AUTHENTIC EDINBURGH TOURS FAQ’s

How do I book a tour with you?

Please get in touch with me directly by email [email protected] or phone/whatsapp +447596135674, to confirm availability before a booking can be made. Unless your enquiry is urgent please email me instead of calling. 

How large a group can you guide?

I have a lot of experience providing tours of Edinburgh for large groups, including schools, universities and business trips. If the group is more than 25-30 people then I do recommend that the group be divided between two guides. This ensures your enjoyment and allows the guide to perform at their best. I know a number of very skilled freelance guides, that I have worked with the past, who I would gladly arrange to help.

Where do your tours start?

My private tours can start at a place (and indeed time) which is more convenient for you. If you are staying in the city centre then I meet you at your hotel or apartment. If your accommodation is outside the city though I would recommend that we meet at a convenient spot in the Old Town or New Town.

What is included in my tour fee?

With private tours:
  • Pick up from accommodation
  • Full services of a professional, experienced guide
  • Advice on attractions, hotels, restaurants etc.

Do you do bespoke tours?

Yes I do. If you like the look of any particular tour but would like to make an alteration or addition please just get in touch. Also, if you have a specific interest or request that you’d like to have a tour built around, that’s also possible. In the past I have done tours which have focused more on particular aspects of Edinburgh’s history on subjects ranging from Mary Queen of Scots to the Scottish Enlightenment.

How flexible are you about start time or dates for tours?

So long as I am available (or can find an alternative, trusted freelance guide) then we can start any of these tours at a time or place of your convenience, with the exception of Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Do you allow children on your tours?

With the exception of my Edinburgh, Empire and Slavery Tour, children are welcome to come on all my tours but they have to be joined by at least one adult.

Do you allow dogs on your tours?

So long as dogs are well behaved and kept on a lead, they are welcome to come on my tours.

What is your cancellation policy?

For full policy click here. In simple terms full payment is needed to secure the time and date of the tour (or more than 3 months in advance) a 50% deposit. Cancellation for whatever reason should be requested in writing through email.

What if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?

Scotland is not known for having a warm, pleasant climate so please dress sensibly but thankfully weather conditions are rarely dangerous to be out and about in. Only in exceptionally poor difficult weather (heavy snow, stormy conditions) will a tour be cancelled.

Could a disabled person join a walking tour?

My Welcome to Edinburgh and New Town/Dean Village Tours cover a lot of ground and would not be suitable for someone with serious mobility issues, however (with a little forewarning) my other tours can be done with a disabled person. A route can be planned out to avoid any staircases or significant slopes.