St Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Old Town Private Tour

Planning a trip to Edinburgh? If you’re interested in uncovering the city’s deep roots—its stories, architecture, and legends—a private tour of St Giles’ Cathedral and the Old Town might just be the way to go. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve looked into what makes it stand out for visitors and what you can realistically expect.

What really catches the eye are the knowledgeable guides and the chance to explore at your own pace, tailored to your interests. On the flip side, the price point is something to consider, especially if you’re traveling solo or on a tight budget. But if you’re after a meaningful, customized experience that goes beyond just sightseeing, this tour could fit the bill, especially for those eager to soak up Edinburgh’s history without feeling rushed.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: The private guide ensures you get a customized visit focused on what interests you most.
• In-Depth History and Legends: Explore stories of rebellions, royals, and symbols like the unicorn—the Scottish national animal.
• Iconic Sights: Walk along the Royal Mile, see Edinburgh Castle, and visit the historic St Giles’ Cathedral.
• Comfortable Pacing: The tour is flexible and designed to suit your group’s needs.
• Price and Value: While $267 per person is on the higher side, it includes entry fees and a knowledgeable guide, which adds value.
• Location Convenience: Starts right in the heart of the city at a well-known spot, with a seamless end back at the meeting point.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose the St Giles’ Cathedral and Old Town Private Tour?

This tour offers more than just a quick peek at Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks. It’s a hands-on, tailored journey into the city’s past and present, led by a guide who’s fluent in your language and genuinely passionate about sharing local stories. If you prefer learning through storytelling rather than just walking through sights, this experience is worth considering.

What’s particularly appealing is the ability to customize the pace and focus. Whether you’re intrigued by the Scottish Reformation, royal connections, or the architecture of the cathedral itself, your guide will adapt on the fly. And since the price includes the donation to St Giles’, you’re supporting a historic site while exploring it.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The package covers private guiding services, entry and donation to St Giles’ Cathedral, and free access to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. That means you can enjoy stunning views of the castle without the extra cost, but tickets to the castle’s interior aren’t included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately if you want to go inside.

The tour also promises to deliver interesting facts about Edinburgh’s culture and legends, making it educational as well as enjoyable. If you’re a history buff or just love hearing stories about a city’s characters and symbols, you’ll find this added depth refreshing.

How the Tour Unfolds

The tour kicks off at the well-known Inn on the Mile, a convenient starting point right on High Street. From there, your guide will lead you into the magnificent St Giles’ Cathedral, known for its Gothic architecture and impressive spire. Inside, you’ll find memorials to significant figures like John Knox and learn about pivotal events like the signing of the National Covenant in 1638.

The interior of St Giles is awe-inspiring, with its detailed woodwork and historic chapels, including the chapel of the Order of the Thistle. Your guide will highlight key architectural features and tell stories behind the memorials that give life to the stone.

After exploring the cathedral, the walk continues along the Royal Mile, one of Edinburgh’s most historic streets. Here, you’ll see the unicorn at the Mercat Cross (the unicorn being Scotland’s emblem), the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and the charming, centuries-old tenement houses in Lawnmarket. Your guide will share stories behind these sights—like how the Heart of Midlothian mosaic is traditionally spit upon for luck, or how the tenements reflect Edinburgh’s merchant history.

The tour culminates with a view of Edinburgh Castle, which you can enjoy from the Esplanade for free. While inside the castle isn’t part of this tour, the views, stories, and the atmosphere of this fortress are a fitting end.

The Guide: The Heart of the Experience

A key highlight of this tour is the guide’s expertise. Reviews consistently mention guides being knowledgeable and able to weave stories that bring the history alive. For many, the guide’s storytelling was the most memorable part—“We loved the way they made history feel so engaging,” one review notes.

The private aspect means you’re not lost in a crowd—your guide can focus on your interests, answer questions, and adjust the pace if you need a breather or want to linger somewhere longer. This flexibility is especially valuable if you’re traveling with someone with specific interests or mobility concerns.

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Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $267 per person, the cost is definitely a consideration. Compared to typical group tours, the personalized attention and private guide add value, especially if you’re eager for a deeper understanding of Edinburgh’s history. Plus, the guide’s local insights can transform a standard sightseeing walk into a memorable experience.

However, for budget travelers, it’s worth weighing whether the private guide’s personalized stories outweigh the additional expense. If you’re traveling with a partner or in a small group, splitting the cost could make it more affordable and worthwhile.

Accessibility and Group Size

The tour is limited to 1-4 people per guide, which ensures an intimate experience. For larger groups, additional guides are arranged, which will increase the price. The small group setting is ideal for those wanting a relaxed, personalized experience without the feeling of being rushed or lost among crowds.

Practical Tips

• Booking and Cancellation: You can reserve your spot in advance, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours before without penalty.
• Start Point: Meet in front of The Inn On The Mile. Make sure to arrive a few minutes early to find your guide easily.
• Timing: Check availability for your preferred start time, as the tour lasts around 2 hours.
• What to Wear: Edinburgh’s weather can be unpredictable—dress comfortably and bring an umbrella if needed.
• Additional Costs: Remember, admission to Edinburgh Castle interior is separate if you wish to explore further.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This private tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, or travelers who value personalized experiences. It suits those who want a leisurely, in-depth look at Edinburgh’s iconic sites without the rush of large group tours. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates storytelling and detailed context, this trip provides that touch.

It’s also a good choice for visitors who prefer walking at their own pace and want the flexibility to explore specific points of interest more deeply.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the St Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Old Town Private Tour offers a charming, insightful way to experience Edinburgh’s core. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you get a tailored, engaging look at the city’s history, legends, and architecture. While the cost might seem high, the private nature and depth of storytelling can make it worthwhile—especially if you’re keen to learn and explore comfortably.

If you’re after a guided experience that emphasizes storytelling over hurried sightseeing, this tour is a strong option. It’s best suited for travelers who like a personal touch, are interested in history, and want a flexible, informative stroll through Edinburgh’s historic streets.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for families or children? While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, it’s generally suitable for anyone with an interest in history and culture. The private format allows the guide to tailor the experience, which can be helpful when traveling with children.

How long is the tour? The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start? It begins in front of The Inn On The Mile on High Street, Edinburgh. Make sure to arrive a few minutes early.

Does the tour include inside access to Edinburgh Castle? No, only the Esplanade is included with free entry. For inside access, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets.

What is included in the price? The fee covers a private guide, entry and donation to St Giles’ Cathedral, and free access to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.

Can the tour be tailored to my interests? Yes, the guide will adapt the pace and focus based on your preferences—be it architecture, legends, or historical events.

What language is the guide fluent in? The guide is fluent in English, and the tour is offered in that language.

Is it possible to cancel the booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

How many people can join this private tour? The tour is limited to 1-4 people per guide, with arrangements for larger groups available at a higher price.

Whether you’re a history buff, a culture seeker, or simply want a relaxed and personalized introduction to Edinburgh’s Old Town, this tour offers a meaningful way to connect with the city’s stories. Just keep in mind the price and consider what you want most from your visit—if depth and personalization are high on your list, this might be just the ticket.

You can check availability for your dates here: