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St Giles' Cathedral and Edinburgh Old Town Private Tour

4 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Edinburgh, Scotland

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On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English
and 4 more
French, German, Italian, Spanish

Overview

Discover the history and legends of St Giles' Cathedral, from rebellions to royals, from guilds to guillotines, and even a unicorn - Scotland's national animal! Visit Edinburgh's most iconic church and explore the historic Royal Mile and Old Town.

Available in
English
German, French, Italian and Spanish languages.

HIGHLIGHTS:
- Visit St Giles' Cathedral with a 5-Star Private Guide
- Immerse yourself in Scottish history, cultural heritage and legends
- Learn about the events and people of the Scottish Enlightenment and Reformation
- Stroll along the Royal Mile and see Edinburgh Castle
- Tailor the tour to the pace, needs and interests of your group

St Giles' Cathedral (also known as the High Kirk) is a historical and architectural gem nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Visit this sacred monument with our Expert Guide to discover its Gothic architecture, royal heritage, and key role in the Scottish Reformation and the Enlightenment.

What's Included

  • Interesting facts about Edinburgh's history, culture, and legends
  • Private Tour of St Giles' Cathedral, Royal Mile and Old Town
  • Donation and entry to St Giles' Cathedral
  • Tickets to Edinburgh Castle (access only to Esplanade)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

82 High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1LL, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure • Easy breezy • Hassle-free

82 High St

Meet your guide In front of the The Inn On The Mile, 82 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1LL, United Kingdom. Please do not enter the hotel, it is only a meeting poit and the staff is not informed about the tour.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St Giles' Cathedral

A 2-hour private tour of Edinburgh's Old Town with entry to St Giles' Cathedral, one of the city’s top-rated attractions (donation fee is included in the price). St Giles captivates with its Gothic architecture, a towering spire, and an awe-inspiring interior with the chapel of the Order of the Thistle.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Old Town

As you explore, you'll discover memorials to notable figures such as John Knox, the fiery preacher and leader of the Scottish Reformation. You will also learn about the signing of the National Covenant in 1638, and the church’s connection to the Scottish and English monarchs.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Royal Mile

In addition to visiting this iconic church, your Private Guide will lead you on a stroll along the Royal Mile, one of Edinburgh's most famous and historic streets, full of charming shops, traditional pubs, and fascinating museums.You will see highlights such as the unicorn of the Mercat Cross, the Heart of Midlothian Mosaic, the 17th-century tenement houses in Lawn market, and the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, known as "the most besieged place in Great Britain.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Check your email the day before the tour for important information.
  • Free entry to the National Museum of Scotland is for the permanent collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the St Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Old Town Private Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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 (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-332498P565

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Reviews

5.00
4 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Interesting facts about Edinburgh's history, culture, and legends
  • Private Tour of St Giles' Cathedral, Royal Mile and Old Town
  • Donation and entry to St Giles' Cathedral
  • Free entry to the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle
  • 5-Star Licensed Guide who is fluent in your chosen language
  • Tickets to Edinburgh Castle (access only to Esplanade)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Check your email the day before the tour for important information.
  • Free entry to the National Museum of Scotland is for the permanent collection.
  • Tickets to temporary exhibitions are not included in the price. You can purchase additional tickets on the spot.
  • Due to the cathedral's tourist regulations, we limit your group size to 1-4 people per guide.
  • We will arrange additional guides for larger groups so the price will be higher.
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • 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 (BST).

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