How to Plan Your Private and Custom Edinburgh Castle to Arthur’s Seat Tour

Are you planning a trip to Edinburgh and want to make the most of your time exploring the city’s famous landmarks? A private and personalized tour is the perfect solution for first-time visitors to Scotland’s capital city. With a private guide, you can collaborate to create a tailor-made itinerary that suits your interests, while getting an introduction to Edinburgh’s rich history and culture.

One of the top private tours available is the Edinburgh Castle to Arthur’s Seat tour, offered by third-party travel company Viator. This tour combines the historical and modern aspects of Edinburgh, taking you from the iconic Edinburgh Castle to the breathtaking views atop Arthur’s Seat. Here’s how to plan and make the most of this unforgettable experience.

Step 1: Booking Your Private Tour

Booking your private tour is simple, as it can be done directly on Viator’s website. The Edinburgh Castle to Arthur’s Seat tour is a three-hour walking experience that includes food and drinks, tickets to attractions, and transportation costs. Upon booking, you will be asked to confirm your meeting point, which can be the St Giles’ Cathedral on High Street or your own hotel/accommodation.

Step 2: Meeting Your Tour Guide

On the day of your tour, you will meet your private guide at the designated meeting point. If you choose to be picked up from your hotel, be sure to confirm this in advance. Your guide will be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name, ready to take you on your personalized tour of Edinburgh.

Step 3: Exploring Edinburgh Castle

The tour starts with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The castle sits atop an extinct volcano, offering stunning views of the city below. Your tour guide will provide historical background on the castle and its significance in Scottish history, while also pointing out key features of the castle like the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Step 4: Walking through the Royal Mile

Next on the tour is a walk along the Royal Mile, the famous street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. As you walk, your guide can point out important architectural features and explain the history of the buildings you pass. This includes historic sites like St Giles’ Cathedral and the Canongate Tolbooth, which once served as the seat of the city’s government.

Step 5: Hiking up Arthur’s Seat

The final stop on the tour is a hike up Arthur’s Seat, a famous hill with panoramic views of Edinburgh and the surrounding landscape. This part of the tour is optional, as you can also choose to take a vehicle up to the top of the hill. Once at the summit, you can take in the breathtaking scenery while your guide provides historical context on the hill and its significance to Scottish culture.

Step 6: Tailoring Your Tour to Your Interests

Remember, this is a private and custom tour, allowing you to tailor the experience to your interests. Your tour guide can offer recommendations for places to see and things to do in Edinburgh beyond the standard itinerary. Whether you’re interested in trying Scottish whisky or exploring the city’s street art scene, your guide can provide insider knowledge and help create a unique experience just for you.

The Bottom Line

A private and custom Edinburgh Castle to Arthur’s Seat tour is an excellent way to get a personalized introduction to Scotland’s capital city. By booking with Viator, you are assured of a high-quality experience with knowledgeable local guides. Remember to confirm your meeting point and let your guide know if there’s anything specific you’d like to see or do during your tour. So what are you waiting for? Book the tour here today and start planning your Scottish adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. People from all over the world come to Edinburgh every year to see its many attractions and experience the unique Scottish culture. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Edinburgh.

1. When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

The best time to visit Edinburgh is between April and September, when the weather is mild and there are many festivals and events happening. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, takes place in August, and is a must-see for anyone visiting during that time. The Christmas markets and Hogmanay celebrations in December are also great reasons to visit Edinburgh during the winter months.

2. What are the must-see attractions in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has many attractions that are worth visiting, including:

The Edinburgh Castle

The Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. It stands on a rocky hill and has been a royal residence for centuries. You can witness the Scottish Crown Jewels here and also experience the ‘One O’clock Gun’ firing.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile is a historic street that stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s lined with shops, restaurants, and historical sites such as St. Giles’ Cathedral and the Real Mary King’s Close.

The National Museum of Scotland

The National Museum of Scotland is a world-renowned museum that possesses a fascinating collection of Scottish history, culture, and natural wonders. You can witness the world’s first cloned mammal – Dolly the Sheep here.

The Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano that offers stunning panoramic views of the city. It’s a great place for a hike and a picnic.

3. What is the weather like in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a temperate maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer (June to August) is around 16°C (61°F), and in winter (December to February) it’s around 5°C (41°F). Edinburgh is known for its unpredictable weather, so it’s always a good idea to bring layers and an umbrella.

4. How do I get around Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and trains. You can purchase a day ticket or a multi-day ticket that can be used to travel on all modes of public transport. Taxis and Edinburgh’s bicycle rental scheme are additional options for getting around the city.

5. What is the local cuisine of Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is famous for its hearty and traditional Scottish cuisine, which includes dishes such as haggis, neeps and tatties, Cullen skink, and Scotch pie. You can find many restaurants that serve Scottish food, as well as international cuisine.

6. Where can I shop in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is a shopper’s paradise, with many high-street stores, designer boutiques, and independent shops. The main shopping streets include Princes Street, George Street, and the Royal Mile. You can also find the famous department store, House of Fraser in the city center.

7. What are the accommodations options available in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has a variety of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. These include luxury hotels, budget hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, and Airbnb rentals. During peak tourist season in Edinburgh, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.

Conclusion

Edinburgh is a beautiful and fascinating city that is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. It has a rich history and culture, and offers many attractions, shopping and dining options, and accommodations. We hope that this blog post has answered some of your most pressing questions about Edinburgh and that you’re able to plan your trip with ease.