The Edinburgh Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours offers a unique way to explore the city’s rich culinary heritage. Visitors can indulge in iconic Scottish dishes like haggis and sample award-winning Lowland Single Malt Whisky, all while strolling through the UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns. With knowledgeable guides and a small group size, this tour promises an intimate and immersive experience. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious about Scottish cuisine, this tour might just be the perfect way to uncover the flavors that define the city.
Key Points
- The Edinburgh Walking Food Tour offered by Secret Food Tours explores the UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns while sampling Scottish culinary classics.
- The tour features authentic haggis, award-winning Lowland Single Malt Whisky, local dishes, and a Secret Dish, showcasing the local culinary passion and culture.
- The tour starts at St Giles Cathedral and ends near the Royal Mile, requiring moderate physical activity with comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- The tour cost starts from $119.75 per person, with cancellation allowed up to 24 hours before the experience, and dietary restrictions may not be accommodated.
- The tour has an average rating of 4.9 based on 800 reviews, with positive feedback on the enjoyable food portions, informative commentary, and engaging presentation of culinary culture.
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Tour Overview and Highlights
The Edinburgh Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours offers travelers a chance to explore the city’s UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns while sampling Scottish culinary classics.
With over 800 glowing reviews, this small-group experience (max 10 participants) promises to immerse visitors in local food and drink culture.
Highlights include tasting haggis, Neeps and Tatties, Scotch whisky, and an afternoon tea.
The tour costs from $119.75 per person and meets at St Giles Cathedral, ending near the Royal Mile.
Moderate fitness is required, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Food and Drink Experience
Although the tour promises authentic haggis and award-winning Lowland Single Malt Whisky, it also features a range of local dishes like Scottish cakes, a Secret Dish, a traditional dessert, and local fudge.
The emphasis is on showcasing the local culinary passion and culture. Guests can expect generous portions of these Scottish specialties, all while learning about the history and traditions behind them from the knowledgeable guides.
This well-rounded food and drink experience provides a comprehensive introduction to the flavors that define Edinburgh’s unique cuisine.
Logistics and Meeting Details
The tour meeting point is at St Giles Cathedral, located on High Street in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
From there, the walking food tour will end near the Royal Mile on St Marys Street.
This experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.
Participants should be prepared for moderate physical activity and wear comfortable walking shoes.
The key logistics are:
- Meeting point: St Giles Cathedral, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, UK
- End point: St Marys Street, near Royal Mile
- Physical fitness: Moderate, comfortable walking shoes recommended
Booking Information
Confirmation of the booking is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.
Travelers can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the experience at no additional cost.
This is a shared group tour, with a minimum drinking age of 18 years.
Dietary restrictions may not be accommodated, so it’s recommended to contact the tour company prior to booking.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s conveniently located near public transportation.
Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness and wear comfortable walking shoes to fully enjoy the experience.
Traveler Reviews and Feedback
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Edinburgh Food Tour, with an average rating of 4.9 based on 800 reviews.
Reviewers consistently highlight the guide’s extensive knowledge and engaging presentation of the city’s culinary culture and history.
The tour’s highlights include:
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Enjoyable food portions that allow participants to fully savor local specialties like haggis, cakes, and fudge.
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Informative commentary that enhances the overall experience and provides valuable insights into Scottish cuisine.
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The common recommendation to "come hungry" and fully take in the unique gastronomic adventure.
Exploring the UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns
As participants embark on the Edinburgh Food Tour, they’ve the opportunity to explore the city’s UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns.
The tour takes them through the historic streets, showcasing the contrasting architectural styles. In the Old Town, they’ll see medieval buildings and the iconic Edinburgh Castle.
The New Town, in contrast, features Georgian-era grandeur with its neoclassical designs.
Throughout the walking tour, travelers learn about the unique history and heritage of these two distinct areas, gaining a deeper appreciation for Edinburgh’s rich cultural tapestry.
The food tastings are interwoven with insightful commentary about the city’s landmarks.
Sampling Scottish Culinary Classics
Moving from the historical exploration of Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, the food tour delves into the heart of Scottish culinary traditions.
Participants sample a trio of Scottish classics:
- Haggis, a savory pudding made from sheep offal, onions, and spices.
- Lowland Single Malt Whisky, an award-winning spirit with notes of vanilla and oak.
- Traditional dessert, a sweet treat representative of Scottish baking.
The tour emphasizes the local passion for these dishes, allowing travelers to enjoy Scotland’s rich food culture.
With each bite and sip, the group gains a deeper appreciation for the nation’s culinary heritage.
Small-group Experience and Local Immersion
While limited to a small group of no more than 10 participants, the Edinburgh Walking Food Tour provides an immersive local experience. Guests explore the UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns, interacting with passionate local experts and sampling authentic Scottish cuisine. The tour’s intimate setting allows for personalized attention and deeper insights into the city’s culinary culture.
| Experience | Highlights | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Small Group | Maximum 10 participants | Personalized attention |
| Local Experts | Knowledgeable guides | Authentic insights |
| Guided Exploration | UNESCO-listed districts | Comprehensive discovery |
The tour’s focus on local passion and culture ensures a unique and memorable food experience in Edinburgh.
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- Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise From Edinburgh
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Ask Away
Is Tipping the Tour Guide Required?
Tipping the tour guide is generally not required, but is appreciated as a way to show satisfaction with the service and experience. The tour company encourages tips based on the quality of the tour.
Can I Choose My Own Food and Drink Items?
No, you can’t choose your own food and drink items on this tour. The tour provides a curated selection of local Scottish specialties for participants to sample, including haggis, whisky, and other traditional dishes. The experience is designed to showcase the best of Scottish cuisine.
How Long Does the Entire Tour Take?
The entire tour typically lasts 3-4 hours. It’s a walking tour, so participants should expect to be on their feet for the duration. The pace is leisurely, allowing time to enjoy the food and drink samples.
Are Children Allowed on the Tour?
Children are not allowed on this tour as it is recommended for those 18 years and older. The tour involves sampling alcoholic beverages, so it’s not suitable for minors. Contact the tour provider if you have any special requests regarding children.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, it’s important to be respectful of other guests and follow any guidelines provided by the tour guides to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the experience.
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Final Words
The Edinburgh Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours offers an immersive culinary experience, showcasing Scotland’s rich food heritage. Participants savor iconic Scottish dishes and drinks while exploring the city’s historic Old and New Towns. With a small group size, this tour provides an intimate, personalized experience, making it a must-do for foodies seeking to explore the local cuisine.