Uncover Edinburgh’s captivating underground secrets on a small group historical walk through the 18th-century Blair Street Vaults. Descend below the city streets and let expert local guides transport you back in time with immersive storytelling, illuminating the vaults’ diverse past. From excavated storage spaces to hidden taverns, each nook and cranny holds a fascinating tale waiting to be discovered. With exclusive access and intimate group sizes, this is your chance to step into a remarkable subterranean world and explore the city’s hidden history like never before. What other secrets might these ancient chambers hold?
Just The Basics
- Explore the 18th-century Edinburgh Vaults, a network of underground chambers beneath South Bridge, with exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults.
- Discover evidence of excavated storage spaces, human habitation, taverns, and wine vaults, as the guide’s captivating tales bring the dark and almost-forgotten place to life.
- Experience an immersive storytelling experience using TourTalk radio receivers, which ensure everyone can clearly hear the guide’s narration in a small group of up to 18 people.
- Conveniently meet at the Mercat Cross on Edinburgh’s High Street and conclude the tour at Mercat Tours’ office on Blair Street, with easy access to public transportation.
- Enjoy a highly-rated tour with over 1,000 reviews, an 88% 5-star rating, and praise for the professional local guides and captivating storytelling.
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Overview of the Walking Tour
This small group walking tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the 18th-century Edinburgh Vaults – a network of underground chambers located beneath South Bridge in the city’s historic Old Town.
Led by professional local guides, the tour provides exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults, allowing guests to discover this dark and almost-forgotten place.
Along the way, you will hear captivating tales about the vaults’ past, including evidence of excavated storage spaces, human habitation, taverns, and wine vaults.
The tour’s use of TourTalk radio receivers enhances the storytelling experience, transporting visitors back in time to uncover the secrets of this remarkable subterranean world.
Highlights of the Edinburgh Vaults
The Edinburgh Vaults were home to a diverse array of activity, from excavated storage spaces to taverns and even wine vaults.
Visitors on the small group walking tour can expect to see evidence of this varied past as they explore the underground chambers. The guide will regale them with tales of this dark and almost-forgotten place, bringing its history to life through an immersive storytelling experience.
Guests will use TourTalk radio receivers to fully enjoy the narrative as they discover the secrets of the vaults.
Whether it’s the remnants of human habitation or the remnants of the taverns that once operated here, there’s plenty to uncover in this fascinating subterranean world.
Tour Duration and Group Size
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the group size is limited to a maximum of 18 people.
This exclusive access allows for a more intimate and immersive experience as visitors explore the Blair Street Underground Vaults.
With the small group size, guests can easily hear the guide’s stories and observe the fascinating details of this almost-forgotten place.
The tour utilizes TourTalk radio receivers, ensuring everyone can clearly hear the guide’s narration as they wander through the historic chambers.
This intimate, guided experience provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and uncover the secrets of Edinburgh’s underground world.
Meeting and End Points
Guests meet at the Mercat Cross, located on High Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, and the tour concludes at Mercat Tours’ office on Blair Street.
The meeting point is easily accessible, being in the heart of the historic Old Town.
After the 1.5-hour underground exploration, the tour ends just a short walk away at the Mercat Tours headquarters.
This convenient start and end location allows guests to explore the area further on their own after the tour.
The meeting and end points are situated near public transportation options, making the Edinburgh Underground Vaults tour accessible for visitors.
The straightforward logistics ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.
Additional Tour Information
Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of purchase, and children over 5 years of age are welcome on the tour. The underground vaults are not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are permitted. Visitors should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves extensive walking through the historic underground chambers. A convenient cancellation policy allows for a full refund if the tour is canceled at least 24 hours in advance.
| Facility | Availability | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Public Transportation | Yes | Near |
| Wheelchair | No | Not accessible |
| Service Animals | Yes | Permitted |
| Restrooms | No | Not available |
| Photography | Yes | Allowed |
Cancellation Policy and Refunds
A full refund is available if the tour is canceled at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time, providing flexibility for guests’ plans. This policy ensures visitors can easily make changes to their itinerary if needed.
The company wants to ensure an enjoyable experience, so they’re happy to issue a full refund for any cancellations made with adequate notice. This way, guests don’t have to worry about losing their money if their plans change unexpectedly.
It’s a customer-friendly approach that reflects the company’s commitment to providing a hassle-free and memorable underground vaults tour in Edinburgh.
Reviews and Ratings
With over 1,000 reviews, this small group Edinburgh underground vaults historical walk has earned a Badge of Excellence, cementing its status as a highly rated tour in the city. Reviewers rave about the professional local guides, who bring the dark and almost-forgotten vaults to life with captivating tales. Guests are particularly impressed by the exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults, where they can see evidence of the vaults’ varied past uses, from storage spaces to taverns. The tour provides an immersive storytelling experience that transports visitors back in time to 18th-century Edinburgh.
| Rating | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 5 star | 88% |
| 4 star | 10% |
| 3 star | 2% |
| 1-2 star | 0% |
Immersive Storytelling Experience
Through the immersive storytelling experience, guests are transported back in time to 18th-century Edinburgh as professional local guides bring the dark and almost-forgotten vaults to life with captivating tales.
Outfitted with TourTalk radio receivers, visitors are fully immersed in the stories of this historic underground space. Guides share intriguing details about the excavated storage areas, former taverns, and wine vaults, allowing guests to vividly imagine what life was like centuries ago.
With exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults, participants uncover the secrets of this little-known part of Edinburgh’s past, leaving with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich history.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues, as it states it’s not wheelchair accessible. However, service animals are allowed. The tour involves navigating through underground chambers, which may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Can I Take Photos/Videos During the Tour?
Guests can take photos and videos during the tour, but they should be mindful not to use camera flashes as they can disrupt the experience for others. The guide may provide guidance on appropriate times to take photos.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children?
The tour is open to children over 5 years old. However, it’s not wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed. Parents should dress their kids for the weather and ensure they wear comfortable shoes.
Is the Tour Available in Multiple Languages?
The tour is available in multiple languages. Guests can choose from English, Spanish, German, French, and Italian during the booking process. This ensures an immersive experience for visitors from diverse backgrounds.
What Happens in Case of Inclement Weather?
If the weather is poor, the tour continues as scheduled. Participants are advised to dress appropriately for the conditions and wear comfortable shoes. The tour takes place largely indoors, so it’s not significantly affected by inclement weather.
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Final Words
Uncover the secrets of Edinburgh’s 18th-century underground vaults on this immersive small-group walking tour. Gain exclusive access to the Blair Street Underground Vaults, where skilled guides bring the past to life through captivating storytelling.
Explore excavated storage spaces, taverns, and wine vaults, and step back in time to discover the fascinating hidden history of this remarkable subterranean world.
