Meeting Point

At your hotel

Meeting at your hotel

We will meet in your hotel or accommodation and head by foot or by public transport to our starting point, Charlotte Square, a wonderful example of Georgian architecture.

Charlotte Square

We will look at the magnificent buildings, discover where Alexander Graham Bell (inventor of the telephone) was born and where the First Minister of Scotland has her official residence. In addition we will talk about the building of Edinburgh's New Town and what life was like for the upper classes in the mid 18th , early 19th centuries.

St Andrew's Square

We'll stroll along George Street admiring the many statues, including the iconic statue of King George IV. We'll catch our first glimpse of Edinburgh Castle before continuing to St Andrew's Square where we'll hear about Henry Dundas and visit his former mansion.

Princes Street

We'll reach bustling Princes street and discover many fascinating buildings, including the Scott Monument and the Balmoral Hotel. We'll get our first glimpse of the high rise apartments of Edinburgh's old town.

Castle Esplanade

We'll walk past Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Waverley railway station and climb the steps towards the cobbled streets of the old town. Still vibrant and bustling, we will experience a completely different atmosphere. If you wish, we can visit Edinburgh Castle.(You must let me know in advance so that tickets can be purchased. Please note that these are not included in the cost of the tour). Inside the castle, we'll discover the royal residences as well as the Scottish Crown Jewels and the famous stone of destiny.

Lunch Stop

I can suggest various options to suit all tastes.

Castle Esplanade

Let's walk down the Royal Mile in the direction of Holyrood Palace , residence of Her Majesty the Queen. We'll make several stops on the way.

Brodie's Close

Let's hear about its royal connections, about the importance role of Patrick Geddes. As we leave, we'll stop and admire Gladstone's Land, a fine example of a merchant's house before continuing our walk down towards the Palace. We'll hear about Deacon Brodie and David Hume and the era of the Scottish Enlightment.

St Gile's Cathedral

Royal Mile

Let's continue our walk down the Royal Mile. Why is it so called? We'll pass the Mercat Cross, John Knox's house and the World's End and find out about these important places. We'll discover specialist shops and museums you can return to, before reaching the Canongate Kirk, the church frequented by her Majesty when she visits Edinburgh.

Holyrood Palace

Finally, we'll reach the royal palace and see the Scottish Parliament buildings. Behind is the vast expanse of Holyrood park and Arthur's Seat. It is unlikely that we will be able to fit in a visit to the Palace, but you can either return or choose to visit this, as a group , in place of the castle in the morning.

End of Tour

End of tour at your accommodation or at another place according to your wishes.

Ending Point

At your hotel