Whitehorse Close, Canonagate

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

Canongate, Edinburgh

Bakehouse Close, Canongate, Edinburgh

Moray House, Canongate Edinburgh

John Knox House, High Street, Edinburgh

Riddles Court, Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Royal Mile sign

Pews, Canongate Kirk

Scottish Parliament

Mercat Cross, Canongate

Canongate Kirk

Hidden Gems of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile

Art, Culture, & Historical

Joined 2026

Sam T.

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Interview-Based Quality Checks

Edinburgh

English (Native)

3 hours

Private tour (only you and Sam T.)

Up to 15 people

Spend a morning or afternoon immersed in the history of Edinburgh's Old Town. Hear about the characters and events that shaped this city's past. Discover hidden gems as we venture down the many Closes (alleys) off the Royal Mile.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Abbey Strand Apartments, Abbey Strand, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

- Meet outside the Abbey Strand Apartments at the junction of the Canongate and Abbey Strand.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

View the King's official residence in Scotland. Hear the story of the founding of the Abbey and how the Palace grew up next to it.

Scottish Parliament

Home of the Scottish Parliament

Whitehorse Close

Hidden down a close you step back to the 16th century.

Dunbar Close Garden

The Old Town has a surprising number of gardens. This is laid out as a 17th century garden and is open to the public.

Canongate Kirk

The Canongate Kirk (church) is the church the King uses when he is in residence at the Palace.

Bakehouse Close

Step back into the past in Bakehouse Close.

World's End

Discover why there is a Close and Pub named the World's End

John Knox House

One of the Old Towns oldest buildings. It is typical of the style form the late 1400's early 1500's.

Mercat Cross

Edinburgh's Mercat (Market) Cross is where Royal proclamations are read from today, but has a long history in the heart of the city

St Giles Cathedral

St Giles has been on this spot since at least the 1100's.

Lawnmarket

The upper part of the Royal Mile leading to Castlehill, the Lawnmarket was once the Land Market and the Linen Market was held there.

Ending Point

Lawnmarket, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Guide Fees, this is a walking tour only.

What‘s not included

Any entrance fees.

Refreshments.

Tour Important Information

This is a walking tour, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.

This tour is wheelchair accessible.

This tour starts at the bottom of the Royal Mile and ends at the top, so is uphill in direction.

This tour does not go into any attractions.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2026

Sam T.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Sam T.

Hi, my name is Sam and I'd love to share my hometown with you. I'm passionate about the history, characters and events that have shaped this wonderful City. I've been a professional tour guide since 2000 and I am fully insured.