Enlightenment in Edinburgh: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

5.0 (one review) 2 hours – 2 h 15 min Free cancellation Private tour

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Enlightenment in Edinburgh: A Self-Guided Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Enlightenment in Edinburgh: A Self-Guided Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This self-guided audio tour takes you on a journey with the intellectual giants and freethinkers who put Edinburgh on the map. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Edinburgh.

When Edinburgh’s Old Town became overcrowded and filthy in the 1700s, a radical plan was devised to build a new town with wide, clean streets and gracious Georgian housing. On this walking tour, you’ll discover how this radical thinking wasn’t restricted to town planning.

Along the way, you’ll hear about David Hume, Adam Smith, Walter Scott, and James Hutton, all giants of Europe’s Enlightenment Movement, a period of intellectual fervour in the 1700s.

You’ll discover how Edinburgh broke free of traditional thinking and flourished as a centre for new ideas in Architecture, Engineering, Medicine, Science, Geology, Philosophy, Education and the Arts. You’ll also hear how this put the city on the intellectual map, with its thinkers and inventors influencing the world.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours – 2 h 15 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
Included: The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Not included

Not included: Smartphones and headphones (please bring your own)
Not included: Entrance fees

Itinerary

St Giles' Cathedral

Passing by

Begin your tour at St Giles' Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture and a pivotal site in Edinburgh's religious history. It's the perfect starting point to delve into the city's past.
Royal Mile

Passing by

Walk along the Royal Mile, the historic heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This iconic street is lined with landmarks, shops, and cafes, offering a vibrant glimpse into the city's medieval life.
Adam Smith Statue

Passing by

Visit the statue of Adam Smith, the father of modern economics. Learn about his revolutionary ideas that shaped economic theory and his influence on the Enlightenment.
Surgeons' Hall Museum

Passing by

Discover the fascinating Surgeons' Hall Museums, which showcase the history of medical advancements in Edinburgh. Built on the proceeds of criminal activity, these museums reveal a darker side of the city's past.
Stop 5

Passing by

Step into the Old Quad at the University of Edinburgh. This historic site played a significant role in promoting specialized expertise in various academic fields during the Enlightenment.
Princes Street Gardens

Passing by

Stroll through Princes Street Gardens, a beautiful public park that offers a serene escape and picturesque views of the surrounding architecture. This is also a great spot to learn about the city's green spaces and their history.
Scott Monument

Passing by

Admire the Scott Monument, a towering tribute to Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most famous literary figures. Hear about his contributions to literature and his lasting legacy.
Stop 8

Passing by

Relax in St. Andrew Square Garden, a lovely green space in the heart of the New Town. This garden is surrounded by impressive Georgian architecture and statues of notable figures.
James Clerk Maxwell Statue

Passing by

See the statue of James Clerk Maxwell, a pioneering physicist whose work on electromagnetism laid the foundation for modern physics.
Stop 10

Passing by

End your tour at Charlotte Square Private Garden, a beautiful Georgian square designed by Robert Adam. This serene spot exemplifies the elegance and architectural innovation of the New Town.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The tour begins on the cobbles outside the main door of St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile

End point

The tour ends at Charlotte Square.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

3. Create an account

4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]