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Private tour in Edinburgh Irene M
Edinburgh Essentials: Old Town and New Town Private Tour
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4 hours
1
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4 hours
1
Irene M.
5.0
Guide rating
86
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1 hrs
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Born in Milan, I spent my adult life in Edinburgh where I moved in 2009. This wonderful city stole my heart and here I am! Throughout this period I had the chance to get to know the city and dive in its history, culture and traditions. My academic background, teaching experience and passion for history and architecture, motivate me to research and create interesting tour outlines and narratives. I enjoy sharing the fascinating history of Edinburgh with visitors and bringing the stories behind monuments and streets to life! Having worked in the Education Department of local art galleries I love creating activities for younger audiences, and I have fun working with families and kids. I am a foodie and always looking for the best eating spots in town! Artisan food producers and local business are simply the best. From traditional Scottish food (haggis, anyone?!) to modern cuisine, I'd be happy to give you insider's tips and recommend off-the-beaten path restaurants, cafes, bars and food markets. On top of food, in my hands you will also find books. An avid reader, I enjoy Scotland crime novels among other genres - nothing better than a Tartan Noir story! Despite my reluctance to sit on planes, I love travelling! While I have already ticked many places off my list, there are still many destinations I wish to visit. Guiding clients from all over the world is one of the highlights of my job: it is so enriching to meet people from different countries and share experiences. Having travelled widely makes me sensible to visitors' needs and I realise the importance of meeting expectations. For this reason, all my tours can be customise and I would love to hear from you in order to create a unique and personalised itinerary. I look forward to meeting you, and I hope my tours will make you appreciate this wonderful city as much as I do. I hold a PhD and a Masters degree in history of art from the University of Edinburgh. I have been working as a tour guide since 2015. Emergency First Aid at Work (completed in 2025). I am not a driver guide. I can accompany you in your vehicle.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Irene M.
Edinburgh’s Two Historic Towns in a Single Tour
Overview of your Edinburgh tour
Are you in Edinburgh only for a few hours and want to make the most of your time? This tour has you covered. It’s the perfect walk for those who want to experience the best of the city in just half a day. We’ll begin at the Castle Esplanade, tracing the origins of Edinburgh. In the Old Town, St Giles’ Cathedral provides the ideal setting to learn about the Scottish Reformation, while Greyfriars Graveyard, the Grassmarket and the Royal Mile will serve as the backdrop to recall stories of murderers, executions, and body snatchers. A short stroll through Princes Street Gardens leads us to the New Town, an elegant 18th-century extension of Edinburgh and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its wide streets, open squares and neoclassical buildings transport us to the age of the Scottish Enlightenment. You’ll hear how Edinburgh became the Athens of the North, meet Scotland’s greatest minds from the 18th and 19th centuries, and discover how their ideas helped shape the modern world.
Your Edinburgh tour itinerary
• Edinburgh Castle (exterior) • Victoria Street • The Grassmarket • Greyfriars Graveyard • Greyfriars Bobby • St. Giles Cathedral • The 'closes' of the Old Town • The Royal Mile • Princes Street Gardens • Sir Walter Scott Monument • St. Andrews Square • The National Portrait Gallery (if open) • The New Town
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Transport details
Type: Walking
This is a walking tour.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
354 Castlehill, Scotland, Scotland, EH1 2NE, United Kingdom
I recommend meeting outside of the Scotch Whisky Experience, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh.
- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
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English
ItalianActivity level
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Frequently asked questions
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4 hours
1
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4 hours
1
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.