LandmarksFree cancel
30 minutes
1 / 19
- Walking Tours
- Agent Low Quality Product
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- Cultural Tours
Private Edinburgh Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour
- Duration2 hours
- GroupPrivate tour
- TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
- LanguagesEnglish
- BookingInstant confirmation
About this activity
Experience Edinburgh's iconic Royal Mile entirely your way on a 100% private, customizable walking tour. Guided by a passionate local expert in a traditional Scottish kilt, you will explore world-famous landmarks, discover hidden closes, and uncover centuries of rich history tailored entirely to your group's interests and physical pace.
From the majestic gates of Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, dive deep into dark tales of Old Town, royal intrigue involving Mary Queen of Scots, and local secrets that typical large group tours overlook. Because this tour is entirely private, you have full control of the itinerary—stop for photographs whenever you like, pause at a local pub, or spend extra time exploring historic courtyards. Whether you are first-time visitors seeking an essential overview or history enthusiasts wanting a deep dive into Scottish heritage, your guide provides a personalized, flexible, and unforgettable tour through the heart of Scotland's capital.
What to expect
Castlehill
East of the Esplanade and west of Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
We begin near Castlehill, taking in views of the iconic castle fortress. Your guide will share stories of royal history, sieges, and how the castle shaped Edinburgh’s Old Town over the centuries. (Note: Exterior view and historical context only; inside entry ticket not included)
Victoria Street
Edinburgh, EH1 3EB, United Kingdom
We pause on Victoria Terrace overlooking iconic Victoria Street below. Your guide will highlight Edinburgh’s historic multi-layered Old Town architecture, medieval closes, and rich social history. (Sample stop: As a private tour, route and stops can be adapted to your group's preferences.)
Writers' Museum
Lady Stairs House Lady Stair's Close Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2PA, United Kingdom
Step into the quiet courtyard of Lady Stair's Close to view Lady Stair's House. As you take in the 17th-century architecture and famous literary quotes carved into the paving stones, your tour shares the stories of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. (Admission to the museum interior is completely free if you wish to pop in!)
St Giles' Cathedral
High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
Stand in Parliament Square outside historic St Giles' Cathedral. Learn about John Knox and the Scottish Reformation, spot the Heart of Midlothian mosaic on the cobbles, and discover the surprisingly modest final resting place of John Knox around the corner in Parking Space 23.
Mercat Cross
Mercat Cross, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Stand beside the iconic octagonal monument capped with a carved unicorn on the High Street. Learn how the Mercat Cross served as the historic heart of royal proclamations, civic announcements, public markets, and executions throughout Edinburgh's history.
Moubray House
51 And 53 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR, United Kingdom
Pause outside Moubray House, one of the oldest occupied residential buildings in Edinburgh, dating back to 1477. Discover how Daniel Defoe—author of Robinson Crusoe—operated from this building in the early 1700s as a secret agent working on the Act of Union.
The Netherbow
43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR, United Kingdom
Stand outside the historic World's End pub and spot the brass markers in the street marking the medieval Netherbow Port gateway. Learn how 16th-century locals viewed this gate as the literal edge of their world, giving the tavern its famous name.
Canongate- Edinburgh
261 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BQ, United Kingdom
Pause near Gullan's Close on the Canongate to hear the dark history of serial killers William Burke and William Hare. Learn the tragic story of 18-year-old Mary Paterson, who was murdered nearby in 1828 before being sold to Dr Robert Knox, before strolling into the tranquil stone courtyard of Chessel's Court. Learn about the infamous 1788 armed robbery that exposed the double life of Deacon Brodie—a city councillor by day and burglar by night—who inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Canongate Kirk
153 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BN, United Kingdom
See the final resting places of Adam Smith , Robert Fergusson and David Rizzio. Hear about the famous grave robbers.
White Horse Close
27 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BU, United Kingdom
Step into picturesque White Horse Close, tucked away at the foot of the Canongate near Holyrood Palace. As you admire the whitewashed stone buildings and external wooden staircases,as we reveal how this quiet courtyard once housed the staging post for coaches traveling to London
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX, United Kingdom
Finish your journey at the foot of the Royal Mile outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British Monarch. Standing before its grand forecourt and gates, your GPS audio tour brings to life the drama of Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here in the 1560s, and the dark tale of her secretary David Rizzio, who was murdered inside the royal apartments
Pickup & meeting point
You can choose either hotel/location pickup or to meet the guide at the start point.
You can request a pickup location of your own.
Start
Please meet your guide outside the entrance of The Ensign Ewart pub at 521 Lawnmarket, located near the top of the Royal Mile close to Edinburgh Castle. Look for your guide standing outside near the main doorway.
End
This tour finishes near St Giles’ Cathedral, but the end point is flexible for private groups! Depending on your preferred route, your guide can end near St Giles', leave you at an Old Town spot of your choice, or finish at Holyrood Palace.
Pickup locations2
Hotels & residences2
- The Witchery352 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF, United Kingdom
- The Balmoral Hotel1 Princes Street, Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh, EH2 2EQ, United Kingdom
- You may choose to meet the guide at the departure point.
- You can arrange your pickup point with the operator after booking.
Pickup instructions
Your guide will be waiting in the main reception/lobby area.
Redemption
Please present your Viator booking voucher (mobile or printed) to your guide at the meeting point prior to the tour.
What's included
Included
- Customizable private walking tour itinerary
- Private Professional Local Guide
Not included
- Meals
- optional
Good to know
Accessibility & suitability
- 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
Traveller requirements
- Minimum 1 traveller per booking
- Maximum 8 travellers per booking
- Age bands: Traveler (0–120)
Languages
- Guide
- English
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 1+ days before100% refund
- 0–1 days before0% refund
- This experience requires good weather. If it's cancelled due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Important booking information
- Booking cut-off
- Bookings close 4 hours before the activity starts.
- Confirmation
- Confirmed immediately after booking.
- Tickets
- One per booking
- Local time zone
- Europe/London
- Product code
- 5667032P8
What you'll be asked when booking
- Your preferred pickup point
- Any special requirements
Traveller reviews
5.0/ 52 reviews
Ratings aggregated from Tripadvisor (2).
You might also like
Cruises & Boat
5 hours
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing
MuseumsFree cancel
1 hour
Day TripsFree cancel
1 hour
Ready to book Private Edinburgh Royal Mile and Old Town Walking Tour?
From GBP 180 per group · Free cancellation available
Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.