Edinburgh’s rich culinary heritage comes alive on the Secret Food Tours‘ walking experience. Participants embark on a mouthwatering journey through the city’s UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns, sampling classic Scottish fare like haggis and Scotch whisky. Over three hours, this small-group tour showcases the flavors that have sustained locals for generations. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious, the tour’s flexible cancellation policy ensures a seamless experience. But what secrets might this walking tour uncover about Edinburgh’s distinctive cuisine?
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Just The Basics
- The Edinburgh walking food tour explores the Old and New Towns, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sampling classic Scottish dishes and drinks.
- The tour includes an authentic haggis dish, creamy Scottish cheese, Scottish cakes, and a secret local dish showcasing traditional Scottish cuisine.
- The tour starts at St Giles Cathedral and ends on St Mary’s Street, allowing for continued exploration of the historic city center.
- The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, providing an intimate and personalized experience, and requires a moderate fitness level.
- Participants must be at least 18 years old, and the tour takes place rain or shine, with recommended comfortable walking attire.
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Tour Overview
This small-group walking food tour in Edinburgh, Scotland explores the city’s Old and New Towns, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Over the course of the tour, you’ll sample classic Scottish fare like haggis, neeps and tatties, Scotch whisky, and afternoon tea.
The tour’s duration isn’t specified, but you can expect to visit a variety of local eateries and learn about the city’s rich culinary heritage.
The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup/drop-off or gratuities, but you’ll get to enjoy an authentic haggis dish, creamy Scottish cheese, Scottish cakes, and a secret dish as part of the experience.
Included Delicacies
As part of the Edinburgh Walking Food Tour, travelers can savor a mouthwatering array of classic Scottish delicacies, including an authentic haggis dish, creamy Scottish cheese, and delectable Scottish cakes.
The tour features the iconic haggis, a savory pudding made from sheep’s offal, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt. Alongside the haggis, guests will enjoy the traditional accompaniments of neeps (mashed turnips) and tatties (mashed potatoes).
The tour also includes a selection of rich, creamy Scottish cheeses and a secret local dish that adds an element of surprise and delight.
To complete the culinary experience, travelers can indulge in traditional Scottish cakes, providing a sweet finish to the tour.
Meeting and End Point
The meeting point for the Edinburgh Walking Food Tour is the front of St Giles Cathedral at the West parliament square side, opposite the French consulate.
The tour ends on St Mary’s Street, about three-quarters of the way down the Royal Mile.
This strategic location allows tour participants to conveniently access the meeting point and explore the historic Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
At the end of the tour, travelers will be situated near the heart of the Royal Mile, enabling them to continue their Edinburgh adventure independently.
The meeting and end points are carefully chosen to provide an optimal touring experience for both the guide and the participants.
Group Size and Accessibility
The tour limits the group size to a maximum of 10 travelers per tour, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible to those with moderate physical fitness levels.
Some key details about the group size and accessibility:
- Minimum number of travelers required for the tour to operate
- Maximum of 10 travelers per tour
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Located near public transportation
The small group size allows for a more focused and engaging food exploration, providing travelers with the opportunity to interact closely with the guide and fellow participants.
Physical Fitness Requirement
Travelers need a moderate physical fitness level to fully enjoy the Edinburgh Walking Food Tour, as the tour involves extended periods of walking through the city’s historic streets and neighborhoods. The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles and lasts around 3 hours, so participants should be prepared for an active outing.
| Fitness Level | Tour Experience |
|---|---|
| High | Able to comfortably complete the tour |
| Moderate | Suitable for most participants |
| Low | May struggle with the walking |
Those with concerns about their physical abilities should consult with the tour operator prior to booking. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended to ensure an enjoyable and manageable exploration of Edinburgh’s culinary delights.
Age Restriction
Along With the physical fitness requirement, the Edinburgh Walking Food Tour also has an age restriction. Participants must be at least 18 years old to join the tour and consume the included alcoholic beverages, such as Scotch whisky.
This age limit is in place to ensure the safety and responsible enjoyment of the tour for all participants. Some key points about the age requirement include:
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Alcohol consumption is part of the tour experience
- Age verification may be required at the start of the tour
- Those under 18 aren’t permitted to join the tour
This age restriction helps create a cohesive and appropriate experience for all guests on the Edinburgh Walking Food Tour.
Recommended Attire
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the Edinburgh Walking Food Tour, as the tour involves extensive exploration of the Old and New Towns on foot.
Given the cobblestone streets and uneven terrain, sturdy, supportive footwear is essential to navigate the historic area comfortably.
Plus, layered clothing is advised to accommodate the variable weather conditions in Scotland. The tour takes place rain or shine, so participants should dress appropriately for the day’s forecast.
While the tour duration isn’t specified, the significant amount of walking suggests packing light and wearing layers for maximum flexibility and comfort throughout the experience.
With the proper attire, travelers can fully enjoy the architectural wonders and culinary delights of Edinburgh’s UNESCO-listed historic center.
Cancellation Policy
The cancellation policy for the Edinburgh Walking Food Tour allows participants to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.
Changes made less than 24 hours prior to the tour aren’t accepted.
Plus, any cancellations due to poor weather conditions or the minimum number of travelers not being met will result in either a different tour date or a full refund.
The key points of the cancellation policy are:
- Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour
- No changes accepted within 24 hours of the tour start time
- Cancellations due to weather or low participation result in a different date or full refund
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Total Distance Covered on the Tour?
The total distance covered on the tour is not disclosed in the provided information. The tour is described as a small-group walking food tour, but the specific distance traversed is not mentioned.
What Time Does the Tour Start and End?
The tour start and end times are not specified in the provided knowledge. The tour duration is undisclosed, so the exact start and end times are unknown based on the given information.
Are Vegetarian/Dietary Options Available?
Yes, vegetarian and other dietary options are available on this walking food tour. Customers should notify the tour operator of any dietary restrictions when booking to ensure their needs are accommodated during the experience.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Travelers are generally allowed to take photos during the food tour. However, it’s best to be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for other participants. Check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines or restrictions on photography.
Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?
The tour is primarily offered in English, but accommodations may be available for other languages upon request. Travelers should inquire about language options when booking to ensure their needs can be met.
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Final Words
The Edinburgh Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours offers a delightful culinary experience showcasing classic Scottish fare.
Participants explore the city’s rich gastronomic heritage, visiting local eateries over approximately 3 hours.
The tour’s small-group format and flexible cancellation policy provide a seamless experience, though it’s not wheelchair-accessible and restricted to those 18 and older due to alcohol consumption.
