Optional City Tours

Edinburgh Walking Tour for IUMI 2023 delegates and accompanying persons only.

Tour Highlights

Start: EICC Atrium
Finish: Holyrood Palace
Tour Type: 3 – 3.5 hour walking tour
Capacity: Minimum 10, max 20 participants

• Grassmarket
• The Royal Mile
• Riddle’s Court
• Writer’s Museum
• St Giles Cathedral
• Princes Street and Balmoral Hotel
• Calton Hill
• Scottish Parliament
• Holyrood Palace

Embark on an enthralling journey through Scotland’s capital with our expertly guided walking tour, starting from the EICC conference venue.
As you traverse through Edinburgh’s streets, you’ll encounter a blend of age-old landmarks and contemporary attractions that epitomise the city’s unique charm.
Our takes us east through the lively Grassmarket, a historic marketplace imbued with an intriguing past and a vibrant present, reflecting Edinburgh’s enduring spirit. From here we can also enjoy a fantastic view of Edinburgh Castle, perched upon Castle Rock.

Next, you’ll navigate the fabled Royal Mile, the backbone of the city’s Old Town, and encounter Riddle’s Court, an enchanting historical nook showcasing unique architectural allure and rich tales dating back centuries.
Continue your journey to the Writer’s Museum, a hallowed sanctuary honouring Scotland’s literary giants. While the museum is admired for the literary artifacts it houses, the building’s historic aura creates an equally enchanting experience.
Marvel at the majestic St Giles Cathedral, an enduring symbol of Scotland’s religious history. The cathedral’s awe-inspiring gothic exterior and the central role it played in Scotland’s ecclesiastical past make it an unmissable highlight.
Venture onto the bustling Princes Street, a shopping paradise offering impressive vistas of Edinburgh Castle. Along the route, you’ll also encounter the grand Balmoral Hotel, a testament to the city’s timeless elegance.

As you ascend to Calton Hill, one of the city’s key peaks located in the heart of the city, prepare to be awed by the congregation of historical monuments and breathtaking panoramic views over the city.

Finally, reach the awe-inspiring Holyrood Palace, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. Standing in its shadow, you’ll appreciate its architectural magnificence and learn about its storied past.
With the tour concluding at the palace, you’ll walk away with a richer understanding of Edinburgh’s multifaceted history, culture, and vibrancy.

Edinburgh Walking Tour for IUMI 2023 delegates and accompanying persons only.

Tour Highlights

Start: EICC Atrium
Finish: EICC
Tour Type: 3 – 3.5 hour walking tour
Capacity: Minimum 10, max 20 participants

• Dean Village
• Charlotte Square
• Bute House
• Princes Street
• Princes Street Gardens
• Ross Fountain

Uncover the vibrant stories of Scotland’s capital on this tour starting and finishing at the EICC conference centre. Throughout this journey, you’ll discover a range of historic sites, elegant streetscapes, and green spaces that encapsulate Edinburgh’s lively character and charm.

Our first stop is Haymarket, an area rich with Edinburgh’s bustling life and history. From railway hub to commercial centre, it’s a taste of Edinburgh’s modern vibrancy.
Next we continue on to explore the picturesque Dean Village. Once a bustling grain milling area, it now presents a tranquil haven offering charming views of 19th-century mill buildings and the Water of Leith.
Venture into the Georgian New Town and take in the stately elegance of Charlotte Square, including Bute House, the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland. The architectural grandeur and historical significance make it a pivotal highlight.
As you meander along the west end of Princes Street, admire the shopping district’s energy against a backdrop of historic monuments and a stunning skyline.
The green oasis of Princes Street Gardens awaits you next, offering a respite from the city’s bustling pace. Take in the beauty of the Ross Fountain, an emblem of 19th-century craftsmanship and a classic photo opportunity.
Finally, step into the solemn tranquillity of St. Cuthbert’s Graveyard, a historic resting place nestled at the foot of Castle Rock. As the tour concludes back at the EICC, you’ll leave with a deeper connection to Edinburgh’s multifaceted history and culture.

Additional Information

• This tour requires a minimum of 10 participants to run. If less than 10 participants have booked 24 hours before the start time, we will offer to rebook you onto another IUMI tour or provide a full refund.
• This tour is conducted by a self-employed expert Blue Badge tour guide. It does not enter into any paid attractions or ones that require pre-booking.
• This tour lasts approximately 3 – 3.5 hours. The exact order of sights visited will be determined by the guide on the day.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation 7 or more full days before tour departure: 100% refund to you.
• Cancellation less than 7 full days before tour departure: No refund.