3 h

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About this activity

Royal Edinburgh History Experience (10am, 90 mins)

Meet your guide in central Edinburgh and set out to explore the historic streets and UNESCO-listed monuments of the Old Town. Stroll along the famous Royal Mile and Canongate, admire the historic architecture and see a different side to the city as you wander the ancient alleyways and hidden closes that surround the royal palace. Along the way, enjoy the age-old Scottish tradition of storytelling as your guide recounts tales of royal ceremonies, scandals and bloody battles, bringing history to life right before your eyes. Walk the streets where Bonnie Prince Charlie led rebellious Jacobites in revolt and see the local haunts where infamous thief Deacon Brodie led his double life. Arrive at the magnificent Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of The Queen in Scotland, where you’ll learn the dramatic history of the short reign of Mary, Queen of Scots and hear about the annual visits of Her Majesty The Queen. Finally, bid your guide farewell and explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse independently (included admission optional). Marvel over the opulent state apartments, admire the exquisite royal furnishings and artworks, and visit the romantic ruins of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey.

Ghostly Underground Vaults History Tour (3pm, 75 mins)

This afternoon, you’ll greet your guide on the High Street, beside St. Giles High Kirk. Following your cloaked guide, you’ll weave your wicked way through the shadow-shrouded streets of Edinburgh’s Old Tower and gain insight into Edinburgh’s dark history. After the spooky scene has been established, descend to the vaults beneath Blair Street and feel a morbid chill permeate the air. Tentatively wander through darkened passages and hear gruesome tales of torture, murder and bodysnatching. Ghost stories galore, you’ll be sensitive to a cold breath on the back of your neck and the flicker of a candle in the distance. After 1.5 hours of exploration, return to daylight and bid your guide farewell.

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Included

Professional guide
Entry/Admission - Palace of Holyroodhouse

Not included

Food and drinks
Transportation to/from attractions

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Not wheelchair accessible
Children must be accompanied by an adult
No children under the age of 5

Features

Tourism

95%

Cultural

80%

Reviews

4.8

7

D

Diana G

5 | 2019-08-21

I loved the stories and the details in both sections of the tour! There is a fair amount of walking involved, but it is worth it! Both guides were very knowledgeable and entertaining...especially in the tunnels :)

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CHRISTINA S

4 | 2017-11-11

Our tour guides were wonderful. The royal mile tour in the morning was very informative. The ghostly underground vaults were interesting but beware they are difficult to walk and it is VERY dark and if you have any asthma problems you may want to rethink this tour

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Tamarah K

5 | 2017-10-24

A great tour and fun for all. The Royal tour gives a lot of good back history and be sure to go through the Palace. It is so worth it. We really enjoyed seeing the palace. The underground is interesting as well. This tour was a good combo.

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Theresa R

5 | 2017-10-05

This tour was amazing our guide was terrific highly recommend!!

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Alice H

5 | 2017-06-29

Our tour guide was phenomenal - she was dramatic and quite easily painted a picture of what it was like to live in the underground. The tales of ghosts sent shivers.

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