Skip-The-Line Edinburgh Castle With Old Town Walking Tour

Explore Edinburgh’s captivating history on this comprehensive tour. Starting at the Royal Mile, you’ll stroll to St. Giles Cathedral before enjoying the iconic Edinburgh Castle. With skip-the-line access, you’ll bypass the queues and uncover fascinating insights about Scotland’s past. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll have the chance to explore the castle’s courtyards and other significant sites independently. Prepare to be transported back in time as you explore the rich heritage of this enchanting city.

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Key Points

This tour provides skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle, the most visited attraction in Scotland, allowing you to bypass the queues.
The tour includes a guided exploration of the castle’s courtyards and military museums, as well as an opportunity for independent exploration of the Royal Palace and St. Margaret’s Chapel.
The tour also includes a walking tour of the historic Royal Mile, with a visit to St. Giles Cathedral, providing a comprehensive experience of Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The tour is led by a licensed, 5-star guide fluent in the language of your choice, offering insightful commentary on the castle’s 1000-year history and military significance.
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and is suitable for groups of 1-25 guests, with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a skip-the-line guided experience of Edinburgh Castle and a walking tour of the city’s historic Old Town.

It lasts 2 hours and starts at 82 High St, Royal Mile, Edinburgh. Priced from $293.28 per person, the tour is available in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.

Groups are limited to 1-25 guests. You’ll visit St. Giles Cathedral, explore Edinburgh Castle’s courtyards and military monuments, and learn about historical figures like Mary Queen of Scots.

Groups are limited to 1-25 guests. Explore Edinburgh Castle’s courtyards and learn about Mary Queen of Scots on this guided tour.

Skip-the-line tickets and a 5-star licensed guide are included. Wear comfortable shoes and arrive on time for your pre-booked slot.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a walk along the historic Royal Mile, where guests will visit St. Giles Cathedral for about 5 minutes.

Next, the highlight is a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, lasting approximately 110 minutes. Guests will:

Explore the castle’s courtyards and military monuments.
Learn about Mary Queen of Scots and other historical figures.
Gain insider tips on visiting the Royal Palace, St. Margaret’s Chapel, and the National War Museum.

After the castle tour, guests can explore the other areas of the castle independently.

Edinburgh Castle Facts

Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most visited attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having survived 26 sieges over its 1000-year history.

This iconic fortress features the Scottish National War Memorial and other military monuments. Visitors can explore the grand courtyards and museums within the castle walls, learning about its historical significance and connections to figures like Mary Queen of Scots.

With its strategic location atop an imposing volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle has played a pivotal role in Scotland’s tumultuous past, standing as a testament to the country’s resilience and national pride.

Tour Inclusions

The Edinburgh Castle tour includes a private guided tour of the castle, Old Town, and Royal Mile.

The tour package includes:

Skip-the-line tickets to Edinburgh Castle, allowing you to bypass the queues and head straight inside.
A 5-star licensed guide who’s fluent in your chosen language, providing insightful commentary and insider tips throughout the tour.
Guided exploration of the castle’s inner courtyards and military museums, as well as independent exploration of other areas like the Royal Palace and St. Margaret’s Chapel.

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Meeting Point and Recommendations

The meeting point for this tour is in front of The Inn On The Mile, located at 82 High St on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking around the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle.

Guests should dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour takes place outdoors.

It’s important to arrive on time, as the pre-booked tickets are valid for a specific date and time.

While the guided tour is limited to the outdoor courtyards, guests can explore the other areas of the castle independently.

There's plenty more to explore in Edinburgh

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on this tour, awarding it a full 5/5 rating based on a single review.

Highlights include:

Couples, groups, solo travelers, and families have all praised the tour.
Guests appreciated the personalized attention from the 5-star licensed guide.
Visitors were delighted by the skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle, enabling them to explore the courtyards and military monuments without the hassle of long queues.

Why Book This Tour?

While the overwhelming 5/5 customer ratings underscore the tour’s popularity, there are several compelling reasons to book this Edinburgh Castle experience.

For starters, the tour offers skip-the-line access, saving precious time and hassle. Plus, the small group size ensures personalized attention from the 5-star licensed guide, who imparts insider knowledge and historical context.

Guests can explore the castle’s courtyards and military monuments without the crowds. Lastly, the tour’s convenient starting point on the Royal Mile and the inclusion of a walking tour of the Old Town make it an efficient and comprehensive way to experience Edinburgh’s top sights.

Getting to the Starting Location

Visitors can easily find the tour’s starting point at The Inn On The Mile, located at 82 High Street on the iconic Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

The meeting point is conveniently situated:

Just a short 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station.
Directly on the Royal Mile, the historic heart of the city.
Close to numerous shops, restaurants, and other attractions.

To reach the starting location, guests can take public transportation, walk, or arrange for private transportation.

The tour company provides clear directions to ensure participants arrive on time and ready to begin their castle and Old Town exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests can’t bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour operator likely doesn’t allow outside items to keep the experience organized and focused. Participants should plan to purchase refreshments before or after the tour.

Is the Tour Accessible for Guests With Mobility Issues?

The tour is generally accessible for guests with mobility issues, though visitors should note that there are some uneven surfaces and hills within the Edinburgh Castle grounds. Guests are advised to discuss any mobility concerns with the tour operator prior to booking.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration or Add Additional Activities?

While the tour duration can’t be extended, guests may be able to add optional activities like a private driver or specialized museum visits. However, these additions would incur additional fees. It’s best to discuss any customization requests with the tour operator.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors on This Tour?

This tour doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $293.28 per person, regardless of age. The tour is designed for adults, though children may participate as well.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Documents or ID for the Tour?

No specific documents or ID are required for this tour. The tour provider simply needs you to arrive at the meeting point on time with your pre-booked tickets. Just bring yourself and be ready to explore Edinburgh Castle and the historic Old Town.

The Sum Up

This guided tour offers a comprehensive experience of Edinburgh’s rich history and iconic landmarks. Visitors can skip the lines at Edinburgh Castle and explore the castle’s courtyards and significant sites, while also enjoying a walking tour of the Old Town and St. Giles Cathedral. Led by a licensed guide, the tour provides valuable insights into Scotland’s past, making it an efficient and informative way to experience the city.

You can check availability for your dates here: