5.0 ★ - 185 Reviews

Expert Local Guide
6 Years of Guiding Experience

History Tour
Bringing together the Old Town & New Town

Private Experience
Flexible Itineraries - Your Tour Your Way

Private Edinburgh History Walking Tour

The Best of the Old Town and New Town

Book Today
Book Today

The Best Edinburgh History Walking Tour

Edinburgh is a tremendous city to explore on foot. Around almost every corner there’s a piece of incredible history from stories hidden in the closes of the Old Town to secret viewpoints over the beautiful Edinburgh Castle, the grave robbers of Greyfriars Kirkyard, or the grand Georgian streets of the New Town.

 

This private Edinburgh walking tour is designed to be flexible. Rather than following a fixed route or strict timetable, you can choose the areas that interest you most and how long you’d like to explore for. Some visitors want a short introduction to the Old Town and the Royal Mile, while others prefer a longer wander taking in places like Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Grassmarket, Calton Hill, or Princes Street Gardens.

 

Because it’s a private history tour, the pace is relaxed and the stories can go deeper than you’d normally get on a large group tour. It’s just you and your small group with me your local guide sharing the history, characters, and strange little details that make the city memorable.

Old Town Itinerary Options

Pick the areas you want to see, and we’ll make sure your tour is personal, relaxed, and full of the stories that bring Edinburgh to life. Make sure to tell us in the contact form.

Castle Viewpoints

greyfriars-kirkyard

Greyfriars Kirkyard

St-Giles-Cathedral

Old Town & Royal Mile

Calton-Hill

Calton Hill

Princes Street Gardens

edinburgh-new-college

Edinburgh University

Morning Edinburgh Walking Tours - Join Us Before The Crowds

Edinburgh is at its most atmospheric in the morning, when the streets are quiet, the air is fresh, and the city is almost to yourself. On a private tour starting at 9am, you can explore the Royal Mile, wander through Greyfriars Kirkyard, or climb Calton Hill without the crowds, all while hearing the stories that bring the city to life and snapping some beautiful photos.

 

For a truly special experience, sunrise or sunset tours are also available. Just request it when booking, and we’ll plan a route that shows the city at its most magical.

Contact Us For a History Walking Tour Today!

From £150 for 2 Hours

Start Location: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge Road

View on map

Morning Tour Recommended to Avoid Crowds

Flexible Route & Length

Available: All Year Round

English

Enquire below for availability.


The Best Edinburgh History Walking Tour

Edinburgh is a tremendous city to explore on foot. Around almost every corner there’s a piece of incredible history from stories hidden in the closes of the Old Town to secret viewpoints over the beautiful Edinburgh Castle, the grave robbers of Greyfriars Kirkyard, or the grand Georgian streets of the New Town.

 

This private Edinburgh walking tour is designed to be flexible. Rather than following a fixed route or strict timetable, you can choose the areas that interest you most and how long you’d like to explore for. Some visitors want a short introduction to the Old Town and the Royal Mile, while others prefer a longer wander taking in places like Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Grassmarket, Calton Hill, or Princes Street Gardens.

 

Because it’s a private history tour, the pace is relaxed and the stories can go deeper than you’d normally get on a large group tour. It’s just you and your small group with me your local guide sharing the history, characters, and strange little details that make the city memorable.

 

Contact Us For a History Walking Tour Today!

From £150 for 2 Hours

Morning Tour Recommended to Avoid Crowds

Start Location: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge Road

View on map

Available: All Year Round

Flexible Route & Length


👥 Max 8 People ★ 5.0  185 Reviews

Private Edinburgh History Walking Tour

Enquire Today

The Best Edinburgh History Walking Tour

Edinburgh is a tremendous city to explore on foot. Around almost every corner there’s a piece of incredible history from stories hidden in the closes of the Old Town to secret viewpoints over the beautiful Edinburgh Castle, the grave robbers of Greyfriars Kirkyard, or the grand Georgian streets of the New Town.

 

This private Edinburgh walking tour is designed to be flexible. Rather than following a fixed route or strict timetable, you can choose the areas that interest you most and how long you’d like to explore for. Some visitors want a short introduction to the Old Town and the Royal Mile, while others prefer a longer wander taking in places like Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Grassmarket, Calton Hill, or Princes Street Gardens.

Contact Us For a History Walking Tour Today!

