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Edinburgh Churches & cathedrals

Our most recommended Edinburgh Churches & cathedrals

Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour

1. Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian's Wall Small Group Day Tour

Visit intriguing Rosslyn Chapel, explore the town of Melrose, journey to the Scottish Borders, and see Hadrian’s Wall on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Rosslyn Chapel has always been mysterious, and has achieved worldwide fame since the publication of The Da Vinci Code. This beautiful and highly ornate 15th-century chapel has long been the subject of speculation about its origins and the meanings of its famous stone carvings. Visit the charming town of Melrose for lunch, then cross the ancient Scotland/England border at Carter Bar. Follow in the footsteps of feuding clans and families, known as Border Reivers, who fought a series of violent raids here until the end of the 16th century. Then visit one of the world's most important Roman monuments: Hadrian’s Wall. Travel to Housesteads Fort (National Trust) in Northumberland National Park, the best preserved Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy a free nature walk along one of the most dramatic and photographed stretches of the wall. Upon returning to Edinburgh, stop in the Border market town of Jedburgh to stretch your legs and take photos of the famous abbey.

Edinburgh: 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Italian

2. Edinburgh: 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Italian

Meet your guide in central Edinburgh by the City Chambers, then set off on foot to explore Edinburgh Old Town. Walking is one of the best ways to experience the area because of its compact size and narrow passageways, which are known locally as closes. Follow your expert guide around Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks. As you stroll, listen to your knowledgeable guide recount the history of the city. Learn about the rise of Presbyterianism in Scotland and hear stories relating to St Giles’ Cathedral, whose gray medieval spire towers over the Royal Mile, a famous road at the heart of the city that’s lined with stately buildings. Imagine the Edinburgh of the past as you hear stories about the controversial 15th-century monarch, Mary, Queen of Scots, and about key figures from the Scottish Enlightenment. View the imposing Edinburgh Castle and be intrigued by tales of its rise and fall, and about the fabled Stone of Destiny that’s held inside. Next, make your way to the Mound, an artificial hill that connects Edinburgh Old Town with the New Town. Pause for a snack at the Grassmarket Square, then delve into the city’s dark side at the graveyard of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Soak up the eerie atmosphere as you listen to stories about executions and hauntings that are associated with the site. Find out how the graveyard is connected to the famous Harry Potter books. Then walk back to the Royal Mile, discovering more about the collections of the National Museum of Scotland and uncovering the secrets of Mary King’s Close, a medieval street that lies under the Royal Mile. Your tour then concludes at the beginning of the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery

3. Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery

Travel through the Scottish Lowlands and Borders on an enjoyable day-tour. See the varied natural wonders that make this section of Scotland famous. See historic sites and sample real Scottish whisky as you travel with a friendly and knowledgeable guide! Your tour will head out from Edinburgh Castle to the lovely village of Roslin. There, you will have the opportunity to visit Rosslyn Chapel. Dating back to 1445, the chapel gained worldwide fame thanks to the increasing interest in Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. See the intricate “musical” boxes and green men carved throughout the chapel. Leave Roslin and continue your journey into the heart of the Scottish Borders in the eastern part of the Scottish Uplands. This area is rich in hills, valleys, rivers, and moorland, and is also the traditional home of Scottish rugby. Travel to the historic town of Melrose, the birthplace of the game of Rugby Sevens and home to of Melrose Abbey. The Abbey, founded in 1136, is one of the most beautiful religious ruins in the United Kingdom, containing many intricate carved sculptures. It is also said to be the burial place of the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce. Enjoy a tasty lunch in Melrose and have plenty of free time to explore the town and the abbey. Before heading back to Edinburgh you will have to option to explore the lowland distillery of Glenkinchie, now owned by Johnnie Walker. Join a tour to learn how whisky is made and taste some of their most popular single malt.

Edinburgh: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour

4. Edinburgh: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour

Discover Edinburgh’s historical, cultural, and architectural heritage on a small and intimate walking tour guided by one of the most knowledgeable locals possible. Stuart or Richard Usher, of Scotland's famous and historic House of Usher, or historians Dr. Alison Duncan and David Forsyth, will guide you through this beautiful city. You’ll see many of the city’s highlights, including Usher Hall and Edinburgh Castle (exterior). You’ll walk along the Royal Mile, view St. Giles Cathedral (exterior), and visit several of Edinburgh's famous landmarks. Your guide has an extensive knowledge of Edinburgh's history and architecture and the many famous people that the city has produced over the centuries. They will share their knowledge with you in an informative, personable, and enjoyable manner. Have no fear, as it won't all be serious stuff. Visit the Grassmarket, a place of thriving activity where street performers and buskers abound and which is home, since the 1400s, to merchants and street traders. Also, typically, where time allows, you will see Princes Street, Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument, George Street, and Charlotte Square.

