Every year during the Hogmanay celebrations, there is a candlelit concert in St Giles’. It’s divine, so book your ticket well in advance
St Giles’ Cathedral has been the heart of Christianity in Scotland for nine centuries. Found on the High Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, it dominates the city’s skyline, with it’s crowned steeple making a distinctive signature. The current building dates from the 15th century, but there has been a church on the site since early in the 12th.
Although called St Giles’ Cathedral, it is, in fact, not strictly a cathedral at all. Formally, a church is only a cathedral if it serves as the seat of a bishop — something St Giles’ has not done for several centuries. So it really ought to be known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh. That said, its scale and grandeur undoubtedly befits a cathedral.
Birth-place of Valour, country of Worth
St Giles’ grey, massive bulk looms over the High Street, inspiring awe. The interior is understated but impressive. During the reformation the Mary-Bell and brass candlesticks were melted down to be made into guns, and the relic of the arm of St Giles with its diamond ring, among other treasures, were sold. It traded Catholic pomp for Protestant severity.
Indeed St Giles’ was the crucible of the Scottish Reformation. John Knox, the Protestant leader and firebrand preacher, served as minister there from 1559 until his death in 1572. As he was buried Regent Morton uttered, “There lies one who neither feared nor flattered any flesh.” His dour, indomitable spirit persists within the grey stone of St Giles: a bronze statue of Knox now stands in the north aisle.
A kingly flower
Among the many chapels of St Giles’ is the Thistle Chapel, built in 1911 to celebrate the Knights of the Most Ancient & Most Noble Order of the Thistle. The Gothic stonework is exquisite, depicting the helms and arms of the 16 knights, along with an angel playing bagpipes.
Explore the cobbled alleyways of the Royal Mile, uncovering the culture and history of Edinburgh's Old Town in the heart of Scotland's historic capital. Take a walk down the mile-long street in the Old Town of Edinburgh, which connects Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. The name was given to the location in the 15th century when King James IV began a royal palace at the bottom of Castlehill and undertook large-scale rebuilding along the route.
On your private tour, you will:
This tour is the perfect introductory tour for anyone arriving in Edinburgh for the first time. On your tour, you will visit Edinburgh’s main thoroughfare running through Old Town, from Edinburgh Castle to the beautiful Palace of Holyrood House.
Be completely immersed in the rich Scottish history that is ever-present amongst the medieval labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways and tenements. Home to the fascinating St Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square and John Knox House, The Royal Mile is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of secrets not to be missed.
Whilst exploring Old Town, one cannot help but notice Edinburgh Castle looming over the city. Your expert local guide will tell you about the fascinating history of this enigmatic fortress, including many of the bloody battles that took place here, such as the War of Independence between Scotland and England in the 14th Century, as well as its present-day use as headquarters for the Scottish Division.
Your tour finishes at Calton Hill, where we recommend you climb to explore the views at your own leisure.
With one dormant volcano, seven hills, clusters of cobbled streets and tantalising vistas waiting around every bend, Edinburgh is a fabulous place for a wander - especially with a private tour guide. Discover the history and beauty of Edinburgh's cobbled streets as you explore Medieval Old Town and Neoclassical New Town. Take a stroll down Edinburgh's streets and alleys, discovering its fascinating history and rich culture, with highlights including the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh Castle and much more.
On your private, full-day tour you will:
A tour of Edinburgh would not be complete without a visit to Scotland’s most famous historic attraction: Edinburgh Castle. Here you will learn about the fascinating history of this mysterious castle. Stop to enjoy lunch at your leisure (price not included). Your guide will be happy to point out the best place whenever you're ready to give your legs a rest and grab a leisurely bite.
You will have the chance to view the Scottish Parliament, one of the most controversial buildings in Scotland given its construction going 10 times over budget, and admire the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse, home to the Monarchy in Scotland. The breathtaking view from Calton Hill will make you fall in love with the Scottish capital forever.
Venturing into the beautiful neoclassical New Town, built in the 18th Century, enjoy a true marvel of urban planning. As you walk through the main streets and squares of Edinburgh's New Town, you will find yourself impressed by the lavish 18th-century neoclassical and Georgian architecture. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the beautiful Princes Street Gardens, which lies at the centre of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site.
