Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour

Set out on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s rich past with the Old Town and Underground Historical Tour. Led by a knowledgeable local historian, this 1.5-hour experience immerses visitors in the city’s haunting beauty. Explore the 400-year-old Underground Vaults, winding closes, and alleys of the Old Town, uncovering tales of infamous criminals, literary figures, and the origins of the Black Market. From the burial site of Ebenezer Scrooge to the harrowing history hidden beneath the surface, this tour promises an engaging exploration that will leave you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• Guided 1.5-hour tour exploring Edinburgh’s 400-year-old Underground Vaults and Old Town, uncovering the city’s captivating history and literary connections.
• Offers insights into infamous criminals and literary heroes, including the inspiration behind "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and Ebenezer Scrooge’s burial site.
• Suitable for adults, children, seniors, and students (not for those with mobility issues), providing engaging stories and immersive experiences.
• Includes expert guide, entry to the Underground Vaults, and in-depth exploration of the Old Town, Royal Mile, and hidden closes.
• Highly rated for being informative, engaging, and offering excellent value for money, with over 1,100 positive customer reviews.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

Covering the highlights of Edinburgh’s Old Town and Underground Vaults, this 1.5-hour guided tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the city’s rich history.

Priced at $23.57 per person, the tour is led by a local published historian and provides access to the over 400-year-old Edinburgh Underground Vaults.

Participants can explore the Royal Mile, hidden closes, and learn about Edinburgh’s literary heroes and infamous criminals.

The tour is suitable for adults, children, seniors, and students, though not recommended for those with mobility issues.

Included in the tour is the expert guide and entry to the Underground Vaults, while food and tips are excluded.

Experience Highlights

The guided tour led by a local published historian offers an immersive journey through Edinburgh’s rich history.

Visitors will have the chance to explore the city’s Underground Vaults, a network of chambers over 400 years old, and uncover the stories behind Edinburgh’s infamous criminals and literary heroes.

The tour also takes guests through the winding closes and alleys of the Old Town, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s past:

• Learn about the origins of the Black Market and its influence on Edinburgh’s underworld.
• Discover the inspiration behind the classic tale of Jekyll and Hyde.
• Visit the burial site of the literary character Ebenezer Scrooge.

Participant Information

This tour caters to a wide range of participants, including adults aged 16-64, children aged 5-15, seniors aged 65-99, and students with valid ID aged 16-99.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 5 or those with mobility impairments or who use wheelchairs. The minimum age for this tour is 5 years old.

Participants will get to explore Edinburgh’s underground vaults and the historic Old Town, led by a local published historian who’ll share captivating stories about the city’s history, literary figures, and infamous criminals.

With its engaging guides and immersive experiences, this tour offers great value for money.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes an expert guide and entry into Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults, providing participants with a unique opportunity to explore the city’s captivating history.

Beyond the basic tour inclusions, the experience offers:

• A chance to explore Edinburgh’s literary and criminal past, with stories about the inspirations behind beloved characters like Jekyll and Hyde, as well as the notorious Ebenezer Scrooge.

• Insight into the city’s economic history, including the origins of the Black Market.

• An immersive exploration of the Old Town, Royal Mile, and hidden closes, allowing visitors to truly experience the essence of Edinburgh’s past.

The tour excludes food and tips, ensuring a focused experience on the city’s rich heritage.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers from across the globe have left an impressive array of reviews for this Edinburgh historical tour, with an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on over 1,100 evaluations.

Reviewers praised the tour’s informative and engaging guides, who received a 4.7 rating. Participants also noted the tour’s excellent value for money, with a 4.4 rating.

The service and organization of the tour earned 4.4 and 4.3 ratings, respectively. Positive feedback highlights the tour’s ability to provide a fun and immersive experience, offering a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s rich history and captivating stories.

Exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town

Upon embarking on this historical tour, visitors are whisked away to explore the enchanting Old Town of Edinburgh.

Wandering the famous Royal Mile, they discover hidden closes, narrow alleyways that wind through the heart of the city. Visitors gain insights into Edinburgh’s storied past, from its literary icons to its notorious criminals.

The tour highlights:

• The origins of the city’s infamous black market trade
• The inspiration behind Robert Louis Stevenson’s "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"
• The burial site of the legendary Ebenezer Scrooge

This immersive experience offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history and enduring charm of Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Uncovering Underground Vaults

Descending underground, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s remarkable network of vaults.

Over 400 years old, these cavernous spaces were once home to merchants, tradesmen, and the city’s infamous criminal underworld.

Guests will explore the dark history of these eerie chambers, uncovering tales of poverty, punishment, and the supernatural.

The guide’s expert storytelling brings the vaults to life, transporting participants back in time to uncover the secrets that lurk beneath the city’s streets.

From the origins of the black market to the inspiration for literary classics, this subterranean exploration offers a unique and immersive glimpse into Edinburgh’s shadowy past.

Discovering Literary Connections

Beyond the underground vaults, the tour delves into Edinburgh’s rich literary heritage.

Visitors learn about the city’s connection to iconic literary figures, including:

• The inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson‘s legendary novella, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, which was drawn from the city’s dark alleys and hidden corners.

• The burial site of Ebenezer Scrooge, the infamous miser from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, which is said to be located in an old graveyard.

• The origins of the Black Market, a thriving hub for illicit activities that served as the backdrop for many crime novels set in Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for this tour. Participants can wear casual, comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking and exploring the historic sites. Appropriate attire that allows for easy movement is recommended.

Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour, though they may be restricted in certain areas like the underground vaults. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific photography guidelines.

Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?

There are no specific discounts mentioned for this tour. However, children, seniors, and students may be eligible for reduced admission prices if they provide valid identification. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any available discounts.

How Accessible Is the Underground Vaults Portion of the Tour?

The underground vaults portion of the tour is not very accessible. It is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The tour advises that the minimum age is 5 years old.

Are There Any Restrooms or Amenities Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention any restrooms or amenities available during the 1.5-hour experience. However, participants can likely use facilities before or after the tour at the meeting point on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

Recap

The Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich past. Led by knowledgeable local historians, the tour explores the hauntingly beautiful 400-year-old Underground Vaults, winding closes, and alleys of the Old Town. Participants can discover the origins of the Black Market, hear tales of infamous criminals and literary figures, and visit the burial site of Ebenezer Scrooge, all while enjoying an immersive and engaging experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: