(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

St Giles' Cathedral and Edinburgh Old Town Private Tour

New To The Site! Edinburgh, Scotland

Loading Options

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

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

  • Private Tour of St Giles' Cathedral, Royal Mile and Old Town
  • Interesting facts about Edinburgh's history, culture, and legends
  • Donation and entry to St Giles' Cathedral
  • Tickets to Edinburgh Castle (access only to Esplanade)
See 2 moreSee 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1LL, UK

Show on Google Maps

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

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

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.
Read more

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Show 2 more stops

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.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-332498P565


Loading Options

Similar Tours & Activities

Ricky's gateway to the Highlands Tour
Likely to Sell Out

Ricky's gateway to the Highlands Tour

 8 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$186.23

Bespoke Itinerary Planning from an Experienced Tour Guide

Bespoke Itinerary Planning from an Experienced Tour Guide

 1 to 24 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$68.97

Isle of Skye Private 4 Day Tour From Edinburgh or Glasgow

Isle of Skye Private 4 Day Tour From Edinburgh or Glasgow

 4 days  Hotel pickup offered
from
$2,065.75

Kingdom of Fife & St Andrews Full-Day Guided Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

Kingdom of Fife & St Andrews Full-Day Guided Private Tour in a Premium Minivan

 8 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Instant Confirmation
from
$482.81

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh
Likely to Sell Out

The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh

 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$38.61

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
Likely to Sell Out

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$51.04

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included

 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$46.90

Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting
Likely to Sell Out

Port of Leith Distillery Tour and Tasting

 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$41.38

What's Included

Activity name

  • Private Tour of St Giles' Cathedral, Royal Mile and Old Town
  • Interesting facts about Edinburgh's history, culture, and legends
  • 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.

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Free Cancellation

Activity name

100% refund
No refund

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).

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.