"The hop on hop off service made exploring the city straightforward. We saw several landmarks, enjoyed great views, and appreciated being able to continue our journey whenever convenient."
Secrets of Edinburghs Royal Mile By Golden Tours




Overview
Take a walking trip off the main path to discover Edinburgh's Royal Mile's best-kept secrets. Under the guidance of certified tour guide and Edinburgh resident Hannah Mackay Tait, uncover the undiscovered treasures and lost tales nestled among the tenements. Centuries of history may be found throughout Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile, which is home to numerous hidden treasures down its renowned alleys. Join Blue Badge guide Hannah Mackay Tait for a 2.5-hour walking tour that takes you through the sites and people who have shaped Edinburgh.
You won't have to lose out on amazing vistas and photo opportunities while travelling. Don't let the opportunity slip to make priceless memories!
Start your journey by reserving your tour right now!
Highlights
- Go through Edinburgh's Old Town with a qualified guide.
- Learn about the magnificent structures on the Royal Mile and their history.
- Discover the well-known locals
- See the famous Edinburgh Castle.
Itinerary
Edinburgh Walking Tour
Experience the historical walking tour of Edinburgh, the lovely Scottish capital, and get to know the city. Wander around the famed Royal Mile, which links Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scotland's official royal seat. The mile is lined with cobblestone streets, wynds, and shuts.
During your one and a half hour walking tour, learn about the city's amazing history, rich legacy, and genuine stories from your knowledgeable guide. You will also learn about the lives of famous citizens of Edinburgh, such as Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, and Mary Queen of Scots, who at the age of six days became Queen of Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is a formidable stronghold with sweeping views of Scotland's capital city. It has seen several sieges and wars throughout its history. Explore the magnificent Great Hall of King James IV, the opulent royal chambers, and the oldest Crown jewels in the United Kingdom by going inside. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to tour St Margaret's Chapel, the city's oldest structure!
Popular Attractions:
St. Giles' Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture and an important site in Edinburgh's history.
John Knox House: One of the oldest surviving buildings on the Royal Mile, associated with the Protestant Reformation leader.
Secret Alleys: Explore the narrow, hidden closes (alleys) that branch off the Royal Mile, each with its own unique story.
Historic Courtyards: Discover secluded courtyards that once served as bustling hubs of activity.
Royal History: Learn about the royal history of the Mile, including connections to Mary, Queen of Scots, and other monarchs.
Famous Residents: Hear stories of famous (and infamous) residents who lived and worked on the Royal Mile.
Hidden Chambers: Some tours may include a visit to the underground vaults beneath the Royal Mile, revealing a darker side of the city's history.
Ghost Stories: Discover tales of hauntings and spooky occurrences in these atmospheric spaces.
Witch Trials: Learn about the witch trials and executions that took place in Edinburgh.
Body Snatchers: Hear about the infamous Burke and Hare, notorious body snatchers of the 19th century.
Historic Buildings: Admire the architecture of historic buildings that line the Royal Mile, each with its own story.
Mercat Cross: Visit the Mercat Cross, a symbol of the city's right to hold markets and a spot for public proclamations.
What's Included
- Audio device
Redemption Info
Passengers must exchange their booking voucher with the street staff/ booth staff at that given starting point. Your booking voucher will expire after you exchange it for a ticket. The company or bus operator will not provide a refund if a voucher or ticket is misplaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can easily book tours and activities through our website. Simply browse our destinations, select your preferred tour, choose your date and number of participants, and complete the secure online payment process. You'll receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase.
After booking, you'll receive a voucher via email. For hop-on-hop-off tours, exchange your voucher with the bus driver or staff at any designated stop to receive your physical ticket. For other activities, present your voucher (digital or printed) at the meeting point specified in your booking confirmation. Keep your ticket safe throughout the tour validity period.
We accept all major credit/debit cards. You can pay with a VISA debit or credit card, a MasterCard debit or credit card, Maestro, Visa Electron or American Express card.
Please note: We are based in the United Kingdom. Depending on your bank, an international transaction fee may apply. For more details about potential charges, please contact your card provider directly.
Yes. Your payment is absolutely safe with us. All transactions are protected with SSL encryption and processed securely. With our secure online payment system, your information is encrypted and protected against fraud. We use industry-standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocols to safeguard data transfer, and all personal information is stored in secure environments not accessible to the public.
You will receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, please check your spam/junk folder.If any activity requires manual confirmation from the supplier/ tour operator, your booking will be confirmed within 24 hours.
Still haven’t received it? Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com and our team will be happy to assist you.
Your reference number will be displayed on the confirmation page after you complete your booking and in the confirmation email you receive once your tour is confirmed. All booking reference numbers begin with “ACTXXXX”.
If you don't receive your confirmation email within 30 minutes of booking, please check your spam/junk folder first. If it's not there, contact our customer support at booking@activity-crest.com with your payment details and booking information. We'll resend your confirmation and voucher immediately.
Yes. You can modify your booking after purchase. Modifications depend on the specific tour's terms and conditions. Some bookings allow date changes up to 24-48 hours before the tour, while others may have stricter policies. Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com as soon as possible if you need to modify your booking. Please note that changes may be subject to availability and additional fees.
Please bring a printed copy of your ticket voucher. Some local suppliers also accept vouchers shown on a mobile device (check the activity page for details). A valid photo ID is required for the traveler named on the ticket. For certain activities, a valid ID for each participant may be required – this will be clearly stated on your ticket.
Our cancellation policy varies by tours. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. For specific cancellation terms and refund conditions, please check the individual tour page before booking. To cancel your booking, contact us at booking@activity-crest.com with your booking reference number.
Customer Reviews
"This tour was a convenient way to explore popular attractions. We enjoyed informative commentary, comfortable transportation, and the flexibility to spend extra time at places we liked."
"We loved seeing the city from the upper deck. The route covered many interesting areas, and the freedom to hop off whenever we wanted was extremely useful."
"The entire tour was enjoyable from beginning to end. Beautiful views, helpful commentary, and convenient stops made it easy to experience the city without feeling rushed."
"The service made our sightseeing day much easier. We enjoyed comfortable seats, excellent city views, and convenient stops that allowed us to explore attractions without unnecessary travel."
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