Private Tour

Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

This private guided walk with our unique guides (Stuart Usher or his son Richard, Professional Historians such as Dr Alison Duncan or David Forsyth, other prominent guides such as Prof. John Frank), will both entertain and enthral your group. Your party (up to 12 people) will be the only visitors on the walk. Stuart Usher's family have historic connections with Edinburgh (his great-great Uncle, Andrew Usher, donated the magnificent Usher Hall to the city, where the tour normally starts) and his deep knowledge of the city's cultural, historical and architectural aspects means he has a unique perspective.

You can book a morning tour (9.30am to 1.00pm), an afternoon tour (2.00pm to 5.30pm) or our full-day tour (9.30am to 4.30pm)

You can have flexibility on itinerary should you choose, e.g. if you have special interests in certain aspects of Edinburgh, and we can even arrange a starting point to suit you (e.g. your hotel) as long as it is in the city-centre.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Wheelchair possible but there are hills and steps

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Private tour

Professional guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off if requested

Cost of food and drinks

What To Expect

Edinburgh Guided Tour

The starting point of the tour (if not your hotel) is the splendid Usher Hall, a wonderful Concert Hall gifted to the city by Stuart Usher's great-great-uncle. We do not normally go inside.

10 minutes•Admission Not Applicable

Edinburgh Castle

Gusts will see the majestic Edinburgh Castle (exterior only) and your guide will talk you through its tumultuous history and the lives of the many Scottish Kings and Queens who lived there. If you wish to see inside the castle this can be arranged but there will be an extra charge (£19 per head) for admission.

15 minutes•Admission Not Applicable

Options

Private tour - mornings

a 3.5 hour private tour

Private tour - afternoons

A 3.5 hour private afternoon tour

Private tour - full day

A full day (7 hour) guided walking tour of Edinburgh.

Reviews

4.95

259 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

249

Amazing first day in Edinburgh
Jessica B,
Jun 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had Douglas for our tour and he was amazing! We did an in depth tour of Edinburgh castle and then stopped at a few other places around the city. Douglas was incredible with his stories and knowledge of Scottish history, his story telling ability made everything so interesting. Best way to get introduced to Edinburgh!
Incredible tour that made our trip
Nicole L,
Dec 23, 2024
- Viator
5.00
A fantastic experience with Dr Allison as our guide. Her historical knowledge was incredible and made the tour. She let us go at our own pace, was engaging with every story and anecdote, and the 3.5 hours flew by. She personalised the tour and very much tailored her commentary and what we saw to our interests. Every member of the family including two teens said it was the highlight of our time in Edinburgh. Highly recommend.
Walking tour with David
Amy P,
Oct 20, 2024
- Viator
5.00
David was a terrific guide - exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging! We did a 3.5 hour walking tour focused on the castle
An encyclopedia of Edinburgh was
Jeffrey G,
Sep 19, 2024
- Viator
5.00
David was extremely friendly, polite, and most importantly, very knowledgeable about everything. Edinburgh. He answered all of our questions, which were many, very well. Kudos
Excellent
Andrew D,
Sep 11, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Mr. Usher was a highly knowledgeable guide who brought an interesting personal history and perspective to our tour.