For visitors, strolling Edinburgh is a joy, especially Dean Village, where handsome medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, spire-topped churches, and historic Edinburgh Castle are backdropped by Pentland Hills. Enjoying a private, guided tour with an Edinburgh local will help you discover the sights that tourists so often miss on its windy streets and punishing hills. From fairies to unicorns, hear the intriguing backstories and fantastical stories which bring Scotland to life. There is no substitute for spending an afternoon with a true Scot, who will not only help you swerve the tartan-splashed tourist traps and overpriced wool-ware but who will show you the best places to pick up authentic mementos and one-of-a-kind whiskies.

Experience the humor, subtle nuances, social conventions, and psyche of a place over a beer or coffee, and then jot down your guide’s real version of “the must-do Edinburgh.”  If you choose to visit the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One), you will enjoy the home to Scotland’s outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Carrington, Dali, Magritte, and Miro.

Duration: 3 hours