St Giles' Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle Private Guided Tour
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
- 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)
Meeting Location
82 High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1LL, UK
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
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82 High St
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
St Giles' Cathedral
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Old Town
20 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Royal Mile
1 hour Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the St Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle Private Guided Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-332498P565
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 4 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- 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 (GMT).
- 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).
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the St Giles' Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle Private Guided Tour is as follows:
- 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
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Sea Screamer Clearwater's Only Speed Boat Dolphin Watching will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What'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
- 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
- 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.
