Edinburgh Private Tour: Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile

Tours from £295 per group of 1-20 pax

ABOUT

This is a private, half day, walking tour for up to 20 participants.

Experience the perfect introduction to Scotland’s Capital with our expert Blue Badge STGA guides as you take in the city’s rich history on our classic Edinburgh private tour situated within a UNESCO World Heritage site. This tour includes a visit to Edinburgh Castle.

All tours are sold subject to availability. Submit a Tour Request today to book your tour!

DISCOVER ON THIS TOUR

EDINBURGH CASTLE

Perched upon an extinct volcano the castle with its long, rich history is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe and a symbol of the city. As we visit the castle you will follow in the footsteps of kings, queens, soldiers, and prisoners as you discover this world-famous fortress.

Among the many fascinating points of interest here are the Honours of Scotland. More commonly known as the Scottish Crown Jewels, they are the oldest Royal Regalia in Britain and were first used together at the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1543. You will also discover the oldest building in Edinburgh – St Margaret’s Chapel which dates back to the 12th century, the Royal Palace, Great Hall, and more.

After visiting the Castle we make our way down the esplanade to begin our tour of the Royal Mile. The street gets its name from the fact that it is a ‘Scots mile’ long and connects two royal residences, the Castle at the top of the hill and the Palace of Holyrood House at the bottom. This particular part of Edinburgh known as the Old Town is characterised by the survival of the narrow closes, wynds, and courtyards leading off the main streets, which give it a distinct medieval feel that can still be recognised to this day. We will discover several of these features on our tour as we immerse ourselves into the history and significance of the Mile and the landmarks along it.

THE ROYAL MILE

The Royal Mile is the pulsing artery of Edinburgh’s Old Town, a historic thoroughfare that stretches from the commanding presence of Edinburgh Castle down to the royal Palace of Holyroodhouse. This cobblestoned stretch is lined with medieval tenements, inviting closes, and vibrant shops, each telling a story of the city’s storied past. As you meander down the Mile, you’re following in the footsteps of kings, queens, and poets, with history etched into every corner. The Royal Mile is not just a street; it’s a journey through time, offering an immersive experience into Scotland’s cultural heart.

ST GILES CATHEDRAL

Although founded in 1124 by King David I of Scotland, the current St Giles Cathedral building dates more recently to the 14th century. Daily church services are still held here today. The Cathedral continues to play an important role in Scottish history and has been the site of many significant events over the years.

In 2022, the Cathedral held a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was the first reigning monarch to die in Scotland since James V in 1542. Her body was transported from her Balmoral estate to Edinburgh and lay in state at St Giles’ Cathedral for 24 hours. Thousands of people came to visit and pay their respects during this time. Even more recently in July 2023, King Charles was presented with the Honours of Scotland – the oldest crown jewels in Britain – at a service here.

THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT

The Scottish Parliament building situated at the easterly edge of the Old Town has been the official home of the Scottish Parliament since its opening in 2004. Building of the 4 acre site started in 1999 following a referendum result 2 years before in which the Scottish population voted for devolution, giving the Scottish Parliament the power to legislate in all areas that are not explicitly reserved to the UK Parliament. We discover parliament from the outside as we take in the unique design which makes this an unmissable modern Edinburgh landmark. 

THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is His Majesty the King’s official residence in Scotland. The history of the Palace starts in 1128 when King David I of Scotland founded Holyrood Abbey, the ruins of which are still standing in the Palace grounds today. At the beginning of the 16th century James IV constructed a new palace adjacent to the Abbey. Standing at the gates of the Palace we take in what has over the years been the site of royal births, deaths, murders, burials, plots, and wars. Today it is still used as a Royal Palace and is the setting for State ceremonies and official entertaining. It is also open to the public to visit. 

TOUR LANGUAGES

This private tour is available in the following languages:

• English
• Danish
• Dutch
• Finnish
• Flemish
• French
• Gaelic
• German
• Hebrew
• Hungarian
• Italian
• Japanese
• Lithuanian
• Mandarin
• Norwegian
• Polish
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Spanish
• Swedish
• Turkish
• Ukrainian

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