Tim S.United States
Gains was very accommodating to late mobility issues and adjusted course for our slower walk. He was highly knowledgeable about all subjects and very personable. I would recommend him highly.
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Private tour in Edinburgh Gains M
Edinburgh Old Town Private Walking Tour 3 Hours
4.9
(94) reviews
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3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Gains M.
5.0
Guide rating
210
Reviews
Tours delivered
32 hrs
Avg. response time
Ever since I was a small boy, growing up in south-west Scotland, I have been fascinated by my country's history, landscape and culture. It has been a constant pleasure for me to show off the most beautiful city of the United Kingdom to new arrivals and reveal just some of its charms, secrets and unbelievable stories. Car and bus tours are all very well for getting a sense of Edinburgh but it's only through walking that travelers can really feel like they've fully experienced this truly unique city. I'm a keen traveler (I've spent a lot of time in the United States, Canada and continental Europe especially), therefore I understand the desire to make sure you make the most of your time while in a new place. My academic background has given me extensive knowledge of Scotland's history and culture but my guiding experience has also included Outlander themed tours as well as ghost tours which explore the darker side of Scotland's capital. I live in the city centre of Edinburgh and can meet you at centrally located hotels or at a convenient landmark. In 2015 I completed work on my PhD in Scottish history, I also hold an Undergraduate and Masters degree from the University of Aberdeen. I have built upon my extensive historical and cultural knowledge by using my research skills to find out about less known stories and events to incorporate them into my tour. Since January 2016 my primary job has been working as a tour guide in Edinburgh and have acquired a great deal of experience leading all sorts of tours.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Gains M.
Discover the Secrets of Edinburgh's Old Quarter - Half Day
Overview of your Edinburgh tour
This tour is a fantastic opportunity to explore one of the most historic and best preserved neighbourhoods in the United Kingdom, in the company of an experienced guide with a PhD in Scottish history! A guidebook can provide a general overview but a tour with me allows for an actual discussion about our country's past with the Old Town serving as a unbeatable setting. Your walking tour will include some amazing Edinburgh landmarks such as St Giles Cathedral, historic churchyards and Edinburgh Castle. Travel through the Old Town's distinctive closes and wynds and discover their stories. Learn how our old quarter inspired countless writers from Edinburgh natives like Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle and Walter Scott to Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley and J. K. Rowling. Perfect for individuals and groups of all ages interested in Scotland's fascinating history and culture, but also those trying to get their bearings in a new city.
Recent Reviews
Stephen M.United States
Gains is extremely knowledgeable about Scotland and Edinburgh specifically. He took the 5 of us on a great loop walking tour around Edinburgh.
Alexandre D.United States
Gains was fantastic and very knowledgeable. As a PhD in Scottish history, he knows every detail in depth. Strongly recommended.
Sarah W.United States
We had a great tour with Gains around old town Edinburgh. He’s very knowledgeable and gave us lots of historical information throughout our tour. It was a great way to begin our visit here.
Krista M.United States
Gains was incredibly knowledgeable. We all learned so much! He was also punctual and considerate. Highly recommend.
David F.United States
Gains was both knowledgeable and conversational. First class all the way.
Your Edinburgh tour itinerary
Tour highlights - Itinerary can be altered on request to accommodate particular interests and other activities. St Giles Cathedral - Walk around the cathedral (It is possible to go inside as part of the tour - entrance is free. ) Edinburgh City Chambers - Visit exterior courtyard Heart of Midlothian - Visit site of former city prison Makars Court - see outside of 17th century townhouses Victoria Street (Walk through this amazing inspiration for Rowling's Diagon Alley) Grassmarket (Best photo opportunity for the Castle) Greyfriars Kirkyard - Walk through historic graveyard
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
Walking.
What's included
Other: Includes the services of an experienced, highly knowledgeable guide.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Time and opportunities for coffee or tea breaks.
Meeting location
High Street, Scotland, Scotland, EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
outside main entrance to St Giles Cathedral
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Art And Culture
History
Tour reference number
535321
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
4.9
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?
This private tour in Edinburgh is perfect for individuals and groups of all ages who are interested in Scotland's fascinating history and culture. It's also ideal for those trying to get their bearings in a new city, as it offers a comprehensive overview of Edinburgh's Old Town with insights from an experienced guide.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Edinburgh be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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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 20% 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.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.