Full description
Small-group walking tour of the Royal Mile with tickets included to Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse and an English-speaking guide.
This small-group walking tour explores the royal heart of Edinburgh, from the castle ramparts to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, with tickets to both included and an English-speaking guide.
The visit starts at Edinburgh Castle, the fortress crowning one of the city's seven hills. After passing beneath the ancient portcullis, the guided visit takes place in the outdoor areas of the castle. The guide tells the story of Mary, Queen of Scots and the birth of James VI, along with the battles and sieges that shaped the fate of the nation. After the guided visit, you have time to explore the interiors at your own pace, such as the Royal Palace and the Crown Room, home to the Honours of Scotland, and to stop at a cafe for a break.
From the castle you walk down to Victoria Street, the most photographed street in Edinburgh, known for its sweeping curve and colorful facades. At St Giles' Cathedral you reflect on recent history, from the tributes to Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 to the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication in July 2023, when the Honours of Scotland were presented to King Charles III, and you learn about the city's Presbyterian heritage and the persecution of the Covenanters. When there are no services or private events, you have free time to visit the cathedral's interior. At West Parliament Square, the guide then introduces the 1707 Act of Union.
Along the Royal Mile you slip into some of the closes, the narrow alleyways that could reach up to ten stories in height, and stop at the Mercat Cross, the traditional stage for royal proclamations, public announcements and punishments, topped by a unicorn. There is a pause at the World's End Pub at the Netherbow, where the old city once ended, and a stop at White Horse Close, which local legend links to the favorite horse of Mary, Queen of Scots.
The final stop is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland. After a short introduction from the guide, you receive audio guides to visit the palace independently, and the visit continues to the ruined abbey and the Holyrood gardens, where the tour ends. Before entering the palace you can stop at a local cafe for a break.
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Additional information
● Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts
● Physical difficulty level: moderate
● There is no need to download the tickets: the guide carries the voucher for the whole group
● Not wheelchair or stroller accessible
● Not suitable for pets
● Not recommended for people with back problems, heart conditions or mobility issues
● If the Palace of Holyroodhouse closes for an official event or the scheduled dates change, guests will be offered the option of switching to another Edinburgh Castle and Old Town tour, receiving a refund or changing their date
● This tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to operate. If the minimum is not reached or in the event of unforeseen circumstances, the provider may cancel the activity and offer an alternative or a full refund.
● The activity may be affected by external causes beyond the provider's control
● The provider is not responsible for any physical injury or loss of or damage to personal belongings during the experience
Inclusions
✔ Edinburgh Castle admission
✔ Palace of Holyroodhouse admission
✔ Audio guide at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
✔ Local English-speaking guide
Exclusions
✖ Hotel pickup or drop-off
✖ Transportation to the meeting point
✖ Coffee and tea
✖ Public transportation
✖ Tickets, food and drinks unless expressly specified in the tour inclusions
✖ Other services not specified
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the activity.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance and no-shows will not be refunded.
Meeting point
354 Castlehill, outside The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh EH1 2NE, Scotland, United Kingdom. The guide carries a dark blue umbrella.