Private Tour
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the oldest parts of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage Site with an award-winning, five-star rated local guide! Robert was born within sight of the Old Town. He has lived in Edinburgh all his life and even went to a university on the Royal Mile! He teaches in a local primary school. Robert will wear traditional Scottish attire for your tour. We don't think you can get much more local flavour than this!
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Local Guide
Gratuities
This tour does not include entry to Edinburgh Castle of the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse
We will see the exterior of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and hear of the story of two of the most famous Royal residents here - Mary, Queen of Scots and Prince Charles Edward Stewart.
Royal Mile
We'll take you from the gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the drawbridge of Edinburgh Castle. You'll hear about murders, shootings, royal proclamations and civil wars. You'll visit pretty little closes and wynds and learn about some of the most famous figures in Scottish history.
48 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
B2064SUjoanr,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our private tour with Robert was one of the things I was truly looking forward to on this trip. From the moment we met him, we felt welcomed and comfortable. He tailored the entire tour to our family’s needs and pace, especially considering we had young children with us. He was so patient and kind with our children, Daphne and Gabriel, always making sure they were comfortable and enjoying the journey. He picked us up from our hotel and immediately set the tone with his warmth, patience, and genuine care. He shared stories and history in such a captivating and respectful way, showing us both well-known landmarks and hidden gems. His passion for Scottish culture shines through in everything he does. He was also incredibly helpful, even going out of his way to push our stroller up stairs, steep paths, and uneven ground and he did it all with a genuine smile. His kindness and positive spirit did not go unnoticed. One moment that really touched me was when he offered to take photos of us using his own phone because my hands were full. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and the pictures came out beautiful memories we will cherish forever. We are incredibly grateful for the experience. Thank you, Robert, for making our time in Scotland unforgettable. Highly, highly recommended. (I will definitely encourage my family and friends to visit Edinburgh and book a private tour with Robert.)





maureenjL9050NB,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Fabulous tour of the Royal Mile right from the start outside Holyrood Palace. Lots of interesting stops along the way with plenty of history interlaced with great stories that really brought the past to life! Robert is a great storyteller and even provides pictures that help you imagine what it was like to live and do business hundreds of years ago. He was also thoughtful and made sure our pace was comfortable and manageable. Would highly recommend this tour.
SueDen27,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Having visited the Castle and the Palace we decided we’d like a little more knowledge about the characters, architecture and history of Edinburgh. Robert certainly engaged and amused us with his fascinating stories and bag of props. He took us at our own leisurely pace, avoiding steep steps into little back streets and secluded gardens. We recommend a stroll with Robert will give you much pleasure and many memories of Edinburgh.







Cynthia D,
Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
It is both factual and humorous. Finding out about the characters that shaped Edinburghs history. Robert was very knowledgeable and easy to learn from.
MikeMSJ,
Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Robert was simply brilliant. What a wonderful tour he presented to us. He was fun, knowledgeable, flexible, curious,... and listened to us while adjusting the Tour to meet our interests and needs. He stopped 3 or 4 times at 'sitting spots' for us while he spoke, so that a few in our party could rest sore hips or feet - always sensitive for our safety, too. A helpful, very kind young man with a good Scottish sense of humor! Loved the Tour. Thank you, Robert. Cheers always.
emilycJ5272MZ,
Apr 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
From the initial contact to the end of our tour, Robert was an absolute delight to do business with. He provided a private tour for my group, which was a visiting group of scientists from Europe. He stuck to our incredibly inflexible schedule, spoke clearly to accommodate a range of nationalities, and even snuck in some extra science facts and related some of the edinburgh history to the countries of the visitors, which they really appreciated! These were all the extras - the tour itself was brilliant and captured the history of Edinburgh perfectly. Robert is professional, friendly, accommodating and flexible. Do book your tour with him - you will not regret it!
G4340AQkarenn,
Mar 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a great time on this tour! Robert was knowledgeable, respectful, charming, and witty. He asked for our interests at the beginning and would point out extra things that were fun for us to see. It was the perfect length. Highly recommend!

H1747CWannem,
Mar 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The four of us on our tour had a really great experience on the Royal Mile! Robert was an excellent tour guide—friendly, informative, and funny as well. He thoughtfully inquired about our interests and customized his commentary to suit.
C4405IJianp,
Feb 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a great tour. Robert was very knowledgeable and good fun. We had a really good experience. I thought we knew edinburgh quite well but we saw many places we hadn't visited before. Highly recommended
bn4thjzndk,
Jan 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
Fantastic tour and guide. Once Robert heard I had already seen most of the royal mile, he redesigned the itinerary on the spot. I learned and saw so much. Robert went above and beyond, making sure to show me key sites. He is very knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommend.
Operated by Historic Edinburgh Tours