Private Old Edinburgh Tour – Walk in the Footsteps of Royals and Rogues!

Set out on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with the Private Old Edinburgh Tour. Guided by a lifelong resident, this tour reveals the city’s darker past, including visits to former execution sites and the infamous Tolbooth Prison. Discover tales of iconic figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns as you explore the UNESCO-listed streets of Grassmarket and the Royal Mile. With vivid storytelling and historical insights, you’ll uncover the hidden secrets that lie beneath the surface of this enchanting Scottish capital.

Key Points

• Explore Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on a private guided tour led by a lifelong Edinburgh resident.
• Discover the stories of royals and rogues, including tragic monarch Mary Queen of Scots and celebrated poet Robert Burns.
• Visit three former execution sites, including the infamous Grassmarket, and gain a sobering look into Edinburgh’s darker history.
• Tour the ruins of the notorious Tolbooth Prison, a key stop on the journey through Edinburgh’s past.
• Enjoy a personalized experience tailored to your group’s needs, with a 100% recommendation rating and a Badge of Excellence.

Tour Overview

The private Old Edinburgh Tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s historic Old Town, guiding them through the footsteps of royals and rogues.

With a 100% recommendation rating and a Badge of Excellence, the tour is ideal for first-time visitors and history enthusiasts.

Priced at $109.25 per group (up to 6 people), the tour explores Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, including three former execution sites and the notorious Tolbooth Prison.

The guide, a lifelong Edinburgh resident, brings the city’s rich history to life through vivid descriptions and historical photographs.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town

As visitors embark on the private Old Edinburgh Tour, they’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, uncovering the city’s rich history and the captivating stories of its royals and rogues.

Visitors will explore Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, uncovering its rich history and captivating stories of royals and rogues.

They’ll visit three former execution sites and the notorious Tolbooth Prison, hearing tales of famous Scots like Mary Queen of Scots, Robert Burns, and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The guide’s vivid descriptions and historical photographs bring these legends to life, immersing guests in Edinburgh’s past.

Traversing the Grassmarket, Royal Mile, and Cowgate, the tour offers an exceptional overview of the city’s eventful history.

Execution Sites and Tolbooth Prison

Venturing deeper into Edinburgh’s darker history, the private tour visits three former execution sites and the notorious Tolbooth Prison.

At the Grassmarket, travelers learn about public hangings that once took place, visualizing the grim fates of those condemned.

The tour then moves to the Lawnmarket, where the infamous "Porteous Riots" erupted after a controversial execution.

Finally, the group explores the ruins of the Tolbooth, a notorious prison where many met their demise.

Throughout, the guide’s vivid storytelling brings this macabre chapter of Edinburgh’s past to life, offering a sobering look into the city’s gritty realities.

Noteworthy Scottish Figures

Along the tour, visitors learn captivating stories about famous Scots who left indelible marks on the country’s history.

From:

• Mary Queen of Scots, the tragic monarch whose reign was marred by scandal and intrigue
• Robert Burns, the celebrated poet whose works immortalized the Scottish spirit
• Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Jacobite pretender whose failed uprising shook the foundations of Britain
• Sir Walter Scott, the novelist whose sweeping tales of chivalry and romance defined the Scottish literary tradition
• David Hume, the influential philosopher whose groundbreaking ideas shaped Enlightenment thought

These figures and more come alive through the guide’s vivid storytelling, transporting visitors back in time.

Vivid Descriptions and Historical Photographs

Throughout the tour, the guide’s vivid descriptions and historical photographs bring the city’s storied past to life.

Visitors marvel as the guide paints detailed pictures of notorious figures like Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of Scots.

Visitors marvel as the guide paints detailed pictures of notorious figures like Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of Scots.

Period images transport the group to another era, complementing the guide’s captivating narratives.

Stops at former execution sites and the notorious Tolbooth Prison further cement the tour’s immersive experience.

The guide’s skilled delivery and use of visual aids ensure participants gain a comprehensive understanding of Edinburgh’s rich history and colorful characters.

Meeting Point and Key Stops

The tour begins at the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery, where visitors gather before embarking on their journey through Edinburgh’s Old Town.

From there, the guide leads the group through key stops, including:

• The Grassmarket, where public executions once took place
• The Royal Mile, the historic heart of the city
• The Cowgate, a former slum infamous for its criminal activity
• The University of Edinburgh, steeped in history and intrigue
• The South Bridge, the tour’s final destination, offering a panoramic view of the city.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? No, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

However, it’s stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed on the tour. The meeting point and tour route are located near public transportation.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves walking and standing for extended periods.

Despite these accessibility limitations, the tour provides a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Edinburgh’s rich history, with engaging storytelling and historical insights from the knowledgeable guide.

Private tours ensure a personalized experience tailored to your group’s needs.

Praise for the Exceptional Guide

Across the tour’s 213 glowing reviews, numerous guests have highlighted the exceptional expertise and engaging persona of the guide, Robert. Praised for his "immense knowledge", "great sense of humor", and ability to provide an "outstanding", "hilarious and informative" overview of Edinburgh’s history, Robert has consistently delivered a remarkable experience.

Guests have appreciated:

• Robert’s lifelong residency and background as a teacher, lending unparalleled local insight
• His captivating storytelling that brings the city’s past vividly to life
• The perfect balance of comprehensive information and lighthearted entertainment
• An exceptional ability to tailor the pace and content to participants’ interests
• An unwavering commitment to ensuring each guest leaves with an exceptional overview of Old Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Private Tour?

The tour is private, so only your group participates. The maximum group size is 1, as stated in the price information "From $109.25 per group (up to 1)".

Can I Book the Tour for Multiple People at Once?

Yes, the tour can be booked for multiple people at once. According to the information provided, the tour is priced "From $109.25 per group (up to 1)", indicating that the tour can accommodate more than one person per booking.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized to the group’s interests. Customers can discuss personalized itinerary options with the guide during booking. This provides a flexible experience tailored to the group’s preferences.

Does the Tour Include Any Food or Drink Tastings?

The tour does not include any food or drink tastings. It focuses on exploring Edinburgh’s historic sites and learning about the city’s rich history through the guide’s vivid descriptions and historical photographs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

No, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a fixed 2-hour itinerary. However, guests can choose to explore the city further on their own after the tour ends.

The Sum Up

Set out on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town with the Private Old Edinburgh Tour. Guided by a lifelong resident, this tour reveals the city’s darker past, including visits to former execution sites and the infamous Tolbooth Prison. Discover tales of iconic figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, all while exploring the UNESCO-listed streets of Grassmarket and the Royal Mile.