Edinburgh Full Day Walking Tour with Castle Included -Small Group

Our tour will start in the West End of Edinburgh where we will introduce the city and its neighbourhoods. In Charlotte Square, we'll admire elegant examples of neoclassical architecture and understand why Edinburgh is known as the ‘Athens of the North’

In Charlotte Square we will talk about the most iconic mansion of the New Town, the Georgian House. We will understand what the layout of Georgian townhouses looked like and what high society life was like in 18th and 19th century Edinburgh.

Princes Street Gardens is one the main parks of Edinburgh, and we’ll cross it from the east to west. We'll stop to admire the Ross Fountain and other examples of public art. You will also enjoy a great view of the castle and the castle rock from the gardens.

In the Scottish National Gallery we will discover the artworks of some of Scotland’s most famous artists including Sir Henry Raeburn, Alexander Nasmyth, and the Glasgow Boys.

We will walk towards the Royal Mile where we will stop for lunch. This area is renowned for its pubs and restaurants and you will have the opportunity to try some delicious Scottish food.

After lunch we will walk along the Royal Mile where we'll see the Mercat Cross. This was once used for public announcements and public punishments. We will also explain why the unicorn appears at the top of this structure.

In front of the Mercat Cross we will see St. Giles Cathedral. We'll talk about the architecture of the most important church in Scotland, and discover the history of the Presbyterian religion. We will also walk to West Parliament Square to talk about the Act of Union.

On the other side of St. Giles we will see the Heart of Midlothian, a landmark that marks the spot where the Old Tolbooth once stood.

Leaving St. Giles behind us, we will stroll along the Royal Mile. Here's we'll learn what its medieval cobbled lanes, called closes, were and how they were used. There will also be the opportunity to talk about the city’s cultural scene, including its festivals.

We will walk along George IV bridge. It is time to meet Edinburgh's most famous and loyal dog, Bobby! We'll also see the dog statue located just outside of the graveyard.

Behind Bobby, we will find the entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard. This historic graveyard we will understand what the Mortsafes are, and learn about the connection between the Scottish Covenants and the George Mackenzie Mausoleum.

After the graveyard we will find the Grassmarket, famous for its pubs and its dark past.

From the graveyard, we will walk to the Grassmarket an area famous for its pubs and its dark past. From the Grassmarket we will walk up Victoria Street, the most picturesque and colorful street of Edinburgh.

Back on the Royal Mile, we'll find the Makars’ Court. Here, with the Writer’s Museum as a backdrop, we will talk about Scotland’s most important writers, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

After leaving Makars' Court, we'll walk for a few minutes along the top part of the Royal Mile until we reach the Castle Esplanade. Before entering the castle, we will enjoy stunning views of the city and see where the Edinburgh Military Tattoo takes place.

It is finally time to enter Edinburgh Castle. Once inside, we’ll delve into the history and secrets of this building, and recall the fascinating stories of kings, queens, battles and sieges. After the guided tour you will have the opportunity to explore the indoor areas of the castle at your own pace.