Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter

A Mercat Tours Storyteller and tour group on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.

Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

Mercat Tours - Secrets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile

This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. Enjoy a relaxed tour of the Royal Mile and include Edinburgh Castle as an optional extra—we’ll handle the entry tickets!

This walking tour is the perfect introduction to Scotland’s capital. 

Step into Edinburgh’s secrets and discover the heart of Scotland’s capital, beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. A beautiful city steeped in awe-inspiring history that has been perfectly preserved in the wynds, closes, courtyards and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town. 

Stand amongst history and hear it play out around you. With your Master Storyteller, discover Edinburgh hidden gems, listen to the sound of carriages clattering across cobblestones and unravel the stories of Edinburgh’s past citizens — people just like you. 

Take a journey through time, feel the cobblestones beneath your feet as you explore the lives of Edinburgh residents from generations past – from historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, to the everyday folk who for their entire lives never left the city’s walls.

With every step along the Royal Mile, echoes of the past surround you — stories of royalty, rebellion, crime and culture brought vividly to life by our masterful Storytellers, and historic landmarks that still stand today. 

Want to visit Edinburgh Castle? We’ll arrange and collect the tickets for you.

The castle towers over Edinburgh from up high on its ancient volcanic rock – a literal fortress, looking out over the city’s stunning landscapes. Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been inspired by it. 

Step into Edinburgh Castle alongside your Master Storyteller, with all entry arrangements handled so you can stay immersed in the story. 

The full Secrets of Edinburgh's Royal Mile tour with a 45-minute introduction to Edinburgh Castle included, takes 2 hours and 15 minutes – simply choose this option when you book. Afterward, we recommend you allow an additional 1.5-2 hours to explore the rest of the Castle at your own pace. 

Prefer to join us for the 1 hour and 30-minute walking tour without Edinburgh Castle? That’s fine! There’s plenty of history to explore in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

From £29 per adult

Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

January — December

Book now

Contact details

Mercat Tours

28 Blair Street
Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 1QR
View tour provider details

Key facilities

  • Level Access

Tour information

Starting

  • Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh & The Lothians
  • Edinburgh - City Centre

Length

2Hours

Transport

  • Walking

Type

  • Private
  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Ancestry
  • Castles
  • City
  • Family
  • History
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Walking
  • Walking/Hiking

Tour prices

From £29 Per Adult £23 Per Child £26 Concession

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Tour gallery

Mercat Tours

Tour company information

Mercat Tours

'History is a damn good story, what it needs is a damn good telling' Join in! Enjoy multi-sensory storytelling experiences as you explore Edinburgh's Old Town. Stories Connect You'll have a deep connection with the people & places of the past and build remarkable memories of Scotland's ancient & beautiful capital. Good for You, Good for Everyone Choosing us, a local, independent family business and Living Wage employer, means you support an ethical team rooted in our local community since 1985

Social Channels

Visit Mercat Tours

Opening times

Daily 9am to 10pm

Other tours from this company

VisitMercat Tours - Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls
Mercat Tours - Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls

Mercat Tours - Evening of Ghosts & Ghouls

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

Stories of blood, guts & gore in the Old Town, then a whisky or soft drink in a...

Key facilities

  • Hearing Loop

Length:

2 hours

Price from:

£31pp

Visit Website
VisitMercat Tours - Edinburgh Outlander Experience
Mercat Tours - Edinburgh Outlander Experience

Mercat Tours - Edinburgh Outlander Experience

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

Edinburgh, 1745. The Jacobite rising has reached the city gates, and Bonnie Prin...

Length:

2 hours

Price from:

£31pp

Visit Website
VisitGory Stories: The Kids’ Tour
Gory Stories: The Kids’ Tour

Gory Stories: The Kids’ Tour

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

Tales of stinking streets, terrible tortures and ghostly goings-on. A daytime to...

Key facilities

  • Hearing Loop

Length:

1 hour

Price from:

£19pp

Visit Website
VisitMercat Tours - Historic Vaults
Mercat Tours - Historic Vaults

Mercat Tours - Historic Vaults

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh, Edinburgh & The Lothians

Get exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults – the largest system...

Key facilities

  • Hearing Loop

Length:

1 hour

Price from:

£27pp

Visit Website

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

Start Your Story in Scotland

Where history meets breathtaking beauty, and every visit feels like an escape.

Inspiration for your trip

Step into a land steeped in history and legend, explore our dramatic landscapes and uncover our ancient Celtic roots. Vast lochs, glens and Munros - easily accessible from our vibrant cities and towns - make Scotland the perfect place to lose yourself.

Discover unique experiences in Scotland

Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect trip, or find exactly what you need—from scenic hikes and cosy cottages to events and cultural experiences.

Discover Scotland's vibrant events and festivals

FIFA World Cup 2026

Cheer on Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and find information about fan zones in Scotland, stadium tours and more.

Highland games in Scotland

From the tug o' war to the caber toss, Scotland's Highland games are not to be missed.

Edinburgh Festivals

Discover Edinburgh's summer festivals, including the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Events and festivals in Scotland

There's something happening in Scotland right now that the whole family will love.

Countdown to Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Less than 100 days to go until 11 days of world-class action across the city, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations together to compete across 10 sports.

Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Start planning your summer break

Witness Scotland step into summer, with longer days and plenty of experiences to enjoy from coastal walks to fun exhibitions.

Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

Find ideas and inspiration, from family days out to top camping spots, walks and outdoor activities.

Scotland's islands

Find out about the hundreds of islands in Scotland including Arran, Lewis, Skye, Outer Hebrides and Shetland. Plan the perfect island getaway today.

Scottish music festivals

Find out what’s happening in Scotland this year

The best tours of Scotland - luxury & scenic tours

Tour Scotland at your own pace with these fantastic ideas.

Your Scottish adventure starts here

Use our interactive map to explore wild landscapes, vibrant cities, rich culture, and hidden historic gems to craft your personal Scottish experience.

Map of Scotland

As seen on TV!

From Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's luxury Scotland itinerary to local suggestions on the highlights of Glasgow and Dumfries & Galloway, check out this top advice on trips across Scotland.

Tara & Johnny's luxury Scotland itinerary

Have you been inspired by Tara & Johnny's Scotland itinerary as seen on NBC's Extra Mile Club? Read on and plan your own Scottish adventure.

Channel 4's Where to next? Scotland itinerary

Follow in the footsteps of comedians Fatiha El-Ghorri and John Tothill on their unforgettable journey through Scotland.

Scotland trip itineraries

Plan your days in Scotland with the help of our suggested itineraries.

Your pictures of Scotland

Share your images by tagging @VisitScotland 

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see social media images for this place. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter