Edinburgh Castle

A guided tour of Edinburgh Castle, the fortress on Castle Rock that has dominated the city skyline for centuries and was the home of Mary, Queen of Scots.

The visit begins with a professional guide who introduces the city and takes visitors on a walk through Edinburgh, passing medieval prisons, museums, national monuments and churches before reaching the castle itself. The fortress stands on an extinct volcano known as Castle Rock, and the guide explains the origins of the site and the sieges it endured.

Along the castle's promenade, visitors learn about the rulers who lived there and the violent episodes of its history. The 16th-century Great Hall, where feasts and celebrations were held, is one of the highlights of the tour.

The tour suits visitors interested in Scottish history and those who want a structured introduction to the castle and the surrounding city. It is led on foot, so it is best suited to people comfortable with walking and standing for long periods.