
Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 243 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! worth booking?
Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! is a 2-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $116 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 243 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (243)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $116 per person
Welcome to Historic Edinburgh Tours! We will take you on a fascinating journey through the historic streets of the Old Town. You'll get to explore the very places where some of Scotland's most famous (and infamous) characters once walked and lived. From Mary, Queen of Scots to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Deacon Brodie and more, this is an unmissable opportunity to discover Edinburgh's rich history. Robert, your local guide, will come dressed in a kilt for your private tour. He will also carry a book of archive images. Robert will show you the city's iconic landmarks while sharing fascinating insights into its past. With our archive images, you'll be able to see how Edinburgh has changed over the years - and even compare it to its present-day counterpart. This is an experience not to be missed for history buffs and tourists alike!
What you get
About this experience
Welcome to Historic Edinburgh Tours! We will take you on a fascinating journey through the historic streets of the Old Town. You'll get to explore the very places where some of Scotland's most famous (and infamous) characters once walked and lived. From Mary, Queen of Scots to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Deacon Brodie and more, this is an unmissable opportunity to discover Edinburgh's rich history. Robert, your local guide, will come dressed in a kilt for your private tour. He will also carry a book of archive images. Robert will show you the city's iconic landmarks while sharing fascinating insights into its past. With our archive images, you'll be able to see how Edinburgh has changed over the years - and even compare it to its present-day counterpart. This is an experience not to be missed for history buffs and tourists alike!
What's included
Included
- Local guide
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Greyfriars
Your tour starts just inside the main gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard. You'll find out about Edinburgh's famous 'wee dug'; Greyfriars Bobby. There are a number of versions of his story. We'll let you make your own mind up!
15 minutes here
Grassmarket
Candlemaker Row and the Grassmarket will be next on your route. You'll find out about one of Scotland's most significant weddings and how it affected Edinburgh. You'll follow the route of the pre-wedding party.
25 minutes here
Royal Mile
Your tour will take in a number of locations along Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile. We'll see where Mary, Queen of Scots spent part of her childhood, we'll visit a charming little courtyard (with a royal link) and we'll discover the very strange story of Deacon William Brodie and his hanging. We get to cover a brief history of St Giles before visiting the site of the old Mercat Cross. You'll learn about the significance of this location in the story of Prince Charles Edward Stewart ('Bonnie Prince Charlie') before we visit an atmospheric Old Town close. The stories here will be rather memorable...
40 minutes here
The Cowgate is often ignored by other tours, but we'll make the most of it when we discover what life was like for Edinburgh's Victorian poor.
10 minutes here
University of Edinburgh
We'll visit two stops which belong to the famous University of Edinburgh. Burke and Hare, the infamous Irish murderers, came to where we make our penultimate stop. You'll find out how this pair worked, why they were able to murder so many people...and finally what happened to them. We may even look at the 'traditional' Highland outfit your guide will be wearing. Your final stop takes place near to Old College (or, if it's open to us, inside Old College). This is possibly one of the most fascinating places on our tour. It looks incredible now...but the story we share is even more explosive. Literally!
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Just inside the main entrance, next to the grave of Greyfriars Bobby (the pink headstone which you see as soon as you enter the Kirkyard). Greyfriars Kirkyard, Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QQ
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We usually end this tour on South Bridge, ten minutes from our starting point at Greyfriars.
Options you can book
Private Tour for 6-10 people
Duration: 2 hours
Private Tour for 3-5 people
Duration: 2 hours
Private Tour for 2 people
Duration: 2 hours
Private Tour for 1 person
Duration: 2 hours
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
- Historic Edinburgh Tours
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 243 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
243 verified traveler reviews for Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Edinburgh Walking Tour
What a fabulous time myself and my 4 friends had with our guide Robert on his amazing walking tour last Sunday. If you want to truly understand this city, then this is the experience you need. Robert was a fabulous guide; knowledgable, funny and so engaging. He didn’t just recite facts, but brought Edinburgh’ s fascinating history, legends and hidden stories to life. The pace was ideal, relaxed enough to take in the stunning architecture and charming closes without feeling rushed, but covering all the key points. We walked through the Old Town’s cobblestone streets, past stunning landmarks and learned so much about the city. ( Although I myself live in the city, I learned loads.) As we were just a small group, it made it easy for us to ask questions and chat with Robert. Before the tour, Robert had asked me if there were any particular aspects of the city’s history that we were interested in and that we would like to learn more about. In short, if you are visiting Edinburgh, do not miss this tour! 10/10. Thank you Robert, for such an interesting tour. A definite highlight for my friends’ visit to Edinburgh.
