Private tour in Edinburgh Gains M

Old Town and Edinburgh Castle Private Walking Tour

5.0

(59) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 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

194

Reviews

Tours delivered

21 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.

Overview of your Edinburgh tour

Ideal for those only in Edinburgh for a short stay, 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. I particularly enjoy leading this tour because there is the opportunity to explore 2, 000 years of my country's history. Edinburgh Castle is the most iconic stronghold in Scotland and the first of many I have visited. Your walking tour will include some amazing Edinburgh landmarks such as St Giles Cathedral, Greyfriars Kirkyard and of course Edinburgh Castle. This tour will end with your guide taking you into Edinburgh Castle and showing you the main points of interest (and what you can't afford to miss) before leaving you to explore further on your own. 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!

Your Edinburgh tour itinerary

This is a walking tour so these areas/buildings with be explored from the outside with plenty of opportunities for discussion and photos. The tour itinerary will be the following: - St Giles Cathedral - Parliament Square - North Bridge (Photo opportunities for Calton Hill and New Town) - John Knox House - Tweeddale Court - Edinburgh City Chambers - Heart of Midlothian - Greyfriars Kirkyard - Grassmarket (Best photo opportunity for the Castle) - Victoria Street (Diagon Alley) - Makars Court/ Writers Museum - Edinburgh Castle (Includes overview of Castle itself) PLEASE NOTE: Castle tickets need to be purchased separately on the castle website and cannot be bought on the day. Contact Gains for advice if unsure what time slot to get. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to customize this tour. 


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
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Time and opportunities for coffee or tea breaks. NOT INCLUDED: Castle Tickets need to be bought seperately on the castle website. Ask Gains for details if unsure on time slot.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
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
History
Tour reference number
550633
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Edinburgh

59 reviews

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 well as travellers who want to connect with a local expert for deeper insights.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

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?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Explore more of Edinburgh
Half-Day Highlights of Edinburgh in a Black CabFull Day City Tour of EdinburghOld Town and Edinburgh Castle Private Walking TourEdinburgh Day TourCustomised Tour through Scottish Highlands.Stirling Castle & The Trossachs: Highland Cows, Lochs & LegendsEdinburgh Old Town Private Walking TourFull-Day Private Edinburgh Adventure in a Black Cab: Hidden Gems & HighlightsEdinburgh Old Town Private Walking Tour 3 HoursExperience the Highlands, including the Glencoe pass - Full day tourStirling Castle, Hairy Coo's and The Trossachs From EdinburghHalf-Day Edinburgh Walking Tour - Amazing Old EdinburghA Taste of the HighlandsEdinburgh Highlights Walking TourPrivate Tour from Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & a Whisky DistilleryCentral Highlands Away From the Usual Tourist RouteSt Andrews, East Nuek of Fife and FalklandHalf Day Edinburgh City TourSt Andrews & Fife Coastal Gems: A Full-Day Tour from EdinburghEdinburgh Castle , Old Town and The Royal MileFull Day Edinburgh City TourShore Excursion Edinburgh - Cruise Ship Private TourFull Edinburgh Day Driving and Walking Private TourEdinburgh Half Day City Highlights TourBalmoral Full Day Tour4-Day Tour of Scotland from EdinburghExplore The Scottish Highlands (3 Day Trip)A taste of Scotland - A shore excursion special.Full Day Tour: Loch Ness & Glencoe from EdinburghStirling Castle and The Trossachs From EdinburghSt Andrews - Full Day Shore Excursion (Not Just for Golfers!)St Andrews, The Fife Coast and Dunfermline Full Day TourEdinburgh to St Andrews scenic private tourUnforgettable Edinburgh Private TourEdinburgh Old Town Through The Eyes of a LocalMust-See Edinburgh City Full-Day Shore ExcursionStirling and Trossachs ExplorerThree day tour from Edinburgh (or Glasgow) to The Highlands and Isle of Skye; Multi-day Scotland toursThe West Highlands, Oban and Glencoe Private Day TourTop to Toe: Half day Edinburgh history tour