I'll show you the highlights of both the New and Old Towns of Edinburgh. We'll visit Edinburgh Castle, lunch in the Grassmarket, walk the length of the Royal Mile and end the day with a visit to Holyrood Palace.
I have presumed a start at the East end of the city but the tour can be adjusted according to your hotel/desired meeting point.
I'll meet you at your hotel and we'll take a walk to the top of Calton Hill where you have a great overview of the city and its suburbs.
I'll tell you about the origins of the New Town, some of its characters and well wander along George Street to hear the tale of George IV's kilt...
Here we'll see the jewel of Edinburgh's New Town and I'll boast about great Scottish inventors.
We'll walk through the gardens, observe the flowers and I'll explain our 16th century witch problem.
We'll enter the castle and see its highlights, the Honours of Scotland, St Margaret's Chapel, Mons Meg, The National War Memorial, the Napoleonic Prison and the various military museums. I'll also explain how not only Robert the Bruce and Oliver Cromwell were responsible for causing damage to the Castle...
Here we'll pause for lunch in an area filled with bars and restaurants.
We'll start our descent of the Royal Mile passing St Gile's Cathedral, Parliament Square, The City Chambers, The Tron Church and John Konx's house. I'll tell you about some of the characters who lived here, executions, ghosts and controversy.
We'll walk down the last part of the Royal Mile, see the Canongate Tollbooth and Kirk, talk briefly about Outlander, meet Robert Fergusson and discuss the architectural merits of the Scottish Parliament.
Our tour ends with a visit to the palace which has been a "home" to Kings and Queens for centuries.
Unfortunately we now find ourselves at the bottom of a hill... we'll figure a way out of getting back to your hotel or I'll point out a bar or two where you can obtain refreshment!
Holyrood Palace
Guide fee
Lunch
Entry to Edinburgh Castle (£19.50)
Entry to Holyrood Palace (£18.00)
I am based near Edinburgh and work in the city as well as carrying out day trips from there. I will also accept bookings to tour throughout the country using my vehicle.
This will be a long day with many hills to climb (unavoidable in Edinburgh). I'm no mountain goat so we'll take our time and have plenty stops.