The Royal Tour: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood & Royal Mile

Our first stop is Edinburgh Castle, the fortress that crowns one of the seven hills of the city. We pass beneath the ancient portcullis into a realm of kings and queens, home to the Royal Palace and the Crown Room which houses the Honours of Scotland, our Crown Jewels. Learn about Mary, Queen of Scots and the birth of James VI, alongside fiery battles and bitter sieges that have helped to shape the fate of this nation. After the guided visit you can explore the castle’s interiors at your own pace. You will also have the opportunity to stop at a cafe for a break.

Dedicated to Queen Victoria, Victoria Street is the most photographed street in Edinburgh, famed for its romantic architecture and sweeping curve. From the Castle we will stroll down to this very colourful thoroughfare, where quirky independent shops and vibrant facades line the way.

At St Giles’ Cathedral we will have to reflect on recent history: in September 2022 thousands came to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, and in July 2023 King Charles III attended a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication as the Honours of Scotland were officially presented to him. We will touch on the city’s Presbyterian heritage, including the persecution of Covenanter Presbyterians under Charles II after the restoration of the monarchy following the English Revolution. When there are no services or private events, you will have free time to visit the magnificent interior. We will then continue to West Parliament Square to introduce the 1707 Act of Union, and the end of Scotland as a nation.

As we walk along the Royal Mile we will slip into a few historic closes (what we call alleyways) to see how these narrow lanes, which could reach up to ten stories in height, once served as homes, workshops and shortcuts through the Old Town. We will also stop at the Mercat Cross, the traditional stage for royal proclamations in Scotland as well as both public announcements and punishments. Look up to spot the unicorn crowning the pillar, a proud symbol of Scottish royalty.

From the castle esplanade we follow the Royal Mile, the historic spine and main medieval thoroughfare that links Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way we unravel centuries of drama, from royal processions and coronations to the Reformation, Covenanters and the Jacobite rising. We pause at the World’s End Pub at the Netherbow, where the old city once ended, and slip into timeworn closes that reveal daily life behind the façades. The story then carries us up to Holyrood, the residence of the Scottish monarchs.

White Horse Close is traditionally linked to the royal stables of Holyroodhouse. Local legend says Mary, Queen of Scots kept her favorite horse here. It is one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque street corners.

Our final stop is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the royal residence of the British monarchy in Scotland, where state ceremony meets centuries of history. Here Mary, Queen of Scots received envoys and held court, and under Charles II the palace regained its Baroque architectural splendour. Each summer the Royal Company of Archers, the Sovereign’s Bodyguard in Scotland, welcomes the royal household during Holyrood Week. After a short introduction from your guide you will receive audio guides to visit the palace independently, then continue to the ruined abbey and the Holyrood gardens, where the visit will conclude. Before entering the palace you can choose to stop at a local cafe for a break.