Response from the operator: It was so lovely to see you again! Thank you also for bringing out such entertaining and enjoyable guests! I hope they all had a lovely weekend, and that your time at the 'Steamie' was good fun - I was quite jealous! It really means a lot to have a 'repeat customer', especially someone who's local and has one of the very best visitor accommodation businesses in Edinburgh! Best wishes, Robert
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour!
Phenomenal Tour. Robby the guide was excellent and went far beyond the normal level of customization to ensure we covered our interests. His family has a long history in the area and he had many excellent stories along the walk.
Response from the operator: Thank you for this lovely review! I had an absolutely brilliant time with you both! Thank you for being such excellent company, and also for being so enthusiastic to my home city. I hope the rest of your cruise went well. I do hope you come back to Edinburgh! Best wishes, Robert
via Viator
Fantastic bespoke tour of old Edinburgh
I wanted a bespoke walking tour for a group of summer students visiting Edinburgh University. It only took a couple of emails with Robert and we'd sorted out the itinerary. The tour was fantastic - we had a fixed finish time at a restaurant for a group meal and Robert delivered all of us there right on time after a really enjoyable 90 minutes guided walk. Easily the best value Edinburgh tourist experience I've ever come across.
Response from the operator: Dear David, Huge thanks for entrusting me with your group, and big thanks too to your group for being such excellent company. I really appreciate your kind comments, and I hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable summer break. Best wishes to your students, too. Yours, Robert
via Tripadvisor
An Unforgettable Edinburgh Walking Tour with Robert
Robert at Historic Edinburgh Tours delivered an absolutely exceptional walking tour of Edinburgh. From the very first stop, his depth of knowledge, engaging storytelling, and genuine passion for the city brought every street and landmark to life. He struck the perfect balance between history and entertainment, making the experience both informative and memorable for everyone in our group. What really stood out was how he connected with us... answering questions, adding personal touches, and keeping the energy high throughout the tour of Old Town, New Town, The Royal Mile, graveyards and more. He even had props that kept us laughing. Our entire group loved every minute of it, and we left with a much deeper appreciation for Edinburgh’s rich past. I already booked another tour for my next visit. If you’re visiting the city, do yourself a favor and book a tour with Robert - you won’t regret it!
Response from the operator: Thank you Spike! What an enjoyable couple of tours I had with your guests. It was so nice to be with people, many of whom knew each other because of the experiences you'd given them in the past. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be part of your UK experience. Best wishes for your other ventures. I hope I get to hear all about them in future years! Yours, Robert
via Tripadvisor
Exceptional
Robert is exceptional at tailoring the tour and painting an interesting picture of the multi-faceted city. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: I loved our wee tour yesterday! Thank you so much for reviewing me, especially whilst still on your important vacation. What a time you had, and thank you for sharing those stories. Safe travels home. Yours, Robert
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $116 to $160
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 85
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! cost?
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Prices start at $116 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 243 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!?
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Around 85 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!?
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Included: Local guide. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!?
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Just inside the main entrance, next to the grave of Greyfriars Bobby (the pink headstone which you see as soon as you enter the Kirkyard). Greyfriars Kirkyard, Candlemaker Row, EH1 2QQ Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!?
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Across 243 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Private Tour for 6-10 people, Private Tour for 3-5 people, Private Tour for 2 people, Private Tour for 1 person. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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