Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour in Edinburgh
Description
Embark on a journey through the heart of Edinburgh with our captivating Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour. Your adventure begins on the iconic Royal Mile at 130 High Street, where the past meets the present. Traverse the enchanting cobblestone streets as we guide you to Edinburgh's crown jewels, including the renowned Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the legendary Greyfriars Bobby, and the vibrant Grassmarket. This isn't just a tour; it's a narrative woven with threads of madness and genius. Delve into Edinburgh's colorful past as our expert guides regale you with stories that defy belief. Immerse yourself in the literary legacy of Scottish greats at the Scottish Writers' Museum and, don't miss the heartwarming story of a loyal local dog who etched its name into the annals of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Your Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour promises not just sightseeing, but a journey through the soul of Edinburgh. Are you ready to walk the path of legends?
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your journey at 130 High Street on the Royal Mile, a historic and vibrant thoroughfare. As you stroll, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of street performers, charming shops, and historical landmarks that line this iconic street. Take in the architecture and learn about the Royal Mile's central role in Edinburgh's history.
Explore the majestic St Giles' Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Inside, witness the intricate stained glass windows and learn about the cathedral's historical and cultural significance. Your expert guide will provide insights into the stories and events associated with this iconic landmark.
Hear tales of Scottish heroism as you encounter the stories of legendary figures like William Wallace. Learn about the life and legacy of this national hero who played a pivotal role in Scotland's fight for independence. Your guide will share anecdotes and historical context to bring these figures to life
Descend into the history-filled Grassmarket, a dynamic square surrounded by pubs, shops, and historical buildings. Discover stories of the area's past, including its role as a public execution site.
Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard and hear the unforgettable true story of Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh’s most loyal resident.
Depending on the route, the tour may finish by the National Museum of Scotland or by The Writers' Museum.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(153)
Lovely tour, and wonderfully done by our guide James. Funny and informative. Definitely worth the time. Thanks, James 🧡
Brian was a great tour guide! I learned a lot and had a great time.
Bryan was so informative, and an absolutely great guide!
Appreciates the history and overview of points of interest to go back to.
Excellent walking tour of Old Town with Brian who brought the history of Edinburgh to life with amazing stories from over the centuries. Really appreciated his attention to always making sure everyone could hear him.
Our guide was enthusiastic & jolly but this wasn’t really for us. I felt it was very basic and aimed at a maybe 14-year old level— a lot of time explaining things like “there were conflicts between Protestants and Catholics.” I also personally felt annoyed when he characterized the Writer’s Museum as boring and “basically here’s the pens they used.” We should have looked for a more serious historical tour.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're pleased to hear that you found your guide enthusiastic and engaging. At the same time, we're sorry to learn that the tour wasn't the right fit for what you were looking for. We understand that some guests prefer a more in-depth historical experience, and we're sorry that you felt the content was too introductory. We also appreciate your comments about the remarks regarding the Writers' Museum, as we understand how personal opinions can shape the experience differently for each guest. Your feedback has been shared with our team as we continually review and refine our tours, guides, and overall experience. Comments like yours help us strike a better balance between making our tours accessible to a wide audience while still providing the depth that many visitors are looking for. Thank you again for your thoughtful review, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you on another tour that better matches your interests. Kind regards, Karla M SANDEMANs Team
The guide certainly has a lot of knowledge about this area of the city and had a lot of stories to share with the group.
Great experience, great overview of the city. Tour did not provide as much historical information as I might have liked, but overall, provided a good overview of the city.
Very detailed tour. James’ storytelling skills were captivating. We took away so much information which made us curious to explore areas even further. The tour might seem lengthy on foot but it was a gentle pace, with quite a few stops allowing for educational rest periods. Wow! The history was starkly contrasted between the poor, middle class, and rich. Have James tell you all about it!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear how much you enjoyed exploring Edinburgh with James. It's fantastic to know his storytelling brought the city's history to life and left you curious to discover even more. We're also glad the pace felt comfortable and gave you time to take it all in. Thanks for joining us! Karla | SANDEMANs Team
A friend recommended the Sandeman tour and it was a great idea! Our guide, G, was fantastic. We walked and he talked for 2 hours and got a great feel for Edinburgh. He also provided a lot of local history and made suggestions for things to do and places to eat. It was time well spent.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our Edinburgh: Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour. It's fantastic to know that G provided such a memorable introduction to Edinburgh with engaging stories, fascinating local history, and great recommendations for places to eat and things to do. We're especially pleased that the tour helped you get a real feel for the city and that you felt it was time well spent. Thank you for your kind recommendation, and we hope to welcome you on another SANDEMANs tour in the future! Best regards, Karla | SANDEMANs Team
