Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 10 travelers
Overview
Skip the rushed crowds and join former history professor Sami - and occasionally our friendly Golden Retriever co-guide - for an unhurried, wider-ranging journey from the Old Town into the elegant New Town.
Rather than a generic checklist, this small-group walk traces centuries of history. We begin with the writers at Makars’ Court, step onto the Castle Esplanade, and descend through Victoria Street into the atmospheric Grassmarket. At Greyfriars Bobby’s statue, we separate fact from fiction, sharing a moving story that will stay with you long after the walk ends.
Rejoining the Royal Mile past St Giles’ Cathedral and Tron Kirk, we uncover hidden histories - clues in the stonework and street lines that most people walk straight past. Finally, we wander down iconic Cockburn Street, crossing into the New Town to finish near the magnificent Scott Monument with a completely fresh perspective on Edinburgh's city centre.
What's included
Guided walking commentary
What to expect
Writers' Museum
Pass by
Your tour guide, Sami, will meet you in Makars' Court next to the Writers' Museum. The tour begins by discussing some Scottish literary legends.
Gladstone's Land
Pass by
Along your walking tour you will pass by the historic Gladstone's Land.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Pass by
Along your walking tour, you will pass by Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.
Edinburgh Castle
Pass by
We stop for a bit near Edinburgh Castle where you hear stories of sieges and battles, kings and queens, as well as some mysteries.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Pass by
Along your walking tour we pass the Scotch Whisky Experience.
Victoria Street
Pass by
We walk along the picturesque Victoria Street.
Grassmarket
Pass by
We stop and talk about historic locals that once experienced the drama at the Grassmarket.
Greyfriars
Pass by
We stop in the iconic Greyfriars Kirkyard where we separate the fiction and falsehoods from the facts, but we promise that you will be moved as Bobby's story will imprint on your heart and soul!
National Museum of Scotland
Pass by
We pass by the renowned National Museum of Scotland.
National Library of Scotland
Pass by
We walk by the distinguished National Library of Scotland.
St Giles' Cathedral
Pass by
At St Giles' Cathedral, you’ll hear fascinating tales of saints and sinners, power and punishment, and the strange ways reputations are made (and unmade) in Edinburgh.
The Real Mary King's Close
Pass by
Hear about some of Edinburgh's hidden history.
Tron Kirk Market
Pass by
We discuss some of the fascinating history connected to Tron Kirk.
The Edinburgh Dungeon
Pass by
Hear more about some of Edinburgh's hidden history.
Waverley Bridge-Edinburgh
Pass by
We cross over from the Old Town to the New Town.
Scott Monument
Pass by
By the time we finish near the Scott Monument, you’ll have walked through centuries of Edinburgh history in one go, and you’ll see the city’s centre with fresh eyes.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
We meet at Makars' Court - just off the Royal Mile next to the Writers' Museum. Look for your guide, Sami, who will either have a Golden Retriever tour guide with him or be holding a light green umbrella with pictures of Golden Retrievers on it.
End point
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
