St Giles and Parliament Square.

© Historic Edinburgh Tours Ltd

Parliament Square, Old Town

Private Old Edinburgh tour - Total prices start at £85 for a private tour for one person

The Old Edinburgh walking tour is a great way to learn about the history of this fascinating city. This private tour of Edinburgh has an average five-star rating on Tripadvisor and a Badge of Excellence from Viator.

The Old Edinburgh walking tour is a great way to learn about the history of this fascinating city.

This private tour will guide you through the streets of the Old Town, whilst you hear stories about the lives of some of the people who lived here. Important buildings and locations will be pointed out to you throughout the tour. Our guide, Robert, will use images from our archive to illustrate his stories. You'll even be able to see pictures showing what some of the Old Town looked like in the past, giving you an excellent idea of how Edinburgh used to look.

This private tour of Edinburgh has an average five-star rating on Tripadvisor and a Badge of Excellence from Viator. You can ask Robert to focus on particular buildings or stories, and he'll happily oblige!


Tour highlights

Greyfriars Kirkyard and Greyfriars Bobby

The story of loyal little Skye Terrier is one of Edinburgh's most famous tales. We'll show you Greyfriars Bobby's grave and the famous statue. We also take you to other famous graves in the Kirkyard. Yes, if you want a wee bit of Harry Potter folklore, we can include that too. Want some more serious history? That's also an option on your private tour of Edinburgh.


The West Bow and Princess Margaret Tudor

We'll take you to the Grassmarket so we can walk in the footsteps of King James IV and his wife-to-be, Margaret Tudor. You'll learn about why their wedding was so important in Scottish history, and you'll retrace part of the route of a procession they took part in. We'll also tell you the story of a much darker story from the history of the Grassmarket...


Castlehill, the Bowhead and Mary, Queen of Scots

'll visit a few Mary, Queen of Scots locations on this tour. You'll see the Royal Mile and discover the site of a long-lost palace where a very young Mary would have spent some of her childhood. There's even another 'Mary' story which happened just a few feet away from this palace! We take you right into the heart of the Royal Mile on this fascinating Edinburgh private tour!


The Tolbooth Prison and Deacon William Brodie

Deacon William Brodie is one of our most memorable historical characters. Councilman, playboy, gambler and burglar - what a life! You'll learn about Brodie as you visit the site of the place where he was hanged!


Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Mercat Cross

Edinburgh was right at the forefront of the Jacobite Uprising of 1745. Prince Charles Edward Stuart ('Bonnie Prince Charlie') held the city in the late summer of 1745. Two very symbolic events happened at the city's Mercat Cross. We think that both stories are amongst Edinburgh's best!


These are just a few of the stories we tell on this tour of Edinburgh. Because you have booked a private tour, your guide will have some scope to tailor your walk to the things which most interest you. Whilst we know there will be more stories to tell than the ones we've highlighted above, your tour may 'chop and change' stories and places to suit your requirements and interests.  Robert, our Edinburgh guide, can discuss these with you at the start of your private tour.  Fully bespoke private tours of Edinburgh are also offered. Email us to discuss your requirements.  


COVID-19 information

Safe Travels

This business has confirmed that they have implemented, and will ensure ongoing compliance with, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels protocols. The Safe Travels stamp is based on self-assessment and it is not a certification.

From £85 per adult


Departure days

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

January — December

Contact details

Historic Edinburgh Tours Ltd

28/2 Bridge Road
Colinton
Edinburgh
City of Edinburgh
Scotland
EH13 0LQ

Tour information

Starting

  • Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh - City Centre

Length

2Hours

Transport

  • Walking

Type

  • Private

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Architecture
  • City
  • Crime
  • History

Tour prices


From £85 Per Adult

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Historic Edinburgh Tours Ltd

Tour company information

Historic Edinburgh Tours Ltd

Our Edinburgh walking tours cover hundreds of years of Scotland’s incredible history. Discover the places which were important in the story of Edinburgh and walk in the footsteps of some of our most famous historic characters, including, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Mary, Queen of Scots, Robert Burns and more. Explore the historic Old Town with a five-star rated Edinburgh tour guide. Awards Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence Winners (2017 and 2018) Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice Award (2020) We currently have an average rating of five-stars on Tripadvisor.* *Correct as of 07/04/2022

Opening times

Private tours can be arranged for any times (apart from Thursday and Friday).

Other tours from this company

VisitPrivate Greyfriars Kirkyard tour - 'Meet' the dead of O...
Private Greyfriars Kirkyard tour - 'Meet' the dead of O...

Private Greyfriars Kirkyard tour - 'Meet' the dead of O...

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh

Discover the stories behind martyred Covenanters, an amusing artist, an infamous...

VisitOur ultimate private three-hour Edinburgh walking tour
Our ultimate private three-hour Edinburgh walking tour

Our ultimate private three-hour Edinburgh walking tour

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh

Our knowledgeable and experienced Edinburgh guide, Robert, can take you through...

VisitPrivate Slum life in Victorian Edinburgh tour - Discove...
Private Slum life in Victorian Edinburgh tour - Discove...

Private Slum life in Victorian Edinburgh tour - Discove...

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh

Slum life in Victorian Edinburgh tour. A 5-star rated Edinburgh walking tour wh...

VisitEdinburgh Royal Mile private walking tour - Explore Sco...
Edinburgh Royal Mile private walking tour - Explore Sco...

Edinburgh Royal Mile private walking tour - Explore Sco...

Departs: Edinburgh - City Centre, Edinburgh

Hear about murders, shootings, royal proclamations and civil wars. Explore close...

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.