Still planning the trip? An hour-long video call to talk through what to do and how to do it, followed up with a written plan — a fixed £50 ($70), a cost-effective way to arrive with an itinerary that actually fits you.
Edinburgh Tour Guy
Private walking tours through the Old Town and New Town of the City — led by Chris, a guide highly regarded for his reviews and local knowledge, born and bred here. Same guide, same tour, no agency fee.
No headsets, no coloured umbrellas held aloft, no strangers tagging along. Every walk is private — just you, whoever you're with, and a conversation rather than a broadcast.
The Royal Mile has more than a hundred closes running off it. Most tours walk past all of them. We drop into three or four each time — the ones with the best stories.
Every walk is priced on time — £50 an hour for your guide — plus any food, drink or tastings it includes. The same rate whether it's just you or a full group, and never an agency fee, because you're booking directly with your guide. You can book a time without paying anything up front — I'll confirm the details and send a payment link after.
Still deciding what to do? Start before you fly — with a planning call to shape the trip, then the walks themselves once you land.
Still planning the trip? An hour-long video call to talk through what to do and how to do it, followed up with a written plan — a fixed £50 ($70), a cost-effective way to arrive with an itinerary that actually fits you.
Just landed in Edinburgh? A quick orientation of the city, designed to get you settled and aware of what's on offer, so the rest of your trip runs smoother from day one.
The full day out. History, the food and drink of Scotland, and stops along the way as you properly get to grips with the city — for anyone who wants one long, unhurried walk rather than picking a single theme.
The Mile without the megaphones. We start at the Netherbow Well Head and head up the High Street, dropping into three closes most groups walk right past, before finishing on to the Grassmarket for a coffee. Best in morning light.
How history shaped Edinburgh into the city it is today — from ancient kingdoms through the Reformation, John Knox, and Mary Queen of Scots, to the Stuart monarchs and the battles leading to the union of the crowns and parliament.
Born 8th December 1542, and still argued about nearly 500 years later. A tour focused entirely on the events and places tied to Mary Stuart — a monarch with the world at her feet, and the poor decisions that brought it all down.
Scotland has some quirky tastes and flavours, all of which contribute to the culture and fabric of the country — haggis included, if you're brave. A mix of the food and drink of Scotland with a bit of history thrown in.
"Today's rain is tomorrow's whisky," and it rains a lot in Scotland. Three drams at three of the city's best small bars — or one carefully chosen spot, if you'd rather stay put — with stops in between at the places that made Edinburgh Edinburgh. Ends at a bar you won't find on any map worth its salt.
Outlander filming locations, Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, Glencoe, even Skye — all possible, all different in scale. Doune, Blackness and Linlithgow work well as a day out from Edinburgh; the Highlands and Skye need more time and proper planning. Tell me what you have in mind and we'll work out what's realistic, on foot and by car.
Chris, on the Vennel steps.
"I've lived here my whole life and I still find closes I've never been down. That's the whole idea."
The city rewards attention. Most tours are designed to move fast enough that you can't give it any — thirty people, a headset that cuts out every fourth word, a route that hits every plaque and lingers at none of them.
These walks are the opposite of that. Every tour is private — just your own party. Custom routes when the standard ones don't fit — families, mobility needs, a very particular interest in 18th-century printing, whatever. Whisky recommendations included, though I'll try not to be a bore about it.
Same guide, same route, no agency in between — which is also why it costs less than the big booking platforms. If you're planning a trip and not sure which walk fits, just send a message. Happy to help you figure it out even if you end up booking with someone else.
Real guests, via Withlocals — see them there.
"Chris has an unbelievably authentic style that kept our kids engaged for the full five hours — no small feat. He tied the history together like a real-life Game of Thrones."
Stu — July 2026
"Local born and raised in Edinburgh, Chris has an incredible depth of knowledge about the city and its history. If you're considering a tour, hire Chris — you won't regret it."
Karla — June 2026
"Chris was the ideal guide, able to help with all my husband's accessibility needs and still keep us active. We learned so much about Scotland."
Lynette — August 2026
"Geology, geography, architecture, urban planning, history, socio-economy — all was covered, not in depth of course, but enough to understand Edinburgh."
Wassila — May 2026
"Nice tour, Chris was great. Scotland has its character and classic favourites, which we were able to sample while learning a bunch about the city. Great people and great whiskey!"
Ric — August 2026
"Chris grew up in Edinburgh and has a wealth of local history and experience to share. He is easy to connect with, authentic, and gave our family a great start to our Scotland adventure."
Kelly — July 2026
£50 an hour for your guide, plus any food, drink or tastings included — rough prices are shown against each walk above, or get in touch for an exact quote. Kids on the family routes go free. Same tour, same guide, no agency fee.
Book a time and I'll follow up — no payment needed to book.
Slots show as 2 hours by default — pick whichever's free and I'll adjust the length to match your walk when I confirm. Not ready to book? Send a message above, or email chris@edinburghtourguy.com — happy to help you plan even if you're not sure yet.