Alexandre D.United States
Gains was fantastic and very knowledgeable. As a PhD in Scottish history, he knows every detail in depth. Strongly recommended.
Choose a currency
Private tour in Edinburgh Gains M
Edinburgh Old Town Private Walking Tour 3 Hours
4.9
(92) reviews
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason 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 Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Gains M.
5.0
Guide rating
204
Reviews
Tours delivered
24 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
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.
John L.Canada
Gains met us at our hotel and we chatted about what we'd like to see with him. We had already been to a couple of places in the Old City so the tour was slightly adjusted to suit. Gains really knows Edinburgh! He was the perfect balance of educating and entertaining. We now know much more about the city's architecture and history, and what the city means to Scotland, Britain and the World.
Tunc T.Turkiye
Gains was very clear, and knowledgable about the city. He aleays checked with all the attendents if thay had any questions. Answered all the questions about daily life, history and retaurants etc. He kept his pace with the group did not rush us!
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 Any Reason 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 Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Edinburgh by Gains M.
Explore more of Edinburgh
Full Day City Tour of EdinburghHalf-Day Highlights of Edinburgh in a Black CabEdinburgh Day TourOld Town and Edinburgh Castle Private Walking TourStirling Castle & The Trossachs: Highland Cows, Lochs & LegendsA Taste of the HighlandsExperience the Highlands, including the Glencoe pass - Full day tourStirling Castle, Hairy Coo's and The Trossachs From EdinburghHalf Day Edinburgh City TourEdinburgh Old Town Private Walking Tour 3 HoursFull-Day Private Edinburgh Adventure in a Black Cab: Hidden Gems & HighlightsCentral Highlands Away From the Usual Tourist RouteEdinburgh Old Town Private Walking TourHalf-Day Edinburgh Walking Tour - Amazing Old EdinburghMust-See Edinburgh City Full-Day Shore ExcursionCustomised Tour through Scottish Highlands.Edinburgh Highlights Walking TourSt Andrews & Fife Coastal Gems: A Full-Day Tour from EdinburghA taste of Scotland - A shore excursion special.Edinburgh Castle , Old Town and The Royal MileSt Andrews, East Nuek of Fife and Falkland3-Day Tour of the Isle of Skye from EdinburghHighland experienceFull Day Edinburgh City TourEdinburgh Old Town Through The Eyes of a LocalEdinburgh Half Day City Highlights TourScottish Roots & Roads: Ancestry Tour with Private Transfer from EdinburghRoyal Mile, Edinburgh Castle & Holyrood PalaceThe Royal Edinburgh TourBalmoral Full Day Tour4-Day Tour of Scotland from EdinburghCentral Highlands All day Driving TourExplore The Scottish Highlands (3 Day Trip)Full Day Tour: Loch Ness & Glencoe from EdinburghThe Outlander Full Day TourStirling Castle and The Trossachs From EdinburghEdinburgh City Highlights - Driving TourSt Andrews, The Fife Coast and Dunfermline Full Day TourRoyal Mile, Edinburgh Castle & Holyrood Palace - 8hr TourFull Edinburgh Day Driving and Walking Private Tour
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.