walking tours of Edinburgh
the old town
Your own personal, private, walking tour into the heart of the Old Town. This tour will introduce you to the old city giving an overview and orientation of the main sights including the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Gladstone’s Land, the Writer’s Museum (Lady Stair’s House), Greyfriars' graveyard, St. Giles Cathedral, Parliament Hall, John Knox’s House, the Trinity Kirk, The Huntly Museum, the Scottish Parliament, and Holyrood Palace and Abbey, as well as opening your imagination to the medieval city of old Edinburgh with its’ throngs of people, its’ characters, over-crowded buildings and closes (narrow alleys). Why not complete the walk with a drink at one of the many old town pubs such as the Halfway House? (recommended time: 2 1/2 hours)
the new town
a stand alone or a continuation of the first tour, this tour introduces the grandeur and splendour of 18th century Edinburgh including Calton Hill, Princes Street, Princes Street Gardens, the National Galleries at the Mound, George Street, and Charlotte Square, and includes an overview of the city in the ‘Enlightenment’ and ‘Romantic’ periods, periods that saw such illustrious residents as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. A fitting ending to this tour can be a drink at a new town pub such as Rebus’ Oxford Bar, the Guildford Arms or the Café Royal. (recommended time: 2 1/2 hours)
James Spence, an enthralling storyteller, is also available for walking tours of Edinburgh. Though born in Edinburgh James grew up in Jedburgh [or Jethart as the locals refer to it] in the Scottish Borders. He would listen enthralled at the family meal table to his father telling stories of local worthies. As well as being hugely influenced by his father James was a student and great friend of the traveller storyteller Stanley Robertson, gathering many of his stories and wisdom in the process. James can be contacted directly at: James Spence, or booked as a part of a: Serenity Scotland Tour. Watch a video sample of James' storytelling.
feedback
My wife and I recently participated in one of Iain's Historical Edinburgh tours and we found our tour experience to be fabulously informative, interesting, and beneficial. Our tour with Iain was certainly one of the highlights of our entire trip as it provided us with such a great perspective, insight, and overview to ...much of Edinburgh - especially given our limited time visiting. If our travels should bring us to Edinburgh again we will certainly be in touch with Iain and Serenity Scotland to participate in another great tour, and we highly recommend Iain and Serenity Scotland to anyone. . - Brad and Melanie Pierce, Chicago August 2010
My first recommendation for accommodation in Edinburgh is with Ross Birnie at 23 Mayfield. I have worked successfully with Ross for seven years. With easy access by foot and bus to the Old and New Towns, this restored Victorian villa is very comfortable, with imaginative and locally sourced breakfasts, with Ross as near incomparable host.
If you are looking for a great selection of places to stay with discount prices, visit hotel reservation in Edinburgh for more information.