Top Edinburgh Historical Tours - page 13

Discover the best of Scotland’s capital on a semi-private tour designed for cruise guests who want to go beyond the typical sightseeing loop. With small group sizes, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and immersive experience led by a local guide who knows how to bring Edinburgh’s layered history to life. Your day combines a panoramic drive through the Georgian elegance of the New Town with a guided walking tour of the Old Town, where cobbled closes and historic landmarks reveal the city’s medieval past. From the Royal Mile to Victoria Street and the Vennel Steps, your guide shares fascinating stories that make the streets come alive. With entrance to Edinburgh Castle included, you’ll cap off the day with a self-guided visit to Scotland’s most iconic stronghold, complete with sweeping city views. This carefully curated itinerary offers the perfect balance of storytelling, scenery, and independence—far from the crowds of larger tours.

Enjoy a wee walk followed by a premium whisky tasting in one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh with a fun, local guide, and see a new side to Edinburgh on your trip with your own Private Whisky Tour. You'll spend the first part of the tour on a walking tour with your guide, discovering the history and culture of Edinburgh. Explore the stories of Edinburgh's people, from kings to clergy, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and more. After just over an hour of walking, you'll deserve a wee nip (or three)! Relax with the guide and enjoy a premium whisky tasting in Edinburgh's second oldest pub, trying three of Edinburgh & Scotland's finest whiskies, and learning more about the whiskies as you go. Everything is included in the price, just show up and enjoy!

Discover St Andrews and Fife with a private guide to show you around some of the very best that this part of Scotland has to offer. From castles to cathedrals to fishing villages and much more, this scenic tour will leave you with a fresh appreciation for the beauty and culture of this gorgeous country.

Follow in the footsteps of Mary Queen of Scots to "the most besieged place in Great Britain”, Edinburgh Castle. See the majestic St Giles' Cathedral and the Royal Mile. Visit the historic castle courtyards. Available in English German, French, Italian and Spanish HIGHLIGHTS: - Discover the heritage of Edinburgh Castle with a 5-Star Private Guide - Save time with skip-the-line tickets to Edinburgh's top-rated attraction - Follow the historical Royal Mile and see the majestic St Giles’ Cathedral - Learn about Mary, Queen of Scots and other historical figures - Immerse yourself in Scottish history, culture and legends from past and present Edinburgh Castle is a cradle of Scottish history and Edinburgh’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take this private tour to explore the historic Old Town and Royal Mile, and visit the castle courtyards with an Expert Guide.

Explore further afield without having to worry about hiring a car or navigating unfamiliar roads on a tour that reveals attractions that lie outside of Edinburgh’s city center. This private tour comes with the flexibility to tweak your route and itinerary to include historic castles and chapel, scenic natural landscapes, or art galleries and antique stores.

Explore Scotland through the eyes of one of the nation’s powerful monarchs on this Mary, Queen of Scots sightseeing tour. Following a pickup at your Edinburgh hotel, spin through the Scottish countryside and visit sites closely linked to the queen, including Linlithgow Palace—her birthplace—and Stirling Castle. Gain clear insight into Mary’s life and reign, and admire uninterrupted views across the Loch Leven National Nature Reserve.

Explore the stunning Northumberland coast on this immersive day tour featuring the iconic Bamburgh Castle and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Enjoy breathtaking coastal views and rich history as you traverse the landscape dictated by the tides of the North Sea. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, experience adaptability in your itinerary to ensure a fulfilling day, even if tide conditions alter the schedule. Perfect for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike, this tour promises a full day of exploration and discovery. - Visit the majestic Bamburgh Castle and learn about its history - Experience the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne (tide-dependent) - Enjoy insightful commentary from an expert guide - Full-day tour with adaptable itinerary based on tide conditions

Begin your walk at the towering Gothic spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott — Scotland’s most famous author. Head east along Princes Street, then up the short but steep path to Calton Hill. See the National Monument (Scotland’s unfinished Parthenon), the Nelson Monument, and sweeping views of the Firth of Forth. This is one of Edinburgh’s top photography spots — you can see Arthur’s Seat, the Old Town skyline, and even the Castle. Descend back toward the Old Town and walk up the Royal Mile. Along the way, take in narrow closes (alleyways), traditional shops, and centuries of history in the buildings around you. Admire the crown-shaped steeple and stained glass of St Giles’ Cathedral, and don’t miss the Thistle Chapel inside — home to the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s highest chivalric order. Outside, you’ll find the heart-shaped mosaic known as the Heart of Midlothian, marking the old Tolbooth prison — locals still spit on it for good luck.