On this half-day walking tour of Edinburgh, you will discover some of the most important historical sites of Scotland, including the world-famous Royal Mile, a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, and a medieval labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways and tenements that comprise this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On your private walking tour, you will:
On your private tour, your expert guide will take you into Old Town’s maze of streets and concealed courtyards, where you will learn about the city’s ‘closes’- cramped alleyways, and ‘wynds’ - narrow lanes between houses.
Hear about the many characters who lived and died here, including Deacon Brodie, town councilman by day and master thief by night, who inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
You will also have the chance to see the imposing St Giles Cathedral from the outside – the seat of Scottish Christianity for over nine centuries and the cradle of the Scottish Reformation during the 16th century.
Found on the High Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, it dominates the city’s skyline, with its crowned steeple making a distinctive signature. The current building dates from the 15th century, but there has been a church on the site since early in the 12th.
A tour of Edinburgh would not be complete without learning about Scotland’s most famous historic attraction: Edinburgh Castle. Your guide will take you on a brief private tour of the castle, before leaving you to explore it at your own pace.
Enjoy a personalised journey through the captivating city of Edinburgh in a London Taxi with a knowledgeable driver-guide and explore the most iconic landmarks and hidden gems that Scotland's capital has to offer.
On this private half-day tour, you will:
Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of Edinburgh in a classic London Taxi. This journey includes the majestic Edinburgh Castle, where ancient stones whisper tales of royal intrigue and epic battles.
Your knowledgeable guide, well-versed in the city's secrets, will weave stories that bring the past to life as you traverse the iconic Royal Mile, a bustling thoroughfare where history and modernity dance in vibrant harmony.
As you glide smoothly through the city's heart, you'll discover the regal splendour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland with centuries of royal tradition.
Explore Calton Hill, where neoclassical monuments stand as sentinels over the city, inviting you to capture unforgettable memories with your camera with a stunning backdrop of the city of Edinburgh.
You will be amazed by the elegance of Edinburgh's New Town as it unfolds before you, with its Georgian architecture and the city's sophisticated charm. As you pass through the serene streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, you will find very well-preserved facades of Princes Street, George Street, and Charlotte Square that reveal the timeless beauty of the 18th century.
Throughout this journey, your classic London Taxi, with its plush comfort and iconic style, provides a perfect vantage point from which to experience the magic of Edinburgh, ensuring a tour that is as comfortable as it is enlightening.
Please be advised that during city events and festivals, the tour itinerary and timings may be subject to change. These alterations are often necessary to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our guests, and to accommodate local regulations and road closures.
Uncover the highlights of Edinburgh with an insightful cabbie as your professional driver and guide who knows every corner of the city. Enjoy iconic landmarks and hidden treasures on this extensive sightseeing tour of Scotland's enchanting capital.
On this private full-day driving tour, you will:
Immerse yourself in the charm of Edinburgh from the comfort of a classic London Taxi. Your driving tour includes stops at Edinburgh Castle, where ancient stones tell tales of royalty and conflict.
Your driver-guide, an expert in the city's history, will share captivating stories as you travel along the Royal Mile, a vibrant street where past and present blend seamlessly.
As you travel through the city, you'll encounter the grandeur of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the British monarch's official Scottish residence with a rich history. Explore Calton Hill, where neoclassical monuments stand guard over the city, offering perfect photo opportunities with Edinburgh as a stunning backdrop.
Be amazed by the elegance of Edinburgh's New Town, with its Georgian architecture and sophisticated charm. As you travel through this UNESCO World Heritage site, you'll see the beautifully preserved buildings of Princes Street, George Street, and Charlotte Square, showcasing the 18th-century's timeless beauty.
Throughout this journey, your classic London Taxi, with its comfort and iconic style, provides the ideal vantage point to experience the allure of Edinburgh, ensuring a tour that is both enjoyable and informative.
Please note that during city events and festivals, the tour itinerary and timings may be subject to change. These adjustments are often necessary to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our guests, and to comply with local regulations and road closures.
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