£

From £150 for 2 Hours

Available: All Year Round

Flexible Route & Length

Morning Tour Recommended to Avoid Crowds

Start Location: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge Road

View on map


Tour Photo Highlights

Royal Mile

Castle Viewpoints

Edinburgh University

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Calton Hill

Grassmarket

Greyfriars Bobby

Tour Photo Highlights

Top Rated Edinburgh Walking Tour

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
  
 Based on 233 reviews 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Geoff B profile picture 
 
 
 Geoff B 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Highly recommended
Rob’s tour was amazing and highly recommend. A good mix of Harry Potter facts and history of Edinburgh. Rob has some great “dad jokes” and banter to keep interest.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 bdduker profile picture 
 
 
 bdduker 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Outlander and Highland Coos
Rob Carr Tours was awesome. He was extremely responsive and flexible to customize our tour. He has a very comfortable van and was super accommodating. We jointly worked out the best agenda for us and my wife and I had the best time on a 1day tour from Edinburgh. He was super knowledgeable and even found some hidden gems. Literally one of the best tours we have been on.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Natalie S profile picture 
 
 
 Natalie S 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Love this tour!
The tour was amazing. Rob is super friendly. I love how the tour brings you into places in Edinburgh I wouldnt have normally seen. So great this was my 2nd time taking the same tour!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Marcy S profile picture 
 
 
 Marcy S 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Unforgettable Scotland experience with Rob Carr Tours
We just returned from a 9-day tour with Rob. What an unforgettable experience! Our tour was the perfect combination of history, culture, and nature. Rob is the consummate tour guide - knowledgeable, friendly, fun, and dedicated. His commitment to making sure we had a positive experience was evident. We were super happy with the itinerary and with all the accommodations he chose. Not only did we enjoy the activities we shared, but Rob skillfully helped us all enjoy each other's company as well. Book the tour! You won't be sorry!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Lory H profile picture 
 
 
 Lory H 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Simply the BEST!!
My trip to Scotland was truly an experience of a lifetime, and so much of that was because of our incredible hiking and travel guide, Rob Carr. Our group consisted of seven people—four family members traveling together, along with me and two of my friends. We didn’t know the other four when the trip began, but Rob had such a natural way of bringing everyone together and creating an atmosphere where we all felt comfortable and included. By the end of the trip, it truly felt like we had shared something special together. Rob gave us the opportunity to experience some of Scotland’s iconic sights, including the breathtaking Old Man of Storr, but what made the trip especially memorable were the lesser-known trails and hidden gems he introduced us to along the way. We experienced parts of Scotland we likely never would have discovered on our own, making the trip feel incredibly special and personal. Our group also had a wide range of fitness and hiking abilities, and Rob was wonderfully accommodating to everyone. He had a remarkable ability to make sure each person felt comfortable, included, and able to enjoy the experience at their own level. No one ever felt rushed or left behind. His patience and attentiveness allowed all of us to truly appreciate each adventure while still feeling like we were experiencing it together. Beyond being an exceptional guide, Rob is simply an amazing person. He is kind, personable, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in the people he is traveling with. He took the time to engage with us not only as a group, but individually. He got to know each of us, shared plenty of laughs with us, and made us feel like so much more than just people on a tour. It is difficult to put into words how much Rob added to my Scotland experience. I came home with incredible memories, beautiful stories, new friendships, and a genuine appreciation for the person who helped make it all possible. If you have the opportunity to explore Scotland with Rob Carr, do it! I cannot recommend him highly enough. He is an extraordinary guide and an even more wonderful human being. Thank you, Rob, for making an already beautiful country and adventure truly unforgettable!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 MJ C profile picture 
 
 
 MJ C 
 
 
 
 Verified 
From Edinburgh to Skye to Harris and then some - the tour that exceeded every expectation
When I found Rob Carr Tours on Instagram, I knew this was the trip I wanted. Booked the 9-day Scotland tour from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye and Harris. Rob is gem. His high energy is contagious and set the tone for the entire journey. The itinerary was jam-packed in the best way, yet still left us wanting more. He looked after us with real care - attentive, patient, and thoughtful. Just a fun, authentic person to be around, and that made all the difference. Skye was pure magic - beautiful landscapes, dramatic castles, awesome hikes, endless views, and the crystal-blue beaches (yes, in Scotland!). The beauty, the stories, the whisky, the laughter, the quiet moments, they all added up to an indescribable, incredible experience I will forever cherish. Thank you, Rob, for making this trip everything it was❣️
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Sara B profile picture 
 
 
 Sara B 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Highlands and Islands tour
Rob provided us an amazing Scotland experience, taking us to places I never would have seen if I had been on my own. He made sure we were immersed in a true Scotish experience. I would highly recommend his services!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Lucy R profile picture 
 
 
 Lucy R 
 
 
 
