Immersive Small-Group Historic Vaults Tour
Beneath the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll discover a dark, damp world that has remained unchanged since the 18th Century. Step into the depths of the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a multi-sensory journey of perfectly preserved history and learn how these vaulted chambers became home to the city’s most destitute inhabitants.
Breathe in the scent of Edinburgh’s past as our award-winning Storytellers share vivid accounts of life within the vaults, revealing Edinburgh’s history in a way you’ll never forget.
All your questions will be answered throughout the duration of our Historic Vaults tour, where our master Storytellers bring the history of the underground vaults to life.
Continue your journey in our Vaults Museum, where authentic historic artifacts and informative interactive displays provide further insight into the vaults' past.
Options
Small Group Scheduled Tour
Maximum group size of 18
What's included in Immersive Small-Group Historic Vaults Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Mercat Cross
Meet your master storyteller at the Mercat Cross, where they will lead you down the closes and wynds while you breathe in the scent of Edinburgh's past.
Edinburgh Vaults
Beneath the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll discover a dark, damp world that has remained unchanged since the 18th Century. Step into the depths of the Blair Street Underground Vaults on a multi-sensory journey of perfectly preserved history and learn how these vaulted chambers became home to the city’s most destitute inhabitants.
Continue your journey in our Vaults Museum, where authentic historic artifacts and informative interactive displays provide further insight into the vaults' past.
Inclusions
- Visit to our Vaults Museum, with interactive 3D models and the Vaults Revealed audio-visual display
- Exclusive access to Blair Street Underground Vaults
- Enhanced with hand-picked sounds of Edinburgh and delivered through TourTalk audio devices
- Exclusive multi-sensory tours; with master Storyteller guides
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children over 5yrs only
- Tours are guaranteed all year round, so please dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Mercat Cross, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RF. Look for the 8 sided monument with white Unicorn on top. You will find a member of our visitor services team waiting here to check you in. They will be dressed in black, holding an iPad, wearing an orange lanyard & holding a black & orange umbrella.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
To provide a fully immersive experience, we'll provide a personal audio device. Your Storyteller will use a headset with microphone to ensure you hear every word over the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh's lively Old Town. You are welcome to bring your own headphones (3.5mm jack) or use a pair of ours. Please arrive at the Mercat Cross on The Royal Mile (High Street) EH1 1RF, 15 minutes before the start of your tour and check-in with the on-street representative from Mercat Tours.