Secrets of the Royal Mile: Private 2.5-hour Walking Tour
Overview
This tour is the perfect introductory tour for anyone arriving in Edinburgh for the first time. On your tour, you will visit Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare running through Old Town, from Edinburgh Castle to the beautiful Palace of Holyrood House.
Be completely immersed in the rich Scottish history that is ever-present amongst the medieval labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways and tenements. Home to the fascinating St Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square and John Knox House, The Royal Mile is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of secrets not to be missed.
Whilst exploring Old Town, one cannot help but notice Edinburgh Castle looming over the city. Your expert local guide will tell you about the fascinating history of this enigmatic fortress.
Your tour finishes at Calton Hill, where we recommend you climb to explore the views at your own leisure.
What's Included
- Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places
- A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group
- Gratuities (optional)
- Transportation on the day (if required)
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend local favourites along the way
Meeting Location
19 Grassmarket
Edinburgh EH1 2HS, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
Edinburgh
UK
Outside the Calton Hill Stairs. The finish point will be close to public transport and taxi links and your guide will assist with advising you on your journey.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Old Town
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Palace of Holyroodhouse
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
John Knox House Museum
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Royal Mile
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Victoria Street
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Secrets of the Royal Mile: Private 2.5-hour Walking Tour?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-255730P212
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Explore the Barnton Quarry Nuclear Bunker, a fascinating relic of the Cold War located just minutes from Edinburgh’s city center. This previously abandoned three-storey R4-class...
$30
*Includes tour and tasting at Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery. Fancy sampling a wee dram o' whisky and exploring the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands? Combine...
$134
Discover the history Edinburgh's most historic quarter in a personal small group setting with an expert local guide. On this intimate 2 hour Walking Tour,...
$24
Welcome to the beating heart of Scotland, where sea meets sky and ancient monuments perch atop rocky crags. Follow one of our local Edinburgh hosts...
$62
Explore the Barnton Quarry Nuclear Bunker, a fascinating relic of the Cold War located just minutes from Edinburgh’s city center. This previously abandoned three-storey R4-class...
$30
*Includes tour and tasting at Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery. Fancy sampling a wee dram o' whisky and exploring the rugged landscape of the Scottish Highlands? Combine...
$134
Discover the history Edinburgh's most historic quarter in a personal small group setting with an expert local guide. On this intimate 2 hour Walking Tour,...
$24
Welcome to the beating heart of Scotland, where sea meets sky and ancient monuments perch atop rocky crags. Follow one of our local Edinburgh hosts...
$62
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting
The Port of Leith Distillery is a remarkable new landmark in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith. This is the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery...
$34
Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure into the heart of the Scottish Highlands where the legendary Loch Ness await. Experience a day packed with incredible...
$67
A chocolate experience to remember! Fully indoors and perfect come rain or sunshine! See and touch the fruit of the chocolate tree, and learn all...
$38
Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is...
$56
The Port of Leith Distillery is a remarkable new landmark in Edinburgh’s historic whisky district of Leith. This is the UK’s first vertical whisky distillery...
$34
Embark on an unforgettable 1-day adventure into the heart of the Scottish Highlands where the legendary Loch Ness await. Experience a day packed with incredible...
$67
A chocolate experience to remember! Fully indoors and perfect come rain or sunshine! See and touch the fruit of the chocolate tree, and learn all...
$38
Scotland’s second-most-popular tourist attraction as you learn about the bloody history including stories of the kings and queens who lived in this castle. There is...
$56
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
- Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places.
- A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group.
- Gratuities (optional).
- Transportation on the day (if required).
- Hotel pickup/drop-off.
- Food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend local favourites along the way.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Secrets of the Royal Mile: Private 2.5-hour Walking Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Secrets of the Royal Mile: Private 2.5-hour Walking Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places
- A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group
- Gratuities (optional)
- Transportation on the day (if required)
- Hotel pickup/drop-off
- Food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend local favourites along the way
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
