Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour

Edinburgh’s Old Town and Underground Historical Tour takes visitors on a captivating 1.5-hour journey through the city’s rich history. Led by a knowledgeable local historian, the tour offers exclusive access to the 400-year-old Underground Vaults and explores hidden closes and historical sites along the Royal Mile. With engaging storytelling that reveals the inspirations behind iconic figures and the origins of the Black Market, this immersive experience is suitable for all ages, though caution is advised for younger children. Uncover Edinburgh’s past and discover the secrets that lie beneath the surface.

Key Points

• Immersive 1.5-hour tour exploring Edinburgh’s history, led by a local published historian.
• Exclusive access to the 400-year-old Underground Vaults, requiring eight steps to access.
• Exploration of hidden closes and historical sites in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
• Insight into the inspirations for literary works like Jekyll and Hyde and A Christmas Carol.
• Highly rated tour with knowledgeable guides, great value for money, and positive customer feedback.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour offers visitors an immersive 1.5-hour experience exploring the city’s rich history.

An immersive 1.5-hour experience exploring Edinburgh’s rich history through the city’s Old Town and Underground Vaults.

Led by a local published historian, the tour provides access to Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults – over 400 years old – and explores the hidden closes and historical sites of the Old Town.

Guests will learn about iconic figures and events, including the inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde and the origins of the Black Market.

The tour is suitable for ages 5 and up but not recommended for young children or those with mobility issues.

It’s available in English with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Highlights

Guided by a local published historian, the tour offers exclusive access to Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults, over 400 years old. Guests can explore Old Town’s hidden closes and historical sites, learning about iconic figures and events, including the inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde and the origins of the Black Market. They’ll even discover the burial site of Ebenezer Scrooge.

| Tour Highlights | |

| — | — |

| Access to 400-year-old Underground Vaults | Explore hidden closes and historical sites |

| Learn about the inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde | Discover Ebenezer Scrooge’s burial site |

| Uncover the origins of the Black Market | |

Tour Experience

Visitors on the Edinburgh Historical Tour enjoy the city’s rich history along the iconic Royal Mile.

They explore lesser-known spots off the tourist trail, guided by a local published historian. The engaging storytelling brings iconic figures and events to life, from the inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde to the origins of the Black Market.

The tour culminates in a visit to the Underground Vaults, over 400 years old. Suitable for ages 5 and up, the experience isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments due to the eight steps required to access the Vaults.

Customer Feedback

According to reviews, over 1,300 customers have given the Edinburgh Historical Tour an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The tour guides have been praised for their knowledgeability, welcoming nature, and engaging storytelling, earning a 4.8/5 rating. Customers have also highlighted the tour’s great value for money, with a 4.4/5 rating in this category.

| Review Highlights | | |

| — | — | — |

| Jim (Ireland) | "Very enjoyable tour with a superb tour guide." | |

| Geoff (United Kingdom) | "Knowledgeable, welcoming & friendly guide, great storytelling." | |

The Edinburgh Historical Tour seems to be a hit with both local and international visitors, offering an immersive and informative experience of the city’s rich history.

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Important Information

Accessing the Underground Vaults involves walking down eight steps.

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

The tour itself is appropriate for ages 5 and up, but not recommended for children under 5.

This tour is suitable for ages 5 and up, but not recommended for young children under 5.

Visitors should check availability for specific starting times.

The tour covers a range of historical sites and topics, from the inspiration for Jekyll and Hyde to the origins of the Black Market.

With an engaging, knowledgeable guide, this 1.5-hour tour provides an immersive exploration of Edinburgh’s rich history along the iconic Royal Mile.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for the tour is the Police Box/Kiosk on the Royal Mile in front of Starbucks. This centrally located spot makes it easy for visitors to find the starting point.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for everyone. It involves walking down eight steps to access the Underground Vaults, so it’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

The tour is suitable for ages 5 and up, but parents should exercise caution for children under 5. Guests should check availability for specific starting times to ensure the tour fits their schedule.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Customers can book their spot on the Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour without upfront payment through the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option. If plans change, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

| Booking Options | Cancellation Policy |

| — | — |

| Reserve Now & Pay Later | Free Cancellation |

| No Upfront Payment | Up to 24 Hours in Advance |

| Secure Your Spot Today | Full Refund Guaranteed |

This flexible policy allows customers to easily plan their Edinburgh adventure. With the combination of reserve now and cancel later, customers can confidently book the tour.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Past

As visitors step into Edinburgh’s Old Town, they’re transported back in time, immersed in the city’s rich history that has shaped its character.

The guided tour takes them through the hidden closes and historical sites, revealing iconic figures and events that have left their mark.

Visitors explore:

• The Underground Vaults, a network of chambers that once housed merchants, taverns, and even the city’s poorest residents

• The inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

• The origins of the Black Market, a testament to Edinburgh’s resilience

• The burial site of the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge, a reminder of the city’s literary legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. According to the tour information, it is only suitable for visitors ages 5 and up, and not recommended for those with mobility impairments, so bringing a pet likely wouldn’t be permitted.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. However, visitors should refrain from using flash or taking photos in areas where it’s prohibited, as it may disrupt the tour experience. It’s best to check with the guide for specific photography guidelines.

Do the Guides Provide Any Food or Drinks?

No, the guides don’t provide any food or drinks during the tour. The tour focuses on exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town and underground vaults, with an emphasis on engaging storytelling from knowledgeable guides.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The typical tour group size ranges from 12 to 20 participants. The exact group size may vary, but the tour is designed to provide an intimate experience with personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer discounted prices for seniors or students. Everyone pays the same rate of $23.35 per person, regardless of age or student status. The tour’s focus is on providing an engaging historical experience for all participants.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour offers an immersive journey through the city’s rich history. Led by knowledgeable local historians, the tour provides exclusive access to the 400-year-old Underground Vaults and explores hidden gems along the Royal Mile. With engaging storytelling and insights into iconic figures, this captivating experience is suitable for all ages, though caution is advised for younger children.

You can check availability for your dates here: