities are not included. With Edinburgh Guided Tours, history comes alive! Quotes Logo

Highlights

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Expert Historian Guides: Learn from PHD Historians, Professors, and Museum Managers who bring Edinburgh's history to life.

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Small Group Experience: Enjoy a personal tour with a maximum of 12 guests for an intimate and engaging experience.

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Iconic Landmarks: Visit famous sites like St Giles Cathedral, Grassmarket, and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

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Hidden Gems: Discover secret closes and wynds along the Royal Mile that most tourists miss.

Sentiment Analysis

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Customers rave about the knowledgeable guides and intimate small-group experience. The tour is both educational and engaging, though some note the need for comfortable shoes and weather awareness. Quotes Logo

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers say the tour guides are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

    Positive Highlight Icon Many reviewers enjoyed the small group size, which allows for a more personal experience.

    Positive Highlight Icon Several people highlighted the interesting facts and stories shared by the guides.

    Positive Highlight Icon Customers appreciated seeing hidden gems and learning about Edinburgh's history.

  • Negative Highlight Icon A few reviewers mentioned that the tour could be affected by weather conditions.

    Negative Highlight Icon One reviewer said that there could be a lot of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes.

The Journey

1

Usher Hall

Experience the architectural splendor of Usher Hall, a Baroque 'Beaux Arts' masterpiece gifted to Edinburgh by Andrew Usher. Admire its grand facade and step inside to witness world-class performances in a venue renowned for its acoustics and historical significance. A cultural jewel in the heart of the city.

2

Edinburgh Castle

Marvel at the imposing silhouette of Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock. Delve into its tumultuous past, from the Scottish Wars of Independence to the Stuart dynasty. Discover the castle's pivotal role in shaping Scottish history and enjoy panoramic city views from its ancient ramparts.

3

Medieval Marketplace

Step back in time as you wander through the historic Medieval Marketplace, the former bustling heart of Edinburgh's trade. Imagine the vibrant atmosphere of merchants and craftsmen as you explore this centuries-old site. Don't miss the chance to see George Heriot's School, the architectural inspiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series.

4

17th and 18th Century Court

Visit a fascinating historical court to experience life as it was in Edinburgh during the 17th and 18th centuries. Witness the preserved architecture and imagine the daily lives of the people who once lived and worked within these walls. A unique window into Edinburgh's past.

5

James Court

Explore the charming James Court, a classic example of Edinburgh's Old Town tenement buildings. Discover the quirky and welcoming Jolly Judge pub, a hidden gem offering a taste of traditional Scottish hospitality. A delightful blend of history and local character.

6

Museum of Scottish Literature

Celebrate Scotland's literary legacy at the Museum of Scottish Literature. Discover exhibits showcasing the works and lives of Scotland's greatest writers, both past and present. Explore the museum's collections and delve into the rich tapestry of Scottish literature.

7

David Hume's House

See the exterior of the former home of David Hume, the influential philosopher and 'Father of the Scottish Enlightenment'. Appreciate the architectural significance of this residence and learn about Hume's profound impact on philosophy and intellectual history. Walk in the footsteps of a Scottish luminary.

8

Deacon Brodie's Story

Uncover the scandalous life of Deacon Brodie, the real-life inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Jekyll and Hyde'. Learn about this notorious Edinburgh figure, a respected tradesman by day and a criminal by night. A captivating tale of duality and intrigue.

9

Magnificent Cathedral

Admire the majestic cathedral from the outside and learn about its pivotal role during the Middle Ages and the Reformation. Explore the history and significance of this architectural landmark, a testament to Edinburgh's religious past.

10

Royal Mile Highlights

Experience the vibrant heart of the Royal Mile, including the City Chambers, Mercat Cross, and other significant landmarks. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this historic thoroughfare and discover the stories etched into its ancient stones.

11

Bridge to Princes Street Gardens

Cross one of the first bridges connecting Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, leading to the picturesque Princes Street Gardens. Enjoy stunning views of the cityscape and the contrast between the historic Old Town and the elegant New Town.

12

Landmark Separating Old & New Towns

Observe the towering landmark that visually separates Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Appreciate the distinct architectural styles and urban planning of these two historic districts, each with its own unique charm and character. A symbolic representation of Edinburgh's evolution.

Know Before You Go

This Royal Mile Walking Tour includes a professional guide and a small group setting with a maximum of 12 participants. Gratuities are not included in the tour price. The meeting point for the tour is [object Object]. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour start time.

Hot Tip

Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a good bit of walking involved, and bring an umbrella or raincoat as the weather in Edinburgh can be unpredictable. Some reviewers also recommend having a bottle of water.

From £35 Price

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