The Royal Tour: Edinburgh Castle Holyrood & Royal Mile

Departure Point You will meet your guide outside of the Scotch Whisky Experience 354 Castlehill. This is a red sandstone building on the left side of the street. The tour guide will be holding a navy-blue umbrella. Return Details Your tour will end outside of Holyroodhouse Palace where the tour guide will provide tickets to visit this attraction. Duration 5 hours Languages Available Audio guide - English Human tour guide - English Points of Interest Stop At: Edinburgh Castle Castlehill Edinburgh Our first stop is Edinburgh Castle the fortress that crowns one of the seven hills of the city.We pass beneath the ancient portcullis into a realm of kings and queens home to the Royal Palace and the Crown Room which houses the Honours of Scotland our Crown Jewels.Learn about Mary Queen of Scots and the birth of James VI alongside fiery battles and bitter sieges that have helped to shape the fate of this nation.After the guided visit you can explore the castle’s interiors at your own pace. You will also have the opportunity to stop at a cafe for a break. Duration: 2 hours Stop At: Victoria Street Edinburgh Dedicated to Queen Victoria Victoria Street is the most photographed street in Edinburgh famed for its romantic architecture and sweeping curve. From the Castle we will stroll down to this very colourful thoroughfare where quirky independent shops and vibrant facades line the way. Duration: 15 minutes Stop At: St Giles' Cathedral High Street Edinburgh At St Giles’ Cathedral we will have to reflect on recent history: in September 2022 thousands came to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II and in July 2023 King Charles III attended a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication as the Honours of Scotland were officially presented to him. We will touch on the city’s Presbyterian heritage including the persecution of Covenanter Presbyterians under Charles II after the restoration of the monarchy following the English Revolution. When there are no services or private events you will have free time to visit the magnificent interior. We will then continue to West Parliament Square to introduce the 1707 Act of Union and the end of Scotland as a nation. Duration: 25 minutes Stop At: Royal Mile High St. Edinburgh As we walk along the Royal Mile we will slip into a few historic closes (what we call alleyways) to see how these narrow lanes which could reach up to ten stories in height once served as homes workshops and shortcuts through the Old Town. We will also stop at the Mercat Cross the traditional stage for royal proclamations in Scotland as well as both public announcements and punishments. Look up to spot the unicorn crowning the pillar a proud symbol of Scottish royalty. Duration: 25 minutes Stop At: Canongate Kirk 153 Canongate Edinburgh From the castle esplanade we follow the Royal Mile the historic spine and main medieval thoroughfare that links Edinburgh Castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along the way we unravel centuries of drama from royal processions and coronations to the Reformation Covenanters and the Jacobite rising. We pause at the World’s End Pub at the Netherbow where the old city once ended and slip into timeworn closes that reveal daily life behind the façades. The story then carries us up to Holyrood the residence of the Scottish monarchs. Duration: 20 minutes Stop At: White Horse Close 27 Canongate Edinburgh White Horse Close is traditionally linked to the royal stables of Holyroodhouse.Local legend says Mary Queen of Scots kept her favorite horse here.It is one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque street corners. Duration: 5 minutes Stop At: Palace of Holyroodhouse Canongate Edinburgh Our final stop is the Palace of Holyroodhouse the royal residence of the British monarchy in Scotland where state ceremony meets centuries of history. Here Mary Queen of Scots received envoys and held court and under Charles II the palace regained its Baroque architectural splendour. Each summer the Royal Company of Archers the Sovereign’s Bodyguard in Scotland welcomes the royal household during Holyrood Week. After a short introduction from your guide you will receive audio guides to visit the palace independently then continue to the ruined abbey and the Holyrood gardens where the visit will conclude. Before entering the palace you can choose to stop at a local cafe for a break. Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes Additional Information Public transportation options are available nearby Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues Inclusions Holyrood audioguide Local Tour Guide Holyrood Palace ticket Edinburgh Castle ticket Exclusions Tips Redemption Instructions You do not need to download any tickets as the guide will