 Verified 
A Scotland Adventure
Our tour with Rob Carr Tours was absolutely fantastic! From start to finish, it was an incredible experience filled with beautiful scenery, amazing adventures, and unforgettable memories. The tour included an Edinburgh walking tour, fantastic hikes through the breathtaking Isle of Skye and Isle of Lewis, visits to charming towns like Portree and Pitlochry, whiskey tasting, and so much more. Every day brought something new and exciting, and Rob did an amazing job making sure we experienced the very best of Scotland. Rob was enthusiastic, attentive, incredibly passionate about his work, and—best of all—funny! His knowledge, energy, and personality made the entire trip even more enjoyable. You could tell how much he genuinely loves Scotland and sharing it with others. If you’re looking for a tour that combines incredible sights, adventure, history, and plenty of laughs, I highly recommend Rob Carr Tours. It was truly a wonderful trip, and we would absolutely do it again! 🥃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Tabetha D profile picture 
 
 
 Tabetha D 
 
 
 
 Verified 
An Unforgettable Scottish Adventure with an Amazing Guide!
Rob Carr was an absolutely incredible tour guide, and I couldn’t recommend him more! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Our private tour started with the Ben A’an hike, and I have to say… my hiking experience was minimal. I was determined to make it to the top and not give up, and Rob was so incredibly patient and encouraging with me the entire way. He never made me feel rushed or like I was holding things up, and he adjusted to my pace with so much understanding and kindness. When I finally made it to the top, the views were absolutely AMAZING and made every step worth it! Throughout the day, Rob shared so much Scottish history, stories, and interesting little details that made the experience even more special. The hike took much longer than anticipated (because I was SO slow 😂), but Rob improvised and found other stops and experiences for us to enjoy since we couldn’t make it to everything originally planned. We truly had the time of our lives, and this is a day I know I’ll look back on for the rest of my life. And when the jet lag finally caught up with us and we asked if we could cut the day a little short, Rob was completely understanding and accommodating. Thank you, Rob, for an unforgettable day, for your patience, encouragement, and for making the experience so special. You were absolutely fantastic! 10 out of 10 — HIGHLY recommend! ⛰️
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Lexi H profile picture 
 
 
 Lexi H 
 
 
 
 Verified 
Amazing tour - perfect blend of Harry Potter and history
Rob gave an amazing tour. He's funny, knowledgeable, and provided a perfect mix of Harry Potter and history spots/facts. We had a blast and would love to take more of Rob's tours after experiencing this one!

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Location: National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge Road

Finish Location: Dependent on terms of bespoke walking tour

 

Recommended: Waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes

Walking tours in peak months (May–October) can book out quickly, so earlier is better. For off-season dates, the sooner the better but more flexible for day before bookings are usually more likely.

These terms and conditions, together with any other written information brought to your attention before we confirm your booking, shall form the basis of your contract with Rob Carr Tours. Please read these terms and conditions thoroughly and if you have any further questions contact us immediately.

Booking Process

Bookings can be made via our website contact form by telephone, by email or contact form. Our online booking system can process payments via Debit and Credit Card, Stripe, PayPal and we are also able to take direct bank transfer. We will not issue your booking confirmation until the payment has been processed. For all walking tours full payment will be required at the time of booking (unless agreed otherwise). Note that we cannot be held responsible if any tour in which you are interested in becomes fully booked or unavailable prior to full payment being received from you.

Cancellation by You

If you wish to cancel or make any amendments to your tour, please notify us as soon as possible in writing. The date your written notice is sent will be taken as the effective date of cancellation. Cancellation charges may apply as outlined below.

Walking Tours

  • If you book a walking tour more than 7 days before the tour date, a full refund will be provided if you cancel more than 7 days before the tour start time.
  • If you book a walking tour within 7 days of the tour date, a full refund will be provided if you cancel more than 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour start time are non-refundable.

Change to itinerary

The itinerary must be taken as an indication of what each Group should accomplish and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Rob Carr Tours. Any changes in itinerary may be caused by local political conditions, delays, mechanical breakdown, weather, border restrictions, sickness or other unforeseeable circumstances. It is a fundamental condition when booking the tour described that you accept flexibility of the itinerary and acknowledge that delays and alterations with resulting consequences, comfort or disappointments are possible.

Insurance

There is no travel insurance cover provided as part any of the products sold by Rob Carr Tours. We do not accept responsibility for lost personal possessions and/or luggage on any point of the tour as well as any additional expenses experienced through delays, sickness, weather or other grounds out with our control. Additionally, we strongly recommend to purchase a travel insurance policy covering personal possessions, medical, travel, cancellation etc.

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