Private Tour
Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Welcome to Historic Edinburgh Tours! We will take you on a fascinating journey through the historic streets of the Old Town. You'll get to explore the very places where some of Scotland's most famous (and infamous) characters once walked and lived. From Mary, Queen of Scots to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Deacon Brodie and more, this is an unmissable opportunity to discover Edinburgh's rich history.
Robert, your local guide, will come dressed in a kilt for your private tour. He will also carry a book of archive images. Robert will show you the city's iconic landmarks while sharing fascinating insights into its past. With our archive images, you'll be able to see how Edinburgh has changed over the years - and even compare it to its present-day counterpart. This is an experience not to be missed for history buffs and tourists alike!
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Greyfriars
Your tour starts just inside the main gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard. You'll find out about Edinburgh's famous 'wee dug'; Greyfriars Bobby. There are a number of versions of his story. We'll let you make your own mind up!
Grassmarket
Candlemaker Row and the Grassmarket will be next on your route. You'll find out about one of Scotland's most significant weddings and how it affected Edinburgh. You'll follow the route of the pre-wedding party.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Gratuities
Options
Private Tour for 3-5 people
Duration: 2 hours
Private Tour for 1 person
Duration: 2 hours
Private Tour for 6-10 people
Duration: 2 hours
Private Tour for 2 people
Duration: 2 hours
Reviews
233 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Stepping back in time with a great guide, Robert Howie!
valentinapP4130NI,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our primary school pupils had the great pleasure of stepping back in time in Old Edinburgh with a fantastic tour guide - thank you, Robert Howie! This was an incredible experience, from start to finish. Robert, who is also a primary school teacher, brought an amazing depth of knowledge along with a natural talent for storytelling. He’s warm, engaging, funny, and made us feel completely at ease right away. Both the children and the teachers thoroughly enjoyed his company. Thanks a lot!
Highly Recommended Tour
Jet20850332308,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robert is a very engaging and well researched tour guide. It was like walking around the Old Town with an old friend. Robert is great at delivering a tour for adults and children alike. You will be recommending Robert to friends when you get home. Highly recommend.
Old Edinburgh Primary 7 School Trip
hollyrT7500NU,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked the Old Edinburgh walking tour for our 3 primary 7 classes to support our Old Edinburgh topic. It was amazing! Having been taught by Robert myself I knew it would not disappoint. The tour was engaging, pitched at the right level and loved by all the children and our adult helpers. I’m amazed at how much was packed into 90 minutes. The props, handouts and interactions made the experience! As a teacher it was excellent to hand over to an expert, the children gained a lot of knowledge and visited places they’d never been before. I couldn’t recommend the tour enough and we will definitely be back again! King’s Park Primary, Dalkeith
Great Old Edinburgh tour
EdinburghGlaswegian,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A school trip around old Edinburgh. Tour was great and set at the right pace. Robert was enthusiastic, very informative and kept 30 kids engaged and interested. In fact his stories and info were enough to keep them quiet. No mean feat! Lots learned about Edinburgh’s history for the kids and adults alike. That the kids were talking about things that he said later on is proof enough. Fully recommend.
Fabulous highly recommended tour!
laurenaH7415CJ,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked a private walking tour with Robert and it was fabulous. He focused on tailoring the tour to my children (ages 7, 9 and 11). He was extremely flexible when they decided they were hungry and suggested a place for them to pop in and grab a quick snack to take walking with us. All three of my children were completely engaged the entire time (no small feat) and all three said that this tour was their favorite thing we did in Edinburgh. This is seriously high praise, particularly from my youngest child who typically does not really enjoy guided tours and becomes easily bored. I really can't say enough good things and would highly recommend booking with Robert. Really totally top notch, interesting for the whole family with stellar communication.
10/10 Experience!
reneetS7566GU,Dec 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent experience with Robert. As a local, he was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the Old Town to life with great stories and rich history. Beyond that, he was simply a genuinely kind and engaging person. I would absolutely recommend Robert to anyone looking for an Old Town tour in Edinburgh.
Engaging Tour
antoniat273,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Your exceeded my expectations. Robert’s delivery was engaging and friendly. We got so much more information than we expected, all presented in such an interesting way - you can tell he’s a primary school teacher! Would recommend 100%. I’ve been on many walking tours and Robert was fantastic.
Great guide!
laurie w,Sep 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robert is an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable, lots of fun. He was able to customize the tour to our interests! His knowledge of Edinburgh history is unsurpassed
Very informative and engaging tour
Meander20021986544,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robert is knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Edinburgh and provides both interesting and engaging tours.
Great guide and tour
Wanderer31074133072,Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robert was a fantastic guide. This was a very informative tour and a great way to see a few sites off the main path. Great value and certainly worth it.
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Operated by Historic Edinburgh Tours