Keep the kids entertained, and on their toes, with this guided ghost tour focused on Edinburgh's grisly history. Your guide will bring Edinburgh's dark history to life as you wander along the Royal Mile, in and out of shadowy alleyways, and below ground to the Blair Street Underground Vaults, once frequented by some of Edinburgh’s least appealing characters.

Opportunity to explore Edinburgh Old Town with experienced walking guide and the author of the book series "Hidden Walks". The author (who's also the guide) has sold over 100,000 'hidden' walking books covering 500 miles of urban routes in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and New York, and loves to show the hidden corners of his city to walkers. Learn about the Royal Mile and links to JK Rowling, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Adam Smith, witches, serial killers, Jules Verne, Secret Gardens and the Outlander series.

Embark on a self-guided journey to explore Edinburgh's historic heart, from the panoramic vistas of Calton Hill to the majestic St Giles' Cathedral. Delve into the city's rich past as you stroll the Royal Mile, uncover the stories of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and marvel at the architecture of Edinburgh Castle (entry ticket not included). This tour invites you to discover at your pace, revealing hidden gems and iconic landmarks, including Grassmarket Square and Greyfriars Kirk, enriching your visit with culture and history.

WHY CHOOSE US? Discover the beauty of Edinburgh in just one day with this engaging audio tour. Covering a 5 km route with over 30 stories, the tour guides you past iconic landmarks like the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, as well as hidden gems such as the Witches Well and Bobby Greyfriars Kirkyard. Immerse yourself in Edinburgh's rich history and culture by visiting the Scott Monument, learning about Princes Street, and hearing the legend of Burke and Hare. Walk at your own pace, with the flexibility to pause whenever you like. Simply purchase the tour, download the app, and activate it with your code to enjoy an unforgettable Edinburgh experience. Works offline!

Get out of the city and explore Scotland without the hassle of navigating public transport or unfamiliar roads. This small-group tour from Edinburgh takes you to the charming university town of St. Andrews and to one of Scotland’s oldest distilling locations, Lindores Abbey for a whisky tasting. There's also time for stops in the historic town of Falkland and at Lochleven Castle.

Edinburgh’s winding streets and historic sites can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Discover the city with a local guide on a private walking tour. This personalized tour allows you to discover the exterior of monuments, including museums, while learning about the city’s history and culture. If you want to visit a museum, the itinerary can be adjusted to fit your interests—simply inform your guide beforehand. Ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples, this tour uncovers hidden corners, local insights, and a richer understanding of Edinburgh’s heritage.

Embark on this educational walking tour of Edinburgh, a city that’s steeped in history. From “Outlander” filming locations to tasting traditional Scottish tablet—a dessert similar to fudge made from condensed milk, sugar, and butter—you’ll discover a side of the city most tourists miss. Learn about it all from your costumed guide who’s committed to both their character and making sure you have fun.

Escape from Edinburgh and spend a relaxing day exploring some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland, including Loch Lomond and seeing a Hairy Coo or two. During this small-group tour we absorb unique Scottish scenery at its best with many magnificent lochs (lakes) set against backdrops of dramatic mountains. We'll also weave stories of Scottish history, pass through battle sites and be introduced to our nation's mythical creatures.

