Explore Edinburgh’s enchanting past on this captivating walking tour. Enjoy the city’s historic Old Town, strolling through charming streets and uncovering its storied past. From the iconic Scott Monument to the vibrant Victoria Street, this 2-hour French-led expedition offers an intimate look at the Scottish capital’s rich heritage. With knowledgeable local insights and responsible touring practices, it’s an enriching way to discover the city’s enduring appeal.
Key Points
- A 2-hour guided walking tour of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, conducted in the French language.
- Covers key landmarks like the Scott Monument, Mercat Cross, Edinburgh Castle, Victoria Street, and the Grassmarket.
- Small-group experience with a maximum of 11 participants for an intimate and personalized tour.
- Informative commentary from a local guide, providing insights into Edinburgh’s rich history and culture.
- Inclusive of guide’s expenses, online booking costs, and a portion of profits donated to a local housing association.
Tour Overview
The Edinburgh Express is a 2-hour walking tour in French that takes visitors through the city’s Old Town.
Priced from $39.54 per person, it offers a small-group experience with a maximum of 11 participants.
The tour starts at the Scott Monument on the Royal Mile and covers key highlights like the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh Castle, Victoria Street, and Greyfriars Kirkyard before ending back on the Royal Mile.
Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour is led by a French-speaking guide and provides local insights and recommendations throughout the experience.
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Itinerary Highlights
The walking tour kicks off at the iconic Scott Monument on the Royal Mile, allowing participants to start their journey through the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
The guide leads the group past the Mercat Cross, a historic market cross, and offers views of the imposing Edinburgh Castle.
The tour then winds through the colorful Victoria Street and the charming Grassmarket, before arriving at the atmospheric Greyfriars Kirkyard.
The tour concludes back on the Royal Mile, though some itineraries may be subject to change.
Throughout, the guide provides historical insights and local recommendations.
Tour Features
As a walking tour focusing on Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, the tour provides a snapshot of the city’s rich history. Covering topics such as the capital status, density of the Old Town, the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and the city’s famed "closes", the tour offers a comprehensive look at Edinburgh’s past and present. Guests can expect local insights and recommendations from the French-speaking guide throughout the experience.
| Tour Features | | |
| — | — | — |
| Walking tour of Old Town | Snapshot of Edinburgh’s history | Topics covered: capital status, Old Town density, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, closes |
| Local insights and recommendations included | | |
Inclusions
The tour includes a number of valuable components.
The guide’s salary and travel expenses are covered, as is group insurance. The online booking system costs are also included. Guests can expect a portion of the profits to be donated to a local housing association.
Taxes and social security contributions, around 30%, are factored in as well. Finally, the price includes documentation and surprises during the visit.
With these inclusions, guests can enjoy a seamless and fulfilling experience on the Edinburgh Express walking tour.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Certain activities aren’t permitted on the walking tour, such as consuming alcohol and drugs.
Participants should dress appropriately for the weather, which can be unpredictable in Edinburgh. The tour will proceed rain or shine, unless there are amber or red weather warnings.
Public restrooms are limited, so guests are advised to plan accordingly.
The tour guides emphasize environmental responsibility and ask that participants follow their instructions to help protect Scotland’s natural beauty.
Exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town
Embarking on the Edinburgh Express: Walking Tour in French, visitors enjoy the captivating Old Town. The guided tour showcases Edinburgh’s historic heart, weaving through narrow closes and bustling streets. Highlights include the Mercat Cross, a symbol of civic authority, and a passing glimpse of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Traversing the Royal Mile, the group discovers the quaint Victoria Street and Grassmarket, once a marketplace. The tour culminates at the atmospheric Greyfriars Kirkyard, a cemetery rich in history and legend. Throughout, the local guide provides insightful commentary, bringing Edinburgh’s past to life.
| Highlights | Description |
| — | — |
| Mercat Cross | Symbol of civic authority |
| Edinburgh Castle | Iconic landmark |
| Victoria Street | Quaint, historic street |
| Grassmarket | Former marketplace |
| Greyfriars Kirkyard | Atmospheric cemetery |
Discovering the Royal Mile
Winding its way through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Royal Mile captivates visitors with its historical charm. This famous thoroughfare links Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, offering a glimpse into the city’s storied past.
Along the mile, travelers can explore quaint closes, or narrow alleyways, bustling with local shops, pubs, and cafes. The iconic Mercat Cross, a symbol of ancient royal authority, stands as a testament to Edinburgh’s vibrant history.
Throughout the tour, the guide shares insights into the capital’s significance, from its density to the castle’s enduring presence, providing a comprehensive understanding of this iconic Edinburgh landmark.
Insights and Recommendations
Throughout the tour, the guide provides valuable insights and practical recommendations to enhance visitors’ experience of Edinburgh’s Old Town. They share local knowledge about the capital’s history, architecture, and culture.
Recommending popular spots like Grassmarket and Greyfriars Kirkyard, the guide also advises on navigating the winding closes and planning for limited public facilities.
With an emphasis on environmental responsibility, the guide instructs participants to follow guidelines that protect Scotland’s natural beauty.
These insider tips and thoughtful guidance make the French-language tour an enriching way to discover Edinburgh’s historical and cultural treasures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can cancel the tour with no penalty within this timeframe.
Do You Offer Discounts for Students or Seniors?
The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $39.54 per person for all participants.
Can the Tour Be Conducted in Other Languages Besides French?
The tours can be conducted in other languages besides French, but the availability and pricing may vary. Customers should check the tour details or contact the provider to inquire about tour options in their preferred language.
How Do I Identify the Meeting Point for the Tour?
The tour’s starting point is the Scott Monument on the Royal Mile. Participants should arrive at this designated meeting location to begin the 2-hour walking exploration of Edinburgh’s Old Town with a French-speaking guide.
Is There Any Flexibility in the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary has some flexibility, as it states that "Some itineraries are subject to change." However, the key highlights like the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh Castle, and Greyfriars Kirkyard are consistently included in the tour.
The Sum Up
The "Edinburgh Express: Walking Tour in French" offers a captivating exploration of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. With an intimate group size, knowledgeable guides, and a focus on responsible tourism, this tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the city’s rich heritage, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this engaging walking tour promises an unforgettable experience of Edinburgh’s enchanting past.
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