Curt F.United States
Gains has deep knowledge of Edinburgh's rich history & enthusiastically shares it with you through the course of the walking tour.
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Private tour in Edinburgh Gains M
Welcome to Edinburgh! - Private Walking Tour
5.0
(34) reviews
-
3 hours
30 minutes
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
30 minutes
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.
Get to Grips with Scotland's Capital and Find Out What Makes It So Special!
Overview of your Edinburgh tour
Is this your first visit to Edinburgh and simply want to dive in and explore this amazing city? With its green spaces and prominent landmarks there's no better way to do that than by walking. Your experienced guide with a PhD in Scottish history will take you through Edinburgh's Old Town, New Town and the trendy neighbourhood of Leith, Edinburgh's old port. He'll help you make the most out of your visit. You'll scratch below the surface of Edinburgh's past and get the lowdown on which attractions to visit and where best to eat and drink. This tour also reveals inspirations for famous writers (such as Walter Scott, Arthur Conan Doyle and J. K. Rowling) and filming locations for so many iconic movies from the 39 Steps to Avengers: Infinity War. Leith especially has shaped Scottish pop culture; it's the site of one the World's oldest golf courses, Scotland's oldest boxing club, eye-catching murals, statues of all sorts including of giraffes, as well as locations from Trainspotting.
Recent Reviews
Debbie V.United States
This was a great way to overcome jet lag and get familiarized with the city. Gains was personable, very knowledgeable and shared wonderful stories about the many personalities in Edinburgh’s history. I was initially hesitant to book since we aren’t history buffs but this tour was so valuable in helping us navigate the next two days in the city before our bike trip into the Highlands. I highly recommend Gains!
Nancy R.United States
Gains was wonderful! He knows so much about Edinburgh and its history. We found him flexible and accommodating. We enjoyed every minute of the tour.
Joan R.United States
Gains was a wonderful guide - knowledgeable, entertaining and welcoming of our many questions. We especially enjoyed the trip to Leith at the end, where we spent a few hours post-tour. Highly recommended!
Gilles B.Canada
Thank you Gains. A perfect tour.
Dan C.United States
We had a really great tour of New Town and Old Town Edinburgh with Gains. He's a friendly guy with a wealth of knowledge. We walked the streets of Edinburgh and hiked up Calton Hill. All the while he explained the history of the city in such a understandable and entertaining way. We had a great half-day trek with him. I'd highly recommend his tour.
Your Edinburgh tour itinerary
This is a walking tour so with the sights below we will mostly be looking at the buildings from outside. The tour highlights will be the following: Old Town - St Giles Cathedral - Edinburgh City Chambers - North Bridge (Photo opportunities for New Town and Calton Hill) - Cockburn Street (Avengers film location) New Town - Scott Monument - St Andrews Square - James Clerk Maxwell - George Street - Queen Street - Scottish National Portrait Gallery - Giraffes Statues - Edinburgh Playhouse OPTIONAL (Leith is away from the city centre so you may want to stick to the Old and New Town Leith - Drill Hall Arts Centre (Opportunity to go inside to see local art and have a coffee/tea) - Leith Walk - Academy Street - Leith Dockers Club - Trainspotting (book locations and former home of Irvine Welsh) - Lamb's House (built in the 16th century) - Water of Leith Shore If you have any specific questions or interest, please feel free to send me a message. I can customize the tour for you
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: Familiarisation of the city centre which will include information about other attractions as well as excellent places to eat and drink. Includes time for a tea/coffee break in a fantastic arts centre Café.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Time and opportunities for coffee or tea breaks. Single bus ticket - £1.70 (optional).
Food Drinks Snacks
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
535646
Languages
EnglishActivity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?
This private walking tour in Edinburgh is perfect for first-time visitors who want to dive into the city's rich history and explore its famous landmarks. It's also ideal for those interested in Scottish history, literature, and film locations, as well as travellers looking to connect with a local expert for deeper insights. The tour is kid-friendly and offers a light activity level, making it suitable for families.
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?
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?
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
30 minutes
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
30 minutes
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.