Edinburgh: Old Town Historical Tour

5. Edinburgh: Old Town Historical Tour

Edinburgh has become one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. We will know the history of this medieval city, with more than 3000 years, from the first tribes that populated it, the Picts, to the men in skirts. We will talk about its most important buildings, such as St. Giles Cathedral, or Edinburgh Castle. We will walk through its most emblematic streets, such as the Royal Mile , or Victoria Street . We will visit the sculpture of the puppy Bobby , which is next to the Greyfriars cemetery, where many mysteries and legends are hidden, and some paranormal activity. Part of the Harry Potter book was written in Edinburgh and its writer, JK Rowling, used the inspiration graveyard, join us to discover where she wrote and what she used as inspiration for her novels. With so many centuries of history , the capital of Scotland is rich in history and legends. You cannot miss this incredible visit to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh's Royal Mile: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

6. Edinburgh's Royal Mile: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Embark on a tour of Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile with an audio tour available on your smartphone. Enjoy 14 stories narrated by radio actor James Bryce in his charming Scottish lilt and see highlights, including the Lawnmarket and Mercat Cross. After installing your app, begin at the top of Castlehill next to the Witches Well and hear about Edinburgh Castle’s early days, when a series of infamous witch burnings took place here. Amble down all four sections of the Royal Mile: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, the High Street, and the old burgh of Canongate. Stroll around St. Giles Cathedral, home to the Old Tolbooth, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and a statue of Charles II. As you travel the length of the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, see the former residence of the gentleman robber, Deacon Brodie, the inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Hear about historical figures, such as John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots, and listen to tales about the barbaric punishments of the 1600s. Uncover the deeds that took place in the shadows of the Mercat Cross and see Netherbow Port, once the main gate between Edinburgh and Canongate.

Edinburgh: 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Spanish

7. Edinburgh: 3-Hour Historical Walking Tour in Spanish

Meet your guide in central Edinburgh by the City Chambers, then set off on foot to explore Edinburgh Old Town. Walking is one of the best ways to experience the area because of its compact size and narrow passageways, which are known locally as ‘closes.’ Follow your expert guide around Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks. As you stroll, listen to your knowledgeable guide recount the history of the city. Learn about the rise of Presbyterianism in Scotland and hear stories relating to St Giles’ Cathedral, whose gray medieval spire towers over the Royal Mile, a famous road at the heart of the city that’s lined with stately buildings. Imagine the Edinburgh of old as you hear stories about the controversial 15th century monarch, Mary Queen of Scots, and about key figures from the Scottish Enlightenment. View the imposing Edinburgh Castle and be intrigued by tales about its rise and fall, and about the fabled Stone of Destiny that’s held inside. Part of the Scottish crown jewels, this ancient gem was captured and held by the English for over 700 years before being returned to the Scots in 1996. Next, make your way to the Mound, an artificial hill that connects Edinburgh Old Town with the New Town. Pause for a snack (own expense) at the Grassmarket Square, then delve into the city’s dark side at the graveyard of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Soak up the eerie atmosphere as you listen to stories about executions and hauntings that are associated with the site. Find out how the graveyard is connected to the famous Harry Potter novel series. Your tour will then conclude at the beginning of the Royal Mile.

Edinburgh: Private Guided Tour of the Edinburgh Castle

8. Edinburgh: Private Guided Tour of the Edinburgh Castle

Journey through the magical Edinburgh Castle with an interactive private tour, led by an expert guide. Learn about the history of this fortress, and discover the symbol of Scottish power. Observe this surroundings, with a panoramic view of the grounds, and find out all about those who used to live there. Meet your private expert guide and visit Edinburgh Castle in an interactive way, which was used for a long time for military purposes. Explore this sumptuous fortress, located in the heart of the Old Town and learn about what it is a symbol of Scottish power. Witness to the painful history that played out between Scotland and England, and how in the 11th century became, it represented the rivalry between these two nations. It then housed some famous members of the Scottish Stuart dynasty, including Mary Stuart who gave birth there to the future James I of England. During the visit, learn many details about Scottish history and observe the impacts left by the sieges, battles, and attempted reconquests that damaged the castle. The guided tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours (after which you can continue to explore Edinburgh Castle at your own pace and in more detail if you wish).

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What people are saying about Edinburgh

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 470 reviews

Absolutely fantastic walking tour, which I highly recommended. Dr Alison Duncan is an absolute font of knowledge on the history and evolution of both Edinburgh and Scotland in general. Her explanation of the geography (volcanic plugs, path of glaciers) gave wonderful context. Alison was not only knowledgeable but also bubbling with enthusiasm that was absolutely contagious! Alison, as promised, both Madeline & I each had a dram (a Dalwhinie and a Talasker) and raised them in your honour.

An absolutely wonderful experience. Stuart was so informative and friendly even took us for coffee in a lovely local cafe. The best way to see everything you want to see and to learn about the history in Edinburgh!!!!

Great tour! This tour is fantastic for visiting great places in Edinburgh in just 3 hours, with the knowledge of someone who knows a lot about the city and it’s history. Stuart was a great guide. Highly recommend.

Smaller group on the day. Well organized, good pace, insights, and the main attractions were great. Highly recommend this company.

I did the tour with Mr.Usher and it was incredible!! It's perfect to do it in a small group.