Private Edinburgh New Town History Tour - The Athens of the North

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Edinburgh, UK

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2 hours (approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Wander the streets of the Georgian New Town where Scottish ingenuity paved the way to the modern era. Retrace the steps of the philosphers, artists, scientists, and engineers who dared to think of a better tomorrow and made Edinburgh a hotbed of genius. The tour concludes with beautiful views from the top of Calton Hill, where you will discover a not so ancient Greek temple and learn about a curious way to tell the time. Our tours are private, with customisable content, duration and routes, so we can focus on the aspects of Edinburgh's history that our guests are most interested in. Calton Hill may prove difficult for those in a wheelchair or with baby strollers. If you have any concerns please let us know prior and we can adapt your tour accordingly.

What's Included

Your own personal tour with your own private guide.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Starting outside West Register House, we will arrange with you the easiest way for you to identify us prior to commencing your tour.

End point

We finish the tour at the top of Carlton Hill.

What To Expect

Charlotte Square

Known as the Jewel of the New Town and designed by Robert Adam, Charlotte Square has been home to notable historical figures and it is the official residence of Scotland's First Minister. You will discover Edinburgh's finest Georgian architecture dating back to the 18th century as well as some of the most recent New Town developments.

Assembly Rooms

You will walk down George Street, taking in the magnificent and groundbreaking design that inspired many future town developments. You will learn about the innovators of the day that created much of what we take for granted, like radios, telephones, and anaesthesia, just to name a few.

Scott Monument

Moving on towards Princes Street, you will observe a curious architectural illusion as we continue down to the Scott Monument. The buildings along the way are now a mixture of the original Georgian design and influences from the 1960s. You will also get some of the best views of the School of Divinity, and learn about the less than savoury history of Princes Street Gardens.

Calton Hill

We will conclude our tour on Calton Hill where you can truly see why Edinburgh has been coined the Athens of the North. Time it right and the setting of the sun over the West End is a view not to be missed. Entry to The Nelson Monument and refreshments at the restaurant are not included in the price of this tour.