Donna W.United States
Willy was a great guide! Very knowledgeable and learned so many interesting facts about Scotland and Edinburgh. Very personable! Loved our tour!
Choose a currency
Private tour in Edinburgh William R
Edinburgh Old Town Through The Eyes of a Local
5.0
(55) reviews
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 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
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 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
William R.
5.0
Guide rating
147
Reviews
Tours delivered
4 hrs
Avg. response time
When I show someone around Edinburgh, St Andrews or anywhere in Scotland I want them to feel like they are seeing it with a friend rather than a guide, as a result all my tours are fun and relaxed. There will be stories, a few laughs and as much history as interests you. Everyone wants different things so all my tours are tailored to suit your needs. As well as learning lots about Scotland past and present in an easy to understand manner, we may well end up going for tea, a whisky tasting and most importantly, getting to see spots other travelers don't get to see. Travel is something extremely important to me, it lured me away from a career in science in the UK and led me to working as a photographer for Lonely Planet, various guidebooks, magazines and newspapers. Being based in Tokyo for 11 years where I was lucky enough to travel extensively and see the world, but on visits back to Scotland with friends I found I loved nothing better than showing my own native land through the eyes of a local and this led me to moving back to Scotland and becoming a tour guide. Although I've loved all the jobs I have done previously, nothing gives me greater pleasure than what I do now as I'm lucky enough to have a job that allows me to wake up smiling every day as at the end of each day I've been lucky enough to introduce the best parts of my own country to people from all over the world. If you choose me, I'll do whatever I can to make sure you finish your day with an equally big smile and Scotland will always have a very fond place in your memories.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message William R.
Friendly and Fun Tour of the Best Places with a Local Who Loves His City
Overview of your Edinburgh tour
My private tour is perfect for anyone looking to get a great overview of the city in a fun and friendly manner, whether you are a first time visitor or have been here many times before, I'll show you Edinburgh through the eyes of a local. I'll walk you through my favourite streets, take you to places that tourists wouldn't find on their own and show you what makes Edinburgh so special. I'll also point out local spots that I love to eat and drink in, we have some amazing food on offer and I love to share what's great each season. During my tours I cover everything from managebale bites of history, culture, festivals, literature to whisky and modern day politics surrounding Scotland and Independence, I'm happy to talk about anything Edinburgh and Scottish and let you know what we locals really think and where we really go to eat and drink.
Recent Reviews
Linda S.United States
Great tour! Lots of interesting stories about Edinburgh.
Hazel G.United States
Will is an interesting and knowledgeable guide. You will learn much about history, culture, and social dynamics.
Molly O.United States
Will was great! he was so fun and informative and gave great recommendations for food and drink before and after the tour. Would recommend to a friend!
Dan F.United States
We have done many tours in different cities and I have to say that Will was one of the best guides we have met. He was friendly, very knowledgeable worked to our pace. He didn’t simply point out historical sites and provide a history lesson, but told great stories that brought the history to life and connected it with modern life. I wish he could be our guide in every city!
John O.United States
We could not have asked for a better experience! Will was a tremendous ambassador to Edinburgh and Scotland. We enjoyed learning a great deal of the history of the Country and seeing the beauty of Edinburgh. Over the course of our three hour tour we walked the Royal Mile and visited the Grass Market, among other sites. To understand the history and to know who had walked these steps before was quite inspiring. And, even prior to our arrival, Will provided us with several local recommendations - where to visit, where to eat, where to drink, and, importantly, where not to. Again, thank you!
Your Edinburgh tour itinerary
The following list is places we will generally visit, but as it's a private tour I can change things up a bit to suit your needs. The tour will be on foot and we will stop at places of interest: * See highlights of the Royal Mile. * Get a general overview of Edinburgh's history (we can delve into specifics if you like) * See St Giles Cathedral. * Learn about King James, his Bible and the witch trials * See statues of prominent "Edinburgers" * Walk down some beautiful old "Closes"(alleyways) to get great views. * Learn about the wealth of famous writers from Edinburgh. * Get Edinburgh castle views and learn about it's history. * Wander up stunning Victoria street and explore local places to eat and drink. It's always best to be prepared for the weather, raincoats and umbrellas are often needed but there are also plenty of dry spots to shelter during the day as well.
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
This will be a walking tour, we can start from the main entrance of St Giles Cathedral or your hotel if it is near the Royal Mile.
What's included
Private Guide
Meeting location
High Street, Scotland, Scotland, EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: We will meet at the main entrance to St Giles Cathedral unless your hotel is very near the Royal Mile and then we can arrange to meet there.
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
267926
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?
This private tour in Edinburgh is perfect for anyone looking to get a great overview of the city in a fun and friendly manner. Whether you are a first-time visitor or have been to Edinburgh many times before, William R. will show you the city through the eyes of a local. It's ideal for those interested in history, culture, literature, and even modern-day politics surrounding Scotland and independence.
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
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 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
-
2 hours
30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 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 William R.
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.