We believe Calton Hill is the viewpoint supreme in Edinburgh - here you'll be looking over one of Europe's finest city vistas, combining both our historic Old and magnificent New Towns, as Moray gives a first introduction to Edinburgh and its ways!

Here in the walking section of your tour, Moray will guide you the whole length of this most historic of thoroughfares, pointing out our landmarks and telling the stories and gossip of Edinburgh as we go, from the 11th century right up to the present day! Some of the landmarks we'll see are listed below:

Our Royal Mile walk will begin outside our magnificent palace, residence of the Royal Family during visits to Scotland, and site of the original Holyrood Abbey, founded by King David I of Scotland in 1128. You’ll discover Scotland’s very unusual and lovable animal emblem!

The striking seat of government in Scotland, built in 2004 for the re-established Scottish Parliament, which had been in abeyance from 1707 until 1999.

Historic church from the days of King James VII and II, burial place of economist Adam Smith and David Rizzio, murdered secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots.

Beautifully restored duke’s residence from 16th C, complete with amusing Latin wall inscriptions!

A touch of tartan (and advice on Scottish heritage) if you wish, at this traditional kilt shop – featuring one of the Royal Mile’s favourite canines-in-residence, Bailey!

The ‘Mother Church’ of Scottish Presbyterianism, with beautiful and historic exterior (tour option available for cathedral entry)

Seat of our supreme courts to this day, and resting place of religious reformer John Knox.

Now headquarters of our municipal council, this complex was built as a financial exchange, to a less than enthusiastic reception from our 18th century merchants!

Our historic former fabric and clothes marketplace, and once a very upscale section of the Royal Mile!

The uppermost and narrowest part of the Royal Mile, and always full of atmosphere, including, often, the ‘skirl of the pipes’!

Summer construction access permitting, this parade ground right at the castle gates is the very ‘top of the town’, giving fabulous views both north and south.