Edinburgh Full Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle - Small Group

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Charlotte Square

   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’

   15 minutes here

2. Georgian House

   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.

   20 minutes here

3. Princes Street Gardens

   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.

   10 minutes here

4. National Galleries Scotland: National

   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.

   40 minutes here

5. 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.

   30 minutes here

6. Mercat Cross

   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.

   10 minutes here

7. St Giles' Cathedral

   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.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

8. Heart of Midlothian

   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.

   10 minutes here

9. Royal Mile

   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.

   25 minutes here

10. Greyfriars Bobby

    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.

    10 minutes here

11. Greyfriars

    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.

    20 minutes here

12. Grassmarket

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

    10 minutes here · Admission included

13. Victoria Street

    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.

    10 minutes here

14. Writers' Museum

    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.

    10 minutes here

15. Castello Di Edimburgo

    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.

    5 minutes here

16. Edinburgh Castle

    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.

    40 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Clan Pascual Tours

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please wear comfortable shoes, Edinburgh is a hilly city. We also recommend a windproof and rainproof jacket.
• You will have free time during the lunch break. There will be cafes, pubs and restaurants for you to choose from with vegan and vegetarian options available.
• The duration of the tour will be approx 5 - 5:30 hours, including the lunch break. We may need more time to access the historical sites and navigate the city during peak travel season (April to October), when more travellers are in town. Please note that in these months, the tour might be slightly longer.
• The company is not responsible for participants arriving late and missing the beginning of the tour. If you miss the group at the starting point, please note that the first stop of the group would be Charlotte Square

Photos