Discover the magical city of Edinburgh at your own pace with this guided tour. With a tour of more than 2 hours, you can explore iconic attractions such as Princess Street, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle or Greyfiars Cemetery. This option without schedules or groups allows you to enjoy the city flexibly, including recommendations on gastronomy and family activities. Available in six languages, this experience is ideal for those looking for hassle-free personalized tourism. - 2h self-guided tour with + 13 points of interest - Access to information in 6 languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, Italian and German Explore iconic attractions and receive food recommendations. - No groups or schedules, ideal for traveling at your own pace.

See the best of Edinburgh Old Town, learn all about its history—and explore totally independently, without worries of crowds—on this private, self-led audio tour. The creator of this amazing experience is Jule, who will be your audio voice and "virtual" companion during the whole experience. Upon booking, download the app to your smartphone and use when, and as often, as you’d like. You’ll see neighbourhoods and landmarks like The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Grassmarket, the Writers Museum and much more, and will learn behind-the-scenes stories from the audio narration of a Local Expert. Please note: when booking, you will get an email with instructions on how to download our app and unlock the tour.

Tune into ancient and modern Scottish tales on one of Europe’s oldest streets with this affordable walking tour and the industry-leading VoiceMap mobile app. • See historical sights along all four sections of the Royal Mile and find out about the city’s stench in the 1500s, and how far it traveled • Hear from producer Martin Donnelly, a Senior Teaching Fellow and Edinburgh local • Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it ️• Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Wildlife and history tour. Join me on an urban walk from the popular West End in the Heart of Edinburgh to the beautiful villages along the Water of Leith. Learn about the Water of Leith history which was the 'lifeblood' of the Capital back in the day. Meander with me along the banks of the 'Leith' and just relax whilst looking for amazing wildlife such as Kingfisher, Dipper, Grey Heron, Deer, Otter and so much more. Binoculars, guide books and identification sheets available during the trip. A free 'wee dram' available on route for those that want to sample Scotch Whisky. We will have time to stop at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre. At journeys end in either Colinton, Juniper Green or Balerno why not explore the village and pop into a Hotel, Inn or Restaurant for a meal before heading back into town on Lothian Buses. Bus fare(s) included.

Award-Winning Escape Room Game Solve a thrilling mystery in a beautiful, authentic historical setting Learn about Edinburgh's fascinating grave-robbing era history Perfect for tourists, friends & family (2-8 people) 5* Rated across TripAdvisor, Google & Facebook

All our drivers are friendly, knowledgeable locals and are of course also fans of the Outlander show. We offer the security and privacy of traveling in your own group or on your own exclusively. We will take you to some of Outlander's best filming locations in Scotland. You can choose from our carefully pre-selected tour options for you or feel free to create your own bespoke package with us if there are any locations you would specifically like to visit. Please see our website for full options or get in touch for a free no obligation quote. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Maximise your time ashore and let Macleod Heilan Tours take you on a Scottish adventure through some of the best historical locations in Scotland. This tour gives you a real flavour of Scotland with a visit to the magnificent Kelpies a huge 100ft steel structure which pays homage to one of Scotland’s most famous mythical beasts along with a visit to other Falkirk gems the Falkirk Wheel & Callander House. The Falkirk wheel is the only rotating boat lift in the world and is a marvel of Scottish engineering giving you a feel for Scotland’s industrial past. Callendar house is a 14th century estate that has played host to many great historical figures over the centuries, including Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie and more recently being used for filming of the popular tv show Outlander. The main highlight of the day is a visit to the mighty Stirling Castle which is a real testament to Scotland’s past where many of our most famous battles were fought and won.

Explore the enchanting castles of Northumberland on a captivating day trip. Visit the iconic Alnwick Castle. Journey to Holy Island to witness the haunting ruins of Lindisfarne, and marvel at the majestic Bamburgh Castle, perched dramatically on the cliffside. This tour reveals the rich history and stunning landscapes of Northumberland, perfect for history enthusiasts and Harry Potter fans alike. - Visit the historic Holy Island and its remarkable Lindisfarne ruins - Discover the real Hogwarts set at Alnwick Castle - Admire the striking Bamburgh Castle overlooking the coastline - Ideal for fans of history, architecture, and film locations